Changes made in pool rates, hours
By Melinda L. Lucas
Most of Monday’s hour-long meeting of the Albany city council was spent in discussing various aspects of the city’s recreational pool.
A job description for the pool managers was presented, and city members asked that a job description also be developed for lifeguards hired by the city for the summer.
Several referred to problems that arose last year, mainly dealing with pool cleanliness.
“I know they’re teenagers, and whether or not it actually works, we’ll have to see,” said Austin Sherwood. “We can go through it with them, and I think it protects us even if they don’t follow the rules.”
Fellow city member Ragan Riley agreed, saying that having the expectations in writing will hold the lifeguards responsible for their duties, which should include regular cleaning of the pool.
The council has asked that city manager Billy Holson have all lifeguards who are hired, as well as the pool managers, attend a council meeting in May or June so that they can emphasize the importance of the job.
Council members also discussed the possibility of closing the facility one day a week instead of being open seven days a week, and whether pool rates should be raised.
Eventually, it was decided that the daily individual rate of $2.50 would not be changed, and that entrance rates of $1 per person on Tuesday’s family night would remain the same.
The council did, however, raise the pool rental rates to $200 for a two-hour time slot, which includes lifeguards. Rentals are not available on Mondays when the pool is closed.
Season passes were raised to $200 for a household and $100 for individuals.
The changes were made on a motion by Sherwood, with Riley seconding and all in favor.
Monday was Riley’s last meeting as a council member after she opted not to run for reelection. Mayor Susan Montgomery thanked her for serving.
In other business, David Cleveland was reappointed to the board of the West Central Texas Municipal Water District.
