Jasper RDA Nears Finish Line on Pool Project

A claim of $41,039.05 from Taber Owens Construction Group was approved. Clerk-Treasurer Kiersten Knies explained that this claim is part of the balance of the change orders for the pool project that were submitted by the Park Department. It was submitted by Taber Owens, with payment recommended by Hafer and Park Department Director Tom Moorman. They also submitted an additional claim for retainage that will not be paid at this time. 

The work covered in the change orders included previously approved items like the south wall coating. After this claim, the only item left on the contract is the retainage. Moorman said that this will not be done until all other items have been satisfactorily completed for the pool. The total contract currently stands at $9,634,113, with previous payments totaling $9,111,368.30. 

Moorman provided an update on the pool season, saying that there have been approximately 25,000 so far this year, under last year’s total of 33,000 at this time. The season, which opened to unusually cool temperatures, has been heavily impacted by weather. Thunderstorms with flooding, along with consistently high temperatures, have persisted in the last few weeks. Weekly twilight swims have proven popular, and the America 250 event saw over 500 pool visitors. The red slide has also been repaired and is back in service. 

The board also learned that the Jasper Municipal Pool design has been recognized by Aquatics International. It was one of ten facilities honored by the organization as a 2026 Dream Design, and was featured in the July/August issue of Aquatics International Magazine. City Attorney Renee Kabrick provided a brief update on the Regional Wellness Center. 

Paperwork is being finalized for a tax use agreement as well as a management agreement with the YMCA. The documents should be available for review and signature at the RDA’s August meeting.