Repairs for Municipal Pool Approved

The Lamar City Council approved funds and awarded a bid to resurface the Lamar Swimming Pool. Rick Akers, Lamar Parks and Rec Director, told the council one bid was received from M & M Pool Specialists from Poncha Springs.  Akers presented a breakdown of costs associated with improvement options over a two year span.

It would cost the city $315,776 to resurface the entire pool in just one year, he explained, stating the council could select several alternatives for the project. Repairs will include paint removal, surface preparation and re-plastering the lap/dive area and the zero-depth section of the pool.  Zero depth would cost $114,272 and would be completed in 2018.  The lap/dive area alone, he said, would cost $201,504 and would be completed for next year.  The council decided to fund the lap/dive section of the pool for next year and wait to see if future finances would cover the cost of the zero-depth area.  Akers said using an original Diamond Bright finish for repairs would last for another 15 to 17 years before the pool would require another upgrade.

The council approved a seasonal request to use Lamar Police Department officers to provide security for this year’s Holiday Basketball Tournament at the Lamar Community Building. Two officers would be assigned for two days, December 16^th and 17^th from 5pm to 11pm.  Each officer will be compensated at $30 per hour, not to exceed $720.

City Administrator, John Sutherland, provided the council with a calendar of events for the approaching holiday season to include the informal council breakfast, set for December 7^th from 7am to 8am at the Rancher’s Restaurant at the Lamar Truck Plaza.   Other events include the 50^th anniversary of the Two Shot Goose Hunt, beginning Wednesday, November 30^th.  The Lamar Chamber Parade of Lights will be held Friday, December 2^nd beginning at 6pm along Main Street.  Zonta’s Holiday Home Tour, Toys for Tots Fundraiser will be held at 1pm on Sunday, December 11^th.  City offices will be closed for the Christmas holiday from Friday, the 23^rd to Monday, December 26^th.  The Lamar City Council meeting was moved back to December 27^th.

By Russ Baldwin