Pool committee reports over half of goal raised

The Haxtun Swimming Pool committee has surpassed the half way mark in the goal of raising $750,000 to construct a new swimming pool. Committee members Lee Salyards and Barb Ensminger reported recent totals to members of the Haxtun Town Council during a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 7. The committee is in the planning stages of another big-event fundraiser slated for Oct. 23.

The two pool committee members told council members cash, pledges and in-kind donations now total $400,000, which surpasses the half-way mark of the $750,000 goal. Over the summer, the committee hosted a number of fundraisers including a two-day softball tournament in Haxtun.

Now, the committee plans to host a performance from the group, Groove ‘N Motion on Saturday, Oct. 23. The event kicks off with a meet and greet at the Haxtun Community Center followed by a performance by the group later at Haxtun Schools.

The Haxtun Swimming Pool committee plans to include wine at the meet and greet with Groove ‘N Motion, therefore requiring a special event liquor permit. At the same meeting, the Council approved the special event licensing and so plans for the evening continue on.

The Haxtun Swimming Pool project includes a new zero-entry pool with four swim lanes, a drop slide, one-meter diving board and a zero-entry splash pad as well as new ADA compliant bathhouse and other site improvements. Plans are to construct the new pool on the northeast end of Town, near where the current pool sits.

For more information about the swimming pool project, visit Haxtun Swimming Pool Project on Facebook.

Later on in the meeting, council members reviewed a proposed contract with Maquire Iron, Inc. to conduct repairs on Haxtun’s water tower. According to Town Clerk Karie Wilson, the water tower currently has a leak at the bottom of the bowl. The company Maguire Iron, Inc. provided a quote, which was approved, for $29,500 to drain and repair the leak on the tower.

Additionally, at the same time, the Town of Haxtun plans to coordinate with a second company to come in and clean the water tower while it is empty. Typically, the tower is cleaned using divers while water is still present. Wilson said plans are to schedule the repairs and cleaning as soon as Maguire Iron, Inc. can put the tower on their schedule.

Maguire Iron, Inc. is based out of Souix Falls, S.D.

Council members also heard from Phillips County Economic Development Director Trisha Herman. Herman presented the Council with a proposed 2022 budget, requesting $7,000 from the Town of Haxtun for the coming year.

Traditionally, the Town contributes to the PCED annual budget, however, that amount recently increased by $1,500 to total $7,000 per year. The increase came at the request of the PCED Board to better align the Director’s salary with others in the area.

No action was taken on the PCED annual contribution, but is typically addressed during budget discussions.

In other business the Council:

•Approved a request from the Phillips County Commissioners for $5,000 to aide in funding with fulfilling the second round of COVID relief business grants;

• Approved quotes from the Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency for worker’s compensation, $20,374, and property/casualty insurance, $52,137;

• Received information from the Phillips County Assessor to be used during budget development. Haxtun’s 2021 assessed value increased to $8,323,030;

• Continued discussion on the animal ordinance to possibly allow fowl inside city limits. Plans are to remove licensing requirements from the ordinance and manage those fees by resolution;

• Superintendent Ron Carpenter said he received a quote for $5,000 for the old generator. However, Highlight Electric Association must run a test to ensure the machine is still operable. Those tests are in the process now;

• The Town of Haxtun submitted a grant to the Department of Local Affairs for $180,000 to help with the cost of the new Town shop. Once proper zoning is approved, construction on the shop will begin;

• Carpenter said the Town has received correspondence about a possible increase in electricity from WAPA. The Town of Haxtun increase could total between $14,000 and $16,000. More information is expected in October;

• Police Chief Tanya Mayhew said officer Cameron Kondella is no longer with her local department. She is hiring for a third officer;

• The Haxtun Police Department received $7,200 in grant funds for body cameras, which will be required by the State soon;

• The following building permits were approved: Jeanne McClain, 504 North Edmund Avenue for siding; Lyle McBride, 142 East First Street to repair concrete apron; Bonita Deering, 630 Prospect Circle for a concrete driveway; Lennette Hutt, 642 West Strohm Street for egress windows; Ron Carpenter, 455 West Fletcher for siding; Gus Harms, 413 North Wallace for gutters and down spouts; Julie Angleton, 560 East Strohm Street for gutters and down spouts; Zip Trip, 120 East Strohm Street for tear off of old shingles, replacing new underlayment and metal around the building; Aimee Farr, 613 West Fletcher Street for a fence; Doug Kamery, 535 West Iliff for a carport; Rodney Bailey, 422 North Logan Avenue for siding.