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Leaking pool and rock wall concern Augusta Council
Thursday, August 21, 2008 11:23 PM EDT
"The rock stage wall is deteriorating," said Steve Miller, Augusta/Bracken Tourism director.
The man familiar with construction of the structure, John Gibson was on hand for advice.
"(We need to put) a lot of rock back," Gibson said as photos of problem areas were passed to council. "A lot of rock is ready to fall off ... (someone) needs to get this thing nipped before it gets too bad."
The rock stage on the Ohio River front was built after the 1997 flooding, which had ripped away other less stationary patio areas, he said.
"Reynolds Tobacco donated $5,000, I donated $500 and (others donated various amounts) to make up the $10,000 used to build the stage," Gibson said. "The top of it is going to hell in a handbasket."
Council readily encouraged repair of the structure, estimated at $990.
"We can get some money ... it's very necessary ... we will make it happen," said Mayor Wendell High.
Water leaks at the city swimming pool were also a concern, but any decision on whether to repair or how to repair the pool will come next month, High said.
The pool is currently closed for the season, which is a normal procedure when school opens, High said.
An evaluation of the situation will be reported on at council's September meeting.
"It will be up to you all on what you want to do," he said.
Later, High explained what had been an ongoing problem with a somewhat minor water leak at the pool had turned into a 5,000 gallon per day leak.
"It is in the drain system is all we know right now," he said.
Air quality and safety issues were included in a second reading of a burn ban ordinance for the city.
A lengthy discussion included possible loopholes and problems with creating a complicated set of times, types, sizes and locations of organic refuse fires in the city.
Reviewing a "Learn Before You Burn" pamphlet as they discussed each scenario, council members decided in a three to one vote to approve the simplified version of the ordinance in a second reading. It will allow nontoxic organic matter to be burned 6 p.m. - midnight and require all fires, including exemptions like campfires and burn barrels, to be supervised. Council omitted a requirement to get permission from High before burning certain materials, which had been a sticking point during the meeting.
Council also requested more time to review potential tax rates even though city attorney Cynthia Thompson suggested most of the figures had not changed since last year. Further discussion will occur at the next meeting, when clarified figures were available, officials said.
In other business, council:
-- Learned applications have been arriving to fill an open position on the city police department.
-- Approved allowing the Sew-n-Sews to hold bimonthly meetings at the Community Center through an arrangement with Miller.
-- Requested research into possibly selling the gas business for the city or changing the rate structure.
-- Discussed requiring anyone doing business with the city to be free of any delinquent debts to the city.
-- Learned a bill payer used quarters to pay a large bill, requiring the village clerk's office to spend nearly four hours counting the coins.
-- Discussed a possible electric vehicle ordinance and scooter regulations.
-- Requested a plan of action for disposing of the surplus property of the old depot lot.
Contact Wendy Mitchell at wendy.mitchell@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 276.
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