Advertisement

Council member Stephen Quade reported that Marlette Roofing may be able to help patch the holes in the vinyl liner, as the material is similar to what is used for roofing.

However, that fix may not be enough as other council members warned.

"We're going to try it," said Councilman Dennis Cargill. "I do need to caution... that if that doesn't work, we'll have to take a look at shutting it down again. If we're still loosing that amount of water, it'll have to be a council decision."

The option of closing the pool first came to the table at a budget meeting on May 19. The city had hired a professional to inspect the safety of the pool who found that the leaks may contribute to a dangerous fluctuation in the pool's chemicals. City Manager Steve Schaub had made the recommendation to close the pool after receiving the report.

Council member Ron Elliot noted officials have struggled with the pool issue, because of the city's finances. "The general fund, by the end of the year, is going to be very lean. I mean, down to like $825 positive balance. So that's why we're even thinking of this (closing the pool)."

Citizens at the meeting expressed frustration with lack of funding for the pool, stating that they had asked the council if fundraising should be done for repairing the pool in September, but the council recommended against it.

"If you would have had people raise $20,000 to buy the stuff we need this year, and we close the pool next year, that's silly," Schaub said. "What we're saying now is we're going to open this year. Now let's make our plan."

In other business:

*Council voted unanimously to adopt the 2008-09 budget, as well as the millage split. Cargill noted that the budget included three items of interest that had contributed to the delay on the vote: a 2 percent raise for employees across the board, allowing for a part-time Department of Public Works employee, and keeping the pool open.