The heat is on for summer— and for the City of Spur to quickly solve operational questions for its newly renovated swimming pool in Swenson Park. At the June 17, 6 p.m. regular city council meeting Mayor John Schmidt led members to consider operational policies, fiscal and personnel management, and facility upgrades.
Barbara Bogart, representing Galaxy Digital, donor of last year’s construction project, presented a request for current Galaxy staff and immediate family to be granted complimentary season passes. “We thought it would be a nice gesture” for immediate family living in an employee’s household, said Bogart.
After brief questioning by the council regarding the number of employees who would benefit (50), councilman Don Wright posed the question whether half-price might be considered. “We need the money,” Wright said—in a joking tone, though the council’s aware that the pool committee has been looking at ways to raise funds, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at $100 per team is currently in the works.
Bogart was quick to remind the council of Galaxy’s $675,000 contribution to the project, and a swift motion by council member Landon Hinson, second by council member Laidy Vasquez, and unanimous yea vote followed.
Pool report. Later, in the monthly reports section of the agenda, pool manager Kay Stephenson reported that the bathhouse was in operational order with “everything looking good” but that the pool and pump house needed some attention.
A request had been submitted for a long water hose, an extension cord, and a vacuuming hose large enough to clean the pool without excess effort.
SPUR’S SWENSON PARK POOL has proved a popular summer spot this year, with regular swim hours, pool parties and water aerobics. | THE TEXAS SPUR
The water slide, which is awaiting a factory repair, is usable in the interim.
But most serious, on Stephenson’s report, was the need for ventilation of the pump house, to guard against chlorine fumes when working on or recharging chlorinating equipment. Safety gear, such as safety goggles and mask, are also needed, said Stephenson.
“It is a lot of hard work, hard labor, ” Stephenson said. She also suggested the council consider a dollar an hour raise “I definitely work hard enough” to deserve a little extra, she said.
Swimming pool matters resurfaced toward the end of the agenda, when council entered executive session at 6:41 for the purpose of discussing personnel matters. Upon returning to open session at 6:56 council took up consideration of employment of Scott Redding as pool employee.
Redding, spouse of pool manager Stephenson, spoke informally about regulations for operation of a municipal pool and expressed his view that it’s important to have two employees present.
“A husband-and-wife team would at least provide a male on hand,” he said, explaining that many small city pools are staffed in that manner. “What happens in an emergency?” he asked. “Just some things to think about.”
No motion on the proposal to hire Redding in that capacity was forthcoming from council, so the matter was not pursued further.
Council had earlier accepted resignations of two pool committee members and one lifeguard, with Hinson moving to accept, Melton seconding, and the motion carrying 5-0, with council member Kristy Price abstaining.
At the outset of the meeting, all council members except Rhea Melton, who had previously given notice of late arrival, were present.
Speaking for the Spur Area Chamber of Commerce and The Texas Spur newspaper during the public comment period, Barbara Brannon outlined plans for the Fourth on Burlington Independence Day celebrations the morning of Saturday, July 4, in Spur’s Rickels Park.
Council approved minutes from May 2 and June 6, 2025, meetings, and approved payment of invoices.
A motion was made and approved to honor a previous agreement with TxDOT.
Agenda item 7 was omitted.
A permit for mobile homeinstallation for Sanchez on West Hill Street was approved after the fact, as the matter had “dropped through the cracks” when codes compliance official Barry Ferguson was departing.
“Barry had considered that all requirements had been met,” however, said Mayor Schmidt. A water tap was in the works. Hinson moved to approve the permit, and Vasquez seconded; the motion carried 5-0.
Application for an amendment to previously approved Spur Economic Development Corporation funding for Spur’s Back Door Inn was proposed, due to an amended bid on roofing costs of some $3,000; the city added its unanimous approval to the amended amount previously okayed by the EDC had already approved.
As some reports were submitted orally and others in writing and were not immediately available for public consideration, The Texas Spur will continue its report next week after obtaining those.
City Secretary Ashley Carothers noted that Friday, July 4, would be a city holiday.
