The Hanceville City Council spent most of its meeting discussing the fate of the city’s public pool. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE – At Thursday evening’s regular meeting of the Hanceville City Council, the main topic of discussion, during both the work session and official meeting, was the fate of the city’s pool. At its meeting on Jan. 25, the council voted to close the pool and pursue the construction of a splash pad in its place, with Councilman Charles Wilson the sole vote against the move.
The general feeling among members Thursday night was that the pool should have salvageable materials removed, and then should be filled in, and they indicated that such was their intent when they voted to close it. When it came to making the actual call to begin demolition, though, council members seemed hesitant to drive forward quickly.
The main reason for caution appeared to be a more recent estimate of the cost of construction of the proposed splash pad. The original proposal was around $55,000 to $65,000, versus $75,000 or more to repair the old pool with its recurring outbreaks of black mold. An updated pad construction estimate has shot the total up sharply. Mayor Kenneth Nail and Councilwoman Kim Brown stated that, including all extra expenses that would go with the project, the total could top $200,000.
After lengthy discussion before and during the meeting, no action was taken on the pool; Nail pointed out that nothing could be done anyway until the City hears from the State on the matter. Since the pool was originally constructed with a state grant, demolition will require state authorization.
The council also welcomed Cullman County Probate Judge Tammy Brown for a brief campaign stop at the meeting. Judge Brown shared a little about her career and the work of the Probate Court and office. As she concluded, she complimented Hanceville on its recent moves toward downtown revitalization and new growth.
The Hanceville City Council’s next meeting will take place in Hanceville City Hall on Thursday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. with work session at 6. The public is invited to attend.
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