Dear Council members,
I am a long time user of Burgess pool, and I want to express my support to the council in the current negotiations with Tim Sheeper, even though my experience at the pool is excellent.
I am quite upset to feel hostage to management discussions between the City and Tim Sheeper, and that may be a sign that the City is not up to the job to run a pool. I am more worried by Tim Sheeper's requests, and support the City Council position. I am grateful the pool kept open during Covid, but I don't see why a public pool should be compensating a private operator, and redefine the terms of a contract.
I also believe a pool is like a library, it is not meant to generate revenues. If a private party agrees to operate a City funded service, there should be an agreement that this won't turn up profits like a private gym would.The YMCA operates several pools, and is a non-profit organization. Could the YMCA take over?
I do see so many young swimmers engaged in classes or camps at Burgess, it obviously serves the community. The athletic vibe at the pool is great, and I support an operator that brings in such spirit. I am impressed with the Masters program but it is too intense for me, and all I wish for is to find or share a lane, and swim at my own pace. I speak for myself here, but I know many other regulars who do the same. We are not enrolled in camps, teams or Masters, but we matter!
I feel fortunate when my work schedule allows me to swim in the morning or before 3PM, and pray for a lane otherwise. It would help to have a large poster or digital screen at the entrance with the pool schedule and lanes status for the day, with 'recommendations' for when the pool is free of athletic programs. Similar to how PGE informs us of the peak hours of electricity usage.
I hope Tim Sheeper will continue offering an excellent swim environment with a public service spirit, and know how grateful so many of us are for it everyday.
Thank you,
Laure Laprais
154 Oak Court, 94025 Menlo Park
