pages: CityCouncil/2022-02-15.pdf, 16
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CityCouncil | 2022-02-15 | 16 | place to step away from the commitment; expressed support for providing direction to work with AUSD to build and jointly operate the community-designed facility; stated the City can look at building a smaller pool if there is a need for additional swim space; the City can provide half of the funding to match AUSD's funds and build the original concept; another pool can be built at Alameda Point for $7.5 million to $12 million as an athletic and lap swim pool; Emma Hood's site is good since it has the needed infrastructure; Alameda Point development will grow over the next 20 to 30 years; large swim meets should occur in the downtown area in order to reduce driving, traffic and climate impacts; expressed concern about building on the periphery of Alameda causing people to drive to the location. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she learned to swim at Alameda pools; the City is celebrating the anniversary of Title 9 and Women in Sports Day; her days spent in the pool were formative; swimming is important to the community; AUSD has not yet taken action; expressed concern about two contingencies of AUSD needing to vote to place the bond measure on the ballot and voters passing the measure; stated that she would like to provide direction to staff to ensure the contingencies are taken into account; if the bond measure does not pass and the City is unable to get the funds needed to keep Emma Hood open, the City needs to find a way to move forward with a plan to ensure that students have access to a pool; Emma Hood needs substantial repairs; expressed support for having a City aquatics center and expanding the pool size to allow programs to grow; stated that she would like to hear recommendations for addressing the contingencies. In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry, the Recreation and Parks Director stated more thought needs to be put into the matter, including further discussion with AUSD; the City also needs to work with County Health for an extension at Emma Hood; AUSD staff has been meeting with County Health; City staff would like the opportunity to further participate in discussions; initial steps would be working with County Health on an extension. Vice Mayor Vella stated the City is unsure what the bond measure would actually fund or whether supplemental funding would be needed; inquired whether a partnership with the City would be needed for continuing operations of Emma Hood. The Recreation and Parks Director responded that she has not discussed the funding ongoing operations with AUSD; stated there is potential for a partnership and win-win situation if both the City and AUSD rebuild Emma Hood and build a new City aquatics center; there is cross-over between the two; the City could still provide space for community and Recreation and Parks Department programs; there is potential for a continued joint-use agreement for operations with the School District. Vice Mayor Vella stated the matter also relates to timing; the City looking at a new aquatics facility will take more time; inquired whether the City could find a way to keep Emma Hood open in the interim. The Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative; stated the City could develop a plan to do both and convince County Health to keep Emma Hood open while building the City aquatics center; Emma Hood can be re-built once the aquatic center is open; expressed concern over a scenario of only Encinal High School pool being open. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council February 15, 2022 14 | CityCouncil/2022-02-15.pdf |