Hold the Trunks & Bikini Until Fall: Pool Update

A hint of summer appeared last week with warmer temperatures that made some people think swimming. As it happened, the at its Tuesday meeting heard an update on the construction project.

Pool fans will have to wait a few more months for a local dip. With construction crews working steadily to make up for more winter rain days than expected, the new pool is scheduled to open in October, about one month . The soppy weather has stymied builders, pushing the pool's opening date back a few times. When construction started last year, there were hopes the center would be open for summer. 

"Construction is planned to conclude early September and the Aquatic Center is anticipated to open to the public in October 2011," said David Burke, the pool construction project manager. Burke’s PowerPoint on the update is attached as a PDF to the right.

"Other than the impact of an extremely wet winter, construction activities are going extremely well and the project is well within budget," Burke said. "They’re picking up the pace of construction."

The project builder, McCrary Construction, isn't expected to have to pay for project delays — standard in building contracts —  since wiggle room for rainy days, also standard, is part of the agreement,  Burke said. "I do not foresee liquidated damages being assessed. Of course this may change if there are future delays that are the fault of the contractor," he added.

Work on the new , as it's officially called, started last September. Funded by Measure E, a $10 million bond approved by voters in 2008, the pool costs are budgeted at $6.179 million. 

This covers an outdoor competition pool, indoor exercise pool, shower/locker rooms, administration space and a mechanical area or pump room.

The bond is also paying for , which are slated to be finished in time for the start of classes in September. The overall budget also includes an $823,000 construction contingency fund to cover unexpected changes or work additions. About $21,000 of the contingency fund has been spent so far, with the school board expected to consider another chunk of around $100,000 at its May 17 meeting, Burke said. He expects the contingency fund to be more than enough to cover project needs.

The entire project is expected to come in at budget, confirmed , superintendent of the . "I do not anticipate any 'left-over' funds," she said.

The school district is in the process of interviewing candidates for a new pool director, Stephenson said. Once a director is hired, work will start on the pool’s programming and operational budget, she said. 

The old Albany pool, which opened in 1950 and was demolished to make way for the new aquatic complex, was a break-even operation for the district, Stephenson said. This was based on the pool director’s records, she added, as pool expenses such as heating weren’t tracked separately in the high school budget. The pool shared a PG&E meter with the school.

The 2011-12 school year budget will have a line item for pool operations, which isn’t decided yet, Stephenson said. The pool isn’t a money-maker or enterprise for the district, she said. It’s a school facility for students that’s open to the public for fees.

When asked if the district’s goal is for the new aquatic center to break even, she said, "You bet."

Everybody makes mistakes ... ! If there's something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, give editor Emilie Raguso a call at 510-459-8325 or shoot her an email at emilier@patch.com.