pages: CityCouncil/2022-02-15.pdf, 18
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CityCouncil | 2022-02-15 | 18 | The Recreation and Parks Director stated if the City build the aquatic center at the Emma Hood site, the capacity would be increased to an extent; however, the capacity would not increase as much as if Emma Hood were rebuilt and another aquatic center was built. Councilmember Herrera Spencer discussed previous problems with Emma Hood pool during her time on the School Board; stated the issue has been present for a long time; the County has stated Emma Hood would be shut down for multiple reasons over the years; Alameda does not have sufficient pool capacity for all users; the current amount of pool users is significantly higher than it was previously; inquired whether the property under Emma Hood belongs to AUSD. The Recreation and Parks Director responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated a City pool should be placed on City property; Emma Hood is AUSD's pool; the City helps provide funding for use based on the City's access and use; use has been limited due to the location being at a school. The Recreation and Parks Director stated the City has to be careful in allowing non-students on campus during the day; Emma Hood is allowed to run daytime programs due to the separation from the school; Encinal High School pool is working on potential solutions; however, daytime, non-school programs are not available on-campus. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the City needs its own pool on City land; the pool needs to meet the needs of the City; AUSD can retain their pools; however, it is important to separate AUSD property and funding; AUSD should lead the future of Emma Hood pool and the City should lead a City pool site; the City would end up with more surface area, which is critical; many swimmers travel and compete all over the area; inquired the cost difference of building the natatorium versus an outdoor pool. The Recreation and Parks Director responded the difference is significant; stated the base price is about $7 million to $8 million, plus an additional $14 million; the project is increased from about $20 million to $34 million. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the City should be looking at as much surface area as fiscally possible for the community; it is more important to have swim capacity; other pools in the City are not covered; uncovered pools have been a lifesaver during COVID-19; she would like to pursue an uncovered City pool; expressed support for looking at public amenities for a pool at Alameda Point; stated the pool can be considered a public amenity, which can receive some funding; the City could potentially use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the project; it is important to continue to keep Emma Hood pool open and operating; the City should figure out how to fiscally cover all options, including keeping Emma Hood open as AUSD's pool; the City can contribute to Emma Hood. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council needs to provide direction to staff; expressed support for clarifying how the budget process ties into the matter; stated not all of Council is of a like-mind; she is hearing interest for finding a way for the City to help with the renovation of Emma Hood as well as look at building a new City aquatic center; the aquatic center presented looks great; she would like to have staff come back to Council with various ways of funding the options presented. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council February 15, 2022 16 | CityCouncil/2022-02-15.pdf |