Following 30 minutes of questions from the audience and a presentation from a representative of Burbach Aquatics, LLC, the Elgin City Council approved plans for a new outdoor swimming pool.
On a three-to-zero vote (Councilman Don Mackel was absent), the council approved the proposed plans Monday night. Andy Pennekamp, representing Burbach Aquatics, said the new pool will be approximately 3,000 square feet, slightly larger than the existing pool. A new bathhouse will be built.
Pool capacity will be close to 200 persons. A public meeting will be held soon to show off the new design.
Mayor Mike Schmitt said the plans were approved so that bids could be awarded in August, with groundbreaking to follow and work towards being ready for the start of the 2017 season.
To delay another month, or more, would mean the new pool likely wouldn’t be finished until July or August 2017, costing users an entire season, he said.
Pastor Michael Davis of the Elgin United Methodist Church was at the meeting. A supporter of the new pool, he said his grandson began swimming lessons Monday.
“One of the reasons I want to get it done is because he (the grandson) wants to be in the new pool next summer. This old man wants to be in the pool next summer too.” With that, Pastor Davis reached into his pocket and pulled out his check book and made a donation to the pool fund. “I just really really like the idea. If everybody does something, we can get this done.”
Mayor Schmitt said the committee has researched the matter thoroughly. As for the cost, he said, “You don’t know for sure the costs until you get the bids back.” Pennekamp said two, possibly three companies, have expressed an interest in bidding on the pool project. Estimated cost of the new pool is between $1.6 and $1.8 million.
Later in the meeting, the council approved Ordinance 643 for the issuance of $500,000 in general obligaton bonds for the swimming pool. The 15-year bonds will cost the owner of a $100,000 house an additional $130 annually in property ($10.83 per month).
