HomeMy WebLinkAboutAquatics Public Comment from Julie Cerenzia 2-14From:Julie Cerenzia
To:Agenda
Subject:2/10/14 Commission Meeting Agenda Item
Date:Thursday, February 06, 2014 10:09:31 AM
Dear Mr. Mayor and Commission Members,
I am writing in regard to Agenda Item H.1. “Commission Goal Setting” at your upcoming meeting on
February 10, 2014. The proposed “2014-2015 Playbook” Strategic Initiatives & Objectives includes
objective 2.c. “receive voter approval to build a family aquatics center” (see page 50 of the goal
setting agenda attachment). This objective replaces the 2013-2014 “priority” #11, “determine the
future of Bogert Pool and the next steps for aquatics & recreation” (see page 53).
The evolution of this priority/objective infers that consensus has been reached regarding the future
of Bozeman’s aquatics offerings and that a “family aquatics center” has been accepted as the best
path forward. Commission discussions in 2013 certainly did not result in a clear consensus as to the
nature of the aquatics facilities that should be developed. Many citizens and several commissioners
questioned the wisdom of pursuing a facility that costs over $1 million. The survey-based study
conducted for the commission by a private consultancy unfortunately provided no valid
recommendations – the survey was conducted in such a way as to produce an almost limitless “wish
list” rather than a prioritization of public needs and desires; the analysis of the survey information
was uncritical, completely unmindful of resource constraints, and provided no real financial,
feasibility, strategic, or community needs analysis. The most recent public and commission
discussions concluded without resolving (i) the prioritized needs of the community; (ii) the
financially feasible scope of a new facility; or (iii) the potential for cooperation with community
groups such as the YMCA. As a result, the “next steps for aquatics & recreation” have not yet been
adequately considered and determined.
Since the 2013-2014 priority #11 has not yet been met, I would urge you to carry the same
objective forward into the 2014-2015 Playbook, rather than adopting an objective of moving
forward with a “family aquatics center” that has yet to be defined based on thorough and legitimate
analysis of the needs and capacity of Bozeman.
Thank you for your consideration,
Julie Cerenzia
229 Silver Cloud Circle
Bozeman, MT 59715
406-624-6972