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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-19-2000 Agenda Item 3B.2SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY NO.: ~ 23 MEETING DATE: January 19, 2000 ORIGINATING DEPT.: City Manager AGENDA ITEM: ~ ~~ CITY MANAGER: PREPARED BY: Cary Bloomquis ~~ SUBJECT: Recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission to support a request fora $150,000 contribution towards a new Aquatic Center at Saratoga High School. RECOMMENDED ACTION(S): Move to accept the Commission's recommendation and approve a $150,000 contribution to support construction of a new Aquatic Center at Saratoga High School pending development and execution of an agreement between the City and Saratoga High School. REPORT SUMMARY: At its January 10, 2000 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission considered a request from Dr. Kevin Skelly, Principal of Saratoga High School, for a contribution of $150,000 from the City towards construction of a new Aquatic Center at Saratoga High School (attachment 1). The Commission voted to recommend to the City Council that the request be granted by utilizing General Fund reserves that would also be considered as apre-payment or Sinking Fund, against which approximately 10 years worth of future facility charges, for programs run by the Recreation Department would be offset. In his subsequent letter dated January 12, Dr. Skelly explains the benefits of the new Aquatic Center to the City and the Community (attachment 2). These include the following: With the establishment of a Sinking Fund, the City's Recreation Department, over a period of approximately 10 years, will have pre-paid for the rental of the school's facilities needed to operate various recreation programs, such as tennis, basketball and swimming, at no additional costs to the City. The usage agreement that would be entered into by the City and Saratoga High School would enable the City and perhaps certain Youth Sports Leagues to secure first rights for playfields and facilities usage. Being able to utilize school facilities, such as the gymnasium, tennis courts and playfields, will help to alleviate the impact on playfields usage created by the closing of Congress Springs Park when it is renovated and will directly benefit recreation programs run by the City. The new Aquatic Center will be available for the entire community to use and enjoy, and will host a number of programs aimed to serve users of all age groups. Over the past several years, the City has entered into several similar usage agreements with area schools. The City currently has formalized usage agreements with three school districts. For more specifics about these arrangements, please refer to the Recreation Director's January 12 Memorandum (attachment 3). A copy of the most recent usage agreement dated October 17, 1996 between the City and Saratoga High School is also attached (attachment 4). This agreement would serve as a model for a new agreement to specify the obligations of both parties as they may relate to the contribution towards the Aquatics Center. FISCAL IMPACTS: The requested $150,000 contribution is not currently appropriated in the adopted budget. If General Fund reserves are used, a Resolution to amend the budget by making a supplemental appropriation will be prepared and placed on a future City Council agenda. Alternatively, sufficient funds to cover the funding request do exist in Capital Project No. 9704, Park Development Projects, albeit the funding source for this project is the Park Development Fund which the Commission feels should not be used to support the request. However, given the current balance of the Park Development Fund, approximately $2.25 million, and the number of variables in the approved expenditure plan that can influence when and how funds are actually programmed for specific projects, staff is confident that the full contribution towards the Aquatic Center can be made from the Park Development Fund at this time without placing any of the currently approved projects at risk. During the upcoming budget development cycle, or at some later date, if it appears that the Park Development Fund's contribution towards the Aquatic Center needs to be replenished in order to complete any of the currently approved Park projects, a transfer from the General Fund can be made at that time to make the Park Development Fund whole. CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED ACTION(S): The City will not contribute $150,000 towards the new Aquatic Center at Saratoga High School resulting in lost opportunities to solidify facility and playfields usage arrangements with Saratoga High School. ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S): If the City Council sees fit, it may place additional conditions in the usage agreement or increase or reduce the contribution to the project. FOLLOW UP ACTION(S): A facilities usage agreement will be prepared for Council review. Depending on Council's decision about how to fund the project, a Budget Amendment Resolution may be prepared. ADVERTISING, NOTICING AND PUBLIC CONTACT: Nothing additional. