South Central Reporter

City of Hillsboro City Council met Jan. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Don Downs at 7:00 p.m.

2. Roll Call was taken:

Present: Mayor Don Downs

Commissioners Fred Butler and Kendra Wright

Absent: Commissioners Tommy Justison and Patrick Ward

Also Present: City Clerk David Jenkins

Community Planner Sarah McConnell

Public Properties Supervisor Jim May

City Engineer Jeremy Connor

3. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

4. Introduction of Central Park Pool Design-Build Firm (Capri Pools): Commissioner Butler introduced the members of the Hillsboro Municipal Pool Design-Build Team, which consisted of representatives from the firms Capri Pools and Aquatics, Counsilman Hunsaker & Associates, Incite Design Studio, Contegra Construction Company and Hurst Rosche Engineers.

5. Presentation and Discussion on Central Park Pool Proposal/Project: Butler began the presentation with disappointing news, reporting the engineers discovered a vast amount of sand and water that goes very deep underneath the proposed area of the new pool. He said this will force the council to discuss alternative locations for the pool in the event constructing the new facility at Central Park is not feasible. He stated the City will exhaust all avenues in an attempt to build at Central Park before deciding to relocate. Butler listed some of the features in the design, including a splash pad; which he said he wanted so the City could offer a water-related area to kids for extended hours during the day as well as during longer periods through the year. He said the goal will be for the splash pad will be for the outside gates to be closed during pool hours so participants will have to pay to get into the pool in order to utilize it. However, when the pool is not open, the outside gate will be open for a period of time and use of the splash pad will be free. He also listed zero-entry as a critical feature of the pool, which will assist with handicap accessibility in addition to provide an area for younger children. In addition to zero-entry, a hand-rail will provide another handicap accessible resource for pool-goers. He noted the addition of a lazy river, which he said was not requested for the design but was included, and he was glad it was. He said he also requested a competitive lap pool in order to attempt to bring the swim team back to Hillsboro. The lap pool in the design presented contained eight lanes, but he said could be reduced to six. This would allow for cost savings and/or allow the City to use funds for other features, all while maintaining the possibility of bringing the swim team back to town.

6. Questions and Answer Segment on the Central Park Pool Project: May reported he received feedback from other communities who constructed pools. He said some of those communities reduced the number of slides from two to one, and those communities expressed regret over that decision because the reduction in the feature resulted in longer lines and waits. He also stated another suggested feature for the pool was a zip line; however, Butler said that would mean the City would have to include a deep water area. Wright asked what the estimated life span of this designed pool would be. Dave Wiecher with Capri Pools stated the team feels the lifespan of this design would be more than 20 years, and could reach 30 years if it is maintained properly. Butler stated one concern he had with any new pool would be a cost of approximately $40,000 per year in chemicals. When asked about alternative locations, Butler reiterated that the City will exhaust all possibilities with Central Park before relocating; however, if they have to move it, they are considering the Sports Complex and behind the Challacombe House. He said, if located at the Sports Complex, the ideal spot would be the west soccer field. Butler reported the City anticipates receiving between $19 million and $22 million over 20 years as a result of the new sales tax that took effect January 1. He said the council passed an ordinance authorizing the issuance of a bond of up to $12 million, which will be used to fund the pool project in addition to pay for infrastructure improvements. Asked about lighting for the pool, Butler responded the facility will have overhead lighting. The problem with in-pool lighting, he said, was they will cause leaking issues. He stated he believes all kids should have a public pool, and he believes this proposed facility is one which with kids can grow up.

7. Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

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