Alma council opens pool without swim team, hears golf-course water worries and approves library event

Alma — The City Council on May 4 voted to open the municipal pool for 2026 but to operate without a swim team, approved a library summer event request, and addressed several community operational matters.

After public comments about a lack of communication with the previous swim-team manager, Councilman Larry Casper moved, seconded by Joel Wheeler, to open the pool for 2026 with no swim team. The motion passed with Casper, Wheeler, Chris Mahalek and Tom Moulton voting yes; Moulton noted a conflict concerning lost revenue from swim-team absence. The clerk will post an ad for an assistant manager in the Harlan County Journal; council discussion also contemplated hiring an assistant manager and lifeguards at the next meeting.

During public comment, Jordy Slocum and Cody Simmons reported that a golf-course well had been pumping air. Administrator Steve Ardiana and City Water Superintendent Scott Kuhl discussed tapping into city water and backflow/metering challenges; Kent Fleischmann cautioned that booster pumps could run the well dry. The council thanked the speakers and took no formal action on the golf-course request.

Jennifer Roethke of Hoesch Memorial Library asked to use park facilities and to have sprinklers turned off the day before the library’s 'Dinolympics' summer-reading kickoff on June 3; Friends of the Library will cover expenses. The council approved the request. Council also approved reimbursement to Lavonn Olson for $2,351.68 to replace a door at the Alma Fire Department.

Council approved placement of a new Caring Cupboard sign near the east auditorium door and adjourned at 7:07 p.m.