The Vista City Council asked staff to develop a high-level work plan and outreach strategy for forming a Wave Water Park committee to address maintenance, operations, and long-term sustainability.

Assistant City Manager Imelda Huerta outlined background from prior council direction and Parks and Recreation Commission discussions, noting that creating a de facto enlarged commission would not comply with municipal code and that staff were considering alternatives including a technical advisory committee and outside aquatics experts ("Staff have access to subject matter experts who can be engaged as needed," SEG 573). Huerta said there is no fiscal impact to simply forming a committee and that staff would return with recommendations on composition and scope.

Deputy Mayor Melendez urged a task-force approach modeled on the Moonlight Amphitheater's partnership with a foundation, emphasizing fundraising and community volunteer involvement to preserve the Wave as a public resource. "We really need the community's help," Melendez said, adding that the committee should include coaches, stakeholders and people who could assist with fundraising and philanthropic outreach (SEG 586–616).

Councilmembers debated structure and authority. City Attorney Walter Chung advised caution about a city-created committee conducting private fundraising, suggesting an independent foundation could raise funds and donate to the city to avoid legal or ethical conflicts (SEG 729–741). Council discussed alternatives including technician advisory panels, council liaisons, periodic listening sessions, and outreach to operators of successful water parks.

Consensus and next steps: Council asked staff to draft a work plan (possible six-month timeframe) that outlines questions for the committee, potential subject-matter experts and stakeholders, and recruitment approaches; council directed staff to return for a future discussion on committee parameters and outreach results. That work plan will guide whether the committee is structured as a technical advisory group, a formal city committee, or a separate foundation relationship.