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Letter from Dr. Kevin Skelly, Principal, Saratoga High School, dated December 15, 1999. 2. Letter from Dr. Kevin Skelly, Principal, Saratoga High School, dated January 12, 2000. 3. Memo from Joan Pisani, Director of Recreation, City of Saratoga, dated January 12, 2000. 4. Usage agreement between Saratoga High School and City of Saratoga. 5. Funding summary from Dr. Kevin Skelly for new Aquatic Center, dated January 4, 2400. ~ ~ SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL ~ ~ Principal: Kevin Skelly, Ph.D. p ~ g Assistant Principals: Karen Hyde, Charles Krause 9 ~A HI~*~ - ATTACHMENT 1 December 15, 1999 Mr. Larry Perlin City Manager City of Saratoga 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Larry: 20300 Herriman Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070-4999 Phone 408/867-341] Fax 408/867-3577 The purpose of this letter is to follow up uur meeting of December 9, 199y. As we discussed, Saratoga High School is extremely interested in receiving the support of the City of Saratoga in the construction of the new aquatic center. We believe this facility will be a tremendous community resource and help fulfill our common goal of making Saratoga one of the finest places to live in the world. At the meeting, you requested that I put into writing my request that the city invest $150,000 in a sinking fund that would be paid down over time by the city's rental of our facilities. We have had a similar arrangement in place for four years where the city has prepaid for facilities. However, this would be a larger sum of money. I believe our present agreement regarding facility usage works extremely well. The larger amount would allow us to build the type of high quality facility worthy of this community and avoid skimping on aesthetics. As I believe Joan Pisani and Beverly Tucker will attest, we have worked extremely well with your Recreation Department to make our facilities available as much as possible for the recreation department's use. Saratoga High School believes that our facilities are there for the community's use. I am aware that there may be increased pressure on fields and facilities in the upcoming two years. Saratoga High School wants to help in any way we can. While our school use comes first, there are still plenty of opportunit]es for recreational programs to use our fields, gyms, and other facilities. It is my understanding that you will review this request and discuss it with the City Council during their January i 9`~ meeting. riease let me i:now if there is additional information that you or the Council Members need. I am also happy to answer any questions, either in writing or at a council meeting. I believe this is a great opportunity for the city and the school to work together. Thank you for your attention. Sin~cerel , ®~~~'~` Kevin Skelly Principal Xc: Cindy Ranii, Superintendent A DISTINGUISHED CALIFORNIA SCHOOL NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE - ATTACHMENT 2 SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL 20300 Herriman Avenue ~LCO Saratoga, CA 95070-4999 ~~ ~ ~ Principal: Kevin Skelly, Ph.D. Phone 408/867-34] 1 ~ ~ Assistant Principals: Karen Hyde, Charles Krause Fax 408/867-3577 y~ ~Gx ~'4 HIGH' TO: Members of the Saratoga City Council FROM: Kevin Ske11y~P ncipal, Saratoga High School SUBJECT: Request for Increased Investment in Sinking Fund for Department of Recreation use of Saratoga High School Facilities for Purpose of Building New Aquatic Center at SHS DATE: January 12, 2000 I believe you are in possession of a letter dated December 15 to City Manager Larry Perlin in which I requested, on behalf of Saratoga High School, that the City of Saratoga increase the amount that they place in a sinking fund for Recreation Department usage of our facilities. Our reason for making this request now is that we will use these additional resources to make our new aquatics facility the best it can possibly be. By advancing your funds to us, you will enable us to build the finest facility possible. I would like to address three particular points that I believe are, perhaps, of particular interest to council members. These are (1) play field usage, (2) aquatic programs, and (3) usage fees. Plav Field Usa~ In the next few years, the City will be making improvements to the Congress Springs facilities that may necessitate the closing of the facility for several seasons. Saratoga High School stands ready to help with facilities during this period. Our fields were used this fall by AYSO and they can make more use of our fields in the future. This spring Saratoga Little League will be using the softball field for baseball every day after our teams are done with