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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-15-22 Public Comment - A. Williamson - Support Reopening the Bozeman Swim CenterFrom:Andrew Williamson To:Agenda Subject:Public Comment to Support Reopening the Bozeman Swim Center Date:Monday, August 15, 2022 2:11:52 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. City Commissioners, I am writing to provide public comment for the August 16, 2022 meeting and would like to start by expressing appreciation for passing Emergency Resolution 5439 during the August 9 meeting. This is an appropriate step towards reopening the Swim Center and your vote is much appreciated. I am also writing a follow-up request for the City of Bozeman to expedite the process of issuing a Certificate of Occupancy for the Bozeman Swim Center with a target date of October 3, 2022. Upon further review of the July 22, 2022 Truss Analysis Report completed by Cushing Terrell, I found additional items that should be considered: #1: The July 22, 2022 Truss Analysis Report determined that the horizontal displacement of the West wall of the Swim Center observed in 2012 and 2022 is identical at 3/8-inch and is consistent with the original design of the structure. The report recommends repairing the West wall by applying “…a flexible sealant that will allow the walls to move separately while resisting water and air intrusion.” The application of the sealant as described in the report is minimal in nature and can be completed during business hours when Swim Center usage is less than it is before and after school. The Swim Center remains structurally sound as I noted previously, and it need not remain closed prior to the completion of this work. #2: The July 22, 2022 Truss Analysis Report determined that the 48 scissor truss members supporting the roof of the Swim Center “exhibited typical 1/32-inch to 1/16-inch checking [cracks, splits, etc.] throughout”. The analysis concluded that “…the checks commonly observed in the pool roof truss chords do not affect the performance of the roof”. In short, the roof is sound and is not compromised by water damage or cracking/splitting in the trusses. Out of an abundance of caution, the report recommends repairs to 11 of the 48 trusses by installing 16x5-inch galvanized steel plates at 11 locations where splitting exceeds 1/16-inch. These locations were mapped and identified during the field analysis. The report further recommends replacement of two light-gauge plate washers that were found to be missing from trusses at two locations. Again, repairs to the trusses as described in the report are minimal in nature. At most, internal repair work will involve use of a scissor lift to remove ceiling tiles at various locations and to access the crawl space in a manner similar to the onsite inspection. Like the repairs to the West wall, repairs to the trusses can be completed during business hours and the Swim Center need not remain closed to accommodate this work. Given the limited nature of the proposed repairs to the trusses and West wall, I am requesting that the City of Bozeman start filling the pool at the Swim Center and work quickly towards issuing a Certificate of Occupancy with a target date of October 3, 2022. This timeline allows the city time to undertake repair work in August and September, and to transition its staff and resources from Bogert Pool. This timeline also helps avoid the expense associated with laying off personnel and then going through the recruitment and rehiring process. Importantly, putting this start date on the calendar will help our athletes and swim community members prepare mentally and physically for the upcoming season. Thank you. Andrew Williamson 57 Granite Peak Drive Bozeman, Montana 59718 (406) 595-6507