Sheldon Community Center, Pool, Ball Field 1993 - 1994

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MEMORANDUM September 23, 1993 TO: Bob Hammitt, P.W. Maintenance Director FROM: Doug Post, Recreation Superintendent SUBJECT: Water Source To Sheldon Center and Pool Sheldon Pool and Center complex was constructed in the mid 1960's. The water source to the pool and center was tied directly into the Sheldon High School water system. The school district has paid the water bill since the opening of the complex. Since there is not a meter to measure our water usage, it has been estimated the annual water costs are between $5,000 - $7,000. This was an unwritten "gentleman's agreement" between the City and 4J. This arrangement was consistent with the School District/City agreement regarding joint development and usage of facilities. This arrangement was the most cost effective since the school already had a readily available water source and that they would be using our facility extensively. Also, about that same time, the school district built their auto-shop (near the City's tennis courts) on City property. Several years ago, school district officials raised the issue and reminded the City they were still paying our water bill. The questions was asked "Who should be paying this bill and is it time to change the practice?" The issue revolves around costs. To address this issue, we identified four options: 1) do nothing, continue current arrangement; 2) to pay the school district an agreed upon annual amount based on estimated usage; 3) install a meter off the school's line to measure our usage and reimburse the school district accordingly; or 4) install a new meter and water line from the street to our facility and pay EWEB directly. The fourth option would be very expensive and we feel would not be in the best interest of the taxpayer. Options two and three appeared to be the most practical and cost effective, however option three would apparently be in direct violation to EWEB policy which prevents a water customer from sub-leasing or sub-contracting their water service. Option one could be continued with the consent of both parties, but does not permanently resolve the situation. The last discussion I had with Roy Bostrom, former 4J Maintenance Director, was that we should attempt to work on an agreement with EWEB which would allow us to do option three. This discussion took place a couple of years ago and to date a resolution has not been finalized. Please call me if I can be of any further assistance in clarifying or bringing this matter to a closure.