City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton, during the Preston city council’s October 7 meeting, described several issues with the community pool cited during a health inspection.
Three days before the pool was to close this year, the pump failed. The pump was replaced in 2023, so the manufacturer will cover replacement of some of the parts.
However, there are many other issues with a pool that is over 60 years old. Jim Bakken met with the Minnesota Department of Health (MNDH); they provided a time frame of two to five years to make numerous improvements needed to meet compliance requirements. Staff has been working to get estimates and has met with the Park Board.
Flow rate needs to be increased. Decking will need to be removed (later replaced) and existing piping will need to be replaced. Main drains at the bottom of the pool will need to be cut out (later replaced) and variable frequency drives (VFD) will need to be installed. Chlorine and electrical upgrades are needed, coping and concrete, along with water-fill improvements, fencing, guard chairs and diving board. The estimated cost for all of these upgrades is between $350,000 and $370,000. These upgrades will mostly need to be done in one improvement process, not over a period of years. Upgrades to the baby pool including pump, sand filter, and concrete are estimated to cost another $25,000.
The two- to five-year window is acceptable to the MNDH to do the above upgrades. However, once the pump is fixed, the pool will be able to open next year.
The council discussed a possible time frame to do the work. Bakken said they will have to close the pool on August 1 when they decide to make the upgrades. Throckmorton noted there are other issues with the pool; the sand filter will eventually need to be replaced, and the bathhouse needs work. Mayor Kurt Reicks said the longer we wait the more it will cost for the upgrades. He also expressed another concern, asking, “How long will this bandaid last?” Throckmorton said they will continue to gather information. A new pool in other communities has cost roughly $4.5 million.
This past year the pool was open 64 days; the average daily attendance was 65 with a total of 4,328 patrons. No action was taken this day.
Other Business in Brief
- The appointment of Connor Simon as a full-time police officer was approved. Simon has county jail and court security experience. There were three applicants for the position.
The review process of the Preston Historical Society’s planning for the Museum and Riverfront Center was discussed. The PHS has been successful raising funds. The city is the deed holder on the property and is the fiscal agent. Throckmorton said he has been working with Charles Aug and an engineer. There is a building permit application and the submission of plans. Councilman Steve Hall said it would be good to have someone from the city council review plans and ensure they are in compliance with city ordinances. Councilwoman Flossie Schultz was appointed to sign off on the building permit. review proposals, and report back to the council.
- Alison Leathers was appointed to sit on the EDA board as recommended by the EDA. Three people had applied for the seat.
- Julie Sogla had submitted a request to add an ADA ramp at 152 Main St. SW. The installation of the ramp was approved.
- The city administrator was authorized to appoint a hearing officer if required for an ongoing case that is being actively worked on by city attorney, Joe O’Koren and Chief Blaise Sass.
- A request for proposals for the 2025 official newspaper will be advertised.
- Debbie Thompson was approved as an election judge for the 2024 election.
- The temporary closure of Fillmore St. E parking lot (behind Preston Eye Clinic) for Trunk and Treating on October 31 was approved.
- The next meeting of the city council will be held with the Preston Public Utility board to discuss the wastewater treatment plant.
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