Pool manager resigns

By Sara StrongCommunity Pool and Fitness Center Manager Carol Wessels said the last 12 1/2 years on the job have been "a pleasure."She’s leaving Oct. 20 to work as a paramedic.After that, the facility will probably hire another part-time staff person and shift administrative responsibilities to others who will report directly to City Administrator Greg LaFond. He said it’s all a part of "improving internal controls" which will save money in the end. Public Works employees probably will be in charge of chlorination of the pool.LaFond said the facility has potential to work more closely with Sioux Valley and the future Luverne Community Hospital and Clinic. Partnerships with other organizations could also keep it heavily used and reduce taxpayer contributions.Next year, the county and city of Luverne are both contributing $61,598.In other business, the Pool Commission:
Learned that there was room in the budget for three new equipment purchases: an elliptical stepper machine, a treadmill, and another low-impact machine ideal for cardio rehab patients and people with joint problems.
Directed members to think of a replacement for Paul Alink, chairman, who has moved from the county and can’t serve on the Pool Commission.City memo: No perksAlthough it wasn’t discussed at the Pool Commission Tuesday, some issues at the Pool and Fitness Center were addressed by LaFond in a Sept. 26 memo.It said in part, "My office recently became aware that certain city employees were receiving ‘discounts’ or ‘special pricing’ at the Rock County Community Pool & Fitness Center apparently due to their status as ‘city employees.’"Such discounts are in conflict with the city's Personnel Code and may reflect violations of State Ethics Code provisions. An individual’s status as a ‘public official’ or a ‘public employee’ does not entitle any official or employee to discounts or other considerations that are not available to the general public, unless such discounts or considerations are included in labor agreements or are authorized by the City Council and incorporated in the City's Personnel Manual."No elected or appointed official, or any employee of the city of Luverne shall offer or receive a discount or other consideration for any product or service provided by the city due to the individual's employment status with the city of Luverne, one’s status as an elected or appointed official. This directive applies to all full-time, part-time and seasonal employees of the city of Luverne, and to all elected and appointed officials."