TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Brian Ambrose, Director of Community Services
PREPARED BY: Crystal Arora, Management Analyst - Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT:
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Lifeguard and Swim Lesson Services Agreement Award
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RECOMMENDATION
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Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement for Lifeguard and Swim Lesson Services with The Swimming Swan LLC, in the amount of $337,064 for the initial five-year service period.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On June 20, 2023, the City Council approved an agreement with RJM to provide for California Oaks Sports Park Pool Reconstruction Preliminary Architectural Design Services (Vote: 4-0-1).
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
For approximately thirty years, the City of Murrieta has operated a community pool at California Oaks Sports Park. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022/23, staff were aware of the potential infrastructure issues that could affect the 2023 California Oaks Sports Park Pool season. Staff attempted to minimize these issues by tending to the known maintenance and repairs that were urgently required to allow for the season to progress. Unfortunately, despite multiple efforts, the pool reached the end of its useful lifespan. Staff took this opportunity to reimagine what the Pool could be at full potential. In June 2023, staff awarded RJM Design Group (RJM) the Architectural and Aquatic Preliminary Design Services Agreement for the Pool. Since that time staff have been involved with RJM through the design process. Presentation of the pool conceptual design is expected by Summer 2024, though at this time, funding is not yet identified for the next phase of design or construction.
While the pool has been out-of-commission, Community Services Department (CSD) staff have worked diligently to ensure the City could continue to provide a pool season for residents for the foreseeable future. Staff contacted Murrieta Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) and requested use of one of the high school’s pools to provide programming. MVUSD was able to accommodate and worked with staff through multiple meetings to finalize a schedule. CSD will formally provide the community with a pool season at Vista Murrieta High School beginning Saturday, June 1. MVUSD and staff have communicated the potential for this partnership to carry over into multiple years while staff finalizes planning and construction for the City Pool.
For the 2024 season, the pool will be open Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7 AM to 4 PM. Lap swim, water exercise, open swim, and swim lessons will be offered. CSD staff has reserved the pool for these dates and hours through August 11, with an extended season once school has resumed of Saturdays only through September 28 from 12 noon until 4 PM. MVUSD will be providing the City with a discounted rate for these reservations. The City will be responsible for providing all aquatic-related services, including lifeguards.
Specific to lifeguard services, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued on March 15, requesting proposals for lifeguarding and swim lesson services during the pool season. Staff were looking for firms to provide lifeguards with various certifications and training to ensure the well-being and safety of pool visitors. Staff were also in need of Water Safety Instructors (WSI) to perform swim lessons for multiple age groups. The RFP was open for three (3) weeks, and proposals were due on April 3, 2024.
Three (3) firms submitted proposals in response to the RFP. The proposals were reviewed and scored on multiple categories, including experience and qualifications, ability to perform, fees, and experience with the City. Staff chose to invite all three (3) firms to participate in an interview. After careful consideration, the project team selected The Swimming Swan LLC to carry out lifeguard and swim lesson duties. The Swimming Swan LLC will have an opportunity to train staff and become familiar with the site beginning Saturday, May 25, in order to be prepared to provide service to the public on June 1, 2024.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for lifeguard services is already included in the FY 2024/25 budget. There is adequate funding in 1715144-60480 to cover lifeguarding and pool reservation fees for both the FY 2023/24 and FY 2024/25 portions of the season.
The total for lifeguard and WSI services for the 2024 pool season is $61,000. For the term of the contract, the cost for five years is $337,064 with Consumer Price Index increases. For the upcoming season, staff anticipates that approximately half of the cost will come from the FY 2023/24 budget and the balance will be paid from the FY 2024/25 budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agreement - The Swimming Swan LLC
2. The Swimming Swan LLC Proposal
3. RFP - Lifeguard and Swim Lesson Services