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Residents press council on natatorium operations as YMCA contract is discussed in closed session
Summary
Multiple residents urged the City of Alice to keep the natatorium and water park open, raised concerns about contract oversight and maintenance, and asked the council to consider city control if the YMCA withdraws; the council later held an executive session about a YMCA contract and reported no action afterward.
Several residents used the Jan. 28 public-comment period to urge the City of Alice to address long-running concerns about the natatorium and water-park facility and to keep the pool’s programs running if the YMCA withdraws from management.
Carolyn Sutherland, a longtime Alice resident, asked the council to advertise the natatorium more widely and to consider developing surrounding acreage into park or event space if management returns to the city. "We're the hub," she said, describing users from neighboring towns.
Belinda Silva, who identified herself as a user and someone awaiting medical treatment, said she has tried to obtain financial records and alleged the city manager "failed to do his job by allowing 42 consecutive months to go by without getting 1 single financial report at all." She urged strict adherence to contracts and safety protocols and said she would provide a flash drive of records to city staff.
Bronwyn Joy Slack and other regular users described health and social benefits from YMCA programs at the pool and asked the council not to close the facility. Slack said the pool supports disabled veterans and older residents who rely on aquatic classes and that any city takeover should preserve programs and insurance arrangements that help users participate. "Please don't close it down," she said.
Amanda Sue Friedrich used public comment to invite residents to a community event and did not address facility management directly.
Later in the meeting the council moved into executive session to consult with counsel about the YMCA contract (agenda item 7.1). After the closed session the council returned to open session and the mayor announced there would be no action taken on the YMCA contract item.
Why it matters: The natatorium and attached water park provide lessons, exercise and community programming for Alice residents and people from nearby towns. Public commenters alleged missing financial oversight and safety maintenance problems; council members heard requests to ensure continuity of programming if YMCA withdraws management.
Discussion vs. formal action: Council heard multiple citizens’ concerns during public comment and then discussed the YMCA contract in executive session under the attorney–client consultation exception (Texas Gov. Code §551.071). The council reported back that no formal action or vote resulted from the executive-session discussion.
No ordinance or contract change was announced at the open meeting; public commenters were invited to provide documents to staff for review and the council affirmed that the YMCA contract was discussed in executive session with no action taken.
Ending: Residents and user groups asked the council to prioritize continuity of pool programs and transparency about the facility’s finances; city staff and council will have the opportunity to review any records provided and to report back in a future public agenda if formal action is proposed.
