Residents urge clearer pool schedule and say a councilman’s message felt intimidating

Two Plainville residents used the council’s public-comment period to press city leaders for clearer pool communication and to raise concerns about an interaction between a resident and a city council member.

Michelle Wiser, who identified herself as a taxpayer and mom, said she shared newly posted pool hours from the Playful Pool Facebook page to a community page and later received a private message from Councilman Ryan Welmer asking why she had shared the post and suggesting she could run the pool herself. “Receiving a message like that from an elected official for simply sharing information is inappropriate,” Wiser said, adding that citizens must feel free to share public information and ask questions without fear of retaliation.

Shelby Darnell, a parent, business owner and former lifeguard, thanked city employees for operating the pool but said schedules and night swims have been cut and asked for specifics: how many lifeguards are being used this year versus last, what staffing standards apply, and what the plan is to restore service. Darnell said she heard staffing has fallen from about 24 lifeguards last year to roughly nine this season and asked staff to explain which requirements — four guards on duty, slide-open thresholds, or other rules — govern operations.

City officials acknowledged staffing pressures and urged continued recruitment. Council members and staff said applications are available online and at the city office and encouraged residents with certifications to apply. Staff also said a pool-manager handbook and a safety plan are being reviewed to clarify minimum staffing and operational procedures.

The comments closed with calls for constructive engagement. “Trust is built when citizens feel comfortable asking questions,” Wiser said. Council members thanked both speakers for raising concerns and said they would follow up with staff.