At the City Council meeting on the evening of Tuesday, May 27 (a day later than usual due to the holiday Monday), the most discussed item was on the Consent Calendar.
Item C9 called for, “(1) Approval of a One-Year Agreement with USA Pools of California a Division of USA Management for Pool Staffing Services in the Amount of $671,940; and (2) Authorization to the City Manager to Approve Amendments to Such Agreement up to an Additional Amount Not-to-Exceed $67,194 (10% of the Base Agreement Amount).”
Many members of the public, including quite a few lifeguards, spoke out against the outsourcing of the staffing of the Plunge, with some pointing to some negative attention that the company had received from the Better Business Bureau.
A representative of USA Pools of California was on hand to answer questions, but she did nothing to quell the clear anger and frustration. After a lengthy dialog, the council offered five nodding heads to deny the agreement, with no motion necessary in this case.
Public Hearing 1 (PH1) called for, “Waiver of Formal Bid Procedures and Award of a Construction Contract to Ennis Steel in the Amount of $1,103,884 for the Fabrication and Installation of the Charles Gaines Studio Artwork “A Frame for a Tree” and Associated Site Improvements (Project).”
Charles Gaines’ art project was approved by a previous council, and the formalities of the go-ahead passed without controversy here.
Public Hearing 2 (PH2) called for, “Consideration of an Appeal of the Public Works Director’s Decision to Approve a Request for Removal of a Tree Located in the Parkway Adjacent to 4420 Keystone Avenue.”
The tree removal passed 4-1, with Council Member Yasmine-Imani McMorrin the one no vote.