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 doe...
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