Santa Clara — The City Council voted 6–1 to approve an expanded, urgency-funded Phase 1 rehabilitation of the George F. Haines International Swim Center and to authorize the city manager to execute a construction contract with International Swim Center 2026 LLC, a joint venture between Adams Pool Solution and Mark Scott Construction.

The decision follows a staff presentation showing structural corrosion, mechanical failures and plumbing defects discovered after the pools were drained; project lead Carolyn McDowell said the dive tower could not be repaired and must be replaced. The joint-venture bid totaled $24.5 million with staff recommending a not-to-exceed contract of up to approximately $28.18 million including a 15% contingency to cover unforeseen conditions.

Why it matters: The ISC closed in January 2024 for health-and-safety reasons and has disrupted programs for competitive swimming, diving, artistic swimming, seniors and learn-to-swim classes. Restoring pool water capacity quickly is a priority for clubs and families that have relocated to other Bay Area facilities.

What the council approved: The motion, moved by Councilmember Hardy and seconded by Councilmember Jane, readopted the urgency findings under the city charter for Phase 1 construction only and authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute all contract documents and associated budget amendments. Staff told council the scope now includes demolition of some bleachers and buildings, upgrades to major site utilities, a rebuilt dive tower, replastering and a new mechanical building to avoid rework in Phase 2.

Funding and schedule: Staff recommended applying Measure I tranche funding (previously approved for aquatics) and an interim use of approximately $3.7–3.8 million in mitigation-fee funds to bridge a potential funding gap while tranche two is issued. Construction is estimated to begin in March 2026 with substantial completion targeted in 2027; staff said the aggressive schedule depends on equipment procurement and supply-chain conditions.

Labor and procurement: Union representatives urged that the work be bid competitively. City staff and the contractor confirmed prevailing-wage compliance, apprenticeship participation and local-hire outreach for the public-works project. The city attorney affirmed the urgency declaration remains legally justified for Phase 1 construction; Phase 2 will follow a standard design-bid-build procurement.

Reaction: Labor speakers recommended reopening competitive bidding; swim-club and community representatives urged approval to restore programming. Vice Mayor Cox cast the lone dissent, voicing concern that the expanded scope and addition of a general contractor under an urgency award blurred the line from a narrowly tailored emergency procurement. Mayor Gilmore and a majority of council argued the city must act to return the facility to service after more than a year of disruption.

Next steps: Staff will execute contract documents, return with Phase 2 implementation plans and continue outreach to the aquatics community on scheduling and access during construction.