Chanute City Commissioners approved new pool rates, and a memorandum of understanding with Chanute Housing LLC during its meeting on Monday, April 28.
Maring Aquatic Center will open for the season on June 6. The last day for swimming will be August 3. Last year pool expenses totaled $211,914.43, and the revenue was $56,587.41., according to Aquatic Center Manager Monica Colborn. The approved rate changes for the pool include a change to admission pricing. General admission will cost $2 per person, including those aged 3 and under who previously received free admission. Twilight admission will remain $1. The cost of a season pass will remain the same.
The rental rates will also increase this year. After-hours rentals will cost $350 this season, up from $300. Party packages will cost $100, up from $75.
Pricing for exercise groups and swim lessons will remain the same; $1 for lap swim or river walk, the Super Splashers class for $20 per session, and the Learn to Swim classes for $35 per session.
The Chanute Sharks Swim Team will also pay an increased fee to host swim meets and practice at the pool; $600, up from $300. The team will also reimburse the city for the wages of lifeguards on duty during swim meets at the end of the season.
The housing addition to be built by Chanute Housing LLC will be located on 28th Street, east of El Pueblito. This addition will add 32 rental units in the city.
According to the memorandum of understanding, Chanute Electric Utility will provide and install electric lines, and transformers; a force main tiein to the existing sewer system and the installation of a lift station; and provide a water connection. The total engineering costs for the property to sewer lines, and install a lift station are $343,371, which will be paid by the city.
“Looking for a place you can hook up to the sewer line, that’s the Achille’s heel of growing Chanute right now,” Darin Luebbering, owner of Advanced Home Systems said.
According to Electric Distribution Superintendent Joe Cody, it will cost $90,500 to provide electricity to the property and install seven pad mount transformers. Secondary service will be paid for by Chanute Housing LLC.
“I truly think it is innovative, what you are doing,” Mayor Jacob LaRue said of the new complex.
Discussion on potentially amending the city’s firework ordinance.
The state of Kansas recently passed Senate Bill 199, which allows municipalities to set the dates of fireworks seasonal sales which can begin as early as June 20, and end as late as July 7. Municipalities may offer permanent fireworks retailers the option to apply for a year-round license to sell fireworks as well.
“I’d be interested in extending the sales dates,” Commissioner Kevin Berthot said. “I’m not interested in year-round sales.”
Further discussion on this topic will take place during a future meeting.
In other business, the City Commission approved the purchase of a new Vac-Con sewer truck through a five-year cap lease of $499,578.18, with a guaranteed trade-in value of $240,000 in 2030.
Commissioners also approved two appointments to the Chanute Public Library Board. Bob Linke and Cohner DeShazo were appointed to the board, with terms ending in April 2029.
The next Chanute City Commission meeting will take place on Monday, May 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Commission Room on the second floor of the Memorial Building.
Editor's Note: In a previous version of this article, it was reported that season pass prices were increasing. This was incorrect. Increase prices were proposed; commissioners vote to maintain season pass prices.