practice and on Saturday and Sunday. It is the philosophy of our Board of Trustees and the school administration to make our facilities open to the larger community whenever possible. I believe we have a good working relationship with all area recreational groups and will continue to support the community during this potentially difficult time. Aquatics Programs Our new aquatic center will open up a broad range of water activities to the larger community. We anticipate having a masters adult swimming program, recreational swimming, lifeguard training, water polo, and water-safe classes for youth, to name a few. Our plan is to offer a present school employee the opportunity to manage this facility. He has already met with Joan Pisani and they will work together to develop aquatic programs that serve the entire Saratoga community. While the work is in the planning stages, past history indicates that there will be a strong partnership between the school and the city. Usa e Fees The fees for our facilities are comparable to other high schools in the area, and significantly less than West Valley. During the past five years our fees have increased once. We do not anticipate raising them in the next few years. At the meeting with the Parks and Recreation Department on Tuesday evening, the issue of community use was mentioned as a concern. We are completely committed to making the aquatics center available to the entire community, not just those who happen to live within a particular school boundary. While the aquatic facility will serve our students well, I can think of no recreational or use of our facility that discriminates based on what school district a person resides. Our new aquatic facility will be convenient to all Saratoga residents, given the central location of our high school in Saratoga. A DISTINGUISHED CALIFORNIA SCHOOL NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE For the City of Saratoga, the increased amount of money they place in the sinking fund represents the equivalent of a no-interest loan. The city will still enjoy the facility rental that it always has. For Saratoga High School and the larger community, this funding represents a fleeting opportunity to build a facility we can all enjoy and take pride in for many, many years. I hope that you will concur with the Parks and Recreation Committee and support this investment in what will be a community treasure. I look forward to meeting with you on the 19th. Thank you. - ATTACHMENT 3 Memo To: City Council From: Joan Pisani, Director of Recreation Date: January 12, 2000 Subject: History of Use Agreements with Local School Districts Approximately 10 years ago the City of Saratoga began entering into cooperative agreements with local school districts. The purpose of this was to increase facility availability to enable the Recreation Department to enhance opportunities for residents to participate in recreation programs and at the same time help the schools upgrade their facilities. The City currently has formalized agreements with three school districts and the history of each is listed below. West Valley College In 1991 the City entered into an agreement with West Valley College and gave them $19,000 to resurface their tennis courts. Over the years the Recreation Department has used their gymnasium, sand volleyball court, softball field and golf facility. In the mid 1990's the City contributed another $19,000 for other facility improvements. The current balance in our account at the college as of January 1, 2000 is $3,345. Redwood Middle School In 1992 the City entered into an agreement with Saratoga Union School District and contributed $26,500 to fund half the cost of replacing the gym floor at Redwood Middle School. In 1995 the City, along with several other groups, gave $10,000 to help refurbish the upper playfield at Redwood. The City's agreement with SUSD guarantees the Recreation Department 300 hours of usage per year and the department has utilized Redwood School's outdoor basketball courts and fields and their gymnasium. In July, 1999 Redwood began a major remodel and since then has not been available for usage by outside groups. The City's current balance on the books at Redwood is $10,945. Saratoga High School In 1988 Saratoga High School requested $16,000 from the City to help refurbish their tennis courts. The City Council funded the request with no formal agreement but the Recreation Department was allowed use of their facility. In 199b a cooperative agreement was formalized and $10,000 was given to Saratoga High School to make track improvements. The Recreation Department is guaranteed 200 hours of usage per year and in recent years the City has contributed another $14,000. The account balance as of January 1, 2040 is $6262. Attached you will find a list of Recreation Department bookings for the previous at Saratoga High School. The value of this usage was approximately $10,000. Also, attached is the current contract with the High School District. