pages: CityCouncil/2022-02-15.pdf, 17
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CityCouncil | 2022-02-15 | 17 | Vice Mayor Vella stated the community will benefit from having a larger aquatic facility; other communities have large facilities and have found ways to utilize them for meets and other needs. The Recreation and Parks Director stated nearby cities of equal size have both school and city aquatic centers, which are both are easily programmed; many nearby cities have two city pools; it has been proven that the facilities are needed by the community. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed concern over an extension with County Public Health; stated the extension buys time; inquired the cost of the time bought related to health and safety impacts and the status of the extension. The Recreation and Parks Director responded the District indicated the original deadline of May 2022 continues to be in place despite the pandemic; there are issues with the pool; she is confident that the pool can hobble along for a couple of years with the correct maintenance. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the maintenance standards are from the City's side. The Recreation and Parks Director responded in the negative; stated the District is responsible for maintenance under the current joint use agreement. Councilmember Daysog stated AUSD's pool concept costs roughly $15 million; AUSD is looking at seeking $7.5 million through a bond measure vote, with the possibility of the City matching the funds; inquired whether the $15 million AUSD pool would fulfil the demand; stated the agreement between the City and AUSD potentially effects the City achieving its needs; requested clarification about the City's programs not being significantly lowered and whether the City may not be able to achieve the growth in demand. The Recreation and Parks Department responded both; stated the $15 million is AUSD's high estimate to rebuild the existing pool with the same number of lanes; the rebuild will not expand pool space; the existing amount of pool space is not enough for the current demand; local swim teams are having to turn people away; the Recreation and Parks Department programs are rescheduled or cancelled due to lack of space; athletic teams have grown, which is fantastic; however, there is not enough space to accommodate the growth of teams and community programs; the addition of a City aquatics center would both provide the space needed for the current demand and allow for anticipated growth. In response to Councilmember Daysog's inquiry, the Recreation and Parks Director stated the cost without the natatorium is a rough estimate; staff can try to lower costs. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the $20 million would cover the renderings for design on Emma Hood without the natatorium. The Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative; stated the cost will be similar for a different location. Councilmember Daysog stated $15 million will bring Emma Hood up to code; however, the cost will not necessarily address the larger issue of the increase in overall demand and the need for the City to provide services; the City can build a $20 million aquatic center, which could address both Emma Hood being brought to code as well as providing the need for more space. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council February 15, 2022 15 | CityCouncil/2022-02-15.pdf |