City Council Q & A: Proposed Aquatic Center and More

The following are some of the questions City Council members have been asked and the corresponding answers.

Are there any updates regarding the proposed aquatic center?  
The planning for the new aquatic center is still underway. City staff have been working with our consultants and are currently in conversations with property owners regarding site acquisition. The goal is to finalize land acquisition before the end of the year. From there staff will work on site plan development, along with finalizing a funding plan so the community can be educated on the potential impact to their property tax. Next summer will be focused on outreach to educate the public on the project and answer any questions people have in preparation for a bond vote likely to take place in 2025. The funding plan will be the final piece of data the City Council will need to provide direction on the best time to construct the project. We are estimating construction will occur in 2027.

What are the City’s plans as far as housing or business development on 7th Avenue from 13th Street to the 26th Street roundabout?  
There are no immediate plans. Much of the land is held under private ownership or is excess land acquired by the City as part of road projects. The City’s Comprehensive Master Plan and zoning code sets the vision and regulations, respectively, for the allowable uses in that area. It should be noted that the City will be embarking on a review and update of the Comprehensive Master Plan later this year.

The City had planned to repair 31st Street between 10th Avenue and McGowan in 2022 but have delayed the repair until 2024. Can something be done at the corner of McGowan and 31st? 
Although this item will not be addressed until the 2024 Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) Resurfacing Project, milling of high spots has occurred and the Public Services Department has also completed a patch in the area.