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Council awards children’s camp services contract as residents warn privatization can limit access
Summary
City Council accepted RFP responses and awarded operation of children's general and specialty camp services to Atlantis Swim School LLC and the YMCA of South Florida. A public commenter warned that privatizing pool programs raises costs and can restrict resident access.
The Hialeah City Council approved awarding operation of the city’s children’s general and specialty camp services to Atlantis Swim School LLC and the Young Men’s Christian Association of South Florida on a motion that carried during the council meeting.
The contract award covers an initial three-year term with an option to renew for additional one-year terms. The agenda language states that funding will come from various user departments and is subject to allocation and availability of funds and budget approval at the time of need before a purchase order or similar issuance.
Resident Jose Alvi, the only registered speaker during public comments on that item, urged caution about privatizing parks and pool programs. “When we privatize the pools, what’s the pro? We’re not spending money on lifeguards. What’s the cons? The prices go way up,” Alvi said, and he told council members he had observed restricted resident access at Southeast Park where private classes were using pool time.
Willie Sanchez, director of Parks and Community Engagement, introduced the presentation and thanked the private sponsor for supporting the city’s Start Smart program, which serves children ages 3 to 5 and, he said, has reached capacity for the season. Christopher Ferreira, external affairs area manager for Florida Power and Light, described FPL’s multi-year sponsorship and community partnership in support of park programs.
Gian Barzaga, parks and recreation supervisor, and program leader Jairo Carcamo were identified by parks staff as key program staff. City materials on the agenda say the award is subject to department-level identification of funds and appropriation prior to contract execution.
The motion to approve the contract was made from the dais and carried in roll-call votes. The council did not adopt any additional restrictions or price controls in the contract text during the meeting; staff materials noted that contract funding and any account identification will be secured by the using department before purchase orders are issued.
Council members who moved and seconded the motion recorded their votes on the public record; the clerk’s roll-call recorded “motion carried.”
