SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin City Council members have decided they need to act quickly to replace equipment at the city pool if they want to open it to the public this year.
It was decided Wednesday night at a workshop meeting to place two motions on Monday's agenda to solicit bids for a new pool pump and for professional services to install the pump.
They will advertise a special meeting before the March 6 workshop meeting at 5:45 p.m., when they will open and award contracts to the lowest bidder.
"We cannot drag our feet on this. We're running out of time if we want to open the pool," Councilman William Milbrand said.
The pool pump will have to be built, and council wants enough time for professionals to do so in order to have it ready by the summer.
In July, the Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool, 132 N. Rock St., was forced to close temporarily because of a faulty pump, which had a leak and wouldn't prime.
Community development director Lynn Dixson said a contract was signed to award the 2012 CDBG funds to the city in the amount of $300,000.
Of that money, $70,000 must be allocated to recreational uses, and the council plans to use this portion of the grant money toward the pool.
In other business, the council members met for a 40-minute executive session to discuss personnel issues.