CC - Item 4B - Emergency Summer Closure of Garvey Pool0
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ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OLIVER CHI, CITY MANAGER
DATE: APRIL 22, 2008
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY SUMMER CLOSURE OF GARVEY POOL
SUMMARY
Garvey Pool is one of two pools used to serve the residents of. Rosemead. The pool
dates back to 1950 and has in recent years required numerous repairs to interior and
exterior facilities and to mechanical systems just to keep it operational. Most of these
have been "band-aid" approaches which have not adequately addressed the
fundamental problem of the pool's age and failing systems.
For fiscal year 2007-08, City Council approved $84,000 for improvements at the facility
including the gutters and deck. When contractors recently assessed the condition of the
pool deck, they discovered that the deck, its substructure, and the gutters need to be
replaced. The deck is lifting and cracking over much of its surface. Five of the gutters
are completely clogged and several others are operating at 30% capacity. This has left
the pool's filtration system largely ineffective. Both of these are serious potential
hazards for pool users and put the City at significant risk of liability.
In light of these discoveries, it appears that the pool will likely remain closed during the
summer months. Thus, it is imperative to address both the issue of the pool's condition
and the swim needs of residents around Garvey Pool.
In an effort to proactively meet the recreation needs of residents, staff proposes
operating a shuttle to take patrons to Rosemead Pool to participate in swim activities;
and, to assign additional staff to Garvey Park this summer to expand normal park
programming with water play activities.
To address the problems at the pool, the following options are proposed:
1. Bid the deck project and make repairs as soon as possible.
2. Permanently close Garvey Pool and consolidate all aquatics activities to
Rosemead Pool.
APPROVED FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: O • ITEM NUMBER:
• •
City Council Meeting
April 22, 2008
Pace 2 of 2
3. Hire an architect to create a Master Plan for Garvey Park to include the Pool,
Gymnasium, Clubhouse, and other park facilities/amenities, and proceed with
renovations as funds are made available.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that City Council approve the following:
• proposed shuttle to transport patrons from Garvey Pool to Rosemead pool, and
• provide additional staff to Garvey Park during the summer months, and
• provide staff with additional direction regarding next steps at Garvey Pool.
ANALYSIS ,
Garvey Pool consistently draws more patrons each summer than does Rosemead Pool.
It regularly meets capacity in swim classes and Recreation Swim. Thus, there is a clear
demand for the pool and the programs we provide there each summer. The City
expends $110,000 to staff the pool each summer. A portion of these funds could be
used to cover the cost of shuttle operations and additional staff at the park for the
eleven weeks of summer.
Given its age and disrepair, Garvey Pool is in need of a complete renovation. It does not
meet ADA requirements, is not built to current code, and operates with great
inefficiency. To continue to make repairs on an "as needed" basis only temporarily
delays the inevitable, wastes funds, and ignores the potential for increased patron risks
and higher costs associated with inflation. A simple deck replacement will likely uncover
other areas requiring repair.
City Council has already approved $550,000 for Garvey Gym improvements. The
needed deck repairs are estimated at $250,000 (barring the discovery of other
problems). Hiring an architect to draft a park Master Plan would provide Council with
estimated costs for renovations, encourages a more efficient use of space and
consistent architectural style for park amenities, and ensures that Garvey Park facilities
are ADA compliant, meet current building codes, and are energy efficient.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
IERY-SCOTT
on Director