Thompson Falls Council debates upgrades for city pool

During the April Thompson Falls City Council meeting, a considerable amount of time was spent discussing the condition of the city pool.

Thompson Falls Mayor Gussie O’Connor submitted a report from Public Works Director Neil Harnett outlining the facility’s needs. In his report, Harnett noted that the Thompson Falls City Pool is approximately 50 years old and increasingly in need of significant repairs to continue operating safely and efficiently. One of the most pressing infrastructure concerns is the pool’s boiler system, which requires replacement.

Harnett reported that the funds needed to operate the pool for the 2026 season would include $25,000 upfront for repairs and $63,000 in operating costs, totaling $88,000 in general fund support. He added that without the $25,000 in repairs, the pool will likely be unable to open safely. 

Council member Catherine DeWitt commented that the $25,000 would be “basically just a Band-Aid fix,” and also pointed out that the pool building is not ADA compatible. Public pools rarely operate at a profit, and last season revenue generated from admissions, passes, and lessons amounted to around 14 percent of operating costs.

Several suggestions were made by council members. 

Council Chair Raoul Ribeiro suggested that Thompson Falls form a partnership with the pool facilities in Plains. 

“I agree it’s not just recreation. Teaching kids how to swim can save their lives. We have to look at it with our eyes open. It doesn't seem to make sense to throw good money after bad. The people who have been working on the pool have done everything they could,” Ribeiro said.

During the public comment period, local resident Kristen Wing raised concerns about funds raised for the pool versus expenditures, asking, “Where has the money gone?” 

O’Connor suggested that Wing review Harnett’s report for that information. 

Council member Larry Milner then made a motion to accept public comment for several weeks before sending the issue back to committee for further discussion. The motion was unanimously approved. Options for public funding were also discussed.

During the last couple of council meetings, residents had raised concerns about the city’s policy of charging water and sewer fees on vacant lots. That policy has now been suspended.

Thompson Falls Police Chief Christopher Nichols was present at the meeting to recognize retiring officer Roy Scott. Scott began working for the Thompson Falls Police Department in 2017. He received a standing ovation from those in attendance and commented that it had been an honor working for the people of Thompson Falls.

Annie Wooden, a member of Thompson Falls Main Street, provided an update on the upcoming David Thompson Days scheduled for June 26–29. Wooden also encouraged the public to attend the Main Street Mingling event scheduled for April 16-17 at Ainsworth Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn more about upcoming events for 2026.

The May City Council meeting will be moved to May 18 due to scheduling conflicts with required city clerk training.

Council members also addressed animal control concerns because of the number of dogs roaming around town. O’Connor noted that this continues to be a problem for residents who are walking their dogs legally on leashes. Ribeiro added that the public needs to be reminded that dogs are required to be on leash at all times and must be licensed.

Council members voted to renew the lease with Krystal Park, owner of the daycare center located at the Thompson Falls Community Center. The council also approved a contract with TCI for a new water well, accepting the bid of $457,080.

Pay applications for reimbursement for wastewater project phases three and four were approved in the amount of $496,753, along with payments for water project phases one and two totaling $398,145.

During discussion of the wastewater construction project, local resident Mark Trimmer asked, “What’s wrong with the septic system we legally have now? This has been a joke. The roads have been trashed. Now you’re going to the other side of town and trash their roads, and they have a legal septic system. I don’t get it.”

During the mayor’s report, O’Connor discussed the redesign of Wild Goose Landing by Northwest Energy. O’Connor also attended a special council meeting to pause charges on vacant lots until further study.

    Mark Trimmer speaks at the April Thompson Falls City Council meeting. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Thompson Falls Police Chief Christopher Nichols congratulates retiring Officer Roy Scott for his service. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)