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Council approves YMCA agreement to run Francis Collins pool after hour- and access-related debate
Summary
After questions about funding and equitable access, the Gulfport City Council approved a not‑to‑exceed contract with the YMCA to operate swim lessons and lifeguard services at Francis Collins Recreation Center, with staff saying the $72,145 will be covered from existing departmental lines.
The Gulfport City Council voted to approve a contract with the YMCA to operate swim lessons, lifeguard staffing and recreational swim at Francis Collins Recreation Center, authorizing a not‑to‑exceed amount the agenda lists as $72,145.
The measure, discussed at length during the council session, drew questions from multiple members about where the money would come from, how many slots would be available and whether the program would serve all wards equitably. Councilmember Hines pressed staff for numbers and asked for assurances that Ward 3 residents would have access; she said the concern was that transportation and slot limits could leave marginalized children behind.
“Our kids will be on the sideline because they I need to know the slots that they can get in to swim,” Hines said during the debate.
City staff told the council most of the funds would come from the department’s existing lifeguard and summer-camp payroll lines and would be budget-neutral across the department. A staff member said the YMCA would supply training and lifeguard coverage that the city had struggled to provide previously because of recruitment shortages.
“What Billy has shown me is that they’re telling him 50 to 100 for swim lessons during the summer, and they’re free through a YMCA grant,” a staff representative told the council, and Mayor Keating described the agreement as “a wonderful opportunity” to expand access to swimming instruction in Gulfport.
Council members sought clarity about program limits and asked staff to publish slot counts and application timing; staff said applications were expected to open in May or June and that the city would let the council know the exact date in advance. After the discussion, council members approved the not‑to‑exceed contract, subject to final, non‑substantial legal review.
The approval is intended to keep the pool open through the summer with lifeguards, classes and open swim hours; staff said the contract would allow weekend and extended hours that had been difficult to sustain under prior staffing levels.
The council recorded the vote as carried unanimously. The council instructed staff to provide follow‑up details about the number of lesson slots and the application date before programming begins.
