Bonne Terre purchases land for soccer park, closes pool early

BONNE TERRE — The city has purchased additional land for the soccer park.

During a special meeting Monday night, the Bonne Terre City Council approved the purchase of property at 7 Oak Street owned by Raphael James Gidley for $21,750. The property is located across the alley from where dirt for the soccer fields has been piled up.

The council also officially awarded the contract for work on the soccer fields to Yoder and Sons Excavating. The company was the lowest bidder at $29,450.

Chrissie Yoder said they should be able to start work right away, weather permitting. The city wants the three fields ready for the 2010 season.

In other matters, City Manager Larry Barton said the city closed the pool for the season a little early. He said the police department has begun investigating discrepancies in money there. 

Mayor Fritz Gower said closing the pool for the season was a good move.

The pool closed to the public on Thursday. Barton said they will finish out the season’s pool parties that were booked. Two certified lifeguards are to handle those.

Council member Ron Elders was absent from the meeting.

Teresa Ressel is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 179 or at tressel@dailyjournalonline.com.