By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Update: Clarification made that the board agenda for the July 13 meeting did not allow for voting by that body, although the council’s agenda did.
The City of Whitewater Common Council (“council”) and the Whitewater Unified School District School Board (“board”) will meet tonight at 6 p.m. with the hope of concluding a nearly six month effort to reach a new agreement for the operation of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center (“WAFC”). The bodies last met on July 13, and by the conclusion of the nearly 100 minute meeting there seemed to be growing consensus, but there were substantial frustrations expressed along the way by both officials and the public.
Representatives of the council and board have been meeting, whether as full bodies or in a subcommittee, since March 2. From the beginning of the July meeting it was evident that the groups had different ideas regarding the purpose of the session. The council’s agenda allowed for discussion and possible action on the proposals offered by the city and the district, and Council President James Allen indicated that everyone was prepared to stay as long as necessary to hopefully conclude negotiations. Board President Larry Kachel, however, soon made clear that the board would not be taking any votes. In fact the board’s agenda did not allow for action on the proposals.
Although there were several points of contention, the primary potential deal breaker was the district’s plan to reduce its annual contribution towards operating expenses to $78,000 versus the city’s request for $178,000. The city planned to contribute $250,000 annually in addition to covering any operating deficits. The district offered to take full responsibility for capital expenses on the building after $100,000 annual contributions from the city and the district. All contributions would be subject to a 3% annual escalation factor. The city continued to maintain that it would be unable to operate the facility without the full district operating expense payment.
The public comment period at mid-meeting allowed Jeff Knight and Steve Ryan, among others, to express their disappointment that they were unable to congratulate the representatives on completing their months-long work, as they had planned to do.
A restroom break seemed to clear the air, and ultimately the suggestion was made that the city might be willing to increase its annual capital improvement payment to $200,000 in exchange for the district meeting the $178,000 annual operating expense request. The council voted unanimously to request staff to provide a new financial analysis based on that proposal, and though the board took no vote, members appeared to be willing to consider the proposal at their next meeting on August 14.
It may be anticipated that tonight’s audience will likely include some citizens hoping to provide their representatives with postponed appreciation and congratulations on achieving a new agreement that will keep “Whitewater’s jewel” open for recreation, education, and fitness for the next six years.
