City accepts pool bid

Clarendon will have its own water recreation park as early as next summer following action taken by the city council last Thursday, August 8.

With a unanimous vote, aldermen approved a $2.7 million bid from A&S General Contractors to construct the Clarendon Aquatics Center on the southeast corner of Fourth and Kearney.

Mayor Sandy Skelton, during the meeting, urged the council to take action on the bid calling it their “opportunity to step up as city leaders and make a bold decision.” Afterwards, he applauded the council’s vote.

“After four years of fundraising, I am very pleased that the City Council accepted the low bid from A&S General Contractors for the construction of Clarendon’s first ever public swimming pool,” Skelton said.

“I especially want to thank the anonymous benefactor who set this project in motion four years ago with a challenge grant and also thank the numerous individuals, businesses, farmers, ranchers, state agencies and foundations who stepped up with generous donations to make it all happen,” the mayor continued. “Additionally, I want to express genuine appreciation to the Pool Steering Committee members who devoted a considerable amount of time and effort related to planning and fundraising.”

City Administrator David Dockery also expressed his happiness with the action of the council.

“I’m extremely pleased that after these years of work by so many people, we’re going to reach our goal of a water recreation facility like we’ve never had before,” Dockery said.

As part of the vote to accept the bid, the council also committed as much as $425,000 in city funds to support the construction and help make up the shortfall between the $2.253 million raised for the project and the $2.7 million price tag. The city funds would include $75,000 in interest earned on the donation to the project and $350,000 from the city’s reserves.

Cost savings with the contractor and additional donations are still being pursued by the city, which could offset some of the contribution the city would have to make.

The city also accepted the bid as it was presented, including all the previously published features of the pool and specifying poured in place concrete pool walls as opposed to gunite – or shot concrete – walls, which had been mentioned as a cost saver.

During discussion before the vote, Alderman Larry Jeffers said he was in favor of the city doing what it takes for the pool “as long as it doesn’t put the city in a strain.”

Dockery replied that the city – even with this commitment – is in a better shape financially than when he came to the job four years ago and that the city has proposed a tax rate 26 cents lower than the current rate.

Alderman Nathan Floyd said the city has a lot of funds in reserve but had not put anything into the pool.

“The city should have some skin in it,” Floyd said.

Alderman John Lockhart, recalling statements made at the August 5 meeting of the economic development board, said it was time to act.

“If we don’t do it, it won’t happen in our lifetimes,” Lockhart said.

Jeffers asked about other expenses that city expects to incur related to the pool construction. Dockery said the city would use about $10,000 worth of materials to extend utilities for the facility and said gravel already on hand could be used for the parking lot.

Addressing the question of paving streets, officials again noted that the donated funds were specifically given to the pool project, and Dockery said the money being contributed by the city, if used for streets, would only chip seal about eight blocks. The mayor also repeated that streets will be a priority after the current USDA water line project is completed and will be put to a vote of the people.

Alderman Jacob Fangman said he was conservative and mentioned lower interest rates for the city’s investments. He also said the city would be getting close to providing one-quarter of the project with the contingency funds. Alderman Floyd was upbeat in his response.

“We’re going to be here forever,” Floyd said. “Sales taxes are coming in. Things are just getting better, bubba.”

Dockery said this week that city officials are working to set ground breaking in September and hope to have the facility open for next summer.