Story by Donna Thornton donna@southerntorch.com

It might seem a bit unseasonal, but the Fort Payne City Council discussed the city pool Tuesday, and will continue to do so in a work session next month.

Mayor Brian Baine reported to the council that serious repair work on the gutter system is needed at the pool, and the estimate he received for the repairs would be about $1.3 million. For a relatively small amount more – about $1.6 million – he said the city could have a redesigned pool with zero or beach entry and splashpad feature.

The company that gave the estimates, he said, is booked out for nine to 12 months. The mayor said he expects the pool to be out of commission for summer 2025.

Several members of the audience attended because of the discussion about the pool. In addition to the recreation it provides for Fort Payne citizens, the swim team practices there, with about 60 members.

When councilmembers talked about improvements to pool – including mention of an indoor swim facility – some of those with the swim team sounded enthusiastic.

The council will have a work session at 12 p.m. on the second Wednesday in January to

discuss the issue of what to do about the pool.

The council approved a tax abatement for Heil. The company’s Director of Finance, Steven Cornelius offered his thanks to the city council, the state, and the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority for assistance with improvements at Heil.

He said the company is in the prototype phase of building electric vehicles to meet consumer demand. He said the company also is working to enhance worker safety.

The council approved amending the wording of a memorandum of understanding with Children’s Place.

When the memorandum was to be approved by the court, it was discovered that it required the company to add 150 jobs within one year, when it should have allowed two years.

In other action, the council reappointed Vicky Kerby and Steve Eberhart to the Industrial Development Board, and approved on-premise retail wine licenses for Blissfully Serene and The Enthusiast. The Alcohol Board had approved both applicants.

A 24-year-old tractor previously used by public works was declared surplus, and the council met in executive session at the close of the meeting to discuss contract negotiations with the Alabama Department of Transportation.

The last meeting before Christmas brought the city’s annual ugly sweater day, which presumably accounted for some of the unusual attire in the council chamber.

During the meeting, Elisha Tatum, Jess Goggans and Tony Goggans paid a visit, guitars in hand, and entertained council members and visitors with several Christmas songs.