The Dublin City Council approved repairs to the City Pool and to seek a low-interest loan from Government Capital during a busy regular meeting Monday, April 13.
Public Works Director Cory James reported the pool had been patched in 2021 but was overdue for a complete remodel (which is recommended every 12 years). James reported that several spots of plaster are unbonded, manifolds on sand filters have ruptured, the top layer of plaster is decomposing there is severe corrosion in the electrical system. He added if the pool opened in current condition, the water would have to be cleaned several times per day or the bottom of pool would not be visible.
He presented bids he had for the remodel and estimated costs to get all the work needed done at $58,500.
“I’m not going to say it will put us in a horrible bind, but it’s not budgeted for this year,” Seider said of the repair costs.
Councilmembers entertained the thought of leaving it closed for this summer due to unexpected costs. Director Cameron Ray pointed out that the recent decision for Stephenville to close Splashville and convert it into a splashpad has left the area with one less pool option. He added that the city pool is frequented by kids from both Dublin and the surrounding area.
James was asked if the work could be done in time for opening and he said he was told the project could be completed by Memorial Day.
Mayor David Leatherwood asked about checking into a $60,000 lowinterest note from Government Capital while councilmembers discussed the possibility of fundraisers (which could help in paying back the cost of repairs).
“That pool is some kids’ entire summer vacation,” Ray said of the low-cost option for summer entertainment in town. “I think we do everything we can to open it.”
Seider reported she would check with GC the following day while councilmembers voted to approve up to $60,000 to address the issues. (Darren Turley and Jacob McCullough were absent.)
The door was opened for more improvements as Rob Stokes spoke with the council again about the foundation of an airport board. Stokes asked if a councilmember could join as all airport users and anyone interested are invited to the first meeting April 27 at 6 p.m. in the Dublin City Council chambers.
Following public hearings councilmembers also approved moving forward with demolition on two substandard structures if efforts aren’t made to repair, remove or demolish them by the owners in the following 30 days.
One structure is located at 201 E. Clinton which was reportedly vacant, accessible to anyone and in a state of decay. James estimated the property had been in violation for around 10 years. Councilmember Bo Kabala ensured that the teardown could be stopped if the owner who lives nearby started correcting the issues and Ray responded it could if efforts to fix it took place.
The second property is located at 111 E. Shamrock with two substandard buildings. Ray reported the certified letter came back undeliverable and efforts to reach the owner have been unsuccessful for years after they left the area. The property reportedly has unsecure doors, sagging/ rotting overhangs and more issues. Ray said the home has been vacant for nine years and he had attempted contact when he was working with code enforcement in 2020.
Councilmembers also approved new by-laws for the Dublin Executive Development Corporation following several months of EDC members working on them to bring them in step with state laws and reflect the community.
Councilmember Nancy Williams asked if the adoption meant council approval of new and existing board members as it had been several years since the existing board was brought up for approval. EDC director Noah Cullis and members present said the plan was to bring the unreviewed members up for approval and then stagger terms.
Kabala said he was excited about the work and potential.
Councilmembers also accepted the purchase of two vehicles and deployment of Flock System license plate readers. Ray, as Dublin PD Chief, said he had a stipend exclusively for equipment and access to low-cost action for gently used vehicles. Council approved up to $95k for the purchase of vehicles once grant money is received. Ray said the readers would be handled by another grant and felt it would aid heavily as ‘90%’ of crime in the town was performed by people who don’t live in Dublin. The readers would log license plates but law enforcement have to have cause to search the database. Ray said the use of readers has helped recover several stolen vehicles as well as four people on silver alert in the Dublin area.
He added that more than 20 were already in Erath through other agencies and Dublin’s additions would help provide a net for quickly responding to crimes as they work together through the combined dispatch.
Councilmembers also approved the acceptance of a vehicle from Tarleton PD as a previously gifted vehicle had locked up. The engine from the new vehicle is to be moved into the branded vehicle for a cost of $2,500, leading to a low-cost addition to the PD fleet.
The council also appointed long-standing Dublin fire marshal Charles Malone, approved a proclamation for ‘Stop the Silence’ after hearing from Cross Timbers Family Services and Paluxy Rivers Children’s Advocacy Center members and heard reports which included James stating that 12 tons of pre-mix had been placed around town as public works crews try to come in after work crews finish projects in town.