WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) -- Recently the city has learned that according to the ADA (American Disabilities Act) all swimming pools used by the public are required to have a chair lift to assist disabled persons to enter a swimming pool. Pools that have zero level entrances are not required to have one.

    Mayor Rocky Kolar talked with a person who gives training to pool operators about the chair lift requirement. The trainer he talked with also sells the chair lift which range from $3,000 to $5,000 with installation.



    Kolar was going to check if there were any waivers or restrictions due to lack of room on the shallow end of the pool.

    The chair requires about five feet of deck space, which only leaves four feet between the pool and the pool building.

    According to Clerk Katie Steen, there had been an inquiry to see if the city could install a lift. Some of the council  members thought perhaps there  are others who might benefit from the use of a lift.

    The question came up about liability, and Steen told the council, chair users or their companion would be allowed to operate the lift.

    Kolar asked the council to give some thought to the idea before the next meeting.

    Carl Conrad and Katie Steen took the training necessary for becoming pool operators. Both

Conrad and Steen passed their tests to become pool operators.

    Conrad and Dan Joel will be attending a Waste Water Treatment Seminar at St.  Cloud.

    The  council discussed the city dog and cat license ordinance. Steen said about 30 licenses were not renewed last year. She said they advertised on Channel 6 and in the Sentinel Tribune, but either some chose to ignore it or did not see it. She told the council she would send out written notice to all known pet owners this year.

    The licenses are $5.00 and owners must submit proof of rabies shots for their animals. Licenses are due to be renewed or purchased by May 31.

    Unlicensed pets found at large are subject to $105 fine.

    Spring Cleanup will be postponed until fall. Due to restructuring of a new cell at the county landfill. The council asked that people keep their unwanted items in their homes or garages, until that time.

    The  following organizations were approved for licenses:

• Good Samaritan Society -

Westbrook for a raffle.

• Westbrook Area Volunteers -

    Night at the Races.

    Apparently the large coffee pot at the community center has quit working and will need replacement. The council will look into getting a commercial unit that has its own water supply  line.

    Police Chief Alan  Wahl told the council some residents do not have house numbers. He said people need to have them in case of an emergency.

    City Clerk Steen noted the city web site is in operation. www.cityofwestbrookmn.com

February Police report:

    Two accidents, six unlocked doors, one ticket, one funeral assist, one 72 hour hold, one case of bank fraud.