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Residents press council to approve permanent pool structure, citing grant and ADA access
Summary
Several residents urged the council to pursue a permanent pool structure instead of another bubble, arguing long-term cost savings on chemicals and labor, preservation of a $500,000 grant for ADA ramps and a $100,000 private pledge, and improved community use and safety.
Multiple residents used the open-forum period to urge the council to pursue a permanent pool structure rather than installing another seasonal bubble.
Nancy Tucker (210 Forest Drive NE) said a permanent structure would reduce chemical use, provide sunbathing and shaded areas, avoid repeated closures to install or remove a bubble, and allow the $500,000 grant (and a private donor) to fund ADA accessibility improvements. "The improvements with a permanent pool structure would entice additional memberships," she said, urging the council to consider fundraising if needed.
G. Murray Cole, speaking from a long-term user perspective, echoed those points and described operational advantages including lower annual maintenance, reduced manpower and faster on-site panel storage versus transporting and storing a bubble. Cole noted the $500,000 grant and a pledged $100,000 private donation were contingent on pursuing a permanent structure and said losing those funds would make future improvements harder to finance.
Council members acknowledged the comments and said staff are awaiting construction bids; no formal council action on the pool structure was taken at this meeting. Several speakers also praised recreation staff and the masters swim team.
Next steps: staff to provide construction-bid information and cost comparisons at future meetings; residents indicated willingness to support fundraising if the council requests it.
