MISSION VIEJO

The City Council will tackle the slippery issue of whether to terminate its contract with the Nadadores swim and dive team and seek a more equitable agreement at a special meeting set for Aug. 30.

Council members discussed the matter Monday night but opted to hold off on making a decision until several issues could be discussed further. The staff report says that the city pays more than $2 million for maintenance of the team’s two facilities. The council wants the Nadadores to pick up some of that tab. Another sticking point is whether an agreement can be reached in time for the Senior National Dive Championships, which the Nadadores planned to host at the Marguerite Aquatics Complex in August 2000.

Catherine Page, president of the Nadadores Foundation, said she was surprised city staff has recommended termination of the contract. Page, who said she is hopeful an agreement can be reached, said a contract was agreed upon months ago.

Councilman John Paul Ledesma said he was optimistic a contract agreement could be reached. Although termination of the contract is a possibility, Ledesma said there may be other options, such as seeing the existing contract--on which five years remain--through to its end.