Ripley approves $213,500 emergency contract to replace unsafe water slide

The Ripley Board of Aldermen voted to approve an emergency $213,500 contract to demolish and rebuild an unsafe water-slide tower and install a new slide structure so the pool can open for the season.

Mr. Chipman told the board that inspections over the prior weeks found the slide tower had deteriorated and was unsafe. "No children, no adult, nobody should be even using it. So, we shut it down immediately and blocked it off," he said, summarizing an engineer's recommendation that led to the closure.

Chipman said a local fabricator (William Steel) referred the city to a Memphis firm that inspected the structure and agreed the tower "can't be patched" and must be taken down and rebuilt from the ground up. The agenda listed a bid of $213,500 from "Grinder Fabricators and Erectors" to demo, fabricate and install a new structure; the board designated the purchase as an emergency because work must be completed before the summer season.

Board members also emphasized the slide's role in generating pool rental income. Chipman said the city books parties quickly and that, without the slide, many renters would likely cancel. Members noted the work was not in the current budget but said it could be covered from fund balance.

A motion to accept the emergency purchase and award the work (moved by Miss Austin and seconded by Miss Keley) was taken by roll call and approved. The presiding official announced the motion had passed.