Wisner officials report water plant final checks, discuss pool accessibility and lifeguard shortfall

City Administrator and Utility Superintendent Randy Woldt updated the Wisner City Council on the status of the water treatment plant at the April 6 meeting, saying the facility still needs a final state inspection and a short checklist of items remains.

Woldt said crews identified minor leaks and a pump that 'did not sound right' and that the pump was pulled for inspection; he said staff were told to let the pump run and that the item 'will be covered under warranty.' He also reported that the system is currently operating on blended wells and, given current nitrate levels, 'it is a 50/50 blend' and when blending is complete the plant will produce softened water.

Council members raised accessibility and staffing issues for city swimming facilities. Woldt presented two entry options for the pool — a ramp-style entry with rails or regular steps with handrails — and provided a price of $6,770 for the ramp/steps, with four to five weeks lead time. He recommended the ramp; Mayor Soden and Councilwoman Cathy Gobar noted the ramp improves access and that some residents go to the YMCA because it has a ramp.

Councilwoman Gobar said three pool job applications had been received and there were no applications for pool manager at the time of the meeting. She told the council the city pays lifeguards 'the same or higher' than nearby West Point pools but the city has continued difficulty recruiting enough staff. Councilman Andrew Schweers said the city needs at least ten lifeguards to open the pool and that staffing shortages have been a recurring challenge.

The council asked about related infrastructure work (hydroseeding around the treatment plant and the highway lift station). No formal actions were taken on pool equipment or staffing at the meeting; staff were asked to continue recruitment and prepare procurement details for the ramp option.

The council is scheduled to reconvene April 20, 2026.