Letter to the Editor

Editor:

I received the following email from the Pool Advocate Group to update us on the current status of the fundraising effort to build a new pool in Keota.

I want to pass this information on to other who might be interested. It is my hope that on Monday, Aug. 1, the Keota City Council will vote “yes” to approve the pool bids so that pool construction can begin this fall.

“At Monday night's Council meeting, the City hired Spectra Build to be the Pool Builder of the potentially new Pool in Keota. The City has not voted on accepting a bid yet, just accepting who the builder will be so they can continue to negotiate on the cost of the pool. Over the next week Keith Conrad with the City Council and Blaine with Spectra Build will be working on lowering the estimated construction costs. The total projected cost of the Pool at this time is $2,390,329. The Pool Advocate group (there are 14 people in this group) has raised $1,554,482.80. This leaves us $835,846.20 to go yet to pay for the Pool. In addition to the total projected pool cost we will need chairs, tables, shades structures, trash cans, donor recognition display, signage, and landscaping. We are estimating the cost of this to be in the neighborhood of $50,000. The City of Keota has passed a Resolution stating that they will not contribute any money to the construction of a Pool for the town of Keota. They will pay for the utility hookups and a refrigerator, freezer, and pizza oven for the concession stand.

“The City Council wants 100% of the money guaranteed to be available before they will sign a construction contract with Spectra builders. The Keota Pool and Aquatic Foundation 501c3 (Karen Sypherd, Robyn Morgan, Nick Beinhart, Tom Hahn and Dan Flynn) will be taking out a loan up to $835,846.20 to cover the shortage to guarantee there is enough ready cash to pay for the

Pool. The Pool Advocates will be doing more fund raisers and grant applications to pay for the loan that the 501c3 has offered to take out to pay for the Pool. At the city council meeting on August 1st, the council will be voting on whether to approve the bids for the pool. We are very hopeful that next Monday the City council will be approving the bid so pool construction can begin. If this request fails, I can personally guarantee you that we still have 100% control of your donations and they will be returned upon your request.

“If the City approves the bid for the pool on August 1st, we will continue fundraising. We currently have a matching fund challenge that will match up to $150,000 dollar for dollar in donations for anyone who may be considering additional donations. Another upcoming fund raiser we still have is going on August 1st with Pizza Hut.

“This pool is a vital project for our town to continue to maintain population or possibly grow. The ball is in the City Council's court. Thank you for your continued support and trust in us.”

Sincerely,

Cindy Detweiler

Keota