Pool proposal sent to Fulton parks and rec department

Fulton's current Oesterich Pool was dedicated in 1982, according to a plaque at the facility entrance.
Fulton's current Oesterich Pool was dedicated in 1982, according to a plaque at the facility entrance.

A proposal to blend a new city pool with a project at the YMCA of Callaway County met some resistance this week.

Speaking to Fulton City Council members, resident Chris Garrett said when voters approved a one-half of 1 percent sales tax increase in April 2016, that money had specific purposes.

"We were looking (at funding) the parks and recreation department - a community center, baseball fields, and an outdoor aquatic center," he said.

A video posted by the city Feb. 11, 2016, states the sales tax would raise $775,000 per year to be split between the recreational projects and a stormwater system improvement project.

A memorandum of understanding between the YMCA and the city was presented at Tuesday's meeting. Also on hand representing the local YMCA were CEO Sara McDaniel and board member Connie Epperson. The MOU explained the proposed partnership would provide "premium indoor aquatic space" and opportunities for people of all ages.

"How can the Y and the city work together to bring an indoor aquatic center to the city of Fulton," McDaniel said.

The MOU listed several bulleted items including closure of the city owned Oestreich Municipal Pool, located next to Fulton High School. The outdoor pool is more than 30 years old, according to Sharlene McArtor, assistant director of the city's parks and recreation department.

"To my knowledge we currently have no agenda to close it," she said.

Another item discussed the city's annual operational support to the YMCA. That cost was listed between $30,000-$50,000 annually, available for 10-15 years with renegotiation for an extension support subject to City Council approval. Another bullet point asked the city to consider a capital gift to the YMCA on or after March 2018.

"(These amounts are) what we feel would offset some of our operational cost," she said.

The YMCA currently has an arrangement with the Missouri School for the Deaf, offering aquatic programming at the indoor pool on campus. An MSD spokeswoman said Wednesday pool is only open to the public in conjunction with YMCA activities.

McDaniel told council members the YMCA is running a capital campaign, fundraising for their aquatic facility project.

"Fundraising is a community project," she said.

They said YMCA officials have already been talking about the MOU with some city officials.

"Our goal was to work with the city to build a space that would serve our community," Epperson said. "Our goal is to meet our community's needs."

Still in question is access to the new pool by Fulton taxpayers who are not YMCA members. Open public swim times - with a fee structure similar to that currently in place at Oesterich pool - would be provided.

City Councilman Richard Vaughn said he wants to see a recommendation from the city's parks and rec department officials. The resolution to approve the MOU was tabled until recommendation can be made.