APPROVED: 06/07/2022
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
May 3, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rodriguez called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Members present: Councilmembers/Directors: Martin, Mora, Sarno, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Zamora and Mayor/Chair Rodriguez.
Members absent: None
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following people spoke during Public Comments: Gabriela Martinez (via email), Laura Covington (via zoom), Mayra Vargas, Carrie Ann Cobos, Bill Rounds, Irma Huitron (via zoom), Diana Armendariz, Peggy Radoumis and Jaqueline Aguayo.
Council provided a brief comment on the concerns brought forward by the speakers and clarified that today's study session was scheduled to gather ideas on what improvements to make on the aquatic center.
CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
4. Aquatic Center Status Update (Public Works)
Recommendation:
• Provide staff direction on how to proceed with repair, renovation, replacement or closure of the Aquatic Center facilities.
Director of Public Works, Noe Negrete spoke in regards to the current condition of the pools and equipment of the aquatic center. He emphasized the necessity of making improvements.
Parks and Recreation Manager, Gus Hernandez spoke about the benefits of the aquatic programs and how it improves one's health. He also provided a list of programs the City provides under the aquatic center.
Mr. Negrete continued the presentation. He provided comparisons to neighboring cities that have closed pools due to having similar issues as our city. He spoke about Pico Rivera, Bell Gardens and Lynwood. He also provided 4 options of the alternatives that Council has to address the repairs. In addition, Mr. Negrete listed the approved CIP budget for fiscal years 2022-25. Comparisons were provided, using Whittier Aquatics at Pioneer High School as an example. He emphasized how their cost for their pool and Minutes of the May 3, 2022 City Council Meeting
structure was $30 million dollars. He stated they plan to also obtain feedback from the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee and the Youth Leadership Advisory Committee.
He also noted that he is open for receiving recommendations on alternative community engagement ideas. There will be an RFP that will be out within the next few months to hire someone to create the designs. The whole project will take approximately four years.
Different designs will need to be selected, the amount will need to be taken to account and the construction will need to be taken into account as well. The total center for new aquatic center can add up to $15.8 million dollars.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora suggested having a survey that the residents can provide their feedback. He also suggested to having the survey option via the GoSFSApp.
Mr. Negrete stated that he will have staff look into it.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora also requested having this survey on social media. He would like this survey to be sent directly to the City rather than having them post via comments. He also suggested reaching out at the nearby schools within the City that can provide their input.
Council Member Martin suggested asking the lifeguards for their opinion.
Mayor Rodriguez inquired whether the City can use Santa Fe Springs High School Pool during the renovations.
Council Member Sarno stated that Santa Fe Springs High School is also in the process renovating their pool.
Mr. Hernandez confirmed that information that the High School will also be renovating their pool in the near future.
Council Member Sarno noted that he is happy to see a full audience as he hopes that everyone can assist the Council by sharing today's information on the cost to renovate the aquatic center.
Council Member Mora noted that there were different phases on the design and inquired whether staff had a recommendation on a specific phase.
Mr. Negrete stated that the phase/design will take a while as they will need to hire someone to conduct survey and create the design.
Council Member Mora stated that Metro had meetings in different areas and perhaps the City can have similar meetings such as them to allow more resident input. He stated that the process may speed up the process, including adding meetings at schools.
Council Member Martin stated that as long as the City continues to keep the residents informed of the progress of the aquatic center project, the time will go by quickly.
Mayor Rodriguez stated that while the City is obtaining feedback from residents, the staff should also begin gathering the potential numbers/cost for the project. She stated that
Minutes of the May 3, 2022 City Council Meeting
there are currently four options and already eliminating one option which is demolishing the pool.
Mr. Negrete stated what size does the Council want the pools.
Council Member Sarno stated that at least to keep the large pool, adding the snack bar can be done for now. He noted that the outside structure can be kept the same to be ahead of the construction part. As long as everyone agrees with keeping the large pool and adding a splash pad.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora suggested scheduling the community meetings as soon as possible to speed up the process.
Mr. Negrete stated there is a pool as well and will need to know the options that Council want. He suggested to first schedule the community engagement meetings to provide the alternatives to Council and selected from those options. He also stated that by eliminating the small pool there might be eliminating several of programs. Therefore, options can be given on how it can impact a program or process.
Mayor Pro Tem Zamora requested to have a bilingual translator at all these community meetings.
Council Member Sarno and Mayor Pro Tem Zamora suggested to have the meetings take place during the summer.
Mr. Negrete stated that the first step is not giving the council a number, learning from the county's mistake to ensure the City doesn't commit to a number and try to cut items from the project to meet that number.
Mayor Rodriguez requested for staff to provide additional information to Council on what programs will be available to transport the seniors to other facilities.
Mr. Hernandez stated that the information will be provided to Council.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 6:26p.m
You fary.
Mayor
6/1/22
Date