Ellensburg council directs staff to analyze full roof replacement and timelines for pool project

Parks staff presented two options for addressing the Kittitas Valley Memorial Pool roof: a targeted repair and metal-over of the existing roof (engineer estimate near the city's $500,000 2026 budget allocation, but with structural unknowns) or a full roof replacement using structural insulated panels (estimated $1.2 million) that would remove and rebuild the roof structure and likely require a closure period that could stretch weeks to months.

Brad Case explained the trade-offs: the repair would be less disruptive and fit the current budget but carries risk due to unknown substructure issues; the full replacement is more expensive and operationally invasive but reduces long-term risk. Council members asked for manufacturer and installer input about warranty and expected service life for both options and about interim measures needed if a full replacement timeline pushes into the next year.

Council directed staff to pursue option 2 analysis with the roofing manufacturer and consultant: provide projected service life estimates for both options, estimated timelines for design and construction, and an assessment of interim maintenance needs to preserve the structure pending any major work. The motion as amended also asked staff to return proposed schedules so council can consider timing to minimize program disruption (for example, targeting summer closures if needed). No final construction contract was approved; the city requested more information to inform a future procurement decision.