REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Update on the George F. Haines International Swim Center (ISC)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
BACKGROUND
At the March 5, 2024 City Council meeting, the City Council requested that an update on the status of the George F. Haines International Swim Center (ISC) be placed on the next Council agenda.
The purpose of this item is to respond to that direction.
DISCUSSION
On January 18, 2024, the City Manager directed that the ISC be closed immediately. This action was taken in response to health and safety concerns raised by the City’s consultant (LPA) who had conducted a visual observation assessment of the ISC. On January 30, 2024, staff presented a report to Council which included the final report from LPA along with a proposed workplan to further evaluate next steps for the ISC.
Since that time, City staff has met with all three of the swim clubs (Santa Clara Swim Club, Aquamaids, and Santa Clara Dive Team), as well as with the Santa Clara School District and other local pool operators, to identify needs and space availability.
In addition, City staff has facilitated additional assessment of the ISC by the City’s Building Official, as well as the County of Santa Clara Environmental Health Department to explore options for re-opening the facility if possible. Both of these assessments affirmed major deficiencies at the site and have identified significant requirements that would need to be met prior to re-opening the ISC for any use.
Additional time is needed to analyze the recommendations from the two agencies, as well as to obtain cost estimates for the remediation/mitigation work that will be required. This work is underway. Within this framework, staff will provide a verbal presentation at the City Council’s March 12, 2024 meeting on all of the efforts that have taken place since the January 30, 2024 City Council meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and the City Manager.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council note and file the report.
Staff
Reviewed by: Cynthia Bojorquez, Assistant City Manager/Acting Director of Parks and Recreation
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager