SIDNEY — The Sidney Recreation Board discussed the Sidney Waterpark and recreation plans for the 2021 summer season during its Monday afternoon teleconference meeting.

At the top of the meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Duane Gaier gave board members an update about a water leak in the large, 30-year-old pool at the Sidney Waterpark. He displayed a diagram showing where the potential leak is in the large pool.

City parks and underground utilities crews used the city jet truck and camera to pull the camera through the piping from the pump house to the “T” between the drain boxes in the bottom of the pool, Gaier said. The camera and footage review did not show a crack or a broken joint, but it did show the water level where the leak stops. He said city staff is currently waiting on a consultant to get back with them on what the next steps should be.

Also discussed Monday was information about the possibility of contracting an outside company to staff and run the pool. The contractor would be responsible to staff, clean the waterpark and provide chemicals for regular treatments of the pool water. The city will still run the concession stand. Gaier informed the board he proposed the hiring of a contractor to run the pool to Sidney City Council at its Jan. 25 meeting, and council members were receptive.

City staff is drawing up a legislation to authorize City Manager Mark Cundiff to enter into a contract with SwimSafe Pool Management, of Cincinnati, and it will be presented to City Council at its Feb. 22 meeting.

In other business, Jennie Rogers, recreation specialist, provided the recreation board with a PowerPoint presentation on plans to move forward, if possible, with a food program; backpack program; the opening of the water park, including swimming lessons, and the pool concession stand; and summer clinics.

She told the board city staff contacted the Shelby County Health Department for guidelines on how to move forward as summer approaches. As soon direction is received from the health department, city staff intends to move forward with guidelines provided.

Board members Todd Ratermann and Oshea Pearte were absent Monday.