Moment with the Mayor: Pool Closure

Hi Neighbours:

A tough decision was made last week to close the pool and tear it down. It is hard to justify spending the money on the pool given its age and condition.

Monday’s public meeting saw a consensus among all attendees that no more money should be poured into the pool. The Kindersley Aquatic Centre was constructed in 1975 with walls made of lightweight, ungrouted and unreinforced hollow blocks with prefabricated steel columns. These walls were cracked requiring either repairs or replacement. The pool also needed to have new filter lines, plus significant ongoing maintenance work.

What’s next now that the pool is closed and slated for demolition? On July 2^nd at 7:00 in the upper boardroom in the West Central Events Centre will be yet another public meeting. At the meeting will be a review of our current situation regarding the development of Phase 2 and a discussion regarding the responsibilities and obligations needed to ensure that the effort to build Phase 2 is successful.

Two committees are needed: Fundraising and Building/Design. The role of the Fundraising Committee speaks for itself - raise millions of dollars. The Building/Design Committee is complicated - design a building that allows for a variety of accessible and sustainable programming (including storage), includes operational efficiencies, and is financially sustainable.

It is important that we build some new facilities in town. It is about quality of life. The facilities need to be sustainable from both a capital and an operational perspective. However, most importantly, as we build Phase 2, whether all at once or in stages, we have to remember we are also building community. We are building opportunities for people to pursue fulfillment and build relationships. If Phase 2 causes strain in relationships between user groups and individuals then we need to step back and evaluate our success. Success is about more than just new facilities; success is in building strong relationships and opportunities for fulfillment.

To ensure our children have access to a pool, should we consider temporarily busing our children to other communities for swimming rather than pouring money into an aging facility?

Please write or phone if you would like me to discuss a particular topic. If you have any questions or comments, drop me a line at the town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. You can also check out my blog at http://mayorjohn.blogspot.ca/. I appreciate your feedback. 

Pool Closed

Even thought I think it was the right thing to do it was still a tough decision: closing the pool. The pool is a central focus of our short summers: it is a safe place for us to learn life skills to prevent drowning and it is a place to enhance our health and wellness.

On July 2^nd at 7:00 in the upper boardroom in the West Central Events Centre there will be another public meeting.in helping build Phase 2 by either helping fundraising or by designing the facility.

Moment with the Mayor: The Condition of the Pool

Hi Neighbours:

Today I want to talk about the pool and some of the engineers’ findings. Before doing so, please consider this from Council’s Policy Manual (GP.0. General Governance Commitment):

The purpose of Council, on behalf of the ratepayers of Kindersley, is to see to it that the Town of Kindersley (a) achieves appropriate results for appropriate persons at an appropriate cost and (b) avoids unacceptable actions and situations.

We need as much information as possible so as to avoid “bankruptcy by a thousand small repairs.”

Background: The Kindersley Aquatic Centre was constructed in 1975. The walls are made of lightweight ungrouted and unreinforced hollow blocks with prefabricated steel columns.

The upper portion of the north wall overlooking the pool was enclosed and the mezzanine was added in 2004. In 2009, the Town decided to remove the existing building structure from GL-4 to GL-8 after concerns were raised regarding the structural integrity of the building due to steel corrosion.

Recommendations:

Based on the engineers’ visual inspection and desktop review of the existing masonry wall construction, it is recommended that the pool be kept closed until repairs can be completed.

The insulation filling the hollow blocks needs to be removed. The insulation has to be tested for asbestos. If the results show asbestos, another firm will have to be hired to remove the asbestos prior to work on the wall starting.

The walls are to be stiffened with reinforced grout poured into the walls. Masonry contractors think that the wall may be replaced rather than rehabilitated.

The fire escape stair should be taken off and replaced using posts and a different style of wall attachments.

Based on discussions, the repairs could be done within one month of the Town selecting a contractor. Time on site to conduct the repairs is estimated to be 1-2 weeks but is dependent on the contractor's schedule. The work might be able to begin within a month.

Repair estimates have ranged between $15, 000 and $150,000.

At the time of writing, we are still waiting to learn the scope of repairs needed for the filter lines.

Questions:

What is a reasonable cost to repair the pool? $25,000? $50,000? $100,000? $150,000?

What is the minimum length of time the pool should be open?

Are we ready to start a big push to fundraise for the development of Phase 2: The West Central Community Centre?

