This afternoon (10/3), hyperlocal news reporter, Michele Ellson of The Alamedan, reported that Alameda city staff is recommending that city council extend the pool joint agreement with AUSD school district. Michele Ellson sent out these 3 tweets in succession:
"BREAKING: #Alameda city staff is asking the City Council to extend joint operating agreement for high school pools to a date TBD"
"Extension is for more time to continue swim programs while both entities work out a deal to renovate Encinal Swim Center"
"Council will consider extension on October 15, three days before existing agreement is set to lapse."
NEW update: Ellson has posted this on The Alamedan site. Click here to read her article: "Council to consider extending pool agreement (by Michele Ellson)"
Just 2 days ago, (10/1) Alameda's worried swim community packed city hall. The city council chambers was so full, fire fighters asked several attendees to move to the overflow room. HS teen and grade-school swimmers and water polo players addressed the city council. After the kids spoke, various adults from swim and water polo teams spoke as well. Speakers included coach Kyle Baldi (Encinal HS), and coach Bob Radecke (Islanders). Speakers also included Linda Gilchrist, Mary McGrath, James Pixton, and Don Krause (Islanders). Don Krause requested the inclusion of an agenda item for 10/15 to extend the pool agreement. (read more here)
Over a week ago, the swim community also turned out in large numbers at the 9/24 AUSD school board meeting held at the Alameda HS cafeteria. The crowd was so large, there wasn't an empty chair left. Don Krause of the Islanders spoke about swimmers concerns. And Superintendent Vital acknowledged the large gathering of swimmers. The large gathering included kids and parents from various swim teams as well as water polo teams from AHS and EHS. (read more here)
In mid September, (9/17) the Alameda city council had passed a resolution regarding the pools joint agreement. This resolution was the origin which galvanized the island's swim community together. Mr Krause spoke during the meeting and shared his concern about the resolution and potential effect to the public pools. (link here)
What's Next?
Looking at the city's web site. We found this link on the web site for 10/15 agenda here. The city's 10/15 agenda includes this item. (PDF of 10/15 agenda here)
6-E 2013-160
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Extend the Current Joint Use Operating Agreement with Alameda Unified School District for the Operation of the District Swimming Pools to a Date to be Determined by City Council. (Recreation and Parks)
Attachments: Exhibit 1 - Joint Use Operating Agreement for District Swimming Pools between the Alameda Unified School District and the City of Alameda
You can find the PDF of attachment here
How long will they extend the joint agreement? Swimmers were urging that the agreement be extended for a year. From Exibit 1 of 10/15 agenda states:
Subject to provisions set forth elsewhere in this Agreement regarding termination, the term (“Term”) of this Agreement shall commence as of the date of full execution of this Agreement (the “Effective Date”), and shall remain in effect for a period of four (4) months from the last day that this Agreement is executed unless terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions herein. This Agreement may be extended for the remainder of the 2013-14 budget year at the agreement of both Parties.
How will the city council vote? The critical vote will be on Oct 15. See you at city hall for this important meeting.
When: Tuesday, Oct 15, 2013
Where: Alameda City Hall, 3rd floor
What: City council vote regarding the pool joint agreement.
How To Help:
We urge swim supporters to contact the mayor and city council.We thank them adding this to the 10/15 agenda. And look forward to their vote in extending the pools joint agreement.
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City Hall Contact Information
Mayor Marie Gilmore 510-747-4701
mgilmore@alamedaca.gov
City Council
Vice Mayor Marilyn Ashcraft 510-747-4745
mezzyashcraft@alamedaca.gov
Councilmember Stewart Chen 510-747-4728
schen@alamedaca.gov
Councilmember Tony Daysog 510-747-4726
tdaysog@alamedaca.gov
Councilmember Lena Tam 510-747-4722
ltam@alamedaca.gov
City Manager John A. Russo 510-747-4700
manager@alamedaca.gov
Long Term solution for Pools
We want the Alameda Unified School District to work on a long term solution for the pools. We urge the AUSD board and superintendent Kirsten Vital to find a way to keep the pools open. However time is short. Will AUSD's board reject the loan offer?How to Help
Please contact the AUSD school board about this matter. We are following developments and think its important that AUSD work with the city on this matter. Time is short. We urge AUSD board members to negotiate on an acceptable loan that ensures a long term solution for the pools.Kirsten Vital, Superintendent (510) 337-7060
Find out what's happening in Alamedafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
AUSD Board of Education Contact Info
Niel Tam 510-337-7060
ntam@alameda.k12.ca.us
Trish Herrera Spencer 510-337-7060
tspencer@alameda.k12.ca.us
Find out what's happening in Alamedafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Mike McMahon 510-337-7060
mmcmahon@alameda.k12.ca.us
Barbara Kahn 510-337-7060
Margie Sherratt 510-337-7060
margiesherratt@alameda.k12.ca.us
