Published: June 02, 2009 11:27 am      

Ada to get splash parks

Ada — Ada City Council unanimously approved the money needed and construction company to build splash parks at Glenwood and Wintersmith Parks.

“I think it will be better — more sanitary— than the wading pool at Glenwood and an added feature at Wintersmith,” Councilwoman Barbara Young said.

The splash parks will be paid for by an $80,000 donation and funds from Special Revenue Fund — street and alley budget, also referred to as use tax. The total cost of the park will be $275,000.

RJR Enterprises placed a bid to do the work and council approved the company as the firm was highly recommended by other cities where it has built splash parks. Council approved RJR Enterprises to do the work.

“This will be a great addition to the pool areas … more exciting,” Mayor Roger Cupps said.

“The kids are going to love it,” Young said.

In other business, raises were discussed.

City Clerk Sally Pool will receive a pay grade raise council said was long overdue.

Due to circumstances within the office and increased responsibilities Pool has, council was asked by her supervisor to evaluate her position and pay level, City Manager David Hathcoat said.

“Like the splash parks, I think this is long overdue,” Young said. Council approved Pool’s pay grade to increase from 149 of the general pay schedule to 152.

“We appreciate you very much, Sally,” Cupps said.

“Thank you,” Pool said.

Also receiving a pay raise are Ada firefighters.

“We had spirited negotiations with the firefighters’ union, as we always do,” City Attorney Alvin Files said. Included in the negotiations was a 3 percent pay increase across the board and an extra shift of vacation.

“I’m very pleased to recommend approval,” Files said.

Council approved the measure unanimously.

Also approved was the annexation of the property the new Glenwood school will be built on. The land is an area that has not been annexed until now. The site is located south of the southwest by-pass, north of 32nd Street and east of Oak Avenue.

In Ada Public Works Authority, Parks and Recreation Director Randy McFarlin gave a report on the progress of Fire Station #2 remodel. An electrical contractor was hired and Fire Chief Marion Harris is getting quotes for interior work.

“It’s coming along very nicely,” McFarlin said.

Ada City Council meets the first and third Monday of each month at 5:45 p.m. unless the day falls on a holiday. Meetings are held in Council Chambers at Ada City Hall and are also televised on cable, channel 11. To obtain an agenda or a request form to be placed on the agenda, visit www.adaok.com.