Commissioner urges RDC to consider support for an aquatic center; operational costs raise concern

One commissioner asked that the RDC add a proposed aquatic center to the list of potential projects and suggested structuring any contribution the way the commission helped the children's discovery factory — favoring capital contribution over planning-only dollars. "I would like to, add that and with the possibility of treating it like we did with the kids discovery factory," the commissioner said, urging the RDC to consider paying construction dollars when the project is ready while phasing operational support.

Other members said they were open to providing seed or matching funds but urged the proponents to address long-term operating and maintenance costs. Commissioners discussed a model where the RDC or city would provide initial capital and then taper operational support over a fixed period to test feasibility and sustainability. Staff will ask proponents to present cost estimates and operational plans if they request RDC funding.