EDITOR: Our library is not adequate, even though Mr. Krage
’s recent letter suggests otherwise. Libraries of tomorrow are
not just concrete buildings with books; they are technologically
driven learning/activity centers crossing age groups and
cultures.
EDITOR:
Our library is not adequate, even though Mr. Krage’s recent letter suggests otherwise. Libraries of tomorrow are not just concrete buildings with books; they are technologically driven learning/activity centers crossing age groups and cultures.
Our library, built in 1973 to serve a population of 7,300, cannot serve a growing population of 34,000. This is not just my opinion but also that of Council, the Library Commission and the general public. The state has twice denied our funding request and RDA dollars have not been set aside as they have for other projects such as the aquatics center.
No library funds are available in part because we have exceeded allocations in other projects. The aquatic center is one of them. This project could have been built for millions less if it were not for just one pool, the 50-meter pool. I question its need and its competitive focus. It dwarfs all other features. This facility was once amazingly promoted as an Olympic site with a 5,000-seat grandstand. According to the city’s report, the 50m pool by itself will drain a significant amount of resources.
I have no issue with the remaining pools – I am clear on that. They will serve more residents and in particular our children than a competitive pool for adult water polo and other similar activities that would serve mostly those out of city, and out of state while our library set to serve all of Morgan Hill remains unfunded.
I have singled out adult water polo for the comments made by Planning Commissioner Geno Acevedo, who has argued ostensibly before Council that booking the facility with local, state and national water polo events will bring in much needed revenue to support the facility. Even the depth of the pool was argued by Mr. Acevedo to better accommodate water polo. This is not hearsay but a matter of bold public record. I believe Mr. Krage and Mr. Acevedo play on the same water polo team.
Even after the facility is built, the city anticipates turning portions of it over to the Aquatics Foundation and Mr. Acevedo for up to seven months of the year because the city cannot financially sustain it. If aquatic programs, according to Mr. Acevedo, are such money-makers with an overflow of eager participants, why is the Silicon Valley Aquatics Association, which he was a board member, about to go under (www.siliconvalleyaquaticassociation.org/sept303minutes.htm)? I believe that such self-interests have over-influenced, and grossly overstated both the need and the revenue.
My issue is not with the value of water polo or swimming but with limited resources among much greater demands. There is just not enough to build and more importantly to sustain. Our first venture into aquatics should have been limited to this community’s recreational needs until we complete other needed projects such as the library. In order to construct and support this facility, we have exceeded its original budget by millions, max’ed our RDA dollars, took funds from parks, and drew down from the reserves while placing other needed projects and vital city services at risk. In speaking with the City Finance Director Jack Dilles, what declining millions this city has in reserves will be gone in a few years.
I believe there is a bigger picture, a much larger community picture that must be served. By paring down the size and scope of these projects, and programming to the specific needs of residents, I believe we can build and perhaps even sustain them. But when excessive facilities can’t, I hope you can understand my objection to pay into proposals such as a parcel tax, higher use fees and the use and diversion of other resources to fund self-serving activities that risks the rural character, vitality and solvency of this city.
Mark Grzan, Morgan Hill
