Friday, October 26

A Letter from Mayor Tom Odell


We have all been deluged with mailers, letters to the editor, and signs opposing the Sammamish Community and Aquatic Center and disparaging your City Council and administration.  This negative campaign is funded by a single business owner who is not a Sammamish resident and has committed more than $45,000 to defeat the advisory vote.  Much of the information in their flyers is incorrect, especially the claim that the city is giving a $25 million gift to the YMCA.

The third of our population which is under 18 badly needs this type of facility – and has for years!  This is equally true for seniors and retirees.  Current facilities – public or private – simply do not meet that need!  The Community Center will – and affordably!

A place for all ages and income levels, it will include two gyms, exercise facilities, an indoor track, lap and family swimming pools, much needed meeting space, and a ramp that will provide additional public parking capacity for the library and city hall.

The Community Center will be a partnership between the city and the YMCA and is NOT a gift!!  The city retains title to the building and land; the YMCA will be the city’s operator.

The city will provide the site and $25 million in construction funding, including $14 million from the Parks Capital Fund.

The YMCA will contribute $5 million for construction plus $1 million in equipment and furnishings.   Sammamish gets a 50 year lease at $1/year on seven acres of Y property near Pine Lake Middle School for future civic purposes.  They bring operating expertise and programming to the facility and will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep, shifting that burden from Sammamish taxpayers.

Final agreement with the YMCA still needs Council approval.  User fees, needed no matter who operates it, are still being worked out but Sammamish residents will get a discount on programs and some activity fees.  Additionally, there will be periods where the facility will be open to all city residents at no charge.

No new taxes will be needed!

This is a good deal for Sammamish!!   VOTE FOR Proposition 1!

Mayor Tom Odell
City of Sammamish