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Saratoga High Schoo11999 Rental Use Calendar Year January 1-December 31, 1999 School use is billed as requested, not as used, therefore activity space requested for 2000 is billed during 1999. Activity Hours Youth/'Teens Tennis Classes/Team Outdoor Tennis Courts 6/21 - 8/13 40 hrs Youth Outdoor Basketball Camp Outdoor Basketball courts 6/21-25, 7/19-23, 8/16-20 60 hrs Youth Basketball Camp Large Gym 6/14 - 7/16 74 hrs Adult Open Gym Large Gym Sundays 2/28 - 6/6 (No 3/21) 30 hrs 45+ years and older Drop-In Basketball Small Gym Thursdays 2/18 - 5/27 (No 3/11, 18 4/22, 5/6, 6/3) 24 hrs Jr. Volleyball Camp -teens Soccer/Hockey Field Tuesdays/Thursdays 6/22 - 7/29 24 hrs Adult Drop-In Basketball Large Gym Sundays 7/11-12/26 50 hrs Adult Drop-In Basketball Small Gym Tuesdays, 9/21- 12/21 28 hrs Player Evaluation for youth league Large Gym 12/11 1999 3.5 hrs Coaches Clinic for youth league Small Gym 12/15 1999 2 hrs Youth Basketball Games Large Gym Saturdays, 1/8 - 3/18 2000 82 hrs Youth Basketball Practices Large Gym & Small Gym Saturdays, 1/8 - 3/18 2000 30 hrs Total Usage of School Facilities 447.5 hours Indoor Gyms: 323.5 Fields: 24 Tennis Courts 40 Outdoor Basketball Courts 60 ,~ ~ ~ . - ATTACHMENT 4 AGREEMENT FOR COOPERATIVE PROGRAM PLANNING AND USE OF FACILITIES AND SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL TRACK REFURBISHMENT This agreement entered into on o~v~-~,~ (~ 1996 between the City of Saratoga, hereinafter referred to as "the City", and Los Gatos- Saratoga Joint Union High School District, hereinafter referred to as "the District":, is to formally acknowledge the intent to initiate and implement joint program planning and facility utilization for the purpose of enhancing recreational opportunities for community residents. In consideration of the mutual benefits derived therefrom, the parties agree as follows: 1. Term: The term of this agreement is July 1, 1996 to July 1, 2001. The contract may be reviewed on a yearly basis. 2. Pur~g: The purpose of this agreement is to ~ enhance opportunities for community residents to participate in programs, recreational activities and to increase facility availability for community recreation programs. An outgrowth of these efforts will be a cooperative arrangement for maintenance of school facilities. 3. Scone: Initial coordinated program planning will focus on needs of the City of Saratoga Recreation Department for space to enhance program offerings for basketball and tennis. Additional activities/ facilities will be added as an outgrowth of the coordination of offerings and the joint planning process. 4. process: School courses, activities, and school endorsed athletic programs will continue ~ to have priority in facility scheduling processes. Use of the facilities by the City will be coordinated in such a manner as not to interfere or conflict with District activities. The School Principal and the City Recreation Director or designees shall be the contact persons for the coordinated program planning process. Written requests for facility use by the School will be coordinated with a 4 month timeline for schedule publication of each entity. 5. j~ I Responsibility/Insurance:. The City assumes responsibility for injury or damage which occurs as a proximate cause of its use of Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District. The city shall name the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District as additional insured. .g ~. The City hereby agrees to, and shall, hold District, its elective and appointed Board, Commissions, officers, agents and employees harmless and defend and indemnify the same from and against any or all loss, liability, expense, claim, costs, suits, damages of every kind, nature and description directly or indirectly arising from any negligent or wrongful act or omission of City in the exercise of its use or maintenance ofi the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District facilities. District hereby agrees to, and shall, hold City, its elective and appointed Council, Commissions, officers, agents and employees harmless and defend and indemnify the same from and against any or all loss, liability, expense, claim, costs, suits, damages of every kind, nature and description directly or indirectly arising from any negligent or wrongful act or omission of District in the exercise of its use or maintenance of 'the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District facilities.. 