Dear City Manager Murphy,
I am writing as a Belle Haven resident and member of the Belle Haven Pool Task Force to express my support for Meredith Rohr’s recent email and to share additional concerns regarding the Task Force and Belle Haven pool operations. For clarity, the key concerns are summarized below:
Key Concerns:
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Spanish interpretation is needed at every Task Force meeting to ensure full participation by all residents.
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Task Force information should be more accessible, particularly on the Aquatics landing page.
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Belle Haven Pool currently has sixty-three hours of operation compared to ninety-three at Burgess Pool, creating inequity in access.
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There is no designated City staff member clearly leading the Task Force, which results in a lack of accountability.
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The Task Force should create a meaningful, equitable, and sustainable plan for Belle Haven residents, not merely approve existing City staff or Operator plans.
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Community members are contributing significant time and effort and deserve recognition, transparency, and partnership from the City.
It is essential that a City staff member take clear responsibility for leading the Belle Haven Pool Task Force. In recent meetings, Sean was observing, Nick was taking notes, and Tricia managed logistical aspects such as food and scheduling. For the Task Force to function effectively, leadership and accountability must be clearly assigned.
Furthermore, the purpose of the Task Force must be clarified. Is it intended to simply approve what City staff and Team Sheeper have already developed, or is it intended to create something meaningful and useful for Belle Haven residents? The goal of Task Force participants is to develop a plan that is fair, equitable, and sustainable for our community. While the City has at times treated Belle Haven residents as second class citizens, we remain committed to Menlo Park and to our community.
We cannot spend twelve months contributing to this Task Force only to later learn that the City Council does not support or recognize the work of the community, particularly when no City staff member has assumed responsibility for leading the effort. Our time and input deserve respect, and our residents deserve a true partnership with the City.
Thank you again, Meredith, for advocating for Belle Haven. I stand with you and our community in requesting transparency, strong leadership, and equitable treatment.
Sincerely,
Eduardo L. Hernandez
25+ year Belle Haven Resident
________________________________
From: Meredith Rohr
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 9:19 AM
Subject: Re: Belle Haven Pool Task Meeting
Thanks for sending Tricia. I find it odd that the Task Force is buried in the Library section when theres an Aquatics landing page. There should be a link for future Task Force meetings directly on the Aquatics website.
@Justin I. C. Murphy
- do you think that its reasonable for a person to search the Library Events section to find future Aquatic Task Force meetings in the Library Events section and not on the Aquatics landing page? I spent a half an hour with parents trying to find information on where to sign up to no avail. This is not acceptable. The Aquatics Landing Page only lists a "subscribe to newsletter" and recaps the prior meetings, no link or information to future meetings.
Meetings should accommodate Spanish-speakers. Another red flag is the fact that these meetings are conducted only in English without any translators when at least half of Belle Haven residents are primarily Spanish-speaking. @Justin I. C. Murphy - can you please explain how Belle Haven residents should believe the City cares about them when this most basic aspect about our community was not taken into consideration? We had language-barrier issues last night - BH residents cannot have a say if they do not have the ability to speak, understand or be understood at these meetings. Again, this is unacceptable.
A meeting between City Management, City Council Members and BH residents is needed. At this point, I am requesting a meeting with the City Manager after last nights Task Force meeting because it was concerning, to put it lightly. It may be useful for Councilmember Wise and Mayor Combs to be in attendance so they can see the outcome of what they voted for. At the 9/30 City Council meeting Councilmember Wise said it is the Belle Haven communitys own job to solve "systemic issues" while giving us no power or authority to do anything. Belle Haven residents are not happy. This entire exercise has been Tricia/Nick dictating to BH residents the Operators future plans for the Belle Haven community and that we have no power or say on the future of our community pool.
The Task Force is the appearance of action without substance. Tricia and Nick expressly told us last night that this Task Force has no milestones, oversight, no authority, no reporting structure and, at most, we can offer suggestions to the Operator who may (or may not!) decide to implement. Theres been no movement on the benchmark analysis of other locations, no detail behind the financial aspects of the current Operator so that we can ascertain our own way to fund our own programs with/without use of the Operator or find a replacement Operator.
Under the "Hybrid" model, Belle Haven must pay more to have the same programs as Burgess. Belle Haven is about to be forced to bear a double/triple-cost to have the same programs as Burgess or have no programs at all. In any case, our access to pools and programs is solely at the Operators discretion. By way of example, Team Sheeper is pulling Menlo Masters from Belle Haven next month and Tim told us in the prior Task Force meeting there will be no Masters programs administered by MSS at Belle Haven. This means if we want Masters swimming at Belle Haven, Belle Haven residents are multi-billed -- we are forced to pay the Operator pool rent and finance our own Masters Program, plus potentially $133/hour of our tax dollars for lifeguards if the timing is not within the 30 hours of the Operators preferred schedule. @Justin I. C. Murphy - does that sound like equal access to pools and programs to you?
