The Trenton Park Board approved admission prices for the Trenton Family Aquatic Center as well as lifeguard wages at its meeting Wednesday evening.
The daily admission prices will be the same as last year: free for children younger than two years old, $5 for anyone age two to 54, and $2.50 for seniors age 55 and older. Season pass prices increased to $200 for a family of up to four members, $85 for a single, and $25 for a senior or lap swim pass. A private party at the Aquatic Center from 6:30 to 8:30 in the evening will cost $250. Swimming lesson prices also increased to $30 for level one, $50 for level two, and $40 for preschool swimming lessons.
Prior to voting to approve the admission rates, Park Board President Duane Helmandollar noted the prices for chemicals and wages for the pool went up. Park Superintendent Jason Shuler added that the cost of utilities also increased.
Pay was set at $8 per hour for new lifeguards and $8.25 per hour for returning lifeguards who made less than $8 per hour last year. Returning lifeguards who made more than $8 per hour last year will receive the usual 25 cents per hour pay raise. Park Board member Sarah Allen said the minimum wage rate does not apply to federal employees. Prior to approving wages, Helmandollar reported a lifeguard license costs about $200 to $350 and lasts three years. He said individuals do not usually recertify after that time.
Allen reported two manager trainees have been hired, and one will be chosen to replace current manager Alexis Whitney, who will be leaving after this season. Twenty-six lifeguards have been hired, which Allen said is down from the number hired last year.
The Trenton Family Aquatic Center plans to open for the season after Memorial Day on May 31st.
Shuler noted one of the lifeguard stands will probably have to be replaced. One was replaced last year, and he said the other “is shot” after about 15 years of use.
Allen spoke on behalf of 4-H Youth Associate April Meighen regarding a 4-H summer camp continuing to receive the nonprofit rate for pool admission. The 4-H camp will continue to receive half-price pool admission, as that is the nonprofit rate.
Helmandollar reported the Park Department’s budget included the replacement of a mower. He said a bid notice was originally released in early April, but a more generic notice was released later in the month with bids being accepted until May 10th. The Park Department currently owns two mowers with less than 600 hours and one with less than 800 hours, and all are Dixie Chopper brand.
Helmandollar noted a commercial mower should last 5,000 hours, and he thinks the Park Department could get more hours out of the current mowers before replacing. Shuler disagreed saying a previous brand started breaking down and had to be replaced on a three-year cycle. He extended the replacement cycle to five years with Dixie Chopper mowers because he believes they are of good quality. Helmandollar noted the Dixie Chopper brand is no longer in business, and he would like to look for something the Park Department might consider “second best”.
Allen said she thought that was a good idea as employees at a company that is closing may not work as hard, and the products made toward the end may be of poor quality. She also thought it would be hard to find parts for a mower if the company is now out of business. Shuler said he heard Dixie Chopper parts would be made for many years to come.
Board Vice President Curtis Crawford asked if the board had ever considered leasing mowers. Shuler said the board looked at the idea several years ago, but it was not a viable option at the time. Board member Gary Berry explained leasing was too expensive when the board considered it in the past, and he wants what is best for the money.
Shuler reported Trenton Municipal Utilities checked the integrity of the light poles at several ball fields and found two that needed to be replaced. One is at Johnson Field, and the other is at Griffin Field. Grundy Electric searched suppliers and secured the poles at the “most cost-effective price” of $800 per pole. The poles are already in Trenton, and TMU will install the poles when conditions and time allow.
Shuler also reported on other current and completed projects noting most of the trees damaged by deer have been replaced. The Park Department has potted the remainder of the bare-root trees and placed them in the nursery. Some trees are to be strategically placed at the east boundary of Gladys Grimes Park.
Shuler said Cole Soptic is repainting the Upper Moberly Park bathrooms as part of an Eagle Scout project. Shuler noted Soptic’s goal was to finish last weekend, but the weather prevented him from doing that. The Park Department removed the toilets, sinks, and water lines to assist with the project.
Shuler reported he hired someone as summer help, and that person will start soon. Newly elected Trenton Mayor Linda Crooks attended the Park Board meeting.
