Staff writer
Peabody City Council members heard Monday night that compliance with a new Americans with Disabilities Act regulation will require the city install a handicap-accessible lift at the Peabody Municipal Swimming Pool. City Administrator Mac Manning presented the information in his report to the council.
The lift will not be a permanent installation in the swimming pool, but will be available in case it is needed to help someone with a handicap enter or leave the pool.
The lift must be installed by March 1, 2012, or by the time the pool opens, whichever comes first.
Manning said he forwarded the information to Public Works Director Darren Pickens, who has begun looking into the purchase of a lift.
“Initially we thought the cost would be between $6,000 and $8,000,” Manning said. “However, there are several models that come at about half that cost and we are hoping one of them will suit our needs.”
The city has no choice about whether or not it needs the lift. The federal government requires that one be available in case the need arises.
More information will be presented to the council at the next meeting.
In other business:
- The council approved changes to the ordinance governing employees’ vacation time, personal time off, scheduled overtime work, donating personal time off to another employee, and stand-by status.
- Manning presented a revised ordinance for the impoundment, adoption, and disposal of animals by the city. He also noted that a state inspector had been to Peabody in the past week and approved not only the city kennel, but also the new proposal for the ordinance. Council members approved the changes.
- Tom Schmidt reported that Peabody Economic Development Committee would be seeking some technical assistance for Peabody’s new businesses through the Kansas Main Street program. Committee members will be contacting business owners to see what kind of assistance they may need.
- A new disc golf instruction sign has been erected at the park.
- Manning told the council that a family had contacted him to request the city keep an alley light near their home. He said another individual stopped by the city office to request that alley lights behind the Christian and Lutheran churches remain in service.
- Manning also noted that Jim Ralston of APAC had been to Peabody and would have numbers by the end of the month so the street committee can review the costs and select the next street improvement project.
The next council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 in the Peabody City Building.