Lincoln Approves Pool Rules

LINCOLN — Lincoln City Council approved an ordinance with safety standards for private swimming pools at its Oct. 16 meeting. The ordinance does not have an emergency clause and will take effect in 60 days from when it is publicly posted.

The ordinance applies to all pools designed for human bathing, swimming or immersion, whether the pool is above-ground or in-ground and has a depth of 36 inches or more at any point. It applies to new pools being constructed or erected and existing pools.

The ordinance requires above-ground pools with a sidewall height of at least 36 inches to have a detachable ladder. All points of entry to an above-ground pool must be secured by a lock when the pool is not being used.

All in-ground swimming pools must be enclosed with a self-closing gate and secured by a lock when not in use.

In addition, all swimming pools must be constructed or erected behind the back building line of a lot.

Lincoln Council member Johnny Stowers said this requirement will “take care of swimming pools being in the front yard.”

In other action, the Council approved its share to help pay the salaries for four district court judges in Washington County.

Act 1219 of 2011 established a base salary of $117,300 for a state district court judge. Washington County along with cities in Washington County cost share one-half the salary and the state pays the other half. Lincoln’s share is $2,525.38.

The Council tabled a new sign ordinance to make a few minor changes to the proposal. Lincoln Planning Commission will discuss the changes at its November meeting.

Also, the Council confirmed paying $16,780 for a new grinder for the wastewater treatment plant. Mayor Rob Hulse said the old one was about to go out and the purchase was an emergency. It did not require Council approval but Hulse said he wanted the Council to know about the costs and to confirm it on the record.