Stingrays tell council Stafford pool needs repairs, request clearer city agreement

Lehi Amendarez, president of the Stafford Stingrays, and head coach Jose Romero asked the Stafford City Council on Aug. 5 to help address maintenance and safety issues at the city pool that the team uses for practices and meets. The team described algae or mold in the pool, deteriorated lane lines, limited storage for team equipment and a request to clarify whether lifeguard or other operational costs will be shared by the city.

"Our team is growing," Amendarez said, noting the club's 40-plus-year history in Stafford. Coach Romero said the Stingrays fielded between roughly 65 and nearly 100 swimmers this year, range in age from 4 to 18, and that for the first time in roughly 15 years the team won its division championship. Romero asked for continued city support and the ability to display the team's banner at the pool to celebrate the accomplishment.

Recreation and public-works staff outlined rough hosting costs (they estimated approximately $1,900 to $2,200 in city costs for meets in a typical year), said the team was asked to cover two lifeguards this year when event safety required four, and recommended drafting a written agreement or MOU to document responsibilities, scheduling and cost-sharing. Councilmembers encouraged staff to prepare a report and to work with the team on a budget and a formal agreement before the next season.