To ensure our children have access to a pool, should we consider temporarily busing our children to other communities for swimming rather than pouring money into an aging facility?

Please write or phone if you would like me to discuss a particular topic. If you have any questions or comments, drop me a line at the town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. You can also check out my blog at http://mayorjohn.blogspot.ca/. I appreciate your feedback. 

Kinder Kollege: One Year Celebration!

Today the Kinder Kollege celebrated one year of operations. It is been a lot of hard work dating back years to get Kinder Kollege to this point. Currently 32 children are served at the facility.

Kinder Kollege students performing a traditional Polish Dance. June 19, 2014

The biggest challenge for the Kinder Kollege is connecting with those residents in Kindersley who are eligible for grants to help cover the cost of their child's care. One of the questions discussed: how does Kinder Kollege connect with 1. new immigrant families who may need care for their child and financial help? and 2. connect with the working poor to provide care for their children and need help?

Kinder Kollege students performing a traditional Polish Dance. June 19, 2014

Next September Lilliana will start stepping aside to a new Director. Jodi Geddes will be taking the reigns in the fall and I want to wish success as she leads Kinder Kollege into the future.

Brookhollow Estates: Jackson CT

Planning for Brookhollow Estates is continuing. Pictured below is the proposed layout and picture of the buildings.

Proposed Jackson Ct Design

The rendering of the buildings is below.

Proposed Jackson Ct Building

I have been pretty busy, including out of town for work, but will get more picture of the work to date at Brookhollow Estates.

Mayoral Report: May - June

Date	Activity	Purpose/Outcome	Follow Up	Policy Number
May 23	Mayor’s Hours	·      Met with residents	·      Brought concerns to Admin/Council	·      GP.2.1; GP.7
May 23	Great Plains College Graduation	·      Support Graduates & College		·      GP.2; GP.7
May 24	Kindersley Annual Air Cadet Review	·      Support Cadets & Present Award		·      GP.2; GP.7
May 29	FCM: Caucus Meeting	·      Government Relations	·      Ongoing	·      GP.4.
May 30	FCM: Caucus Meeting	·      Government Relations	·      Ongoing	·      GP.4.
May 31	FCM: Caucus Meeting	·      Government Relations	·      Ongoing	·      GP.4.
June 1	FCM: Caucus Meeting	·      Government Relations	·      Ongoing	·      GP.4.
June 2	FCM: Caucus Meeting	·      Government Relations	·      Ongoing	·      GP.4.
June 3	Health Meeting	·      KHS NA	·      Ongoing	·      GP.4.
June 4	Health Meeting	·      KHS NA	·      Ongoing	·      GP.4.
June 5	Elizabeth School Grade 2 Social Studies	·      Talk about Mayor and Town		·      GP.2; GP.7
June 5	Trade Show	·      Met with residents	·      Listen to concerns	·      GP.2.1; GP.7
June 6	Health Meeting	·      KHS NA	·      Ongoing	·      GP.4.
June 6	SK Protective Services Medal	·      Celebrate an achievement	·      Ongoing	·      GP.2; GP.7
June 8	Salvation Army Captains Farewell	·      Celebrate an achievement	·      Ongoing	·      GP.2; GP.7
June 9	Mayor’s Hours	·      Met with residents	·      Brought concerns to Admin/Council	·      GP.2.1; GP.7
June 9	Council Meeting	·      Public Meeting	·      Refer to minutes	·      GP.0., GP.1.
June 10	Human Resource	·      Director of Community Service Interviews	·      Determine candidates for next phase	·      GP.2.
June 10	Health Meeting	·      KHS NA	·      Ongoing	·      GP.4.
June 11	Kindersley Co-Op 100 Celebration	·      Deliver Greetings from the Town		·      GP.2.1; GP.7
June 12	Town Square	·      Review Spray Park Submissions	·      Awaiting references	·      GP.2.
June 14	Relay for Life	·      Deliver Greetings from the Town		·      GP.2.1; GP.7
June 16	Mayor’s Hours	·      Met with residents	·      Brought concerns to Admin/Council	·      GP.2.1; GP.7
June 17	Rec Advisory Committee	·      Updates and Grant Awards	·      Ongoing	·      GP.2.1; GP.7
June 17	KD MHA Health Meeting	·      Update regarding KHS NA	·      Status report	·      GP.4.

Getting Town Service

It is not uncommon for people to meet or write or call me asking for help with something. That is what I am here for and it is a rewarding part of being Mayor - helping people resolve things. However, there is an easier way to address some of the things than to contact me. If you're not sure please contact me and I will do my best to help you out.