6. Facility Use and Maintenance: District shall have first priority for any use of facilities. Compensation for use of District facilities will be paid by the City at agreed upon scheduled rates which will be set by means of an annual negotiation. Such compensation will take the form of services rendered for facility use. The District will guarantee at least 200 hours of facility usage by the City per year. Rates for the first contract year shall be as follows: Tennis Courts $ 6/hour Both Gyms $25/hour Small Gym $10/ho u r Large Gym $15/hour The .City shall contribute a sum of $10,000 toward the track refurbishing fund. The above rates charged to City shall be deducted from the aforementioned financial contribution made by City. Only after the contribution has been totally drawn down will the City be obligated to pay such charges directly. 7. it in District shall bill the City monthly for these expenses and City shall pay said bills within 45 days of their receipt. In addition to the above-referenced charges, the City shall pay the District for any extra-ordinary expenses relating to the City's use of the facilities, including, but not limited to, additional District expenses to cover custodial, administrative, or supply expenses which the District must expend as a result of City's use of the facilities. a 8. Term ination Provisions: Should either party decide to not- continue this Agreement at a time when City funds in excess of charges for facility use have been expended, th e parties will meet within thirty (30} days of Notice of Termination by either party and determine equitable payment of any balance due. 9. Amen dments: No alteration or variation of the terms of this agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by th e parties hereto. CITY OF SARATOGA By: LOS GATOS-SARATOGA JOINT UNION HI QISTRICT By: '~ ~~~ (Title} ~~. ' SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL Principal: Kevin Skelly, Ph.D. ~},~ Assistant Principals: Karen Hyde, Charles Krause '°9 HIG'~~ March 25, 1999 Joan Pisani Saratoga Recreation Department i 9655 Allendale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Joan: Per agreement of our conversation regarding new billing of Saratoga High School facilities, the following rates will be effective July 1, 1999-June 30; 2000. Tennis Courts Both Gyms Small Gym Large Gym Upper field BB Courts $ 6/hour (4 courts) $ 35/hour $ 15/hour $ 20/hour $ 6/hour $ 6/hour q 20300 Herriman Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070-4999 Phone 408/867-34]] Faa 408/867-3577 ,. If you have any questions, please call. Sincerely, Kevin Skelly Prinicpal A DISTINGUISHED CALIFORNIA SCHOOL NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE ~~~~~ ATTACHMENT 5 Funding for New SHS Pool as of 1/4/00 Funds in Place Fifth Annual Appeal Sixth Annual Appeal Valley Foundation ASB- Funds Raised Stocks -Sixth Annual Appeal Athletic Boosters District Contribution-Fund 52 Add'I Funds Raised 11/99 Stocks - 1 /00 A SHS Family Los Gatos Saratoga Rec Dep't* A Generous Donor A Family Foundation Anonymous Parent Subtotal 10/29 1 2/8 1 /3 $ 53, 831 $ 53, 831 $ 53, 831 $ 79,386 $ 79,836 $ 79,836 $ 50, 000 $ 50, 000 $ 50, 000 $ 33,175 $ 54,525 $ 54,525 $ 14, 570 $ 14, 570 $ 70,000 $ 70,000 $ 70,000 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 37, 365 $ 39, 618 $ 22,585 $ 207,894 $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 25,000 $ 25,000 $ 100,000 $ 200,000 $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 201 ,545 $ 201 ,545 $ 201 ,545 $ 852,507 $ 969,257 $ 1,342,249 Funds Pledged from Parents and Saratoga Athletic Boosters Subtotal -Pledges $ 155,000 $ 488,000 $ 208,000 Grand Total $ 1,007,507 $ 1,457,257 $ 1,550,249 Base Bid $ i ,416,000 $ 1,416,000 $ 1,416,000 Architect, demolition $ 187,000 $ 187,000 $ 187,000 Aquatics Portion of Building $ 24,000 $ 24,000 Pool Building $ 90,000 Bleachers, scoreboard ~~ ~ Total Cost $ 1,603,000 $ 1 ,627,000 $ 1 ,717,000 Shortfall $ 595,493 $ 169,743 $ 166,751 Potential Savings and Revenue Savings on Bid $45 ,000-17000 $ - City of Saratoga (Request made 12/16/99)# ??? $ 150,000.00 # The City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Committee wi ll examine our proposal at their January 10 meeting. Fundina for New SHS Pool as of 1/19/00 Funds in Place Fifth Annual Appeal Sixth Annual Appeal Valley Foundation ASB- Funds Raised Stocks -Sixth Annual Appeal Athletic Boosters District Contribution-Fund 52 Add'I Funds Raised 11/99 Stocks - 1/00 A SHS Family Los Gatos Saratoga Rec Dep't' A Generous Donor A Family Foundation Anonymous Parent Subtotal 10/29 1 2/8 $ 53,831 $ 53,831 $ $ 79,386 $ 79,836 $ $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ $ 33,175 $ 54, 525 $ $ 14, 570 $ 14, 570 ~`oo ~~~~ 1/19 53,831 79,836 50,000 54, 525 $ 70, 000 $ 70, 000 $ 70, 000 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 37, 365 $ 39, 618 $ 22,585 $ 207,894 $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 25,000 $ 25,000 $ 100,000 $ 200,000 $ 10, 000 $ 10, 000 $ 201, 545 $ 201 , 545 $ 201 , 545 $ 852,507 $ 969,257 $ 1,342,249 Funds Pledged from Parents . and Saratoga Athletic Boosters Subtotal -Pledges $ 155,000 $ 488,000 $ 208,000 Grand Total $ 1,007,507 $ 1,457,257 $ 1,550,249 Base Bid $ 1,416,000 $ 1,416,000 $ 1,416,000 Architect, demolition $ 187,000 $ 187,000 $ 187,000 Aquatics Portion of Building $ 24, 000 $ 24, 000 Pool Building $ 90,000 Savings on Dirt $ (17,000) Bleachers, scoreboard ?? ? Total Cost $ 1,603,000 $ 1,627,000 $ 1,700,000 Shortfall $ 595,493 $ 169,743 $ 149,751 Potential Savings and Revenue Savings on Bid $45 ,000-17000( $ - City of Saratoga (Request made 12/16/99)# ??? $ 150,000.00 # The City Council will consider our request at their January 19 meeting 1 j ~ ~3 a` -s?z~ ~ S~ ~~. ::. Dear John, January 19, 2000 '< ~f \ ,r ...