As the staff at the Flandreau City Pool gears up for another week of private parties, which temporarily close the pool to the public, city council members are rethinking how best to balance the needs of public pool goers with those booking private events.
This past week, Mayor Dan Sutton and City Administrator Cohl Turnquist informed the Council that the pool will be closed Tuesday evening for a city staff appreciation party. While the event may cost the city around $300, Mayor Sutton emphasized the citys commitment to making sure everyone has access to a summertime favorite. However, he acknowledged that its not as simple as it seems.
Several council members, while supportive of recognizing the staff, questioned whether closing the pool was the right call, especially since summer is so short, and many locals eagerly await good weather to use the pool. Private events closed the pool several nights this past week, with more scheduled for the upcoming days.
I think its great we want to do something for the staff, but I have a problem with the pool itself, said Alderman Fargen.
Weve got too many private parties going on. The pool is big enough, and its only open about 75 days a year. Between bad weather, staffing issues, and 11 private parties planned, I just think its tough. I hate to see kids standing outside. Id like to see that end. The pool is big enough for everyone.
Planning Commission member Brian Bergjord agreed, raising concerns about the publics access to the pool.
As a taxpayer, it bothers me that were closing a public pool for private events, Bergjord said.
We have kids who love the pool. Cant we just shut part of it down? These are some of the few hot days we get, and its prime swimming weather.
Mayor Sutton acknowledged the difficulty of changing things mid-season but suggested the Council could revisit the policy for next year, considering options like different fees or limiting closures for private events.
Council questions pool party policy amid increased private events
