St. Charles Recommends Mandatory Pool Fencing

On July 23, 2024, the St. Charles Planning & Development Committee held a 34-minute meeting addressing two main topics: a pool safety code amendment and potential long-term business impacts from the city’s energy contract.

Municipal Pool Safety Code Amendment

• Proposal: Amend Title 15, Section 15.04.201 of the Municipal Code to require exterior fencing for all inground pools, regardless of whether a powered safety cover is installed.

• Background:

  • Current code (2021 IBC, adopted 2022) allows certified powered safety covers in lieu of fences.

  • Staff reviewed neighboring communities, finding varied approaches; some require fences by default, while others allow covers.

• Public Comment:

  • Scott Weiss, a resident, opposed the mandate, noting his $18,000 ASTM-certified powered safety cover offers superior protection and that mandatory fencing would impose financial and logistical burdens.

  • Weiss also emphasized that prior drowning incidents involved fenced but uncovered pools.

• Committee Discussion: Focused on public safety, effective dates for implementation, and HOA considerations.

• Decision: Unanimous approval to forward the amendment recommendation to the City Council for final action.

Scope Two Emissions & Energy Contract

• Presenter: Bill Kale, non-resident part-owner of the municipal utility.

• Topic: Concerns about the city’s long-term coal-heavy energy contract with IMEA.

• Points Raised:

  • Reliance on coal may deter businesses prioritizing renewable energy and ESG compliance.

  • Potential for future regulatory penalties.

  • St. Charles’ environmental goals could be misaligned with other IMEA members.

• Outcome: Discussion noted; no formal action taken.

Other Notes

• Omnibus items approved at the start of the meeting.

• Staff had drafted the pool fencing amendment in advance for committee review.

• Committee recognized the authority of the City Council to set effective dates or exemptions for the pool safety ordinance.

Key Takeaways

1. Pool Safety Priority: Mandatory fencing for inground pools is now recommended to the City Council, emphasizing child safety and public protection.

2. Energy & Business Implications: Long-term reliance on coal-fired power is under scrutiny for its potential impact on business development and sustainability goals.

3. Community Engagement: Residents had the opportunity to provide detailed public input, highlighting real-world impacts and considerations.