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Ms. Dennis believed that was something else that should be emphasized to the <br />community. The program does not single out a particular sport or group and applies more <br />broadly. She understands staff concerns about giving money to one particular group. If it is <br />done for one group, it should he done for all. She felt using the scholarship program, which <br />applies to all activities and groups, was more fair. She agreed the water polo program was <br />worthwhile and would like to support it, but she felt using the scholarship program was better. <br /> <br /> Mr. Wolfe explained that staff does not like to come before Council with <br />recommendations different than the Commission. A lot of thought went into this position and he <br />felt there were better options for achieving the same goals. <br /> <br /> Ms. Ayala asked if the Commission's idea was to fund this program for equipment to get <br />it off the ground. She believed there were only fifteen participants at this point, and she felt it <br />was a hard decision for Council to justify why these fifteen kids deserve special treatment. <br /> <br /> Mr. Testa agreed the idea was to help get the program started with funds for equipment. <br />He believed this was in conformance with the Youth Master Plan and would be a reasonable <br />grant. <br /> <br /> Charles Marlin, 2548 Wilde Avenue, indicated his oldest child just started water polo and <br />the program has made a difference in his maturity. He extolled the character of Colin Wenstrand <br />and indicated he was an asset to this community. He indicated the grant would be used as seed <br />money for the program to obtain proper equipment so it can provide more alternative programs <br />for the youth of the community. <br /> <br /> Colin Wenstrand, 4106 Francisco Street, indicated he taught at Village High School and <br />will be at Amador Valley High School next year. He said Stoneridge Water Polo is an official <br />club of the United States Water Polo Corporation. The kids are registered with that corporation. <br />Articles of Incorporation have been submitted to the State of California and the organization now <br />has a tax identification number and a City business license. There are now thirty members from <br />11 to 16 and they come from three middle schools, two public high schools, as well as one <br />private school, so it represents a wide range of schools. They have had an Olympic athlete give <br />instructions to their group. He said an article was written about them in the "Pleasanton <br />Weekly" and they expect more attention to be given to them, which will increase the <br />participation. Currently the team is using City equipment. They have balls and two nets, which <br />are also used by the Masters group. <br /> <br /> Ms. Dennis asked what the potential size of the club would be. It has already doubled in <br />size from 15 to 30 members. <br /> <br /> Mr. Wenstrand said he had been contacted by many parents from San Ramon to Fremont <br />who are seeking alternative activities for their children. He believed the potential was great, <br />especially with Amador and Foothill High Schools soon to start their own water polo programs. <br />He referred to the Pleasanton Seahawks, which is a very large organization, and felt they could <br />grow to that size. <br /> <br />Pleasanton City Council 6 07/09/02 <br />Special Meeting Minutes <br /> <br /> <br />