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Emeryville Council OKs $218,000 for ECCL pool plaster replacement amid questions about lifespan
Summary
The Emeryville City Council approved a $218,000 expenditure to replace the plaster surface of the pool at the Emeryville Center for Community Life after staff said constant, year-round use had created holes and accelerated wear.
The Emeryville City Council approved a $218,000 expenditure to repair the plaster surface of the pool at the Emeryville Center for Community Life (ECCL) after staff said the finish was showing holes and needed replacement to avoid structural damage.
Community Services Director Rebecca Cimino told the council the work is focused on replacing the pool plaster and that the city reduced cost by retaining elements that do not need removal. "Plaster is a common wear-and-tear maintenance that we have to do through every 10 years or so," Cimino said, adding that ECCL’s pool is used year-round and that continuous use accelerates wear.
Council member Pfeiffer moved to approve the item; the council voted 5-0 in roll call (Council member Preyforce: Aye; Council member Solomon: Aye; Council member Welch: Aye; Vice Mayor Carr: Aye; Mayor Mora: Aye).
A public speaker said industry standards typically range from 10 to 15 years for plaster life and said the staff report’s 7-to-10-year framing appeared to be "fishing for an answer" to justify maintenance only eight years after a reported roughly $2,000,000 pool remodel. The same commenter urged close oversight of contractors and subcontractors performing public work.
Cimino told the council that the industry standard is broad and that seasonally closed pools can last up to 15 years, but a heavily used, year-round municipal pool like ECCL’s commonly requires plaster work sooner. She said staff had been performing temporary repairs as small holes appeared and opted for replacement now to avoid more costly damage to the pool shell.
The council first pulled item 10.6 from the consent calendar for discussion and then approved the expenditure after staff remarks and public comment. The staff report attached to the agenda described the work and estimated the expected service life in a 7-to-10-year range; staff clarified in the meeting that expected life for similar municipal, year-round pools can range higher depending on use and seasonality.
The approval authorizes the expenditure; the motion did not include any additional direction to return with a contract amendment or performance guarantees. The staff presentation noted Sean Gable was available to answer technical questions.
The ECCL pool repair is scheduled to proceed under the authority granted by the resolution approved by the council.
