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Council keeps $2.5M pool allocation, asks for site plan and stakeholder work before awarding design contract
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Summary
After heated discussion, council agreed to retain $2.5 million in the FY25‑26 CIP for an outdoor pool but asked staff to delay awarding a design contract until the council receives a site plan, stakeholder commitments and further work‑session discussion.
Lake Havasu City Council members on April 10 left a $2.5 million allocation for an outdoor pool in the FY25‑26 CIP but asked staff not to finalize a design contract until the council and community have had additional outreach and a site‑planning review.
The pool drew extensive public and council attention at the budget work session. Staff described the proposed facility as a 25‑meter by 25‑yard pool option and provided an operating‑cost estimate intended to help council evaluate ongoing maintenance impacts. Knudson and Public Works Director Ron Fagan said designers with AquaDeson International were preparing plan options and the project had been budgeted as a one‑time CIP item for next year.
Council members split on whether to proceed immediately with a design contract. Vice Mayor Michelle Lynn, Council Member Nancy Campbell and others pressed for more public‑stakeholder outreach and for local builders to be included in design work. Campbell said she had spoken with local pool contractors and investors who volunteered to design options and possibly contribute funding; several council members urged staff to encourage community partners to come forward with firm commitments.
After discussion council directed staff to retain the $2.5 million pool allocation in the FY25‑26 CIP but to hold off on awarding a full design contract until staff provides a written site plan showing whether the 25‑by‑25 option fits at the proposed aquatic‑center footprint and until additional stakeholder meetings and a work session occur. Knudson said staff would bring the scope and any recommended design contract to council for consideration once that additional information is available.
No final decision was taken on pool design specifics or on whether a larger (50‑meter) facility is feasible; staff and council members said they expect to continue stakeholder engagement and to return with more detailed options before committing to construction.
