Mayor highlights community events, wildfire training and Jarstad Aquatic Center repairs

Mayor Wheeler used his report to provide several community updates, including recent outreach, wildfire response training, a temporary pool repair and upcoming community events.

Key points: The mayor said staff attended a Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church health conference focused on holistic well-being and community outreach. He also summarized annual wildfire response training conducted by the state Department of Natural Resources and described the roles of Public Works and Fire Department staff and equipment in wildfire response.

On wildfire readiness he said the city’s landscape includes significant forested areas and the watershed is a critical asset. "All 16 members of our fire department have a wildfire Type 2 certification red card," the mayor said, and noted that Public Works personnel and equipment often respond first because of their terrain knowledge and specific machinery.

Jarstad Aquatic Center: Wheeler reported that an overflow tank at Jarstad Aquatic Center was identified as damaged or defective on April 9 and that repair work was planned to begin April 21. He said the YMCA will use the downtime for regular pool maintenance and emphasized that the planned repair is a temporary measure to buy time for a full facility assessment budgeted in the city’s 2025 budget. "The repair is not meant to be a permanent repair...It does buy time for the full facility assessment that was budgeted in our 2025 budget," he said.

Community events: The mayor announced a Kids Fishing Day at Jarstad Park on April 26, starting at 9 a.m., and encouraged public participation in the Earth Day cleanup starting at 11 a.m. at the boardwalk. The mayor noted the Jarstad pool provides low-intensity exercise for many seniors and is important for the swim team and exercise programs.