South Central Reporter

City of Hillsboro City Council met Aug. 29.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Downs at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, then Mayor Don Downs turned the meeting over to Streets and Public Improvements Commissioner Fred Butler. Butler thanked Jenny Dunn, Barb Hewitt and Nancy Slepicka, who were all in attendance, for their fundraising efforts for the Central Park Pool project. That group, through Imagine Hillsboro, has raised over $50,000 towards the pool, primarily through contributions from donors outside the community. Butler reported the City recently passed a one-percent sales tax that will be used to fund a new pool, in addition to infrastructure improvements throughout the City. The tax will take effect January 1. He stated the next step in the process would be hiring pool engineers.

Butler outlined items he would like the new pool to have. Those items include an eight lane lap pool, zero-entry, a slide, splash pad, concession stands, bathrooms and changing rooms, and a storage area. He said the lap pool would allow the competitive swim team to return to Hillsboro. He said the City has made plans to tear the old pool out, which is why there are piles of dirt located next to the current pool. He stated Jerry Spinner has volunteered to help.

Butler took various questions from the audience throughout the meeting. One of those questions was about the location of the new pool. He stated the City’s primary objective is to keep the pool at Central Park, though he would like to see it moved to the north end of the park so children going to the pool don’t have to cross a road in order to get from the parking area. One of the factors that could force the City to move the pool, Butler said, is whether or not the new pool would be located in a flood plain, and how much it would cost to put it there as a result. Butler stated putting a few hundred thousand dollars to keep it in a flood plain would not deter the City from keeping it at Central Park; however, if that figure reached one million, he would want to put the pool in a different location. He stated he would prefer to use that money on items that could be included with the pool rather than spending that much to keep it at Central Park. If the pool were to be moved, he said the Sports Complex has been discussed as a secondary option, as well as behind the Challacombe House. Despite having those options, Butler remained steadfast in the City’s objective to keep the pool at Central Park.

A question of security around the new pool was asked. Butler stated the City would be installing cameras and fencing around the pool, and would also make sure the water at the splash pad was on a timer so it could not be used after a certain time. He said there would be a fence installed between the splash pad and the pool, which would allow for kids to use the pad at no charge. It would also allow for the splash pad to remain open later in the day and into the season since it does not have to be occupied by an individual. He said the water, when in use, would be on a timer and could be activated by the push of a button. This would prevent the water from remaining on throughout the day while unattended.

Another question was asked regarding the maintenance of the pool. Public Properties Supervisor Jim May stated it is important for the City to organize a plan that includes maintenance upgrades throughout the life of the pool. This, he said, would prevent future councils and parks department supervisors from being caught off guard with any items that need to be replaced or maintained. It would also assist the City in keeping the pool in good condition as long as possible. Butler thanked everyone for attending the meeting, and said the Council will continue to update the public on the project, most likely through future regular city council meetings. The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.

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