Hartley officials are keeping their fingers crossed that the new pool's ribbon cutting isn't postponed too long thanks to an unexpected delay.

Superintendent of Public Works Jaron Benz on Monday updated the council about progress at the new pool, informing the group that delivery of the variable frequency drives (VFDs) which control the two pool pumps has been pushed back. He said the delay isn't unique to Hartley, but it is a problem.

Without the VFDs, the pool cannot be filled and equipment cannot be tested. Tentatively, the parts are slated for delivery on June 6.

"We're crossing our fingers that's the case," Benz said. "Hopefully we can find a temporary solution to keep things moving. It's up in the air right now."

Benz said officials at Eriksen Construction, the company building the pool, are investigating whether a motor switch could be installed to potentially throttle the pumps and allow water to flow. Ultimately, any temporary solution will have to be signed off by the pool's architect and designer, Water's Edge.

Benz said the pool's opening would likely get pushed back to the week after June 6 if the VFDs are delivered by that date. Local officials had previously hoped the new aquatic center would be open June 1.

"We're still shooting for the beginning of June," said Benz. "If no temporary solution is found, we're crossing our fingers that June 6 is the delivery date. That would be ideal."

Benz pledged to keep pushing Eriksen Construction to find a temporary fix to get the pool filled and equipment tested.

"I will keep asking the question," he said.

NICK PEDLEY/SENTINEL-NEWS

Work has ramped up at the site of Hartley's new sewer lift station, which will be located on the same lot as the old on the east side of town.

Benz also reported work on the pool deck is ongoing, with cement being poured during the past week.

The council handled the relatively light agenda in short order on Monday. In other business, Benz said work on the sewer lift station replacement project on the east side of town is moving at a steady clip. Construction on the new lift station building is underway, and roadwork is mostly done.

The current lift station will remain in operation until the project is finished and the new equipment is online.

"They're progressing fairly rapidly, even just today," Benz said. "It's going to go quick."

Eighth Avenue East will remain open for the most part; however, it will be closed when crews replace a manhole at the intersection of Second Street Southeast.