Tentative reopening scheduled for Monona pool, pending state decision
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
The Monona Family Aquatic Center is tentatively scheduled to open for the summer on Thursday, June 18, as long as state pool closures, which currently allow for swimming lessons and lap swim but not open swim, are not extended.
Although the decision was made by the pool board, the Monona Council weighed in on potential pros and cons at its June 1 meeting.
“We want to make it work, but there’s trial and error too,” said councilwoman Heather Lange, who was most concerned about the responsibility placed on teenage lifeguards to enforce social distancing and other health measures.
“It’s really hard for teenagers to monitor and tell kids what to do,” she added. “That’s a lot of pressure on these kids to monitor COVID-19.”
Councilman Preston Landt said families will have to take some personal responsibility, though. Attending would be at their own risk.
“If a parent is sending their kid to the pool, it’s their responsibility,” he said. “Lifeguards need to pay attention, but it’s not their responsibility.”
Those who don’t abide by rules can be kicked out, added city administrator Barb Collins.
As a potential reopening approaches, the pool board will release specifics on how the aquatic center will handle COVID-19 restrictions and recommendations. Collins said that could include closing bathrooms and the concession stand.
Community center open for rentals
At its meeting, the council approved opening the community center to rentals with restrictions in place. It will operate at 50 percent capacity, and those who rent it will be asked to sanitize tables and bring their own dishes. No buffet-style food or drink will be allowed. A single person must serve.
Since the community center was closed in mid-March, Collins said the city has lost $1,250 in revenue due to canceled rentals.
Update on hotel/motel tax
The council gave Collins the go-ahead to research placing a measure on the ballot in an upcoming election asking Monona residents if they’d like hotel/motel tax collected from city lodging establishments.
If approved by a majority of voters, Collins said the council could then consider an ordinance.
The idea of collecting hotel/motel tax was proposed by Monona Chamber and Economic Development, Inc., Executive Director Rogeta Halvorson this spring, as a way of generating additional revenue.
Monona fireworks still planned
During his update to the council, Monona Fire Chief Dave Smith said the city’s fireworks, which are done by the Monona Fire Department, are still planned for Saturday, July 4.
