PORT TOWNSEND – The city and Port Townsend School District are working on a new 2007 public swimming pool lease agreement.
The proposed agreement would help the city and school district keep the pool afloat, said City Manager David Timmons.
Residents of all ages who frequent the facility have repeatedly asked city leaders to “save the pool.”
The proposal allows for “equitable distribution of repair costs” should a major pool equipment failure take place, said Timmons.
It would create a $1,000-a-month escrow to cover costs beyond routine maintenance.
That is necessary because city officials have said the 20-yard indoor pool at Mountain View Elementary School, 1919 Blaine St., is in dire need of repairs.
The proposal will go before the City Council on Feb. 5. If approved, it would go before the School Board next month.
Under the agreement, the city would budget $60,000 to cover a monthly lease through the end of 2007.
The city also would pay $72,478 in full resolution of 2005 and 2006 billings.
The city and district would agree that the rent would remain fixed if fuel, electric and water or sewer costs change by less than 10 percent.
“It is an advantage for the city and the school district to know that there is some continuity,” Tom Opstad, school district superintendent, said of the proposal.
The contract would be for three years. At present, agreements are on a year-to-year basis.
Timmons said the agreement would also allow the city to quickly react to simple maintenance needs, such as changing light bulbs, without going through the school district.
The city manager said adjusting pool use hours could be an option to save energy expenses in a building that is poorly insulated.
Timmons has warned that the pool is just one major malfunction away from being closed.
However, he said he was encouraged by pool users who are forming a group to look at funding options to improve, relocate or build a new facility.
In 2005, $100,000 was taking out of the pool budget to help complete the city’s skate park.
