By Rory Brown
Almanac Staff Writer
Menlo Park city staff will update the City Council on negotiations regarding city pools at the February 14 council meeting.
The city is in negotiations to contract out its aquatics program at Burgess Pool to Tim Sheeper, founder of a local sports program. If city staff and Mr. Sheeper reach an agreement, a proposed contract will go before the council at its February 28 meeting.
Mr. Sheeper says revenue generated by his classes will cover the costs of maintaining the new Burgess facility, which was originally slated for an April opening.
Mr. Sheeper is not interested in operating the Belle Haven Pool, but the East Palo Alto YMCA has shown interest in running the facility’s programs, said acting Community Services Director Michael Taylor in a staff report.
The construction costs of the new Burgess pools are covered by a 2001 recreation bond measure, but participants in a recent community-wide survey suggested the city scale back funding to operate the aquatics program.
The council was going to consider delaying the opening of the Burgess pools until Mr. Sheeper stepped forward with his plan, which he says will run the facility at “little or no cost to the city.”
The council meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, in the council chambers at the Civic Center, between Alma and Laurel streets.
Garbage rates could increase
The Menlo Park City Council could approve a 6 percent average increase in garbage rates at its February 14 meeting.The rate increase would only affect businesses and multifamily residencies, but rates for single-family homes could be reviewed in April and increase starting July 1, said Carol Augustine, the city’s finance director, in a staff report.
Multifamily residencies are currently charged $12.47 for one garbage can. That rate would increase to $13.50 if the hike is approved.
Atherton charges $23.68 for one can, and Redwood City charges $18.16, according to Ms. Augustine.
Antennas on traffic lights?
Menlo Park may lease the top of a few traffic lights to Cingular Wireless.The City Council could approve a lease agreement for Cingular to pay the city $2,500 a month to install antennas on traffic lights at the intersection of Santa Cruz Avenue and Sand Hill Road. The council will make its decision at its Tuesday, February 14 meeting.
The antennas would replace equipment that was moved to make way for the recent widening of Santa Cruz Avenue.
Meeting cancelled
The Menlo Park City Council will not hold its regular meeting on February 21, the day after President’s Day. Meetings will resume February 28.
