Gasconade County Republican

Owensville aldermen unanimously approved a proposal Monday presented by the Park Board calling for an April 2 ballot issue for a new municipal swimming pool.

As presented, the $1.65 million General Obligation bond issue would be paid back over 16 years with an increase of 31 cents to the city’s operating levy for parks per $100 assessed valuation. All four aldermen and the mayor sat in on the Park Board’s rescheduled meeting held prior to the city’s regularly scheduled meeting.

Dave Wiecher with Westport Pools in Maryland Heights, Mo., fielded several questions posted by members of each board. He presented a proposed layout for play structures available in the budget range for the proposed project which will require a four-sevenths majority approval by city voters. Wiecher has been consulting for the Park Board to develop the project which, if approved by voters, would begin immediately following the 2013 swimming season.

The old pool, constructed in the 1960s, would be demolished and the new structure would be created in the same location with existing filtration and chlorination equipment installed three years ago incorporated into the new facility. The project will also include a new bathhouse and office space.

All facilities will be completely compliant with Americans With Disabilities Act provisions including a zero-grade entry shallow end. The new structure, as proposed, will increase the pool’s footprint from 5,550 square feet to 6,076.

Aldermen approved Ordinance No. 1139 on three readings and a 4-0 roll call vote calling for the ballot issue.

Aldermen also vote unanimously to decline an offer for the former OES 3-5 Center building and grounds from Jim Decker and Don Lenauer.  Ron Miller and Bobbie Berger, both of Ward 1, made the motion and second respectively.

“I’ve never had so many people contact me and say they were against something like they did this,” said Miller. “They’ve all been real negative,” added Berger.

Mayor Dixon Somerville told board members the offer to allow the city to accept the building and demolish it had been rescinded. “It’s cost prohibitive to use it,” said John Kamler, of Ward 2.

“Thank you for giving us the first option,” said Rob Borgmann, Ward 2. “It was a hard decision,” said Berger.

Kamler told the board that Decker and Lenauer had told he, the mayor and city administrator, the building site could be leveled within 45 days of the city’s rejection of the offer.

Aldermen also approved a bid by Jerry and Chris Lairmore of Pigg Hallow Farms to buy the city’s former street maintenance shed and approximately nine acres of land along North Oak for $35,155. The Lairmore bid was the only one received by the Dec. 26 publicly advertising deadline. The site is to be surveyed at the city’s cost and the city is to provide a clear title. Berger’s motion was seconded by Kamler and approved 4-0.