Repairs begin at T. Falls pool

Construction has started on the Thompson Falls City Pool, and is set to be done by Thanksgiving weekend, according Thompson Falls Mayor Jerry Lacy.

“By doing the construction this time of the year, we are able to make sure the concrete sets up in time, and we can also make sure that if there are any problems, we will have enough time to fix them before the normal June opening,” stated Lacy. “The contractor for the project, Bob Parker with Design and Construction, hopes to have everything finished before winter hits.”

When asked if there were any complications, the mayor noted there was one unfortunate setback. Lacy said, “The project basically consisted of remodeling the fencing and the pool deck; we discovered leaks in the bottom of the pool itself, and the leaks just couldn’t be repaired.” This complication led to the decision of having to replace the entire wading pool. While this obstacle did increase the cost of the project, the time allotted for the project wasn’t hindered. “We gave him (the contractors) a pretty good block of time, so it will be finished within the set time frame.”

While there have been no formal complaints about the pool being out of commission, the mayor has heard a few residents voicing their concerns. “We understand that it seems like it is taking a long time to finish, it’s a long process. You have to put together the bidding kit before even going through the bidding process,” Lacy said.

The initial bid came in at $163,000 from Parker. While the project budget came to approximately $150,000, the bidding package, described by Chelsea Peterson City Clerk and Treasurer, “includes the pool deck and the new pool furnishings (diving board, lifeguard chairs, pool cover and some line repairs). We will have to pay more due to finding some lines that were broke to the kiddie pool. As well as replacing showers in both bathrooms. We have not received the numbers yet for the new plumbing lines and any cost impacts. The engineer costs will be approximately $12,000.” While the city did originally receive other estimates for around $150,000, Peterson said that the initial $163,000 bid did not include fixing the showers, and additional funds are needed for other repairs after taking out the old concrete deck. “We are not sure how much that will be yet. The additional funds needed for this project will have to come out of the Capital Projects Fund, and we will have to save to fix the showers at a later time, unless we receive more donations,” Peterson said.

While this project was not set within the city’s funding, they did receive a 50/50 grant from Montana State Parks in the sum of $75,000. Letters were sent by the city to private donors asking for contributions for the remaining $75,000. A total of $37,000 came back from generous contributors. Hecla Mining Company donated $15,000, Blackfoot Communications donated $5,000, Oddfellows donated $5,000, Frisbie Morebella Foundation donated $25,000 and the Cabinet Ride Riders donated $500. Peterson wrote an additional grant to Fish, Wildlife and Parks for the remaining funds that were needed. The City of Thompson Falls would like all the donors to know how much they greatly appreciate them and their contributions toward the families of Thompson Falls and surrounding communities, Peterson said.