Crookston council votes down $6,430 pool piping repair after debate over long-term plan

The Crookston City Council voted against a resolution to authorize $6,430 in repairs to piping at the Crookston Community School pool after a divided roll call and sustained public comment.

Jeff, the city administrator, told the council the equipment and building repair budgets were nearly exhausted — “with the exception of approximately $3,000” — and proposed freeing up $15,000 from capital account 540 (originally slated for pool filter work) to cover the piping repairs. He described the work as replacing three sections of pipe and cutting back several feet to ensure solid welds and to align flange heads for a proper seal.

The debate focused on near-term repairs versus long-term planning. Several council members said the funds were available and recommended moving forward to keep the pool open for summer programming. Others pressed for a comprehensive plan from the park board or a subcommittee that would consider bonds, sales taxes or other funding mechanisms before committing additional reserves.

“Jake, Scott, and I met with Carol and members of [parks and rec] this morning,” Jeff said, describing a proposal to form a subcommittee or working group to develop a long-range activities plan. He added that pool-related revenues and a school contribution helped offset operating costs.

Residents urged the council to preserve the pool rather than take a piecemeal approach. “We want this pool,” said Matt Rasu, a Crookston resident who offered to help form a planning group. “Let’s not nickel and dime. Let’s get it done.”

Angela Robertson, who identified herself as a Crookston resident, former teacher and small-business owner, urged the council to address broader structural problems she said are driving fiscal strain, including the city’s population decline and lack of accessible child care; she handed the council a written letter and proposed ideas for budget solutions.

Bishop Maronis Jensen, another resident and business owner, warned closing the pool could push people to use river waters, raising public‑safety concerns, and said the loss of swim lessons would hurt youth programming and local economics.

At roll call, the council recorded four votes in favor, one abstention and one no. The presiding official said the city charter requires five affirmative votes to pass a resolution, so the motion failed.

The council did not adopt the repair resolution and adjourned the meeting. Several council members urged further discussion with the park board and formation of a longer-term capital plan for parks and pool facilities.