Kids are now able to sign-up for swimming lessons at the Clarendon Aquatic Center following action by the city council at its regular meeting last Thursday, July 14.
Lifeguard Josiah Howard presented the plan for lessons to the council.
Howard said six lifeguards have been certified to give lessons and will work under their teacher’s certification. Lessons will cost $25 each, and a group of four lessons can be purchased for $75. Lessons will be taught in the mornings and not during the aquatic center’s regular hours.
Lifeguards will work in pairs with groups of kids set up by age.
City Administrator David Dockery said the lifeguards will make the most financially from the arrangement, but he said the purpose of the program is not to financially benefit the city.
“We have to consider the benefit of teaching kids how to swim,” Dockery said. “We want to try to ‘drown proof’ as many kids as possible.”
Alderman Larry Jeffers agreed with Dockery.
“This is just one more benefit the city can provide through the aquatic center,” Jeffers said.
Those interested in signing up for swim lessons should call or text 806-205-0865.
In other city business, the council met in closed session to consider legal matters associated with the house at 602 S. Bugbee Avenue.
No action was taken following the closed session, but Julie Cobb did speak in open comments about the house and said she and the owner of the house just want to mediate with the city and make improvements to the house, which has been condemned by the city.
Katherine Williams also spoke in public comments regarding the aquatic center. She said she and her grandchildren go to the pool four to five days a week, and she praised the work of the lifeguards and the center manager Terri Luna. She also brought up some behavior issues she felt like the council needed to be aware of.
During their regular business, the council reviewed the city’s revenue and expenses, and officials noted that the city is currently in the black by $324,989 on this year’s budget.
Aldermen approved a request to close portions of Fourth Street and Gorst Street for That Senior Thang on August 20, and they also approved a request to close a portion of the right of way on Allen Street along the residence at 720 W. Sixth due to a historic survey error.
Aldermen also met in closed session for the annual evaluation of the city secretary, Machiel Covey, who received high marks.
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