Council approves pool opening and temporary free admission after staff report on leak

A motion to open the municipal pool and provide free admission until the council’s next meeting carried by voice vote after extended public comment about a persistent leak and staff updates. A public commenter raised concerns that the pool had been losing as much as 6 inches to a foot overnight during recent days and urged a clear decision on whether to open for the season.

The council moved quickly from discussion to action. Speaker labeled as "Public commenter" described teams from Omaha and Manhattan probing the pool and detailed efforts to maintain chlorine and circulation: "We're losing 6 inches to a foot overnight... we've gotta keep the pool moving."

Council members discussed operational mitigations if the pool must be shut for repairs, including signage, barricades and refund or reimbursement policies for pre‑purchased passes. The Chair recommended staff coordinate with Josh and other personnel to prepare a contingency plan for refunds and communications to the public.

Speaker labeled as "Council member" who made the motion said the pool should open if safety conditions can be maintained and moved to comp admission until the next meeting; that motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. After the vote the public commenter said the plan was to have a Manhattan contractor on site and—if possible—to open by Thursday or, at latest, Friday.

The council directed staff to prepare a tentative plan for refunds or pass adjustments if reopening must be reversed, and to post clear signage warning that the pool could close on short notice while repairs continue. The action was procedural (voice vote) and no recorded roll-call tally was given.