pages: CityCouncil/2022-02-15.pdf, 26
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CityCouncil | 2022-02-15 | 26 | The City Attorney responded staff can look into the requirements and provide response in writing; stated staff's position has been explained by the Recreation and Parks Director. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated parents have to be present with children for kindergarten swim; the hours are not always accessible for working parents; expressed support for staff returning with different options; stated the City has many good resources and should get more people involved. Councilmember Daysog stated that he learned to swim at the Encinal High School pool; swimming pools are a vital part of the social fabric; ASPA has been around for decades and has provided good work; discussed the desire for community pools starting in the 1930s and 1940s; stated the ASPA pool project was in the late 1940s to early 1950s; discussed racist histories related to pools; stated pools have provided an incredible service; good service should be rewarded; encouraged staff to work with ASPA to understand constraints; stated ASPA has operated for many years and understands what works best; expressed support for modifying areas which need collaboration, including the swimming times and parents being present; stated the City should work with ASPA within the current system to ensure vital services are provided; the City can show flexibility in the lifeguard matter and meet ASPA halfway; the fee system in place for ASPA should be discussed; expressed concern over stopping negotiations; stated the partnership should continue. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed concern about the City showing flexibility on the lifeguard matter; stated staff should return with more specifics on the topic. Vice Mayor Vella stated the City must do its utmost to ensure that the minimum requirements are upheld and that a safe environment exists; she would like staff to return with the proposals presented in the staff report; expressed support for opening the matter up to include expanding the days and hours of access; stated pool information needs to be presented better and be more accessible on the ASPA website; expressed support for weekend hours being open to the public; noted only members are able access the pools on the weekend; stated that she likes the idea of an electronic system and the proposal of City approval of policies and procedures; expressed support for public access on weekends, including drop-in options for all lessons; stated the City does not offer enough swim lessons and many lessons fill up quickly; she would like the ASPA lessons and free swim expanded; she supports an online advance reservation system; the system would allow the City to track and better understand the demand and interest; expressed support for highlighting the ASPA pools information on the City website; stated that she would like to see better signage. Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed support for ASPA volunteer options being presented. Councilmember Daysog stated that he would like to ensure staff maintains the intention of keeping ASPA as the provider for the pools; the City should allow flexibility on ASPA matters; good work should be rewarded; ASPA has provided fabulous work for the community; the City should work with ASPA and allow ASPA leadership to continue; Alameda is special in having a volunteer organization; it is possible that the City needs to work on improving its swim programs costs; the City should look at the matter holistically and find improvements for both. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the Recreation and Parks Director provided extensive work related to fee increases; inquired whether additional direction is sought from staff. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council February 15, 2022 24 | CityCouncil/2022-02-15.pdf |