Council debates whether city should absorb lifeguard costs at city‑owned Lakeside pool; no action after legal review

City councilors debated a recurring dispute over who should pay for lifeguards at the Lakeside at Teixeira pool, a facility the city owns but that is operated under an HOA arrangement.

Councilors noted that state regulations require lifeguard coverage for certain public‑use hours, and residents and council members argued the city should not require lifeguards at times when the HOA alone pays for them. Councilor Hall and others said that, because the city requires lifeguard coverage during specific operating hours, the city should bear the cost rather than the HOA. Staff and the city attorney warned that if the city assumes lifeguard costs it may also assume operational responsibility and potential liabilities and that doing so would require a budget amendment; the city manager noted preliminary property‑value shifts could reduce expected tax revenue and make additional spending difficult without offsetting cuts or contingency funds.

Staff provided cost estimates. One staff figure for a comparable city‑run pool season was roughly $69,000 when run at extended hours; a minimal seasonal lifeguard cost estimate offered in discussion was about $36,000. Councilors discussed options: (1) require the HOA to meet state standards and continue current contract arrangements, (2) city assume lifeguard costs and operational control, which would require budget adjustments, or (3) negotiate an amended operating agreement with clearer responsibility and standards. Legal counsel advised council that the issue raises contract and liability questions and recommended further attorney review. Council recessed to executive session for legal advice and returned with no immediate action; staff will return with legal analysis and a fiscal estimate to guide next steps.