Municipal Swimming Pool Set to Open Memorial Day Unless Delayed by Repairs

The Smithville Municipal Swimming Pool is scheduled to open by Memorial Day but needed repairs could force a delay.
The issue was discussed during Monday night’s city council meeting.
Secretary Treasurer Hunter Hendrixson says Donald Page from the Department of Health met with city officials earlier this month and made some recommendations. “On April 15th, he came out and gave a consultation and had a list of suggestions on what he thought needed to be done before opening the pool. He commented on the interior of the pool being rough as far as the liner goes. We have limited lights. He said only 50% were functional and we need to look at getting those repaired. I’m not sure if it’s the wiring or not but I believe that’s what it is. There’s been some uplifting of some of the concrete around the pool or part of the deck. I’m not sure what all needs to be done there but he had some suggestions. Depth markings. I believe that can be fixed fairly easy but he suggested that as well. And the hand railing needs to be repaired.”
Jimmy Lewis, operator of the golf course and swimming pool, said based on Page’s advice, he can’t open the pool until the repairs are made “He told me not to even get the permits until that was fixed. The liner has cracks in it and our insurance won’t cover it. You’ll have to re-fiberglass it. The fiberglass has got to be redone. We’re supposed to open Memorial Day but it takes two weeks to get it filled up and the water right and people are already calling about booking summer swimming parties.”
Alderman Tonya Sullivan says rumors are going around town that the pool is not going to open.
Mayor Taft Hendrixson responded, saying ” I don’t know where that’s coming from. We will do what we can do and what we can’t do we’ll have to get it done by someone else. We’ll let a professional look at it. Whatever has to be done we will do. Our maintenance people can do some things like maybe the concrete, the lights, and the hand rails.”
Since the repair costs are unknown at this time, city officials are not certain if there is sufficient funds budgeted to make the repairs, or if a budget amendment will be needed.
In other business during the city council meeting Monday night, the Aldermen voted on first reading to adopt an ordinance changing the zoning classification of two lots from R-1 low density residential to B-2 general business. The lots belong to Phillip W. Cantrell, located in the Trudie Vickers Subdivision on Short Mountain Street between Meadowbrook Drive and Green Acre Drive. Second and final reading action will come following a public hearing at the next meeting on Monday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m.
Regina Wilhite of Woodmen of the World presented new flags of the United States to be flown by the city and county and at Greenbrook Park.
Police Chief Richard Jennings also informed the board that the city is making application for grants on behalf of the department.