Peabody Public Works Director Darren Pickens presented information Monday night about upcoming expenses at Peabody Municipal Pool before the facility can open in mid-May.

The plumbing is being replaced in the shower rooms and work should be completed before the season opening.

Pickens told the council at a previous meeting that the decking on the east side has developed some problems with shifting. He and the pool staff will keep an eye on it during the summer months.

“This is similar to what we had to repair on the west side several years ago,” he said.

The wooden benches at the pool are rotten and need to be replaced. Pickens had a catalog of equipment and had done some research on recent innovations, such as recycled tires being made into benches and other items.

“They are in demand for reservoir and state park recreation areas because they are heavy, nearly indestructible, and reasonably priced,” he said.

A 6-foot bench costs $229 while an 8-foot bench costs $299. After discussion, council members expressed the hope that new benches could be paid for with a pool fundraiser.

Council members approved the purchase of a pool vacuum at a cost of $1,872. The pool vacuum was a budgeted expense for this fiscal year.

“I recall that we had to put it off last year because we had to buy the pool cover and there wasn’t money for both,” said Peabody Mayor, Larry Larsen.

In other business:

• Pickens also presented information on the cost of signage for the new city shop and police department building. After review by the council, the purchase was tabled to check on the price with changes to the wording on the signs.
• The council reviewed nuisance properties at 907 and 909 N. Vine, owned by Elmer Carson, Jr. Since no progress has been made at 909 N. Vine, the council agreed to move ahead with demolition plans, billing Carson for the work. A permit to remodel the structure at 907 N. Vine remains valid, giving Carson time complete the project.
• Police Chief Bruce Burke gave council members an update on the transition to the new offices at Ninth and Olive streets with his monthly report. An open house is tentatively scheduled for June 5. He requested a meeting with the building committee to review some concerns that have surfaced since he and his staff have moved in. An 8:30 a.m. meeting on May 13 was scheduled.
• Burke requested an executive session to discuss personnel. No action was taken on return to open meeting.
• Peabody Main Street and Economic Development director Shane Marler presented his monthly report. The council granted a request to have World War II re-enactors camp overnight May 28 at Santa Fe Park as part of the Operation Celebration event. Barricades were also approved for May 29 in the downtown area. Marler requested a 15-minute executive session to discuss trade secrets. No action was taken on return to open meeting.
• An application from Tim Caldwell requesting permission to drill a water well on his property was approved.
• Legacy Park was given permission to barricade Locust Street between Third and Fourth streets the afternoon and evening of July 3, for a barbecue and fireworks show. Permission was given to extend the fireworks show beyond the 10 p.m. curfew if necessary.
• The council heard from Pickens that public works employees would be able to accommodate a request from Lynn Berns to spray for mosquitoes at her home before an outdoor wedding May 29. Berns will pay labor and material costs.
• Mayor Larson reviewed the water and sewer issues for the property at 207 S. Olive owned by Frank Doerrler. After lengthy discussion of the history of Doerrler’s water usage since January 2009, the council agreed to settle for $475. Manning was instructed to send Doerrler a letter with that offer and inform him his only other option would be to go through municipal court for the full $1,100 he owes for water and sewer. Court costs for the city would be added to that amount.