Board approves one-year pool opening contract with Landmark Aquatic after term change

The Board of Public Works and Safety approved a professional services agreement on March 16 with Landmark Aquatic, also known as Spears Aquatic, to handle pool opening, a midseason inspection and seasonal closing for the city pool.

City staff member Christian told the board the company — the pool’s original installer — will perform a yearly visit this season to calibrate circulation systems, confirm chemical balance and train staff. Christian said the work is budgeted and called this the city’s first “true year of opening” without flooding.

Board members raised concerns about a three-year initial term in the contract. One member noted the contract’s 36-month initial term language could create an automatic renewal trap if not modified. The board asked staff to condition approval on changing the initial term to 12 months and removing automatic renewal language; staff said the contract includes a 90-day cancellation provision but agreed to revise the initial-term clause.

After that amendment was proposed, a motion to approve the landmark aquatic care service agreement with the revised 12-month initial term and no automatic renewal passed by voice vote.

The contract covers an opening appointment (targeted for April 23), a closing after Labor Day, and a midseason check. Staff said the visit will help establish standard operating procedures so future openings can be performed in-house. The board directed staff to work with the vendor to confirm the revised term language and return final documents for signature.