City explains Marion Criner pool renovations; architects add engineering consultants, concessions to remain

City staff told the council that GSG Architects, the firm hired for Marion Criner pool renovations, identified the need to add structural and civil engineering subconsultants for specific components of the project.

"GSG is the architecture firm that was hired to do the improvements for the swimming pool renovations, primarily the building," a city staff member said. "As they dove into some of the enhancements that we're proposing, they identified the need for a structural and a civil engineer that we hadn't necessarily identified prior. ... This added cost is to pay those sub consultants that will help in those very specific areas."

A council member raised a question about the renovated facility including a concession stand and whether that would require additional staff. Staff replied that Marion Criner has historically operated concessions and the renovation would continue that service. "We don't anticipate an increase in cost of staffing since we've always offered that service," the staff member said, adding concessions are generally a revenue driver.

Staff clarified that lifeguards do not operate concessions; separate concession staff perform cashier duties. "No, actually there are separate staff that man the concession stands, because the lifeguards are obviously operating for the safety of the pool and the swimmers," the staff member said.

Separately, a council member reported seeing ongoing concrete work connecting the pump track to the skate park and noted a petition about the skate park that has attracted "a couple hundred" signatures. Staff said the skate park and pump track improvements are proceeding and encouraged residents to visit the site.

No formal contract amendments or council votes on the additional consultant work were recorded in the transcript.