Denison City Council is set to approve a $260,400 emergency contract with Josh Brown Welding & Construction LLC to tear down the aging Waterloo Pool structure. The contract, signed by city staff on Oct. 15, was designated an emergency after high winds, a weakening roof and supports, and trespassers created safety concerns.
Why the emergency designation?
The staff report cites three key factors: unusually strong winds, rapid deterioration of the building’s roof and support system, and unauthorized individuals accessing the site. Inspection by the public works department’s capital projects and engineering staff revealed that the structural issues were more severe than could be seen from the ground.
Progress on demolition
Demolition crews began moving equipment onto the site on Oct. 15 and started heavy demolition the following day, Oct. 16. As of the latest report, above‑ground demolition is nearly complete, and crews will next focus on removing the in‑ground components of the pool.
Funding the project
The city’s insurance risk pool will cover $242,048 of the contract cost. The remaining $18,352 will be drawn from the parks and facilities budget and other restricted funds. Earlier this year, the council approved a separate contract to repair the pool’s roof, but the worsening conditions necessitated full demolition.
Next steps
Council members will vote to ratify the contract at the upcoming meeting, formally authorizing the city to proceed with the demolition and ensuring the site is safely cleared for future use.
Original reporting: DenisonWeekly.news — read the source article.
