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North Mankato approves plans to advertise bids for major Spring Lake pool rebuild; council adopts several resolutions
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously to approve plans and advertise bids for a major renovation of the Spring Lake Swim Facility, which includes liner replacement, soil remediation, new zero-depth entry, play features and mechanical upgrades. The meeting also approved several resolutions including a small land sale to MnDOT and an arena operating agreement.
The North Mankato City Council on April 6 adopted plans and authorized advertisement for bids for the 2026 Spring Lake Swim Facility Improvement Project (Project No. 25-06), a reconstruction the project consultant said would modernize the nearly 45,000-square-foot pool and add new play features.
Public Works Director Arnold invited consultant Jodi Dahms of Aquatic Design Solutions, LLC to present the scope. Dahms said the project would remove the existing liner, perform soil remediation, install a new synthetic turf area, add a zero-depth entry and construct peninsulas to improve liner connections and give lifeguards better access to the center of the pool. The plan also calls for three body slides, dump buckets, pipe repairs, a new surge tank and modest bathhouse modifications. "The pool is approximately 45,000 square feet," Dahms said, outlining the major elements and safety benefits of the redesign.
Culture, Recreation, and Quality of Life Director Heintz told the council the changes would help with lifeguard placement and "may even reduce the number of lifeguards required," a point raised during questions about operations and safety staffing.
Council Member Whitlock moved to adopt Res. No. 41-26 approving the plans and specifications and ordering the advertisement for bids; Council Member Peterson seconded. The motion passed unanimously (Whitlock, Steiner, Oachs, Peterson aye).
Votes at a glance
- Res. No. 41-26 (Spring Lake Swim Facility Improvement Project No. 25-06): Adopted unanimously to approve plans/specifications and order bids. (Mover: Whitlock; Second: Peterson.) - Res. No. 42-26 (Sale of city property to Minnesota Department of Transportation for right-of-way): Adopted unanimously. The city agreed to sell approximately 15,595 square feet east of U.S. Highway 169 (along the Minnesota River, parcel includes the Rex Macbeth River Trail in function but the appraisal considered only land) to MnDOT for right-of-way for the Highway 169 improvement project; MnDOT's offer reported as $800. (Mover: Whitlock; Second: Peterson.) - Res. No. 44-26 (All-Seasons Arena Operating Services Agreement): Adopted unanimously. The interlocal agreement names the City of Mankato as operator, runs through December 2040, and requires annual owner contributions totaling $40,000 based on population; North Mankato's share is $8,964.74. Attorney Kennedy requested modified insurance language; City Administrator McCann said he would pursue that change prior to final execution. (Mover: Peterson; Second: Whitlock.) - Res. No. 43-26 (Adopt 2025 Nicollet County Hazard Mitigation Plan): Adopted unanimously. City Administrator McCann said adoption affirms the city's commitment to mitigation goals developed under Nicollet County Emergency Manager Justin Block and preserves eligibility for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants. (Mover: Whitlock; Second: Oachs.) - Consent Agenda (Bills/Appropriations; Res. No. 39-26 donations/grants; soft drink license for Fatback Smoke Stack; temporary liquor license for Church of the Holy Rosary on May 18, 2026; Res. No. 40-26 waiving waiting period for lawful gambling license exemption): Approved unanimously.
Why it matters
The pool project is a capital upgrade expected to affect summer programming, lifeguard deployment and long-term maintenance at a city recreational asset; advertising for bids begins the procurement process and will determine final cost and timeline. Adoption of the Nicollet County hazard mitigation plan keeps the city eligible for federal mitigation grant programs. The arena agreement sets multi-jurisdictional operating responsibilities and a long-term financial commitment that governs how the All-Seasons Arena will be operated through 2040.
What comes next
Staff will request bids for the Spring Lake project after the advertisement period; project schedule and contract awards will return to council for approval. City Administrator McCann said he will follow up on suggested edits to the arena agreement's insurance language before final execution. Other adopted resolutions direct staff to complete standard closing and documentation for the land sale and to submit necessary paperwork tied to the hazard mitigation plan adoption.
