Stuttgart City Council holds Special Meetings

The Stuttgart City Council held two special meetings regarding the John Cain Aquatic Center last week. This was to address the shooting which took place on Saturday, June 13. Much discussion was given and on Thursday, they set forth pool rules that will be strictly enforced going forward.

A key element will be the presence of security during pool hours, provided by off duty police officers. No hoodies will be allowed to be worn and backpacks or purses must be clear and will be subject to be searched.  . Towels will be shaken out. There will be no loitering in or around the pool by groups of teenagers. Ages 16 and under must come with an adult. All visitors to the pool must pay to get in. If you are not swimming, you have no reason to be at the pool. The pool will no longer be a free babysitter for those not there to swim. There will be exceptions for elderly grandparents who bring their grandchildren to swim and they choose not to. You must wear appropriate swimming attire to the pool, bathing suits, tank tops and shorts. Patrons will also be expected to sign in and out, and cameras are being installed.

The complete rules can be found on social media and they have ordered signs to put up in and around the pool. The pool will open back up on Tuesday, June 23 with 10 am to 1 pm open to passholders and 1 pm to 5 pm available to the public. 

There will be an additional charge to private parties to help pay for the extra security. The council hated to do this, but they all agreed the pool must have extra security going forward. Groups of teenagers will not be allowed to hang around outside the pool fence and shout into the pool at people who are inside the pool area. That will be considered loitering and security will handle that.

Mayor Norma Strabala said she had met with the lifeguards and their parents to talk about safety and more training.  She also thanked Kerri Jernigan, Heather Wylie and Morgan for being extremely helpful during this time.

In the regular meeting on June 16, the council approved departmental reports and heard from Brenson Osby regarding the flooding in the North Hills Addition. This is not a new issue, but a recurring one covering many years. Mayor Strabala responded telling Mr. Osby what the city has been trying to do to help correct the problem. Unfortunately, this is a problem that will not be fixed overnight, but the city is trying to solve it.

The city approved a street closing on July 4, for the Lions Club Fireworks display. The streets involved are Ricebird Lane and Harry Crawford Drive, around the football and baseball complex. This will be from 8 pm until 10 pm.

The City was expecting a closure for Rock Island Day, but nothing had been received regarding it.

With no more business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.