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Council reviews sixth‑penny projects: depot phase 2, Johnson Pool preference for outdoor facility, alleys and large project fund discussed
Summary
City officials briefed the council on sixth‑penny project balances and planned work, including a proposed phase‑2 Depot renovation, an apparent council preference for an outdoor Johnson Pool, alley designs and discussion of a revolving fund for catalytic projects.
City staff presented a review of remaining sixth‑penny projects and balances during the council’s goal‑setting session, highlighting completed items and upcoming decisions.
Downtown Depot: Staff said phase‑1 construction at the depot is on schedule to be completed by April 1; a proposed phase‑2 scope (repointing, window replacement, second/third floor remodel and a covered plaza shelter) would cost about $1.5 million and, if approved, leave roughly $1 million in downtown 6p funds. Councilors discussed preserving certain historic elements (rail posts) and options for using leftover funds for alleyway enhancement or parking mitigation.
Johnson Pool: Staff presented two conceptual cost paths for replacing Johnson Pool — an indoor facility (~$14.57 million) or an outdoor facility (~$10.47 million) in the packet — and annual operating projections showing an outdoor pool would have a smaller operating loss (staff estimated an outdoor shortfall around $70,000/year vs. an indoor shortfall around $300,000/year). Council sentiment at the session favored an outdoor pool concept, with some councilors noting the south‑side demographic and long history of an outdoor pool at that site.
Alley improvements and downtown garage: Staff said preliminary designs for four alleyways are in progress; early estimates placed the combined construction cost to complete four alleys at roughly $800,000 (design funded now). Several councilors noted the downtown parking garage repainting and lighting upgrades are underway, and staff reported quotes for repainting the first three floors white to improve perceived safety.
Large projects fund: Several councilors revisited the idea of the city maintaining a “revolving” large‑projects fund intended to seed or gap‑fund catalytic downtown projects such as the Heinz building redevelopment. The mayor and staff said the fund’s legal use and governance require clearer guidelines; they discussed pursuing public‑private gaps financing only as last‑dollar in after other public and private sources are exhausted.
No votes were taken; staff will return with more detailed cost estimates and recommended next steps for depot phase 2, the Johnson Pool design direction, alley construction cost breakdowns and a proposed policy framework for the large‑project fund if the council wants to pursue it further.
