City Seeks To Improve Pool and Recreation
The City of Toledo has been challenged to keep its municipal pool open since the abrupt departure of Pool Manager Donna Fawver in July, and until a new manager can be hired. Some dissatisfaction with pool operations boiled over during the public comment period at the August 4 City Council meeting. John P. Smith of Toledo used his time to angrily allege that his wife and at least one other woman were called a derogatory name by a pool employee who is the son of an elected city official. “The man needs to be fired. If he draws unemployment it needs to be fought. If nothing is done, it is tacit approval” by the city that the behavior was appropriate, Smith said. Council member Mark Camara pointed out to Smith that council cannot by law speak about any personnel issue “because employees ultimately work for the City Manager,” Michelle Amberg. Smith then turned his anger on Amberg, who told him that all personnel incidents are investigated, but that employee matters are confidential by law and she can not discuss them.
City Attorney Wes Chadwick says that matter was investigated because the city is required to look into any allegations of improper behavior by its employees. If disciplinary action is taken, it is a violation of statute (ORS 192.501) to release any information about the incident. This is one of very few situations where documentation on city matters cannot be made public.
Smith’s complaint might be related to the lack of full-time management at the Toledo Pool after Fawver left. Amberg says she had a tough decision at that time whether to temporarily close the pool and cancel swim lessons until a manager could be hired. Ultimately, pool staff came forward with a plan to keep the pool open. Amberg agreed, allowing two part-time employees, Melanie Hicks and Stephanie —— to co-manage the pool. The city is now advertising for a Pool/Recreation Manager and has already heard from a number of qualified applicants. “They are doing a very tough job at the pool,” Amberg says, “and the public needs to know that the pool has remained open due to their dedication. They all deserve some atta-girls and atta-boys,” she said.
Another issue is that the pool has some antiquated systems that need daily attention of a very specific nature – tasks that must be performed by those familiar with its quirks. As the pool has aged, money has never been available to adequately modernize it. Instead, improvements have been incremental, and of the ‘Band-Aid” variety. Also, if it were not for the city’s ability to ‘grandfather’ the pool due to its continuous operation, it would have closed long ago for not meeting state codes. In addition, as has been well-reported, the pool, like many municipal pools in Oregon, falls far short of meeting its operating expenses through fees.
Those are the challenges facing the city’s new hire. Amberg says she hopes professional management will improve the situation, smooth out pool operations, and increase pool revenue. “It’s a golden opportunity for someone who wants to make a difference,” and build a great program, Amberg said. The city is fortunate in that there is a large pool of qualified people with recreation degrees on the market right now, she added.
An article in the August 20 Wavelength will explore public efforts to support the pool.
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“John P. Smith of Toledo used his time to angrily allege that his wife and at least one other woman were called a derogatory name by a pool employee who is the son of an elected city official. “The man needs to be fired. If he draws unemployment it needs to be fought. If nothing is done, it is tacit approval” by the city that the behavior was appropriate, Smith said.”
“The man” that Mr. Smith is referring to has been a pool emplyoee for many years and to me is one of the nicest employees at the pool. He has dedicated himself to coaching and teaching swim lessons and is very passionate about what he does. Children, teens and parents adore him and respect him. I wish I could say that about all it’s emoployees.
I can assure you that “The Man’ did not intentionally say anything hurtful, unkind or derogatory, as he has heard women, including Mr. Smith’s wife, refer to themselves in a derogatory manner. I suggest that if you do not want to be mentioned a derogatory manner, then don’t refer to yourself as such.
Shame on you, Mr. Smith, for even suggesting that someone be fired and unable to claim unemployment in times like these, simply because you “heard” that “the man” made derogatory statements.How about some good old fashioned talking? Maybe if you talked to “the man” you would find out that it was a simple misunderstanding. But unfortunately I think your out for another agenda.