Barton Springs Public Process

The following exchange between Peter Steinhardt, a BSP swimmer and Tom Nelson, head of the Aquatics Dept for Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department follows. Please read bottom up for correct chronology and to learn about the money interest that will be announced at the press conference on Thursday.

From: Nelson, Tom [tom dot nelson at ci dot austin dot tx dot us]

Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 11:12 AM
To: Peter Steinhardt
Cc: McNeeley, Kimberly
Subject: RE: safety signs

I understand your concerns.  However, the company performing the testing will be brining in equipment that morning.  We want to make sure that they have unimpeded space to mobilize the equipment.  I am sorry for the inconvenience, but we will resume with our regular schedule for the next Thursday clean. 

Have a great day.

Tom Nelson

Division Manager, Aquatics & South District
City of Austin, Parks and Recreation
(512) 974-9337
tom dot nelson at ci dot austin dot tx dot us

From: Peter Steinhardt [peter at steinhardt dot us]
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 11:08 AM
To: Nelson, Tom
Subject: RE: safety signs

Tom,

Is there a safety factor that affects swimmers that does not affect press conferences regarding the rock anchor testing?

My curiosity is active..  what is the deal about preparing for the rock anchor testing that would not allow swimming for the regular schedule?

P

Peter Steinhardt
Steinhardt & co
4518 Apache Pass
Austin, Texas 78745

From: Nelson, Tom [tom dot nelson at ci dot austin dot tx dot us]
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 10:56 AM
To: Peter Steinhardt
Cc: McNeeley, Kimberly
Subject: RE: safety signs

It is also to facilitate the rock anchor testing as well.

Division Manager, Aquatics & South District
City of Austin, Parks and Recreation
(512) 974-9337
tom dot nelson at ci dot austin dot tx dot us

From: Peter Steinhardt [peter at steinhardt dot us]
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 10:55 AM
To: Nelson, Tom
Subject: RE: safety signs

Tom,

Thanks for the info..  but why close the use of the pool an hour early…  it would make no difference to the press conference but a big difference to the public who use it everyday..  especially on Thursdays??

p

Peter Steinhardt
Steinhardt & co
4518 Apache Pass
Austin, Texas 78745

From: Nelson, Tom [tom dot nelson at ci dot austin dot tx dot us]

Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 10:46 AM
To: Peter Steinhardt
Cc: McNeeley, Kimberly
Subject: RE: safety signs

Peter

Thank you for your email.  We are closing the pool an hour early to facilitate both the council clean and to allow for setting up equipment for the rock anchor testing that will also occur on Thursday.  We are excited to be able to continue the testing on the bypass in order to develop the most appropriate repair.  During the event, Senator Kirk Watson will be presenting a check to the Friends of Barton Springs that will be utilized for the repair of the inlet grate on the bypass.  These funds will be held by Austin Parks Foundation. 

Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Thanks

Division Manager, Aquatics & South District
City of Austin, Parks and Recreation
(512) 974-9337
tom dot nelson at ci dot austin dot tx dot us

From: Peter Steinhardt [peter at steinhardt dot us]
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 9:53 AM
To: McNeeley, Kimberly
Cc: Hensley, Sara
Subject: safety signs

Kimberly,

Good morning..

As I was entering the pool today I saw a group of school children (Hates School District) who had come to swim with their coach.  Just as I entered I saw 3 kids and the coach standing on the “RED Painted Stripe” ( the one we talked about not having any lettering), they were moving over from where the “no diving” sign was to the red bar to jump into the pool.  I called to them to stop, just as another regular swimmer rushed up to them to stop them and to point out the submerged pipe.  We stopped them and they were glad we did.  It was obvious at that time that they had read the no diving but did not understand the “red bar” as meaning even more dangerous.

And a question…  why are we closing the pool an hour early on Thursday when it is already a short day and the pool is so busy in the morning?  It seems to me the press conference could wait an hour until the normal use of the pool is complete.  Many of the swimmers were taking notice of the announcement today and expressed irritation with the situation.  Why not just move the press conference to the 9:am pool closing time?



And another…  Are you aware that Senator Watson is giving the FBSP/City money for the “bypass”?  Where is this money from?  Will the money go to PARD or Watershed?

Thanks for your attention

Peter

Peter Steinhardt
Steinhardt & co
4518 Apache Pass
Austin, Texas 78745