Published: April 21, 2008 10:02 pm      

Tentative agreement reached over Lewisburg fountain

LEWISBURG — A tentative agreement has been reached between the city of Lewisburg and the Greenbrier County Health Department over issuing a permit to allow the city’s interactive water fountain to be turned back on.

Mayor John Manchester said city officials met with county chief Sanitarian Mike Eltzroth last week at the fountain to discuss plans which would bring the city into compliance with state health codes.

The Connie B. Mann Memorial fountain was closed by county health officials twice last summer, citing the city had not applied for the proper state permits and that it also violated state health codes.

Health officials had previously said the water fountain, which recycles and filters about 500 gallons every 30 minutes, could potentially be contaminated with deadly pathogens from sources such as baby diapers which may spread to others. They also cited that West Virginia law requires rest rooms be available for citizens.

Last Thursday, the city presented the health department with a schematic drawing which depicted the installation of a shower head and confirmed that rest rooms would be open at city hall while the fountain was turned on, such has been the case since last fall.

“We asked for a meeting with Mike Eltzroth, and we were at the fountain for about an hour going over issues regarding the shower,” Manchester said Monday. “We submitted a proposal for a shower head which would drain into the sewer and that is under review at this time, and he should let us know shortly.”

Eltzroth was out of town Monday; however, Sanitarian Amanda McMichael said the health department has received the drawings.

“They have submitted a plan and a drawing of the shower location and the location of the sewer lines,” McMichael said Monday. “Mr. Eltzroth will be reviewing those plans to see if they are in compliance with State Code.”

Manchester said a cost estimate could be not given at this time. A diaper changing station and signs indicating the shower’s location are also planned.

At the last county health board meeting, Manchester had asked for a waiver of the bathroom and shower regulations. The board tabled the issue until further information could be obtained.

“The next step is to have the health department sign off on this proposal, and we are hopeful the fountain will be open again by late May,” Manchester said.

The $80,000 water fountain is the centerpiece of the city’s $500,000 corner green space. The computerized interactive play fountain shoots jets of water into the air. The fountain and corner green space was primarily paid for by private donations.

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cgiggenbach@register-herald.com