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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/29/2005 Adjourned Meeting 94. CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 29, 2005 - 7:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. YAKIMA CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. RoII CaII Present: Council: Mayor Paul George, presiding, Council Members Dave Edler, Neil McClure, Mary Place, Bernard Sims, and Susan Whitman Absent: Council Member Ron Bonlender (excused) Staff: Dick Zais, City Manager; Chris Waarvick, Director of Public Works; Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager; Debbie Wadleigh, Aquatics Program Supervisor; Lynn Quesenbury, Parks and Recreation Administration Associate; and City Clerk Roberts 2. Study Session regarding Report from Parks and Recreation re Critical Needs of the City Swimming Pools and Recommendations from Budget Strategy Team and Parks and Recreation Commission • Report on Critical Needs of City's Swimming Pools Denise Nichols reported that in late 2004 staff did a critical needs assessment of the five swimming pools that range in age between 37 to nearly 50 years. Even though the pools have been renovated, they are still old and antiquated. She reviewed the highlights in the report: > The pools have exceeded their Iifespan. Approximately $500,000 in repairs are needed within the next 0 -3 years. ➢ Today, cities have found they cannot afford to operate neighborhood pools. > Operational costs are high. • Neighborhood demographics have shifted. ➢ Young children are not swimming as much as their parents did when they were young — attendance has remained flat or declined for many years. ➢ Cities are looking at aquatic Centers with interactive elements. > There is ho dedicated revenue source for capital improvements. Financing options were provided by the Finance Department: 1) non - voted General Obligation Bonds (capital); 2) voted General Obligation Bonds (capital); Increase in lieu tax on City -owned utilities (operating); 3) Property tax levy lid lift (operating); and 4) Private donations (capital or operating). > City subsidizes an average of $3.25 per swimmer. > The Budget Strategy Team studied the feasibility of continuing to operate five public pools. Their recommendation is to close Miller, Washington, and Eisenhower Pools. > The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend the permanent closure of Eisenhower and Miller Pools (mothball both). Use the savings g 5: MARCH 29, 2005 — ADJOURNED MEETING from not operating these two pools to install a small aquatic spray toy at Milroy Park, or at another park, to be operational by summer 2006. ➢ City staff recommends the closure of Miller and Eisenhower Pools in 2005; install an aquatic spray toy for youth ages 3 -12 at Milroy Park (or another one) by June 2006; work with the Council and community on the feasibility of a community aquatic center; mothball the two closed pools; and look for suitable recreational replacement. Ms. Nichols reported an unanticipated repair to the bottom of Franklin Pool will have to be done, to the tune of $60 -65. Also, the main stanchion for the water slide is becoming rusty and is estimated to cost $9,000 to repair. Mike Nixon, Parks and Recreation Commissioner, commented on his history of supporting swimming and pools. He described the Commission's recommendation to close one pool on the west and one pool on the east side of the City. They recognize the cost to operate these pools is having a negative impact on providing other recreational programs. He emphasized that the savings garnered from closing these pools should remain in the Parks budget and used for other recreational programs. The Commission has discussed the possibility of an aquatic center but has not visited any, other than members with children involved in swim meets. Council Member Place pointed out that forming a Metropolitan Park District was not listed as an option. Ms. Nichols stated it could be added. Mike Gulick, YMCA, commented on the past partnership between the "Y" and the City for the operation of Miller Pool. He said the "Y" could partner with the City on an aquatic center. Leni Skarin, Budget Strategy Team (BST) member, briefed Council on the BST's recommendation to close three pools and concentrate on maintaining the remaining two pools. The savings could be used to provide funds for other recreational purposes at a less individual cost [compared to the pool's $3.25]. City Manager Zais commented on the BST's recommendation to offer to donate Eisenhower Pool to the School District. He said the District did not display a high degree of interest in that proposal due to the operational and maintenance costs of the pool. - Council discussed how the children could get to the other pools if their neighborhood pool is closed; capacity of the remaining pools; pool schedules, including swim lessons; and timing to advertise changes. Jackie Meyer- Garza, Parks and Recreation Commission member, described their recommendation as a difficult decision; however, with limited resources it has come to a point where we need to close Miller and Eisenhower pools. Washington Pool has a lot of kids from that area and a lot of youth services at the park. If we find that Washington Pool isn't used, then we could consider closing it, too. We still need to make activities accessible for kids in these areas. 2 96i MARCH 29, 2005 — ADJOURNED MEETING Mayor George asked if the Commission considered reducing fees if two pools are closed. Ms. Garza did not recommend that. Ms. Nichols stated that staff could look at standardizing our fees between the three remaining pools, but we would have to look at what the revenue impact would be. Another financial burden would be the mothballing of the pools, which is not budgeted, nor is the amount known at this time. Eileen Birge, Budget Strategy Team member, stated that every member of the BST is committed to youth and recreational programs. They looked at the issues and talked to the Parks staff at length. However, they had to consider what is the best use of our recreational dollars. This is only a seven -week program with limited attendance, with overlapping service areas. • Future Action Mayor George closed the discussion, stating that Council would be presented with a proposition to close two or three pools on April 5 and be provided recommendations for alternative activities at the locations where the pools would be closed. 3. Audience Comments (8:45 a.m. — 9:00 a.m.) No one came forward. 4. Special Recognition /Proclamation • Glenn Rice, Assistant City Manager Mayor George read a proclamation of commendation and recognition for Glenn Rice's service with the City. He extended his best wishes on Mr. Rice's retirement. Mr. Rice accepted the proclamation, commenting about his employment and the community. 5. Adjournment McCLURE MOVED AND EDLER SECONDED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:11 A.M. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote; Bonlender absent. READ AND �� CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY � COUNCI MBER DATE COUN IL MEMBER 7 DATE • ATTEST: ' CITY CLERK PAUL P. GEORGE, MAYO Minutes prepared by Karen Roberts. An audio and video tape of this meeting are available in the City Clerk's Office 3