Council approves one-year contract with Swan Swimming LLC for interim aquatic center operations

The Gilroy City Council voted 6–0 to award an interim aquatic center operator contract to Swan Swimming LLC for an amount not to exceed $266,662 and authorized the city administrator to complete negotiations and execute the agreement.

Staff said the one-year contract (with a one-year option) would maintain operations at the Christmas Hill High School Aquatic Center while the city’s recreation assessment is completed. Staff reported three proposals; Swan Swimming received the highest evaluation score. The projected contract cost was within the recreation fund budget and did not require a budget amendment.

Council members discussed differences among bidders, noting that Team Schaeffer proposed a lower price and more scholarships but had framed its proposal differently. The city attorney cautioned that materially changing bid terms or reopening the process could pose fairness or legal risk; staff said reopening could be done but would extend the timeline.

A public commenter urged the council to approve Swan Swimming to avoid delay and support youth programs. Councilmember Marx moved the award and Councilmember Klein seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call.

Staff will negotiate final contract terms, including reporting requirements and potential profit-share or scholarship provisions, as permitted by procurement rules.