Council approves pool-engineering study amid questions about failed dehumidifier

Council members on May 5 approved a professional-services agreement with Burbach Aquatics Inc. to provide a technical evaluation, conceptual design and construction-related services for the Woodstock Recreation Center pool renovation, with a contract amount not to exceed $67,750. The motion passed by roll call.

The item prompted extended questioning from council about why the facility's dehumidification system—installed roughly four years earlier—had deteriorated. Facilities and recreation staff said the pool mechanical room environment and chemical exposures produced heavy corrosion that shortened the unit's life and that the original installation lacked specialty pool-engineering design. Staff said placing dehumidification equipment in a less corrosive adjacent room and redesigning ventilation and chemical handling would extend equipment life.

Council members pressed for stronger procurement specifications, warranty protections and an explicit maintenance and inspection schedule. Multiple council members said the city should require vendor warranties with enforceable terms and avoid repeating earlier design or contracting mistakes. Staff agreed to return with clearer documentation of manufacturer-recommended maintenance, inspection schedules and warranty language before construction procurement.

Councilman Nearman moved to authorize the city manager to execute the professional-services agreement; Councilman Hansen seconded and the motion passed unanimously by council members participating in the vote. The contract is intended to produce design documents that will be used for later bidding and construction decisions; any construction costs will return to council for approval.