Important Message from Save Portsmouth Pool

Fellow Swimmers,
As you may know, the SIPP/City of Portsmouth 2011 partnership to meet milestones
on Portsmouth Indoor Pool operational performance was a success. Tasked with a
goal to reduce operating losses from ~(%435K) down to ~($150K),the joint effort
exceeded this goal by several thousand dollars.

SIPP has been working with a very supportive City Management Team, and Rec Dept
team to allow SIPP to take on a 5 year lease to keep the pool open. SIPP is
asking the City to contribute $150K per year, for the 5 years, in exchange for
SIPP raising money (operational improvements, a capital fund drive) to modernize
the building.

A great deal for the City, but still a financial ask in tough times. A work
session was held earlier this month (thanks to those who attended) with the City
Council. Most members praised the success of the public/private partnership,
calling it a role model effort. Details of the lease were discussed in general
terms, and questions by councilors were answered.

The next step in the process is for the Council to hold a public hearing to
allow citizens of Portsmouth to speak for, and against the lease proposal. It
is critical to have a large showing of support for the pool at this hearing.
Your attendance before practice this coming Monday night, Oct 3rd; 6:00pm at the
City Chambers, on Junkins Ave is requested.

The overwhelming support is needed to speed up the lease negotiations, after the
hearing, so the current Council members can vote prior to the city elections
next month. The consequence of a delayed negotiation is that the vote will
happen with new council members in office in late November. SIPP believes the
support will help move the 'City process' along to prioritize this negotiation.

Nothing is ever final until it is final, and SIPP needs every swim team's help
to allow the 5 year plan to be smoothly approved. You all have been very
supportive to the pool, and SIPP over the last 18 months or so. Asking for more
help is always hard, but if you are headed out to practice on Monday night, stop
by the City Council meeting to support this effort. It is an hour of time to
help keep the pool open for 5 more years. Thank you in advance!