pages: CityCouncil/2022-02-15.pdf, 22
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CityCouncil | 2022-02-15 | 22 | for AUSD leading for Emma Hood and the City leading for a City aquatic center; stated the City cannot afford to maintain two pools long-term. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is excited to see information returns. Councilmember Knox White expressed support for a lane and use analysis being provided when the matter comes back; stated there is confusion about the original scheme not increasing the number of lanes and water space versus rebuilding Emma Hood; expressed concern about the community paying two separate entities to build two separate pools, or the City building its own City pool leaving Emma Hood to crash and burn or the City not building a City pool and not having the needed capacity; stated the calculus information should be included to ensure that there is no City versus AUSD scenario which hurts the City. (22-119) Recommendation to Provide Direction on the Operation and Management of the Franklin Park and Lincoln Park Pools. Councilmember Knox White announced that he would recuse himself and left the meeting. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft called a recess at 11:02 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 11:18 p.m. The Recreation and Parks Director gave a brief presentation. Stated that she and her children have been swimming in Alameda as a key holder; she appreciates her children being able to swim every weekend; she has become a better swimmer during the pandemic; expressed support for more equity around the kindergarten times: Jacky Hayward, Alameda Swimming Pool Association (ASPA). Urged Council pause negotiations with ASPA in order to solicit public input; stated residents have a vested interest in the outcome of negotiations based on the potential closure of Emma Hood; accessing public pools is a matter of equity; discussed membership requirements for private pools; stated it is immoral to hoard limited pool space when the demand has increased; discussed the history of private pools and the link to racism: Neveen Acero, Alameda. Discussed accessibility of the pools; stated the annual membership fee is cheaper than most gyms; membership discount programs exist; ASPA is a volunteer organization that has worked successfully for years; the current effort is a solution in search of a problem; the City can subsidize memberships: Brendan Macaulay, ASPA. Discussed her experience with ASPA being positive; stated that she has been a key holder, has passed the lifeguard test and is disabled; the ability to swim is essential to well-being; the concerns related to lifeguarding are valid; working solutions can happen; urged Council negotiate the lease with ASPA: Julie Lyons, ASPA. Urged Council to think big and do the right thing; stated ASPA has done an exemplary job of running the pools; anyone can join by completing an application form; expressed concern about reasons being created to cause difficulty for ASPA to operate; stated there is desire to keep Franklin and Lincoln Park pools open; urged Council be part of the solution sought: John Zenner, Alameda ASPA. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council February 15, 2022 20 | CityCouncil/2022-02-15.pdf |