Lack of available liguards could hamper extending pool season

BONNERS FERRY — The Bonners Ferry City Council met Tuesday night for what seemed like a very docile meeting that only lasted half the time as other meetings last month.

Steve Tanner, a county resident, voiced opinions disagreeing with the city’s vision statement. He urged the city council to eliminate the last sentence and to end the council’s relationship with the Boundary County Human Rights Task Force.

“Your actions are not a welcome sign or a sign of friendship, but a declaration of war to the majority of Boundary County residents.” Tanner said.

In other business, the City Council discussed issues facing the extended time for the community pool.

City Administrator Lisa Ailport said among the problems is a lack of availability for lifeguards; only one lifeguard was willing to extend their employment through Sept. 5.

Ailport suggested hiring a potential head lifeguard who could train new lifeguards for certification and help keep the pool facilities open. The head lifeguard could potentially save the city money by providing a more cost-effective training program.

The city council hopes to extend the pool facilities until Sept. 5.

Lifeguards would need 40-60 hours of training during the summer, which could take up to two weeks to complete. City council members and Mayor Dick Staples were concerned about the tight schedule.

The pool facilities would see a reduction of hours for the extension, with a proposed schedule of 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Ailport suggested that the city would need three more lifeguards and a head lifeguard who could train others.

Staples voiced approval of the potential head guard after meeting with the person.

“I think he will be a real asset to the city,” Staples said.

In his reports, Mike Klaus detailed that the newly named Selkirk Street is in the electrical phase of construction.

City council approved the purchase of 1.1 acres from the Marx family for a sewer line project; the compensation for the parcel of land will be $15 thousand.

The council approved an assessment of Ripplinger Engineering Laboratories for evaluations and recommendations related to the Moyie Hydro controls and automation.

The proposed budget for the fiscal year 2021 was unanimously approved.