MARTINEZ — A year after voters approved funding to replace the swimming pool and renovate the library, the final designs have been completed.

The City Council on Wednesday approved a design for a new $6 million swimming pool, which includes an eight-lane recreational pool, a dive tank and small, shallow pool with a play structure.

City Engineer Tim Tucker cautioned that the new pool will not be less expensive to maintain than the old pool, which was built in 1948 and did not meet current county health codes.

"Our pool is going to cost more to operate," said Tucker, noting that the new pool needs more pumps and filters. "Just to bring it up to current codes, it's going to require more energy usage."

Tucker also said the costs of chemicals, water, labor and energy are increasing. In the 2008-09 fiscal year, operating costs for the pool were about $136,000. Staff members expect costs to rise approximately $15,000 per year. If everything goes according to schedule, the new pool should open in summer 2011.

The city conducted a survey and held public workshops to gather residents' input on the pool design. The Park Recreation Marina and Cultural Commission approved that design earlier this month.

In November 2008, Martinez voters approved a $30 million bond to replace the pool, renovate the library and upgrade the city's parks.

With the $2 million in bond funds earmarked for the library, the city will be able to

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double its usable space. The library, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has a 3,000-square-foot basement accessible only by stairs and therefore does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The city plans to put in two restrooms on the lower level and an elevator so patrons can access the space.

The library project also includes putting in the basement a children's area, a small kitchen or employee lounge, and a book sales and storage room for the Friends of the Library.

On the main level, the two non-ADA compliant restrooms will be consolidated into a single-occupant bathroom, architect Steve Wynn told the council. The conceptual design also includes making the stairs and circulation desk more accessible to the disabled. The project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2010.

Councilman Mike Menesini expressed concern about changing what he described as the "historic" wooden circulation desk.

"What did you do, carve your initials in that desk when the librarian wasn't looking?" Councilwoman Janet Kennedy asked, drawing laughter from the other council members and the audience.

Wynn assured Menesini that they did not intend to throw out the desk. However, she said it must be lowered to accommodate patrons in wheelchairs.

Menesini, however, seemed skeptical.

"I see this Formica desk all of a sudden. What happened to the old desk?"

Lisa P. White covers Martinez and Pleasant Hill. Reach her at 925-943-8011.