Another example is Race Swami - they are currently struggling to pay ~$2600/month in pool rent to administer an age-group swim program that Belle Haven residents want and is a central activity for our local swimming pool. Again, we, as Belle Haven residents, are billed on multiple fronts to have an age group program -- we have to pay the Operator pool rent plus finance our own program. It is worth noting that, unlike many Menlo Park residents, Belle Haven residents dont have their own residential swimming pools, we arent similarly situated financially as other parts of town, this facility is all we have. There is no discount or any accommodation made for Race Swami despite the fact that they are a non-profit bringing unprecedented access to a swim team for local Belle Haven residents. They are self-funding, even out of their own pockets to keep this program running.
Is it the intent of the City to place more costs and barriers on BH residents to have access to the pool and programs? To force us to accept an Operator we may not want and have no say over what happens to our local pool? If that is the case, then why have any "Task Force" at all? The attendees last night repeatedly emphasized how much this exercise has been a waste of time, how their requests have gone unaddressed, and how powerless we are to effectuate change. Is that the Citys intent?
Again, we still want a financial audit as (a) the Operator keeps asking for more money while reducing Services (i.e. the latest "hybrid" proposal increases the hourly rate to $199/hour with fewer Services from the Operator in which Belle Haven will additionally pay for reception and the CPO, plus no revenue share with the City-- how does that make financial sense?), and (b) despite being contracted to provide five resources at $133/hour, MSS is providing only 3 on a regular basis -- 2 guards, 1 manager (the guards and manager double for reception and CPO) -- so right now, MSS is making ~$70 profit out of the $133/hour -- is this what the City had in mind? I spoke to Tim Sheeper about this on Monday and he confirmed with me that hes only staffing three people and that the City is paying for more than what he is actually providing.
Snippet of the Amendment which uses the term "minimum" when referring to staffing:
[Screenshot 2025-10-29 at 9.09.15 AM.png]
Right now we see a contractor making a profit while breaching the latest Amendment to the Agreement that was executed less than a month ago. This Operator has a history of breaching the Agreement while having the ability to dictate the scope of the financial audit. From the financial disclosure made in March - it is reasonable for one to conclude this "financial crisis" is brought on by payroll and we have no details on payroll. We have no financial justification to demonstrate why Burgess hours were reduced either -- did the reduction in hours even make a difference in the "financial crisis?" We literally have no way of knowing. The facts are not lining up.
This "Task Force" is an example of how the City is showing preferential treatment to the Operator. Again, this doesnt look right, and frankly, it looks like the City works for Team Sheeper, not the residents of Belle Haven, as we have to pay more to receive less or nothing at all. Whats been clear at every Task Force meeting is that it is the Operator who gets to decide the outcome, not us.
Consequently, one cant help but wonder about the appropriateness of the relationship between the Operator and the City -for the reasons stated above and for many other reasons. Isnt the City supposed to be a neutral arbiter? A financial audit - 1099s, W2s, Tax Returns - will bring some much needed transparency to justify the need to increase to $199/hour with reduction in resources/services, to show to Belle Haven residents that we are getting a return on investment. Redaction of such forms is in line with the audit right in Section 13 of the contract. Team Sheeper is acting as the City in this endeavor, our pool operations are being funded with our tax dollars under this "hybrid" model. We deserve transparency.
Again, I am requesting a meeting with the City Manager, Mayor Combs, and Councilmembers. I will continue pressing for equal treatment of Burgess and Belle Haven and for financial transparency as what is in plain view doesnt look right.
@Justin I. C. Murphy - please advise on how to schedule this meeting, I look forward to meeting you.
Thank you,
Meredith Rohr
Belle Haven Resident
On Tue, Oct 28, 2025 at 2:29 PM Tricia Mullan > wrote:
Meredith,
Thank you for your email with inquiries and feedback.
The Belle Haven Pool “Hybrid Model” Task Force meeting is listed under the following link (below is the screenshot for reference):
https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.menlopark.gov%2fGovernment%2fDepartments%2fLibrary-and-Community-Services%2fRecreation-and-sports%2fAquatics%23section-4&c=E,1,V1_nV-5F4svINCq-UO512ywG2XKZBAVAdJe7_bFErkFbr1vfaOAXLgspA5A-Ah2fShvEnFCamSomuv7SSvtKPtfDXtXo-ISVo3zVw8CwsdoTRiL1oV2aCx7z&typo=1
[cid:ii_19a2cf86aac692e333]
The feedback on the draft aquatics survey is appreciated. An aquatics survey is currently conducted on an annual basis. The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the draft survey during the October meeting and acknowledged the items to include for the Belle Haven Pool. There are also proposed questions for 2025. The video of the meeting can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrQ_Pht2VHY&feature=youtu.be
Thank you again for the comments.
