2004-05-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Session 1918 May 3, 2004 "the best-kept secret of the city." She opposed non-residents using the pool for reasons of over-crowding, resulting in safety issues, and other issues addressed. She regards it as a community pool, a place to meet and get to know neighbors. If money is an issue, she suggested marketing it to City employees, school district employees, and to the residents themselves. People are not aware of the pool. Kevin Taylor, 7022 Canton Avenue, came to observe. He noted that golf courses are open to non-residents, as are the tennis courts, the parks, the baseball fields, the basketball courts, and the community center. He asked that the City Council make the right decision, one that is not predicated on fear. Carral Brown, 1336 Eastover Avenue, wants the pool opened to outsiders, especially because they all ready use other University City facilities. Jerry Fitch, 1404 Partridge Avenue, came as president of the Parks Commission. He asked if opening the pool was a revenue issue, and if it is not, asked why the subject is under discussion? He asserted that University City residents are the tax-payers who support the pool. He said that opening up the pool will bring problems and tax the resources of University City and will sacrifice safety. He was also disappointed by the fact that operating costs of the pool were never mentioned in the Proposition K issues. He opposes opening the pool to non-residents. Heather Allen, 7 Brazilian Court, Ladue, uses the pool. She does not want non- residents to be allowed to use the pool at "resident prices." She wants the City to examine costs, then allow non-residents to buy passes, maintain the guest policy as is, but add a child's guest price. She advocated rescinding passes from people who cause trouble. She commented that some non-residents use the pool at resident rates. She said "there is no way to pay a fair price and get a pass." Worth Hayes, 1541 Eighty-second Boulevard, does not support a policy change, because the current resident policy, which allows for guests, is a sound policy. "Quality of life" is the drawing card for University City pool, and the current policy is "diversity inclusive." The Mayor declared the public hearing closed at 9:02 p.m. Ms. Colquitt asked the City Manager about marketing to City school employees, and if it currently addresses the pool? Mr. Ollendorff said he would make sure and send a new notice. Ms. Colquitt does not believe in burdening teenage lifeguards with providing child care. She also would like to see a set number of season passes sold, to allow for tracking and to limit crowding. She suggested a study to determine the use of the pool by residents. She suggested that after additional marketing takes place, the City can open up use to non-residents. Page 8