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Bay City council approves resolution backing aquatic center project after YMCA presentation
Summary
The Bay City Council voted to approve a resolution supporting a Bay City Community Development Corporation aquatic center project after a presentation by YMCA representatives on operations and regional capacity to manage the facility.
The Bay City City Council on a unanimous voice vote approved a resolution supporting a Bay City Community Development Corporation (CDC) project to develop an aquatic center, following a presentation by YMCA representatives about operating and programming the facility.
The presentation to the council explained the YMCA’s capacity to manage aquatic facilities, provide childcare and youth programming, and secure philanthropic and grant funding to support operations. Jessica Russell introduced the delegation and said the YMCA and local partners had prepared responses to questions raised at a prior meeting. "We appreciate the chance to be here and to answer questions about how the YMCA can partner with Bay City on this project," Russell said.
Greg Hartman, chief executive officer of the Texas Alliance of YMCAs, described the YMCA’s statewide footprint and program areas. He told the council the YMCA system operates hundreds of locations, provides child care and swim lessons, and runs emergency-response services at facilities during disasters. "We believe the Y exists for the community," Hartman said. He also said the state alliance’s role is to coordinate and increase efficiency among independent YMCA associations in Texas.
Loyce Neary and Bud Oliver, representing the YMCA of the Golden Crescent and local YMCA operations, outlined recent local grants and program growth, including childcare expansion and Matagorda Bay Mitigation Trust funding that has supported summer programming and transportation (buses) for youth. Neary said the local YMCA’s revenue and program capacity have increased in recent years, and described existing program centers in Bay City and nearby communities.
Jessica Russell asked the council for a yes vote on the CDC resolution, which authorizes the Bay City Community Development Corporation to proceed with the aquatic center project and contemplates funding participation by local government partners. The council took the motion, heard no opposition and approved the resolution by an affirmative voice vote.
Why it matters: The council’s resolution formalizes city support for a multi‑partner aquatic center project and signals willingness to participate with the Bay City CDC and other government and nonprofit partners. Supporters said a YMCA-managed facility would expand childcare, swim safety, youth sports and community resilience programming.
What the council approved: The resolution approved by the council supports the Bay City CDC aquatic center project and authorizes the city to participate in funding conversations with other government entities. The resolution text and specific funding commitments or schedules were not included in the council packet presented during the meeting and were not specified on the record during the vote.
Council members thanked local staff and the YMCA delegation for prolonged work on the project. Loyce Neary received specific recognition from the mayor for long-standing efforts to bring the project forward.
Next steps: City staff and the CDC will proceed with project planning and report back to the council with further details on funding, timelines and formal agreements.
