Response from Ms. Kimberly Jo:
Ms. Jo made a visit to our residence on April 4 as part of her planned neighborhood visit. When asked about her position on year around swimming and the pool facilities, she expressed some familiarity with the issue, having knowledge of the expenses incurred building the San Fernando aquatics facility. She agreed that it is very important to develop the community support for any pool replacements by opening at least one pool on a year around basis.Response from Dr. David Gordon:
"Dear Mr. Schmitt:
Thank you for your note and involvement with swimming. Presently, we are
exploring various options in the infrastructure subcommittee as well as
funding of possible expanded use at our City pools. No concrete
plans/funding measures have yet been presented but I remain open to hearing
proposals that will benefit the community. I am sincerely hoping that we
can get at least one of our two public pools open and running again by summer.
I certainly can understand how disappointed those wanting an
extended open pool season must have been when both pools had to be closed
unexpectedly for repairs.
Again thank you for your note.
Regards,
David Gordon
Member, Burbank City Council"
Response from Mr. Jess
Talamantes:
Mr. Talamantes called and explained that he was very familiar with the
swimming pool issues because he has been a member of the Parks, Recreation and
Community Services committee for eight years. Also a facilities
committee.
He explained that the committee is aware that the pools were both closed last September "for safety reasons". He said he attended the first community meeting on the swimming programs. He said the committee has been meeting with the Parks, Recreation and Community Services department and an architect to discuss replacement options for both pools. He thought that it highly unlikely Burbank will be able to build an "aquatic center" because there is no suitable space - about 10 acres. He said the current plan is to replace both Verdugo and McCambridge pools, which will take place over several years.
I asked him whether any consideration had been given to seriously implementing year around swimming, but he saw this issue is terms of "cost-benefit" to Burbank and one that was closely linked to construction of new facilities.
He invited all swimmers to the next Parks, Recreation and Community Services committee on April 9 at City Hall, 6 pm.
Response from
Mayor David Golonski:
"I am in favor of creating a year round aquatics program in Burbank. I am
also in favor of extending the season in the interim if that is what is
feasible. I am in favor of replacing both McCambridge and Verdugo pools,
hopefully with at least one being enclosed. I believe enclosing a pool will
make a year round aquatic program feasible in Burbank and I believe it can
be designed to provide an open-air experience when the weather permits. It
is my understanding that Verdugo is past the point of replacing and we are
proceeding with plans to replace the existing pool (and retain the size).
I hope that answers your questions, feel free to contact me at 843-2948 if
you would like to discuss further."
Thanks,
Dave"
Response from Elise Stearns-Niesen:
"Dear Mr. Schmitt,Response from Garen Yegparian:
"Thanks for the e-mail and speaking at the PRCS Board meeting on Thursday.
Sorry about the delayed response, the campaign has been very hectic.
I am in full support of year-round use of our pools. I have been swimming at Verdugo the last two summers, after years of intending to but not making it. It is ridiculous that in Southern California, a pool should not be open year round.
I had suggested joint use of the schools' pools in a different context, but that was met with some hesitation. However, now with Verdugo out of commission (extensive, unidentified, leakage is the problem), the schools are coming into play.
Our pools must and will be replaced, and in the not too distant future. I remain unconvinced that the proposal for the replacements, now wending its way to City council, is the best we can do.
Please feel free to call me, I'm better by phone than e-mail. 818/563-3918.
Garen
"