Hartley council sets pool rates, discusses lifeguard needs

The Hartley City Council made clear on Monday that if more lifeguard applications weren't received soon, the brand new pool would have a hard time opening the doors this summer.

The council signed off on increasing the starting lifeguard wage from $8.50 per hour to $10 in an effort to bolster interest. According to discussion, the new rate aligns more closely with other aquatic centers throughout the area.

"You've gotta be halfway competitive because you can go to the gas station and get $15 [an hour]. The kids see that," said Mayor Rodney Ahrenstorff. "But on the same token, we can't afford to be too outlandish."

The new pool, which has been under construction since last summer, is slated to open by June 1. Manager Pam Mohni was on hand to discuss lifeguard wages with the council and said she needs at least four lifeguards to open the doors each day. In the past, she's operated the pool with a summer staff of 8-10 lifeguards, sometimes 12.

Summer ball schedules, camps and other time commitments often limit how many hours each lifeguard can work. She supported the wage increase, which was unanimously approved by the council.

"We have to be ready and it has to be safe," said Council Member Mary Westphalen.

The council also approved admittance rates for the new pool. They are: Daily pass, $5 (no charge for swimmers under age 2); single-season pass, $55; 2-person season pass, $90; 3-person season pass, $100; 4-person season pass, $120, with $10 for each person over 4 people. Swimming lessons were set at $30 per swimmer.

"I don't think $55 is out of range," Ahrenstorff said. "I don't think any of them are out of range."

The council agreed and unanimously approved the rates.

"I think it's fair," said Council Member Nick Galm.