APPROVED: 02/07/2023
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
January 30, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Martin called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Councilmembers/Directors: Rodriguez, Rounds, Zamora, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Sarno and Mayor/Chair Martin.
Members absent: None.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
The following speakers spoke during public comment: Bruce Crow.
CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
Update on Aquatic Center Renovation Project
Recommendation:
• Provide staff feedback on the conceptual designs presented for the Aquatic Center renovation project.
Director of Public Works, Noe Negrete provided a brief presentation on Item No. 3. He introduced aquatic center designers John Dale, Ryan Murphy and Grace Milenkov. He stated that the Council will be presented with the different design options that will be demonstrated later today.
HED Principle-In-Charge, John Dale provided a Facility Program Overview. He reviewed the pool's replacement and associated amenities: lap pool, eight-lane pool, diving boards, splash pad, water play structure, spa, spectator seating, and concession stand. He provided a visual aerial of the existing site configuration.
Aquatics Consultant Project Manager, Ryan Murphy spoke about Option 1 and noted that this option provides a leisure pool which is not currently being offered. He noted that there will still be a 25 lap pool with eight lanes which is mainly used for competitive sports.
Mr. Dale spoke about Option 2. He described the extension of the seating area to extend to the right side towards the parking area, allowing the parents to have a sitting area to watch their children while they are in the pools. He also addressed the plans for the cabana area.
Mr. Murphy continued the presentation on Option 2. He addressed the seating area by the pool area. This one demonstrated a pool of a ten lane, which is a similar to the current layout.
Minutes of the January 30, 2023 City Council Meeting
Mr. Dale spoke about Option 3. He noted that this configuration has many features as the previous one, the same lab pool exists, however, the large difference is where the splash pad was configured is now a third pool for the children. The picnic area would now be moved towards the north. The area would be a paved area, which would be part of where the parents can wait.
He also spoke about the instructional pool, the Jacuzzi, and parking lot size.
Mr. Murphy spoke about another version of the leisure pool. He noted there is a larger wading area with vertical features, friendly for younger children which includes basketball or volleyball and other sports for teens. This is more of a focus feature that does not have two lanes. In general it would be a more shallow pool which would be more family friendly Councilmember Rodriguez inquired whether Option 1 and 2 would have the pools heated.
Mr. Murphy responded and stated they would be heated.
HED Project Manager, Grace Milenkov spoke about the pool building renovation purposes. She noted that there will be adding two family dressing rooms to provide direct access to the pool deck. She also said that there would be an enlarged lobby, storage space, and a centralized lifeguard. She provided a visual of the exiting plans and the proposed pool building floor plans that demonstrated the additional areas proposed to be added such as the dressing rooms. She also spoke about the preliminary cost studies; Uption 1 would be $14,024,950; Uption 2 $19,011,034 and Option 3 $21,451,856. She also provided a visual of the breakdown cost for each option and what each section included. The breakdown included costs such as: site preparation, demolition, pool, amenities, direct cost and construction cost.
Mr. Dale added that there are some constituencies with the prices being proposed.
Mayor Pro Tem Sarno inquired the cost/work of the tile, ceiling and other construction designs.
Mr. Dale provided clarification that everything is being replaced and some configurations will vary based on structure and material.
Mayor Pro Tem Sarno inquired whether options can be mixed.
Mr. Dale responded and stated that the options can be mixed.
Ms. Milenkov continued her presentation and demonstrated a visual breakdown of the cost for the other two options.
Mayor Pro Tem Sarno spoke about one option.
Councilmember Zamora spoke about the splash pad.
Mayor Martin expressed she has concerns of the unknown because there is a price that might change when the construction begins. She asked what the worst they've seen is. Mayor Martin inquired whether this is worst case scenario pricing.
Mr. Murphy stated that this is based on geotech; therefore, yes this would be based on the worst geotech cost.
Minutes of the January 30, 2023 City Council Meeting
Mr. Dale stated that the cost is based on contingency.
Mayor Pro Tem Sarno stated that the City should have a close idea of the cost if the soil quality is known.
Director Negrete spoke on how the project began. He recognized the staff that has been involved which included a mixture of Community Services and Public Works staff. He noted that based on ideas brought forward by all staff there were 3 options that were put together. He noted there could have been more options however what he is seeking is direction, along with deal breakers.
He noted that there is discussion on the new addition of the splash pad and other changes. He added that the costs are over the cost that was initially discussed; he stated over $10 million dollars. However, these numbers were brought forward because of the contingency in case things cost more and also whether there are some construction changes. Therefore, the cost is based on contingencies which is why the numbers were not quoted at a low cost in case there are last minute changes or the cost of material rises. He also announced that on February 15th there would be a community engagement meeting that will allow staff to obtain the communities comments on the three options. Therefore, if the options are not selected today, the Council will have time to consider all three options.
Councilmember Rodriguez inquired what the liability of the splash pad was. She also stated that Option 1 and Option 2 are good, however, the City needs to be realistic of how much money is going to be brought to the City from the legislatures. She also added that that the liability of the splash pad is a concern from the residents.
Staff and designers confirmed there is no additional lability.
Mayor Pro Tem Sarno noted that the splash pad does not put the City in risk of liability, especially comparing to wading pools. He also stated that Council needs to think of what is expected from the pools. He noted that this is more of a designation to get away from the meetings. Discussing getting away from just summer programs and aiming for family attractions. He also spoke about having food available and other amenities that will attract families. He asked again if this is the type of pool the City wants to have or a designation to the community.
Councilmember Rounds spoke about the ten-lane lap pool. He inquired whether the City could use the ten-lane lap pool or if it can be replaced with a better use by reducing the size of the lap pool. He compared City of La Mirada and other surrounding cities pools and whether the City needs it.
Mayor Martin asked staff that is familiar with the aquatic center programs whether they can share their thoughts of the proposed designs based on the aquatic center program needs.
Staff noted that the pool area was something that was needed. They also stated that sometimes the City benefits from having a ten-lap pool for the purpose of having it rented for competitions.
Mayor Martin inquired whether the lap pool can be reduced to eight lanes instead of ten.
Staff stated yes, they can work with an eight-lane pool.
Mayor Martin inquired what aquatic programs was missing.
Minutes of the January 30, 2023 City Council Meeting
Staff stated that lap swimming was limited on days/times and years ago when it was open more days and times.
Councilmember Zamora noted that he is interested in Option 2, and include the splash pad, opening the picnic area.
Mayor Martin and Councilmember Rodriguez agreed with Option 2.
Director Negrete stated that it would be good to take time to think of all three options. He noted the City should not compete with Splash in La Mirada and Whittier. He would like the City to stand out by having its own signature.
Mayor Pro Tem Sarno inquired whether staff is asking for a community pool.
Director Negrete, noted that there other similar options, but yes closer to a community pool.
He noted the pool would be designed to attract families.
Councilmember Zamora stated that staff should also look at pools that have the ability to have competitions.
Mayor Pro Tem Sarno expressed his concern of having Los Angeles County take over the pool and having outside people reserve the pool first before the community has a chance to use it.
He wants to make sure this is more family oriented for the community.
Councilmember Zamora expressed that everyone is going to want to have a family oriented pool.
Mayor Pro Tem Sarno directed staff to provide information from three years before the beginning of the pandemic (2020) such as the number of people that visited the pool, teams that visited the pool, the amount of foot traffic during the summer.
Councilmember Rodriguez noted that residents are looking for programs such as "Mommy and Me" and other swimming classes that would be family oriented.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Martin adjourned the meeting at 6:58 p.m
ATTEST:
211/23
Janet Martinez Date
City Clerk