In community spirit,
[cid:ii_19a2cf86aac5817f0144]
Tricia Mullan, CPRP
Library and Community Services Supervisor
Arrillaga Family Recreation Center
700 Alma St.
tel 650-330-2225
https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fmenlopark.gov&c=E,1,DCvf3arvu-Q3ezjq8mTPOHY56vrdOcM5rYMgWB3fHcfeI9MXhDyfzV7ngKjoBFVmwxpIPNmCnU_Cl0am8ZqTnVO9GopMf-e9wknKDB5HR89cgg,,&typo=1
From: Meredith Rohr
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 9:58 AM
Subject: Re: Belle Haven Pool Task Meeting
Hi Tricia,
Thanks for forwarding the email that is only available to existing subscribers.
I find it concerning that Ive been unable to direct folks in the Race Swami community to details about the upcoming Task Force meetings via the Menlo Park Aquatics website. Again, you just sent us an email that is only available to subscribers, information about this Task Force is appearing to be a closed-loop communication.
Can you please explain why it is so hard for the general public to find information about this Belle Haven Task Force and how the City plans to improve general communications to the public about this Task Force, namely details on where to sign up?
Screenshot of the Aquatics page below - nowhere does it say "to sign up/to participate, click here" - only information regarding a weekly newsletter. Folks were confused by this, including me.
[cid:ii_19a2cf86aac4cff311]
Few more questions:
As for the last meeting - our general call was for improved communication facilitated by the City since most BH residents are not MSS customers. We did not ask for the next step to be a survey. I also find it concerning that (a) our ask for communication is not included in the Staff Report and (b) the draft of such survey is dedicated to Burgess, Belle Haven questions are presented as a secondary footnote when we are currently adjourning a Task Force thats specific to Belle Haven. What is this survey being presented this way? Why are the Staff Reports omitting key information that was discussed at length during the meeting?
As for the survey, by way of example - there is no equivalent question for Belle Haven in the body of the survey - why is that? Isnt this Task Force supposed to be limited to Belle Haven only or has that changed?
[X]
[X]
[X]
Another concern - Considering that roughly half of the Belle Haven community is primarily Spanish-speaking, are there any materials prepared in Spanish? Is there any information related to this task force available in Spanish? Have there been/will there be any interpretation services available for this Task Force?
Here if you need clarification on the above.
Thank you,
Meredith
On Tue, Oct 28, 2025 at 9:28 AM Tricia Mullan > wrote:
Eduardo,
Thank you for checking-in regarding the Belle Haven Pool “Hybrid Model” Task Force.
The meeting for tonight, October 28 will occur from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Belle Haven Community Campus.
Below is the communication that went out last Monday (10/20/25) for reference:
Hello,
You are receiving this message because you have participated or expressed interest in the City of Menlo Park Aquatics Working Group.
The City of Menlo Park has convened a Belle Haven Pool "Hybrid Model" Task Force. The purpose is to gather neighborhood-oriented feedback and ideas to help shape and develop a potential "hybrid" operating model at Belle Haven Pool for future consideration by City Council.
The Belle Haven Pool "Hybrid Model" Task Force is intended for Belle Haven neighborhood residents and stakeholders. If you are a resident of the Belle Haven neighborhood who is interested in participating in the task force, you are encouraged to attend the first meeting:
* Date/time: Tuesday, October 28, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
* Location: Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave.
Refreshments will be provided.
For more information about the aquatics program, including the "hybrid model" concept, performance and financial reports, community survey results, and recaps of past working group meetings, please visit the Aquatics webpage.
Best,
Tricia Mullan
Library and Community Services Supervisor
Recreation, Sports and Aquatics
City of Menlo Park
pmullan@menlopark.gov
650-330-2225
Please feel free to let me know if you have further questions or comments.
In community spirit,
[cid:ii_19a2cf86aac5b16b22]
Tricia Mullan, CPRP
Library and Community Services Supervisor
Arrillaga Family Recreation Center
700 Alma St.
tel 650-330-2225
https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fmenlopark.gov&c=E,1,bsRWfs68CSjW3Dxh-HhJGAykLycO8y_ktiVUWqrtJ-Z_MHyMArl6mIM33uG-luMKwLY4H68EPzQ63QWxZN_XEXvssbgwyQ0CQDLrBvPVxPiWt1Ra&typo=1
From: Eduardo Lopez Hernandez
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 8:54 PM
Subject: Belle Haven Pool Task Meeting
Dear Tricia,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inquire about the date of the next Belle Haven Pool Task meeting as I have not received any communications regarding it. Could you please confirm if we are still scheduled to meet on October 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Eduardo