Issues with management and swimming programmes at Alexandra's Molyneux Aquatic Centre will be considered at a special meeting of the Vincent Community Board today.
Users of the swimming complex criticised its operation last year, prompting the community board and Central Otago District Council chief executive Phil Melhopt to find a solution.
In December the board discussed whether competing providers of swimming education and safety programmes could continue operating side-by-side at the facility.
A private swimming education provider, contracted to operate at the pool, had been doing so alone until the council began sponsoring an additional watersafety and education service, because of which tension between providers, user groups, and individuals mounted.
Board members could not agree on an immediate solution, and a motion was passed to further consider all options and implications during an informal meeting of the board before Christmas, at which detailed cost benefit analysis data was made available.
Today's meeting agenda includes a draft statement of intent and policy for the pool complex, which if adopted by the board, would establish clear management and operating procedures as well as fees and charges for different user groups.
Mr Melhopt's draft document stated the pool's priority was water safety and education, the provision of which "must be accommodated and encouraged".
It recommends the board set a rates versus user funding ratio consistent with the national average of 60/40, and adopt a strategy of increased revenue through a review of user fees and charges, increased patronage, and council fee-generating programmes.
Mr Melhopt also recommended pool management develop an operating timetable which allocated appropriate time slots to different user groups, as well as access agreements for specified users to define access rights, fees, terms, and conditions.
He suggested the board resolve how swim education would be delivered at the pool.
