60-second summary
The outdoor pool dominated the September 15 discussion. Commissioners heard public comment, reviewed the pool's long-running structural and operational problems and discussed whether the City should commission an engineering assessment. By the end of the discussion, there was no majority direction to move forward with a feasibility assessment. City Manager Grant Gager summarized staff's direction as securing the pool and developing a public process to understand what residents want for the site.
The Commission also approved Resolution 5207 concerning the City's stormwater program and Resolution 5208 authorizing changes to the Livingston urban area highway system. The latter would remove River Drive from View Vista to Ninth Street, plus Ninth Street north from River Drive to Geyser, from the state urban system so the City has more direct control over future improvements.
Three things to know
- 1. The pool decision was essentially “not yet.” Commissioners did not order demolition, but they also did not direct staff to spend money on a feasibility assessment. Staff will secure the site and work toward a future public process.
- 2. Stormwater moved forward. The Commission approved Resolution 5207 after the September 1 hearing had been continued because the City acknowledged a notice-timing problem.
- 3. River Drive moved toward local control. Resolution 5208 was approved, advancing the removal of the identified River Drive and Ninth Street segments from the state urban highway system.
Votes and decisions
Policy origin: stormwater utility
Why the pool debate matters
Staff described significant existing problems with the pool, including water loss, circulation issues and structural concerns. During the discussion, the City estimated that a comprehensive engineering assessment could cost roughly $30,000 to $50,000, depending on scope. Commissioners debated whether spending that money would be useful before the community has decided what it wants at the site.
Public comment and commission debate
Residents spoke both in favor of preserving outdoor swimming and in favor of weighing the condition of the facility against other City priorities. Commissioners repeatedly distinguished between the value of outdoor recreation and the question of whether this particular pool is practical to repair. FOIPub treats those comments as opinions and arguments, not as independently verified facts.
Transportation details
Resolution 5208 concerns River Drive from View Vista to Ninth Street and Ninth Street north from River Drive to Geyser. City staff said removing those road segments from the state urban system would give Livingston more direct control over projects such as pedestrian crossings and sidewalk improvements, while changing the funding and approval framework that applies to those roads.
Watch the meeting
Watch the full September 15 City Commission meeting on the City's official YouTube channel.