City Council selects Kingsport firm for pool house renovation project

Published 4:37 pm Friday, February 13, 2026

By Buzz Trexler
Star Correspondent

City Council members were told Thursday night that while a renovated Franklin Pool is expected to open for the season this year, it appears the current pool house will have to suffice for the summer.

Still, city officials are hoping the public understands they are still working on plans to improve or replace the pool house. As evidence, the council during its regular meeting approved Cain, Rash, West Architect Inc. of Kingsport as the firm that would provide architectural services.

While selecting the architectural firm was necessary for the city to apply for a grant to assist with the pool house project, it does not obligate the city to move forward this year. As it stands, it depends upon a successful application for a Community Development Block Grant. Only one of those grants can be active at a time, and the city has one open with the Franklin Pool project.

In late 2023, the First Tennessee Development District awarded a block grant of $630,000 to help fund improvements to the pool, located at 1600 Franklin Pool Drive, and that grant must be fully closed out before a new one is received. An application for the pool house project would have to be made before the 2026 block grant application window closes this spring. The timing does not seem favorable, but the city can apply during the 2027 grant application process.

The pool house contains restrooms, changing facilities and concessions, and several of the City Council members recall spending time there when they were young.

Councilwoman Deborah Gouge noted there was agreement among City Council that it needed renovation and there was a desire to keep the project moving forward.

“I won’t say what I think about the old building; but we all agreed on it, you know, it was old and worn out when we were teenagers,” she said. “I’m just pleased that we’re looking forward to doing something.”

In response to a question from Councilman Jeff Treadway as to progress on the pool renovation, Parks and Recreation Director David Nanney said contractors were recently stalled by winter weather. “Because right now, you’re down to tile work and the liner itself, and both have to have time when the temperature doesn’t get below freezing,” Nanney said. “So, next week or so we look pretty good according to the Weather Channel today.”

OTHER ACTIONS

Among other actions, council members also approved:

a resolution to award a $3,450 contract with Cain, Rash, West Architects Inc. for architectural services and construction management of Phase II of the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library Window Restoration Project. The city was awarded a $60,000 grant through the Tennessee Historical Commission Historic Preservation Fund to assist with the project, with the city providing $40,000 as its 40 percent match. The Kingsport architectural firm provided the same services for Phase I.
on first reading, an ordinance amending the current budget to reimburse the Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County for $32,645 in roof repairs. In 2002, the organization acquired the building at 104 Hudson Drive, and it was subsequently transferred to the City of Elizabethton under an agreement in which the city is responsible for all major repairs. The building recently experienced roof leaks in multiple areas, and Davis Brothers Roofing & Sheet Metal was contacted to perform the necessary repairs.
road closures related to the Music and Miles Half-Marathon on Saturday, April 26, and the May the 4th Be With You 4K Race on Monday, May 4.
a resolution regarding the city’s participation in the Tennessee Law Enforcement Hiring, Training and Recruitment Program that provides a grant to recruit and train police officers. The program provides for bonuses to officers hired between May 1, 2023, and March 19, 2026, and who meet the program’s guidelines. New officers with no previous experience would receive $3,000 after 12 months, $2,500 after 24 months and $2,500 after 36 months, for a total of $8,000 after the 36-month period. Experienced officers that meet requirements for this program would receive $1,000 after six months, $3,000 after 12 months, $3,000 after 24 months and $3,000 after 36 months, for a total of $10,000. Elizabethton Police Department Chief of Police Jason Shaw said in the summary there are six entry-level officers and one experienced officer (lateral hire) that are eligible for this program. Any officer hired before March 19 may also be eligible.
a temporary construction easement agreement with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to clean up muddy soil, broken trees and debris below and around the Broad Street Bridge. The easement involves city-owned property bounded by North Riverside Drive, the Broad Street Bridge and the Doe River. Director of Planning Rich DesGroseilliers said the removal and restoration work is expected to take up to 18 months.
on second reading and after a public hearing, a rezoning measure that allows developers to build 16 single-family residences near a section of the Tweetsie Trail on West Doe Avenue. The 3.33-acre development would be carried out in two phases. The developers will have to bring a final plan back to the Planning Commission for approval.

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