So, if you are concerned about or want to make report about a condition or situation such as:

	Town Elections
	Construction
	Facilities
	Garbage / Recycling
	Junk Vehicle
	Loose Animals
	Neighbor's Yard
	Noise Complaints
	Parks

Roads
	Sewers
	Street Lights
	Street Signs
	Traffic Lights
	Water Service
	Website
	Other

You are better off following this link.

Now, if you want to report a pothole. Please click here.

Thanks, and again, if these don't help please call me.

Council Governance Update: Community Involvement

During our last governance session Council had a very good dialogue regarding Policy AL.8. Community Involvement.

The thrust of the conversation is how can Council best engage our friends, neighbours, and residents in Kindersley with the Town? This one policy took an hour and we resume the conversation next time. The current model is unique and we are looking to improve our interaction with both user groups and individuals. I am concerned that there is a disconnect between user groups and Council and the Town. If my observation is correct, I want to improve the interaction.

One of the questions we are reviewing is: how best to communicate with user groups and to whom should some user groups report? Consider, we have committees that report to the CAO, this is a unique practice: should these committees report to Council instead like other communities? What does that look like?

These are not sexy issues but they are important because for our community to succeed and do well,  we need good community dialogue between user groups, stakeholders, and individuals with clear communication so Council and Administration can respond sensibly and quickly to requests and concerns.

Brookhollow Estates: For Sale

Brookhollow Estates is moving along. Soon you will see a large "For Sale" sign advertising: residential lots, condos, and senior's housing.

Large "For Sale" sign coming to Kindersley.

Here are some quick notes:

• Some of the services along Clarke Dr is about 6.5 metres (20') deep,
• to do this work a long ditch is dug in which a high-low works about 3 metres down and then digs down a further 3 metres or so.
• One street's digging is complete;
• The water, sewer, and storm water pipelayers arrive this week and they need 46 working days to lay all of the pipe;
• After the pipe is laid then gravel will be hauled to develop the base for the road
• Once the base is complete then the gutter, curb, and sidewalk will be constructed.
• That is the infrastructure work for this year.
• While this work is being done houses can be built.

Pool Update: The Engineers' Draft Report

We received the engineers report late in the week. What follows are some highlights. Some of the paragraphs are AE and some have been summarized by me.

Before looking at the highlights please consider policy GP.0. from Council's Policy Manual:

The purpose of Council, on behalf of the ratepayers of Kindersley, is to see to it that the Town of Kindersley (a) achieves appropriate results for appropriate persons at an appropriate cost and (b) avoids unacceptable actions and situations.

·         The purpose of the visual inspection was to assess the condition of the existing exterior filter room masonry block wall as well as the exterior stairway attached to this wall, in order to determine the cause of the cracking and identify elements that need to be repaired and/or replaced for the continued use of the Aquatic Centre.

Crack in wall of filter room.

Background

·         Based on the drawings by Midland Industrial Structures Ltd received from Town officials, the Kindersley Aquatic Centre was constructed in 1975. Drawings P-1, A-1 to A-4, S-1, and S-2 were made available for review.

·         The walls are made of lightweight ungrouted and unreinforced hollow blocks with prefabricated steel columns. (met the code of the day)

·         The upper portion of the north wall overlooking the pool was enclosing  the mezzanine was added in 2004.

·         Based on recommendations from C.A. Reed & Associates, in 2009 the Town decided to remove the existing building structure from GL-4 to GL-8 after concerns were raised regarding the structural integrity of the building due to steel corrosion.

Visual Inspection

·         A visual inspection of the Kindersley aquatic centre was conducted on the morning of May 27, 2014 by Associated Engineering.

·         In addition to the filter room exterior masonry block wall and the exterior staircase, the inspection included the women's change room and the southwest exterior wall due to concerns over cracked masonry blocks.

Filter Room

·         Vertical cracking was identified along the northeast wall in the Filter Room directly adjacent to the column on GL-2. This cracking is located on the north side of the column within the first masonry block connected to the column. The cracks run the entire height of the exterior concrete block wall and range in width from 5-10 mm where measured. The cracks have penetrated the interior face shell of the concrete block units. It is apparent that some cracks have previously been filled with a flexible caulking. An exterior stairway with access to the second floor is cantilevered off of the east exterior wall using steel angle bracing as well as through bolts to tie the stair to the existing wall.

