Amarillo's first public pool ordinance

Amarillo, TX -  Amarillo is one of the few cities in Texas that does not have an public pool ordinance. That would change under a proposal which had first public comment Tuesday night during city council.

The ordinance was submitted by environmental health director Shaun May. If approved, all hotels, motels, apartment complexes, health clubs, and spas would need to purchase a pool permit so they can be inspected.

May says this proposed ordinance is based on providing health and safety to local citizens that was not there before.

"We should have done this ten years ago, honestly." said May. "The reason why we do it now, is because I don't want to wait until somebody gets hurt or somebody dies. I would rather address this now before something bad happens."

During the city council discussion, council member Elisha Demerson said he likes this proposal because it's not based on generating revenue, but providing public health safety to our citizens.

"That's a good thing for our community," said Demerson. "As I've always said, even when I was running, I believe in the diversity of thought. Mr. May gave us a different perspective that we've never had."

May says this new ordinance would not affect taxpayers wallets. He would like to see each pool be inspected at least once, violators would be checked more frequently. May says he will be talking with the businesses that are affected to get more input for the ordinance's final draft.

Copyright 2015 KFDA. All rights reserved.