I. RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Coalinga and the Coalinga-Huron Unified School District (CHUSD) to provide financial support for the District's 2026 summer aquatic program.
II. BACKGROUND:
The Coalinga-Huron Unified School District owns and operates the community swimming pool facility. Over the past several months, City staff has worked collaboratively with District staff to identify opportunities to reopen the pool for community use during the summer of 2026. Recognizing the importance of providing recreational opportunities for residents, both agencies have worked together to develop a partnership that supports summer aquatic programming while maintaining clear operational responsibilities.
The proposed Memorandum of Understanding establishes the respective responsibilities of each agency and formalizes the City's financial contribution toward the District's operation of the pool during the 2026 summer season. This has been reviewed and vetted through hte City Attorneys office.
III. DISCUSSION:
Under the proposed MOU, the City will contribute up to $16,000 to assist the District with the costs associated with operating the swimming pool during the summer season. The District will retain sole responsibility for ownership, operation, staffing, scheduling, maintenance, programming, and regulatory compliance of the facility. The City's participation is limited to providing financial assistance and collaborating with the District regarding community access and communication.
The agreement outlines a summer schedule that includes lap swimming, swim lessons, public swim sessions, family swim opportunities, and Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) activities. Programming schedules remain subject to modification by the District based on staffing, weather, maintenance, and other operational considerations.
To protect the City's interests, the MOU expressly provides that the City has no operational authority over the facility and includes comprehensive insurance, indemnification, and hold harmless provisions requiring the District to defend and indemnify the City for claims arising from the operation of the pool and aquatic program.
This partnership allows the community to once again enjoy access to aquatic programming while ensuring operational responsibilities remain with the entity that owns and operates the facility.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
- Do not approve MOU with the School - Staff does not recommend as the School has proceeded in good faith based on prior commitments from the City.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
The City's financial contribution under the Memorandum of Understanding is not to exceed $16,000. Funding is available within the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget but will require a subsequent budget adjustment that staff will bring back in August. Payment will be made to the Coalinga-Huron Unified School District no later than August 31, 2026, in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Should the agreement terminate prior to completion of the summer program, the City's contribution will be prorated based on the number of operational days completed. | | |