City Inks Agreement For Legal Services Regarding Aquatic Center
The Glenwood Aquatic Center was closed for the entire 2022 swimming season for repair work related to water loss.
The City Of Glenwood has taken the first step in pursuing possible legal action regarding the Glenwood Aquatic Center. The 9-year-old aquatic center is closed indefinitely after an inspection by engineers from Burbach Aquatics identified multiple issues, including some appearing to be construction-related, contributing to the water loss issues that have plagued the facility.
The Glenwood City Council has given approval to a “letter of engagement” with Ahlers & Cooney, P.C.,that would allow the Des Moines-based law firm to represent the city in connection with construction disputes related to the aquatic center.
The letter states, “This engagement will involve advising the city in connection with the contracts associated with the pool, representing the city in any litigation related to the dispute concerning the contracts, and providing the necessary related legal services upon request of the city.”
Glenwood City Administrator Mitch Kolf said the firm has a solid reputation.
“They’re a very reputable firm. They’re one of the biggest municipal government lawyers in the state. They’ve got one or two (attorneys) that specialize in construction litigation,” he said.
The letter of engagement states that legal costs will be determined by the number of hours worked by the firm’s personnel. Hourly rates could range from $155 to $525. Kolf said Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds designated for the pool would be used to cover the costs of legal fees.
“Hopefully, we won’t be paying for it if they do their job,” he added.
In addition to approving the letter of engagement, the council discussed the possible formation of a pool committee, comprised of community members who may have valuable expertise and recommendations for proposed repairs and plans for the facility.
“We thought it would be good to have some community involvement with the pool,” Kolf said.
After discussion, no action was taken, but the pool committee proposal will be addressed again at a future council meeting.