Licking Aquatic Center remains closed
Photo by Christy Porter
The Licking Aquatic Center remains closed due to a leak. Further attempts to find the leak will take place on July 16. Future plans can’t be made until the source of the problem is identified.
By Shari Harris, Publisher
A main topic of discussion at the June meeting of the City of Licking Board of Aldermen was the City’s Aquatic Center, which has not been able to open yet this summer.
Aquatic Center employees were among those attending the meeting, hoping to learn more about the expectations for this summer. City Administrator/Clerk Rhonda Kirkwood and Donnie Trout, Assistant Superintendent of Utilities, reported the pool was leaking, losing about 18 inches of depth in six hours. On Friday, Westport Pool, the company that built the pool, had been onsite and reported it wasn’t holding pressure through the lines. They put plugs in the pool and it continued to lose water. They are planning to return on July 16, at which time they will do a dye test to attempt to locate the leak. Kirkwood stated she had names of other pool companies she would contact to see if anyone could get there sooner. The Board was in agreement that aquatic center staff should not wait to see if the pool would be able to open in mid-July, because nothing was certain. If they have other opportunities, they should take them. If the pool is repaired in time to open this summer, the City will have to try to find staff at that time if any are available. As no one has yet determined where or why the pool is leaking, there is no way to determine the fate of this summer’s pool season. If no other pool company is available, the board will meet again in July before further assessment of the pool takes place.
In other matters, a contract between the City and the company currently managing Hickory Manor has been signed. Administrator Lindi Schmitt reported their census is currently 43. They have a new medical director, Dr. Beers, who begins in July. A new director of nursing, Gina Umfleet, will also begin July 1. An air conditioning unit near the break area/laundry room needs replaced. They would like to get the parking lot resealed, with the City prepping it and their maintenance painting the stripes afterward to reduce cost.
The Board voted to adopt Ordinance No. 661. The ordinance renames Chapter 94 of the Code of Ordinances, from “Vegetation” to “Vegetation, weeds, trash and ditches.” It also adds Article I to Chapter 94, “Duty of owner to keep premises clean of weeds, grass, sprouts and brush; violation declared a nuisance.” This article limits weeds, grass, sprouts and brush to seven inches in height. Article II of Chapter 94 is amended by the Ordinance, stating that prosecution of violations may be instigated, or in the alternative, notice can be given, the nuisance can be abated by the City, and the City can collect the costs of the abatement from the owner.
Ordinance No. 662 was adopted by the Board. This ordinance repealed Section 90-346 and establishes a user charge system for the city to provide funds needed to pay for expenses associated with the city’s water system. The user charge system “shall generate adequate annual revenues to pay to costs of annual Operation and Maintenance including Replacement and cost associated with the City’s revenue bonds issued to finance or refinance improvements to the Water System.” See the table for rates.
The user charge rates are shown in this table.
The Board adopted Ordinance No. 663, which amends Chapter 90 – Article III – Division 1, regulating the use of public water system, the installation and connection of water service, and providing penalties for violations.
The latter two ordinances keep the City in alignment with DNR requirements.
The results of Lead Line Bidding were read. Archer-Elgin scored highest in the bidding, with an 85, followed by Benton & Associates with an 80. HBK Engineering was next with a 54.85. A motion was made to accept the bid by Archer-Elgin, and a roll call vote showed all in favor.
Department Head Reports:
Fire Chief Aaron Greathouse was called away to a motor vehicle accident and was unable to give his report.
LPD Chief Pat Burton: The department is doing good, and Jimmy Mendenhall is finishing at the Academy. They are still on schedule for an SRO to begin. The department is waiting on a grant award if possible before paying for the old TCMH clinic building.
Asst. Supt. of Utilities Trout: Pool issues were discussed. The department is short with Rodney Sullins out. A discussion was had concerning animal waste, specifically horse manure, in the city park. A sign will be put up designating areas where horses are/are not allowed.
City Administrator/Clerk Kirkwood: Kirkwood read an email regarding the Treatment Plant inspection of May 21 and May 22, with the inspector saying, “Fantastic job!” Water and sewer rates need to be increased with the prison. The board made a motion for the City to go ahead with negotiating new water and sewer contracts with the prison, and the motion was approved. Kirkwood advised the Board that Terris Cates, Bartlett West/Integrity Engineering, said he sent a Land Disturbance Permit application to her, but she checked back and had never received it. The permit will cost $1,500.00. She will follow up with Cates. The City still has not received a hydrovac; she will check with Sullins or the company to find out the status.
