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Council reviews five‑year capital improvement plan, votes to reallocate $225,000 from Southwest Road sidewalk to pool removal/study
Summary
After a lengthy presentation on the draft five‑year capital improvement plan, the council approved moving $225,000 of planned borrowing for the Southwest Road sidewalk toward pool work (study/removal), and asked staff and a subcommittee to pursue geotechnical testing and next steps for the aquatic center.
City staff presented a draft five‑year Capital Improvement Plan and 2025 capital budget proposal that reduced the city’s proposed levy‑funded CIP from earlier requests and added a centralized contingency fund. The plan reprioritized numerous projects, shelved several that lacked identified funding, and proposed greater use of 20‑year notes to amortize long‑lead equipment and reconstruction items.
During council discussion the future of the municipal pool dominated the conversation. Council members and a parks subcommittee described ongoing community surveys and studies; members said the existing pool vessel is derelict and should be addressed sooner rather than later. Council member Bob Gates urged starting removal and at‑least preliminary site testing during 2025 so the community sees progress. Staff said geotechnical testing (borings) and other site work would inform whether a new pool can occupy the same location; estimates discussed for site testing and partial removal ranged from roughly $10,000 (geotech) to $100,000 for concrete vessel removal and up to $300,000 to return the site to usable ground.
A motion to reallocate $225,000 originally proposed for the Southwest Road sidewalk extension to pool work (study/removal) passed on a 6–1 vote. The roll call recorded yes votes from Bob Gates, Tom Nall, Kathy Copp, Barb (Daws), Lynn Barrett and Parrot; Ken Killian voted no. Council directed staff to identify projects that could be shifted into debt financing and to work with the pool subcommittee on next steps including geotechnical testing and removal planning. Council members noted a referendum or other funding mechanism could be necessary for a full pool replacement and that any final design/funding decision would return to council.
Staff emphasized the CIP remains a draft and that council actions should be balanced with identified funding sources; council members asked staff to present the operating budget and final levy picture in coming weeks so members can weigh tradeoffs before final adoption.
