Chambana Sun

City of Gibson Pool Exploratory Committee met June 6.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Gibson City Pool Exploratory Committee

Mayor Dickey called the meeting to order @ 7:00 p.m. in city council chambers.

Others present were committee members Randy Ferguson, Paul Phillips, Susie Tongate, and Jan Hall Also present was Ross Brown, representing WGCY.

Minutes from May 23, 2019 were read aloud by Secretary Jan Hall and approved unanimously.

Mayor Dickey asked the committee to go around the table and state their views and recommendation.

Randy Ferguson stated that he likes the Lincolnshire Fields Country Club (hereafter LFCC) heated outdoor pool because it would best suit our needs, and hopefully we could be open the extra months of May and September. Randy went on to say that although he started out thinking an indoor pool may be the way to go, after our committee visits, his ideas have changed.

Susie Tongate agreed with Randy’s views, that the outdoor heated pool is most feasible for us to pursue. She was very impressed with the Diamond Brite finish of the LFCC pool, and voiced concerns that as a committee we were unable to come up with actual numbers as to indoor operation costs and maintenance. Susie added that she would like the committee to ask the engineer what the difference in costs would be to design this pool as if it may be enclosed in the future.

Jan Hall agreed that LFCC outdoor heated pool with additional open hours should be recommended. Jan mentioned the problems we saw at some of the indoor pools regarding humidity control and had discussed staffing issues for a year-round pool.

Mayor Dickey – in favor of the LFCC pool design, completely open to discussing a possible “Phase 2 – Enclosure” in the future. Mayor stressed the need to stay on this and take it ‘one bite at a time’, so the City is successful in this goal.

Paul Phillips – although not with us at the LFCC, has seen the pictures/drawings, and agrees that the outdoor heated pool is a good option. Paul has talked with many people in the community and stated that although many want an indoor pool, they were not with us and did not see and hear the concerns that we saw on our visits. Paul felt an indoor pool was more than our population would support financially.

Further discussion was held regarding a bathhouse/concession area, and we will consult Andy Keiser for advice and numbers. Committee encourages community support from active groups who may take on purchase of ‘recreational add-on’s’, like the slide, diving board, water features.

Jan Hall contacted Andy Keiser and set-up an appointment for tomorrow (Friday, June 7) at 1:00 at the city pool, with Manager Randy Ferguson, to do a walk-through of our current facility and view of the proposed site. We need estimated costs from Andy to be able to make a presentation to the City Council, who has final approval on the recommendation, and move forward in the fund-raising phase.

Tongate made a motion to approve recommendation of a ‘copy’ of the LFCC outdoor heated pool, using Andy Keiser of Fehr-Graham as the engineer. 2nd by Ferguson, roll call vote, motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

Ferguson made a motion to Adjourn, 2nd by Phillips, all in favor.

http://www.gibsoncityillinois.com/images/Gibson_City_Pool_Exploratory_Committee_minutes_6.6.19.docx