Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Extend the Current Joint Use Operating Agreement with Alameda Unified School District for the Operation of the District Swimming Pools to a Date to be Determined by City Council. (Recreation and Parks)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: John A. Russo, City Manager
Re: Consider extension of the Joint Use Operating Agreement with AUSD for the District swimming pools to a date to be determined by the City Council
BACKGROUND
The City and the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) jointly operate the Emma Hood and Encinal Swim Centers. A joint use agreement currently stipulates a cost sharing for the pools' operation and maintenance with each agency assuming 50% of the costs. Per the agreement, the City is not responsible for any capital improvement or major repair costs. However, as a good partner effort, the City has paid half of most major repairs in the past. The existing agreement was extended for one month, during negotiations of a proposed agreement for Encinal Swim Center renovation. This extension expires October 21, 2013.
Both swim facilities are aging and deteriorated with significant deferred maintenance concerns. Following direction from a joint subcommittee of the City Council and School Board, staff of both agencies focused discussions on options for renovating the Encinal Swim Center. The AUSD consultant, Aquatic Design, developed a renovation cost estimate that was approved by the joint subcommittee and totals $1.9 Million.
DISCUSSION
The AUSD Board of Directors and the City Council continue to negotiate the general framework of an agreement for renovation of the Encinal Swim Center. There are still numerous details to finalize prior to executing a final agreement. Staff is seeking approval on extension of the joint use agreement and City Council direction on the length of time for the extended agreement. This extension will provide additional time for the negotiations. It will also allow pool operations to continue for the school teams, community aquatic teams, and City programs.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The estimated cost to operate the two swim centers for one year is $308,000; the City's share of this amount is $154,000. Funds for this purpose are included in the Alameda Recreation and Park Department's Swim Centers program proposed budget. This is in the General Fund for FY 13 - 14 in Fund 001 Program 51230.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action does not affect the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Section 15301 of CEQA Guidelines (Operation of Existing Facilities).
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to extend the current Joint Use Operating Agreement with AUSD for the operation of the District swimming pools to a date to be determined by City Council.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Fred Marsh, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Joint Use/Operating Agreement for District Swimming Pools between the Alameda Unified School District and the City of Alameda