HANCEVILLE – The Hanceville City Council met Thursday night, and the planned closing of the city pool was discussed in greater detail. Hanceville Parks Director Ashley Dye was on hand Thursday to provide more information.
The council voted at its last meeting to close the pool due to growing concerns about repair costs. The plan is to replace it with a splash pad. Mayor Kenneth Nail said he believes the splash pad will be a better long-term investment, citing the City being unable to find anyone who can permanently solve the algae and mold problems with the pool. Dye seconded Nail’s thoughts, saying that she and her staff have not been able to come up with a solution to permanently remove the mold.
Nail said the City has been told that repairs could cost $65,000-$75,000, with no guarantees the repairs would be permanent. He said he doesn’t think that would be worth opening the pool for 50-60 days in the year.
Mayor Pro Tem Jim Sawyer voiced concern that a splash pad will only serve the pool’s younger users, but Dye said most of the pool’s guests are 6-10-years-old, which would be the target age range for the splash pad. Dye and Nail both agreed that having both the pool and splash pad would be ideal, but said the City cannot afford the recurring repairs to the pool and they believe a splash pad will be a better fit financially and with younger community members.
In old business, the council discussed bid from SmartFox Solutions of Decatur for the City’s phone system. SmartFox’s was the only bid the council received, but Sawyer expressed concern with the length of the proposed contract, which is five years. The council agreed with Sawyer and decided to wait and explore more options before making a decision.
Update on Officer Jason Hare
Nail gave an update on the condition of Hanceville Police Officer Jason Hare, who was severely injured in a three-car crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 31 and Alabama Highway 91 on Jan. 22. Hare is still in UAB Hospital.
“I try to check on Jason at UAB Hospital every couple of days,” said Nail. “Anyone who is able to, keep him and his family in your prayers, and if you would like you could bring any donations for him and his family to Hanceville City Hall.” City Hall is located at 112 Commercial Street in Hanceville.
The Hanceville City Council will meet again Feb. 22 for a work session at 6 p.m. and a meeting at 6:30. The public is invited to attend both.
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