Saint Joseph council conditionally backs up to $7 million toward YMCA aquatic center

The Saint Joseph City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution signaling the city’s intent to contribute up to $7,000,000 in capital funds and $270,000 annually toward a proposed indoor aquatic center on the YMCA community campus, provided the YMCA secures required funding and the city approves a formal agreement.

Mayor John Jozendale said the city is not transferring money today but is expressing interest: “If they can put it together, we would be interested in making that commitment,” he said, adding that a formal agreement would come back to council before any funds are transferred.

Tammy Killen of the YMCA described the facility as a public amenity on YMCA premises and said operational details and partnership terms would be spelled out in an ‘‘extensive agreement’’ with the city and other collaborators. “It would be a Saint Joseph Area Community Center Aquatic Center, with operational details that would be laid out in an extensive agreement with the city and any other collaborators,” Killen said.

Residents at the meeting questioned scope and cost. James Whitinger, a South Side resident, said he was unclear whether the plan was for “an aquatic center” or just “a swimming lane pool” and asked how much construction might cost; council members and staff cited widely varying earlier estimates discussed during work sessions, including figures mentioned in the meeting ranging from about $14 million up to $30 million. Staff stressed the city’s commitment is conditional: Section 4 of the resolution requires the YMCA to secure funding commitments before the end of 2024, and Section 5 requires a formal agreement between the city and the YMCA outlining terms before any city funding is committed.

Public commenters urged the city to prioritize a fully city-owned public pool and raised concerns about maintenance and access to existing pools. Donna Lichty, a resident, said she had reviewed city records and urged the council to invest in a city pool rather than rely on a partnership with the YMCA: “This town needs a city public pool, not a Y,” she said.

Council members stressed operational considerations and neighborhood access. The council chair noted the city will continue running summer pools this year and that the Thomas Eagleton pool (at Missouri Western) is now being run by the city and is available year-round.

The resolution passed 9-0. Next steps identified in the meeting: the YMCA will proceed with an RFQ to produce construction estimates and a business plan, the YMCA and city will work on a formal agreement, and the council will consider the final funding commitment only after the YMCA demonstrates external funding commitments and the agreement meets the city’s conditions.