~ i .g~ . c::~ I hope you will take the opportunity tonight, as vice mayor and a leader of our community, to approve the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Department to make a contribution to fund a new Aquatic Center for Saratoga. In addition, I think there is the opportunity for you to champion further funding in the form of an outright grant from our Parks and Recreation fund. The pool is a project which will benefit so many in our community. After the many recent frustrations faced by the Council concerning the placement of other recreation facilities throughout the town, this is one opportunity for your leadership in the completion of a project that will benefit Saratoga in our new century. Sincerely, , ~„ The Koen Family Peggy, Phil, Claire, Ted and Will 22000 Dorsey Way P.S. As you can see, our children love the water and would enjoy using this new facility someday. In addition, my husband and I would hope to take advantage of the new pool, but I have spared you the agony of seeing us in our swimsuits! +e , ., January 19, 2000 Dear Stan, { hope you will take the opportunity tonight, as mayor and leader of our community, to approve the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Department to make a contribution to fund a new Aquatic Center for Saratoga. As mayor, I also think there is the additional opportunity for you to champion further funding in the form of an outright grant from our Parks and Recreation fund. The pool is a project which will benefit so many in our community. At a time when there has been strife and discord over the placement of other recreation facilities throughout the town, this is one opportunity for you lead the completion of a project that will benefit Saratoga in our new century. Sincerely, ~~`~~~~ The Koen amity Peggy, Phil, Claire, Ted and Will 22000 Dorsey Way P.S. As you can see, our children Love the water and would enjoy using this new facility someday. In addition, my husband and I would hope to take advantage of the new pool, but I have spared you the agony of seeing us in our swimsuits! r ~~? f .~ '~ t ~ ' T F ~~~~~~ :_z,~ January 19, 2000 Dear Nick, I hope you will take the opportunity tonight, as a leader for youth and sports in our community, to approve the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Department to make a contribution to fund a new Aquatic Center for Saratoga. In addition, I think there is the opportunity for you to champion further funding in the form of an outright grant from our Parks and Recreation fund. The pool is a projed which will benefit so many in our community. It is entirely in synch with your "hub" concept of utilizing existing space and resources for all the community. This Aquatics center could also provide our city with some real assets if we must negotiate with other cities to use their facilities, After the many recent frustrations faced by the Council concerning the placement of other recreation facilities throughout the town, this is one opportunity for your leadership in the completion of a projed that will benefd Saratoga in our new century. Sincerely, ~~ The Koen F mil Peggy, Phil, Claire, Ted and Will 22000 Dorsey Way P.S. As you can see, our children love the water and would enjoy using this new facility someday. In addition, my husband and I would hope to take advantage of the new pool, but I have spared you the agony of seeing us in our swimsuits! January 19, 2000 Dear Councilmember Waltonsmith, hope you will take the opportunity tonight, as the newest member of our council, to approve the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Department to make a contribution to fund a new Aquatic Center for Saratoga. In addition, I think there is the opportunity for you to champion further funding in the form of an outright grant from our Parks and Recreation fund. The pool is a project which will benefit so many in our community. I'm sure you noticed before your council appointment the strife and discord over the placement of other recreation facilities throughout the town, 'This is one opportunity for the council's leadership in the completion of a project that will benefd Saratoga in our new century. Sincerely, The Koen Fam Peggy, Phil, Claire, Ted and WII 22000 Dorsey Way P.S. As you can see, our children love the water and would enjoy using this new facility someday. In addition, my husband and I would hope to take advantage of the new pool, but I have spared you the agony of seeing us in our swimsuits!