2002-08-12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Session 1849 August12,2002 Bob Winters, 7242 Colgate, said that he was President of the University City Swim Club. He doesn't understand how this new bill relates to the progress and proposed improvements to the Recreation Center Facility and the swimming pool. Mayor Adams said that this is a proposed funding method. Mr. Winters said that his concerns are that he feels that the reseamh process was not very complete and that he doesn't feel that the proposed improvements actually solve all of the mechanical and structural problems at the pool. More investigation and more thinking about what the best use is for these facilities must occur. He believes that Heman Park pool is a great treasure and asset for the City and he would not like to see its integrity compromised. Tim Michels, 7038 Cornell, said that he would like to speak about a potential to have an indoor tennis complex as part of the proposed improvements. He is very much in favor of this. His wife is also a user of the complex and would like to see additional classroom space added for yoga or other health classes. She is very opposed to having air conditioned pool lockers. Mayor Adams stated that he wasn't too keen on air-conditioned restrooms, either. Responding to Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Michels stated that his wife doesn't like to get out of the pool and get cold. He feels that is ill-advised because of the structure of building as it stands now. There are also energy issues and high bills involved, in addition to a high dehumidification load in that area. Hardy Ware, 1465 Forest Green Court, said that he has major concerns about this issue, because he feels that the citizens had not been apprized of the plans and processes involved with improving these two facilities. It has been over a year, since they had received any information on this project from the previous assistant city manager on this. Nothing else has been heard. He does not know what is really going on, what is going to be improved, how the money is to be allocated for very segments, whether it be a tennis court or whatever. He believes the citizens need more information particularly in his area. He suggests a special public hearing or have a representative go to various neighborhood meetings, like U. City East or a couple of churches. Ray Reckamp, 7100 Kingsbury, stated that he was very much in favor of improving the Recreation Center and the pool, but he echoes Mr. Ware's concerns. By November 5, it may be impossible to conduct any kind of information campaign to advise the citizens of what is planned. He is fearful that it will go down in defeat because of this lack of information. The strategy the City is taking is going to prevent us from needed improvements. The public must be informed to make the election a success. Mary Hart, 6901 Cornell, stated that she was not opposed to the tax increase, in fact she would pay more tax, if she could get what she wants in terms of an expanded recreation center that truly meets the desires and needs of our residents. She thinks