Council seeks repair estimate for idled Bert Lipps pool

The Lewiston City Council directed the city staff to author a feasibility report and cost estimate to repair Bert Lipps Pool.

The pool did not open at all last year and won’t again this year. Before the 2023 swimming season, the city discovered the pool was losing water. An investigation revealed cracks in the pool, leaking pipes, and voids under the pool and its deck.

The pool building has plumbing problems and needs a new roof. Facility Maintenance Manager Valerie Warren said local contractors looked at the 77-year-old pool and told the city its problems were beyond their abilities to fix.

“The general consensus was you are probably going to have to demo it and start over,” she said.

Councilors said the pool and its location are important to the city. It provides access to kids who live downtown and on Normal Hill who might have trouble getting to the Orchards Pool.

“I know it’s going to cost a lot but I think we should push to have it rebuilt,” said Councilor John Spickelmire.

Mayor Dan Johnson told the councilors if they want a repair estimate they should direct the staff to compile one. They voted unanimously to do so. Spickelmire said he hopes it can be compiled before the city starts to put together its budget for 2025.

Lewiston Police Chief Jason Kuzik and members of his department’s emergency dispatch center told councilors they don’t want to consolidate 911 dispatch services with Nez Perce County and other regional governments. Kuzik said the cons, like a loss of autonomy and increased bureaucratic protocol, outweigh the potential efficiencies and cost savings consolidation promises to bring. He said the entire department is opposed to it and joining forces with other agencies will lower morale.

“I don’t support this plan as chief of police,” he said, later adding “it just feels like a solution in search of a problem.”

Councilor Jim Kleeberg noted the city and Nez Perce County have been talking about it for nearly a decade. Lewiston has had three different police chiefs during that time.

“Not a single one of them was in favor of it,” he said.

The council took no action on the topic.

Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2273. Follow him on Twitter @ezebarker.