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POLICY PROPOSAL
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FILE NUMBER SUBJECT Opening Como Swimming Pool PAGE 1 OF
ZILI CP-37 for Summer 1978
PROPOSAL PROPOSED BY: Councilman C MANAGER'S REVI Jl�i
Richard C. Newkirk
Background
The current budget of the Park and Recreation Department includes funds for operating
only six of the City's municipal pools during the 1978 summer season. During its
budget deliberations last fall, the City Council determined that previous low usage
of three pools, including Como, did not justify the funds required to operate those
pools this summer. The three pools also were closed during the summer of 1977. Of
the six pools scheduled to be opened this summer, none is located on the west side
of the City. The closest pool for west side use is at Forest Park.
Each year citizens from the Como area have appeared before Council to point out the
need for a supervised swimming facility in their community. In addition to providing
access to swimming for leisure time enjoyment, the municipal pool can accommodate
much needed Learn-to-Swim, Junior and Senior Lifesaving Programs. Moreover, one of
the most important benefits of opening the municipal pool is that youngsters will not
have to resort to unguarded, hazardous areas for swimming.
Proposal
It is proposed that the City Council authorize funds for opening the Como Swimming
Pool for a one-month period beginning June 1, 1978, with the understanding that if
use justifies, the pool will remain open until the closing date for other municipal
pools. In order to get the pool ready for use as quickly as possible, I propose that
the City obtain private contractors to do the work if City forces are not available.
Legality
No legal issues are involved.
Fiscal Note
Park and Recreation Department staff estimates it will require approximately
$2,200 in "start-up" costs for opening the Como Pool. Operating costs for a
four-week season would be $3,690, or $6,345 ,for an eight-week season. Current
projections indicate there will be a deficit in the Departmental budget at the
end of fiscal 1977-78, so funds must be allocated from general fund reserves.
LEGALITY
FISCAL NOTE [�
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS
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POLICY PROPOSAL (cont'd) PAGE_OF
City Manager's Comments
The Park and Recreation Department does not have adequate staff available to
perform the tasks necessary to get the Como Pool ready for opening before July 1.
The pool has not been used in almost two years and all facilities, including the
bathhouse, need painting. Ten commercial firms were contacted about their ability
to perform the "make-ready" work, but only two indicated they could meet a July 1
deadline and neither would discuss terms.
Another factor in opening the pool is the availability of qualified lifeguards.
The Department already is experiencing difficulty in recruiting the 31 personnel
for the six pools to be opened June 1. However, if a July 1 opening date were
set for Como, the 21-hour training program in Lifesaving and Water Safety could
be offered for potential employees. The Como Pool would need at least three
lifeguards.
Richard C. Newkirk, Councilnkn
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City Lary .F
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