Fire Escape hanging off of damaged wall.

·         At the intermediate support location, a masonry block has been displaced at the through bolt connecting the stringer to the wall. An impression of approximately 10 mm is present around the bolt. From the exterior it is visible that the cracking around the through bolt has penetrated through the entire masonry block wall thickness and through the exterior face brick. Additional cracking is present along the exterior wall along the column line on GL-2. The crack has previously been repaired and is now beginning to separate further. It does not appear to fully penetrate the wall at this time.

Women's Change Room

·         During the site visit it was brought to the attention of the AE representative that cracking was present along the north exterior block wall at the west end of the wall which separates the change rooms from the pool deck. The crack runs the entire 3.05 m (10ft) height of the concrete block wall and is located approximately 400 mm away from the northwest corner of the wall. The crack is approximately 2-3 mm in width and has penetrated the entire wall section (both interior and exterior face shells). The crack was traced to the women's washroom in the west stall. The bottom of the interior crack begins at the block out for the toilet plumbing.

·         An additional crack was found along the southwest exterior wall along the column line on GL-1 at the south west corner of the women's change room

Conclusions

·         From our visual inspection as well as a desktop review of the drawings provided, it appears that the separations between exterior face bricks located on column lines along GL-1 & 2 are movement joints which have opened up and broke the caulking sealant.

·         As described above, the exterior concrete masonry wall within the northeast filter room is lightweight concrete block unreinforced with no grouted cores. From review it appears that the existing masonry block wall has insufficient capacity to carry wind loads acting on the building exterior wall in combination with axial loads from the second floor. Due to the predominant wind direction coming from the west, the east exterior filter room wall would be subject to wind forces "pulling" on the wall. This would cause tension in the masonry block on the interior surface near the GL-2 column, leading to cracking. This is consistent with the area of cracking witnessed during the inspection.

·         In addition to the lack of capacity to carry wind load, the cracking could be caused by a number of other factors including differential thermal movements between the dissimilar materials (steel vs. masonry). The columns in question are also located within the braced bays (building bays with steel bracing rods) with little room for expansion around the concrete masonry block.

·         The cracking in the northwest corner of the Women's Change Room exterior blockwall (east of GL-3) also appears to be caused by the forces described above. The cracks observed are significant as they have completely penetrated the concrete face shell of the masonry block. In unreinforced masonry, this is the portion of the wall that resists both vertical and horizontal forces. If left as is, the cracking would eventually penetrate the entire block wall thickness and could lead to a failure of the wall.

Recommendations

·         Based on our visual inspection and desktop review of the existing masonry wall construction, it is recommended that the pool be kept closed until repairs can be completed.

·         The walls should be rehabilitated so it is stiffer.

·         The insulation filling the hollow blocks needs to be removed.

·         The walls are to be stiffened with reinforced grout poured into the walls.

·         The Fire Escape stair should be taken off and replaced using posts and a different style of wall attachments.

·         Based on our discussions, the repairs could be done within one month of the Town selecting a contractor. Time on site to conduct the repairs is estimated to be 1-2 weeks but is dependent on the contractor's schedule.

We have a meeting with the engineers to further discuss the report Tuesday.

PS Notes:

·         Masonry contractors felt that the wall may be replaced rather than rehabilitated.

·         The insulation has to be tested for asbestos. If the results show asbestos then another firm will have to be hired to remove the asbestos prior to work on the wall starting.

·         The work might be able to begin within a month and once started take only a week.

·         No costs have been quoted at this time but it looks like it may be less than originally anticipated.

But

Pipes exposed for inspection.

·         We are still determining the extent of the damage to the filter pipes and the cost of repairing them. This may require ripping up the concrete deck, replacing the pipes, and repouring concrete.

·         The filter still has issues and a new pump and valves are needed.

·         I have asked for a summary sheet of all the maintenance challenges the pool is facing including estimated costs.

·         We need as much information as possible so as to avoid “bankruptcy by a thousand small repairs” (death by a thousand cuts)

Questions: 

What is a reasonable cost to repair the pool? $25,000? $50,000? $100,000? 

What is the minimum length of time the pool should be open?

Are ready to start a big push to fundraise for the development of Phase 2: The West Central Community Centre?

To ensure our children have access to a pool: should we consider temporarily busing our children to Eatonia for swimming rather than pouring money into an aging facility?

Let me know what you think.