The Crete City Council will hold a special meeting tonight (Wednesday) at 6:30 p.m. at city hall to hear staff reports on the feasibility of purchasing the National Guard Armory from the State of Nebraska.

The city has discussed the issue with several potential local partners in the project including Crete Public Schools and Blue Valley Community Action Partnership.

At the regular council meeting, last Tuesday, March 2, the council approved a motion to name Gilmore  and Associates as a special engineer to the city for the first phase of an anticipated Crete Swimming Pool renovation project.

Tom Ourada, director of public works, said Keith Gilmore, has experience in swimming pool design and could begin information gathering and be available for engineering services for a future project.

Council member Jack Oelschlager reported that the Park and Recreation Committee met prior to discuss a citizen-led pool advisory group to gather ideas for renovation/improvement concepts.

Current pool issues include compliance with the 2008 Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act aimed at enhancing safety at swimming pools including proper drainage systems and devices. A large repair item at Crete’s pool will be the slide which has an estimated repair cost of $50,000.

At a past meeting, the committee estimated a total renovation cost at $400,000. Oelschlager said a possible bond issue could be on the November ballot for the community to decide.

The citizen advisory committee members are: Zoraida Ramos, Tom Sorensen, Chad Menagh, Justin Kuntz, Shelley Poore, Jerri Van Horn, Laurie Deibert, Abbie Page, Amy Vertin and Shaylene Smith. Josie Hoesche, recreation director and Ourada will sit in on meetings.

In Library Director, Lisa Olivigni’s report, she said problems with the west portion of the library roof warranted a visit from Weathcraft representatives who estimated replacement costs at $24,000 to $30,000. The east portion still has a estimated five-year life.

Olivigni informed the council and mayor of $53,000 moved to a reserve fund for the library and the potential to use those funds. Replacing the roof is a Crete Library Board decision. Mayor

Tom Crisman said they will discuss the possible options on where funds could come from for the project.

Ourada reported to the council that the 13th St./Iris Ave. project was approved for funding at 97 to 98 percent of the total cost. A portion of the water and sewer work did not qualify. An estimate of funds given was $3 million with bid letting on March 18.

Council member Margaret Kohl reported that Crete Fire and Rescue received the FEMA grant for $116,000 to purchase new airpacks.

The council also:

- Approved a zoning special exception permit for Dennis Schlake to operate a welding repair business from his home on County Road 2350 south of Crete.

- Approved a request from Allen Bruns to have a fireworks display at his wedding reception at Tuxedo Park on Saturday, March 20 permitting adequate documentation and insurance paperwork is presented to the city by Midwest Pyrotechnics, out of Stromsburg.

- Approved Ordinance 1749 for its first reading. The ordinance would give the city building inspector the authority to write citations.