WATER MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

The Board is debating on whether to continue with Berry Pools maintaining control of our pool and spas water chemistry. It’s who you talk to as to whether it has been worth the expense. Although the water has not turned cloudy and green as many times as before, there have been some new problems with body hair loss and garment color change.

Our last Board thought this service might serve better and lessen the many complaints. Management seemed unable to master the pool operation, especially in the water chemistry area. This was taken out of their hands with using this system that monitors and adjusts automatically.

When this service was originally presented I got the impression that if the water system had any problem; Berry Pools would see to it immediately. They instead appear to rely on our Village to identify chemical or mechanical problems and wait to be contacted.

Management initially said that this system would save our Village 30% towards the chemical costs. That has never been shown to have happened.

At first I thought this was a good idea since having unknowable pool operators being trained by management with questionable experience. Now after seeing we have some of the same problems with a few new ones, I have grown somewhat reluctant.

What we will receive for $17,940 a year.
1. Our Village gets to use 4 controllers, 2 power base chlorinators, and 3 suction feeders that will regulate the chemicals in the water for both pools and each spa. This equipment will be owned and maintained solely by Berry Pools.
2. This system should have a “call out alarm conditions” to 4 pager numbers or e-mail addresses. If it does Berry Pool’s contract says it still depends upon on verbal notification from the customer of mechanical or chemical problems.
3. The monthly fee apparently does not include chemicals used and the Village will have to pay market price for them. That seems to mean our Village pays full retail price and not wholesale.
4. Berry Pools makes the decision on how frequently they need to visit our Village for the proper operation of their equipment. They are supposed to keep the chemical feeders filled.
5. The BP contract makes our Village agree to let them add 18% finance charge if Aramark pays our bill late.
6. Berry Pools will receive chemical data at two hours intervals for 30 days so LIV may have a copy at month’s end.
That’s pretty much it.

Overall we get the use of their equipment to keep the chemicals in our water stabilized and recorded. If called, they will fix or adjust any problem with said equipment at no charge, unless it was cause from property negligence, vandalism, pool draining, faulty electric, inadequate circulations, or an Act of God. This does not include such things as our pumps, heaters, filters, and everything else. This for only $17,940 a year plus market price for their chemicals.

What’s interesting is this $17,940 Berry Pools receives as a service charge, is more than what Aramark has paid any previous pool operator to maintain the entire operation of the facilities. Add in the current pool operator's wages and you are well over $30,000 a year.

Aramark’s contract says they are to provide us with personnel and management to
1. Check and maintain pool water quality-pH and chlorine.
2. Check water temperature of spas and indoor and adjust as needed keep Berry Pools and
3. Check and adjust the pool equipment.

If the Board decides to spend this extra $17,940 a year to do management’s job for them, shouldn’t our Village get reimbursed? If our Board elects to do away with Berry Pools, shouldn't we demand that management and their staff perform to their contractual duties?

This was approved to apparently help a bad situation and get this pool monkey off the backs of management and the old Board at the cost of the owners. It would be interesting to compare last year’s chemical cost to that of three years ago.
Should we keep them?