CC MEETING: March 17, 2015
DATE: March 11, 2015
TO: Leonard Martin, City Manager
FROM: Scott Hudson, Environmental Services Director
Title
Consider An Ordinance Amending Title IX, Chapter 94, "Swimming Pools", To Regulate Public Swimming Pool, Spa And Interactive Water Feature And Fountain Operations And Maintenance, And Title III, Chapter 31, "Comprehensive Fee Ordinance", Of The City Of Carrollton Code Of Ordinances.
Body
BACKGROUND:
This item proposes an ordinance amendment to reinstate a swimming pool and spa permitting and inspection program. This follows up an October 2014 City Council worksession and addresses health and safety concerns regarding maintenance and operation of public swimming pools, spas and interactive water features and fountains (IWFFs) in Carrollton. Currently there are virtually no local codes in place relating directly to pool operation and maintenance. Current requirements do not support operational control of water-borne illnesses, in addition to a broad array of safety issues.
In recent years there have been several significant disease outbreaks at public and semi-public pools in Carrollton to which state and county health officials have called on city staff to respond. These have included cryptosporidium, shigella and legionella. As with other health concerns, partnership with these agencies is critical, particularly in view of the fact that they do not have resources to respond at the local level. While city staff has been able to provide limited field support by conducting inspections and investigations, staff has not been able to enforce solid resolutions because of the lack of a local ordinance.
Moreover, the city does not have a proactive effort in place to ensure routine maintenance and prevent such occurrences. City staff is also not able to provide meaningful response to resident complaints about poorly maintained pools.
Regulatory Framework
The Texas Department of State Health ...
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