Before building a new pool, Gilmer County commissioners need the old pool demolished. They accepted the lowest bidder for the job at a special called meeting.
Low bid for the demolition of the pool was $76,000, submitted by Jacob Anderson Company LLC.
“We do have a history with that company, and the work has always been performed satisfactorily and in a timely manner, so I know of no reason why we would not accept the bid,” said Chairman Charlie Paris.
Public Works Director Jim Smith said they demolished some chicken houses the county needed torn down in a timely manner and went beyond the contract.
Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson asked if the company had ever demolished a pool before. Answers were noncommittal.
Post Commissioner Hubert Parker made the motion and it was seconded by Paris, and it passed unanimously.
The bid indicated the job could begin by Feb. 1.
Engineers are being lined up to check the base underneath the pool once the concrete is removed to determine if any work needs to be done before construction of the new pool can begin.
“I really wanted to have [pool construction] done by opening day,” said Paris at a previous meeting. “We’ve gone around the world with this thing.”
His frustration stems from the amount of time site location for the new pool has taken. He said between opposition to some sites and testing and problems at others, it has taken a while to settle on a site for the new pool construction.
Initially the pool and a future sports complex were being planned for property across the river from River Park. East Ellijay Council was going to purchase the property for Gilmer County so the pool could be centrally located.
Engineering studies on the site showed it was in the floodplain and would require massive amounts of fill dirt to be brought in to prepare the site.
Commissioners eventually determined the site of the old pool would be the best option.