VERGENNES — At their Nov. 29 meeting, Vergennes aldermen continued to discuss the recent inspection of the city pool, which made some short- and long-term recommendations for upgrades and maintenance, some of which city officials are unsure of. They now agree on the needs to build separate chemical storage, new roofing on the existing building, depth markings on the pool and new starting blocks for the swim team.
They remain skeptical on the need for new diving boards and a new water filtration system, although City Manager Mel Hawley softened his stance on that question at the meeting, saying there is evidence the chemical now being used could be harmful.
Hawley said the inspector from Aquatic Development Group of Cohoes, N.Y., would return for another look in the spring. In the meantime, the inspector and Hawley will continue to discuss long-term operations and maintenance issues, while council members, swim team officials and local experts will review the report to develop a consensus for a plan to move forward.
Also at that meeting, city council members discussed pedestrian safety (see story on Page 2). and they also:
•  Heard from Hawley that he had negotiated a reduction in fines that the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration had assessed to the city after finding violations — all since corrected — after a recent inspection. Vergennes will pay $3,200 in fines, $1,600 each from the public works and sewer department budgets, rather than the original $10,920.
•  Heard from Mayor Bill Benton that the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is donating to Vergennes a 48-inch bench with a plaque honoring Vietnam War veterans.