Lowell council directs inspection of recreation center for suspected mold and agrees to rebid parking work

Council members raised concerns about water damage and a possible mold problem at the Lowell Recreation Center following a site visit. Mayor Larry Oaks described visible damage and odor, saying, “When you open the doors in the morning, the smell knocks you down,” and urged the council to have the building inspected by an expert. City manager Tyler agreed to obtain an inspection and to report back to council with findings and recommendations.

Councilors emphasized the need for targeted evaluation rather than presuming whole-building remediation; one council member described small spots observed behind a back door and in a front office and asked for a professional determination. The council directed staff to investigate and return next week with the expert assessment.

Separately, on the rec-center parking project, Tyler recommended canceling current bids and re-bidding a larger scope that would extend an existing culvert and provide multiple access points rather than the originally planned single short driveway. Council agreed to rebid the work and to solicit new bids for the expanded culvert/drive approach.

What's next: Staff will commission a professional mold/water-damage inspection for the Lowell Recreation Center and return findings to council; public-works staff will prepare revised bid documents for the parking/civil work.