Dear Mayor, Councilmembers, and City Manager Murphy,
I am writing to submit public comment on Agenda Item I4 at the upcoming September 30 City Council meeting, regarding the proposed $300,477 in additional General Fund support for the aquatics program operated by Team Sheeper, Inc.
While I value the City’s efforts to maintain aquatics services at both Burgess and Belle Haven pools, I have serious concerns about the lack of transparency and absence of a competitive or comparative process surrounding this proposed financial amendment.
My concerns are as follows:
1.
No evidence of alternatives considered:
The staff report does not show that the City has considered other operators, solicited proposals, or explored more cost-effective options before recommending additional funding.
2. Public procurement and fiduciary obligations:
Under Menlo Park Municipal Code Chapter 2.42, contracts above a certain threshold should be competitively bid, and sole-source arrangements require justification. If Team Sheeper is unable to meet its obligations under the current agreement, it is the City’s duty to consider alternative contractors to ensure transparency, fairness, and responsible use of taxpayer funds.
3. Misuse of Belle Haven community needs:
While supporting Belle Haven is vital, it should not be used as a justification for extending or supplementing a contract without public vetting or competitive consideration. Equity demands both accountability and inclusion—not closed processes.
4. Precedent for alternatives:
In 2023, City staff considered other aquatics providers (e.g., SOLO Aquatics and Swimming Swan), indicating that competitive alternatives are both available and viable. Why is that not the case now?
I respectfully request that the Council:
* Clarify whether other operators were considered before proposing this $300,000 subsidy
* Explain why a competitive process has not been pursued
* Delay or condition approval until a transparent evaluation of alternatives is completed
This decision affects all Menlo Park residents and deserves full public accountability. I urge you to act in alignment with the City’s own policies, values, and procurement standards.
Thank you for your time and continued service to the community. I would appreciate a response or clarification during the Councils discussion of this item.
Sincerely,
Eduardo Hernandez
25+ Year Belle Haven Resident
