2003-08-23 Study - Laserfiche WebLink

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Session 1895 August 23, 2003 a community center study, to announce to citizens in June of 2004 instead of April 2004. It would demonstrate to them how a master plan can fulfill their needs over a three-seven-ten year basis. Mr. Ollendorff asserted that he represented accurately what Proposition K and the Parks Commission required in the short term. Ms. Welsch feels the master plan is still necessary, and that citizens will see the gym and track improvements as phase one of a master plan of the recreation facility, because of the cost involved. Mr. Ollendorff said that a survey of teens had yielded high results for basketball. In a survey of adults, the numbers were as follows: 439 for a fitness center, 331 for an indoor pool, 320 for an indoor track, and 302 for a sauna/whirlpool. Some wanted sauna only, some a whirlpool only, but voted for both because they were listed together. There was a three- way tie for meeting rooms, an outdoor pool, and for indoor basketball. Ms. Welsch agrees with consensus on these items, but disagrees with the consensus to move, espousing a special session in October to begin. Mr. Munkel sees the point about waiting, but noted that it increases costs. An incremental approach is desirable, but citizens see this as already underway and will question when things will begin. There is a need to proceed. Now is the time to study designs, to narrow focus, and to generate mid-term and long-term goals. He questions if the memo's focus is too broad, and if the Council should address pertinent issues now, and hold another study session to address mid-term and long-term goals. Mr. Wagner agrees with Mr. Munkel's points and sees a post-Proposition K master plan as advisable. He agrees with all the suggested measures in the memo, but does not believe there is a broad consensus of the public as suggested by Proposition K, which was requested. The Council should proceed because it was agreed unanimously last year to follow the steps that have been laid out and followed. The master plan can deal with future issues such as sites outside Heman Park, including an indoor tennis facility, an indoor swimming pool and a skateboard park. This is an incremental approach. Repaying Proposition K bonds will take 10-15 years, so there is need to move ahead. Mr. Lieberman advised considering the key features: expanded fitness center, basketball, elevated track, and soccer dome, because doing so will demonstrate undertaking measures approved on the ballot. Mr. Sharpe wants to move ahead, but also to consider a master plan in the future. Ms. Welsch disagrees with the comments. Changes are incremental because changes cannot be afforded for the next five, ten to fifteen years. She does not see wide agreement and believes the City Manager's memo on the soccer dome Page 6