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suggested extending the operating times for the Gifford Aquatic Center to have the closings from <br />November 16th through March 31St, as opposed to the proposed closings of September 16th <br />through April 1St <br />Chairman Davis pointed out that by adding that length of time, some of the staff would <br />be getting into a full-time benefitted position versus a part-time position. <br />Staff advised that under the Florida State Retirement system, retirement benefits must be <br />paid for every part-time employee working one day over six months, unless they are temporary; <br />therefore, they were proposing the pool season to be 5 %2 months. <br />A brief discussion ensued regarding the rationale behind the pool scheduling. <br />Gussy Lee McGriff, lifelong Gifford resident, expressed her satisfaction with the pool <br />and pool staff, and asked the Commission to treat all County citizens fairly and equally, through <br />all transactions, including the pools. <br />Freddie Woolfork, 4590 57th Avenue, reminded the Commission that the original intent <br />for the Gifford Aquatic Center was to drown -proof the County's children. He presented an <br />overview from John Thornton, the Chairman of the Gifford Pool Committee, containing the <br />following recommendations: (1) Schedule the cold weather closure from November through <br />March 31St, and keep the pool open from April 1St through October 31 st; (2) Use both the <br />positions of Certified Pool Operators and lifeguards as splits between the two pools; and (3) <br />Have staff work with the Gifford Pool Committee to establish the most beneficial days and hours <br />of operation. Mr. Woolfork also read some questions from the Gifford Pool Committee which <br />he provided to Director Brown for review. <br />July 23, 2009 6 <br />