During Wednesday's Streator City Council meeting, Councilman Bruce Hart suggested city officials make a decision next month about the future of the city-owned swimming pool, which has been closed since the end of summer 2003.

Hart said if the City Council takes a stance on the pool's future, steps can be taken to do something with the property. Options include reopening the pool under city management, allowing someone in the private sector to purchase the pool and reopen it or sell the land for use as something completely different.

Hart did not indicate his opinion about what the pool's future should be, nor did any other council members. However, during a recent committee of the whole meeting, Councilman Ed Benner said he doesn't think reopening the pool is worth the cost of repairs and operation partly because many people have their own backyard pools. Earlier this month, Mayor Ray Schmitt said in an interview on WSPL-AM that he doesn't foresee the pool reopening because it would cost an estimated $60,000 to renovate.

In other business Wednesday, the City Council:

Awarded a $141,195 contract to Liebhart Construction, of Ottawa, to construct the new cart storage facility building at Anderson Field Golf Course.

Approved a design plan for a new parking lot south of Streator Township High School. Margaret Morrison, executive director of A Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Service, suggested the city increase pedestrian safety in the lot by requiring speed bumps and posting speed limit and caution signs.

Approved a parking lot design plan for the Taco Bell restaurant to be built at Northpoint Plaza.

Councilman Willy Williamson complimented Spring Lake Project volunteers for their work in beautifying Spring Lake Park. Williamson said he initially was skeptical whether the group would be able to keep the grounds maintained, but was convinced after attending a bridge dedication at the park last week.

"That's probably the best I've seen Spring Lake in 30, 40 years," Williamson said. "They've really got a good core group."

Councilman Jimmie Lansford also complimented the volunteers and said he looks forward to seeing what else they do at the park.

"They made a point that they're only 25 percent completed there," Lansford said.

City Manager Paul Nicholson noted the recent passing of Streator resident Truman Wallem, who until a couple of years ago was a regular attendee of City Council meetings for many years. Nicholson said Wallem was a supporter of his during good and bad times, and expressed his condolences to Wallem's family.

Councilman Ed Benner echoed Nicholson's comments, calling Wallem "a scholar and a gentleman."