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Council to review plan to open outdoor pool

Council members to gather for live session; public can attend via Zoom or Facebook Live

— Daily Freeman-Journal file photo The City Council will review a plan for opening the Webster City municipal pool. The plan calls for some capacity and social distancing restrictions.

With Gov. Kim Reynolds easing more restriction last week, swimming pools around the state are weighing whether or not to open for business in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements.

The City Council of Webster City will review a plan Monday night to open the Webster City Municipal Pool next week, with the appropriate social distancing in place.

The plan, included in the council agenda package, suggests a capacity of 108 patrons. Swimmers would be encouraged to shower using soap and water before entering the pool. They would be required to swim with members of the same household and maintain social distance from other families. Pool officials say patrons would need to be “swim ready” as there will be limited amenities available for changing.

The patron’s temperature would be checked before entering the facility, and anyone with a 100.4 or higher would not be allowed in the facility, according to the plan. Likewise, those with other symptoms would not be allowed to swim.

The plan also calls for staff members to wear face coverings unless there is an emergency situation or if they are on the high stands.

Limited services will be available to minimize contact with high touch areas, according to the plan. Patrons will be required to bring their own chairs or loungers to use at the facility. Concessions will be limited to the bottled water sold at the front desk.

The diving boards and slide will not be open.

The plan also offers the following proposed schedule:

• 9 to 11 a.m. – private swim lessons

• 11 to 11:30 a.m. – sanitation break

• 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – adult lap swim

• 1 to 1:30 p.m. – sanitation break

• 1:30 to 4 p.m – open swim shift 1

• 4 to 4:30 p.m. – sanitation break

• 4:30 to 7 p.m. – open swim shift 2 (new lifeguards come on duty and a new session of adults and children may be admitted to the pool area)

The plan proposes to open the pool on Tuesday, June 23 and will close for the season Aug. 21. The closing date could change depending upon when the school start date is set.

The council will review the plan Monday night during its first live meeting in three months. The public will be able to attend via Zoom, by watching the city’s Facebook page where it will be broadcast live, or on Mediacom Channel 117.2. Directions are available on the council agenda which is posted on the city’s website, www.webstercity.com.

In other business, the council will consider closing the 1000 block of Des Moines St. on Tuesday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. for the drive-through mobile food pantry hosted by St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.

First Congregational United Church of Christ has requested closing the 500 block of Dubuque Street between Willson Avenue and Seneca Street on Sunday mornings in July and August for outdoor worship services. The request is on the agenda for Monday.

The council will hear a request from the American Legion to place a metal monument on the Boulevard of Valor.

Three appointments to city boards and commissions will be made and the council will also authorize the mayor and city clerk to enter into a grant agreement with The Wellmark Foundation and to commit matching funds with cash and in-kind services for the for the East Twin Parks Playground project.

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