By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorHours at the Warrenton Pool will be extended in 2015 to make it more accessible for visitors.Aldermen last week voted unanimously to extend the pool management contract for 2015 with Midwest Pool Management. The city will spend $96,336 to have the Maryland Heights-based company oversee daily operations of the pool.In 2014, the pool management fee was $76,148.86. That drop was largely based on a reduction of pool hours. This year, there is also an extra week in the pool season between the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.The pool will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. When the school year starts, the pool will once again be open only on the weekends.In 2014, the pool closed at 7 p.m. every night. At the time, city officials anticipated that the early closure would allow more night pool parties and swim lessons to be held. While increases were reported for both, the reduced hours may have negatively impacted the daily receipts as the revenue dropped from $37,938 in 2013 to $32,347.50 in 2014.Overall, the city spent $103,797.37 on the pool in 2014, compared to generating $49,102.80 in revenue.The city also has increased the 2015 salary by $2,573 for Midwest Pool Management to hire a more experienced, mature manager. City officials hope the additional compensation will help the company hire someone older who can fill the supervisory role to handle complaints such as customer service and staffing issues.Work to begin soon on sidewalk projectAlso at the Jan. 13 meeting, a contract between the city and Cannon General Contractors for a sidewalk project has been signed and work is expected to start soon.New ADA compliant sidewalks will be built along the west side of Highway 47 between Dry Fork Crossing and Warrior Avenue. The project will include a pedestrian crossing to allow children to safely cross the highway.The project will cost $159,994.15 and will be covered through a Safe Routes to School grant awarded by MoDOT. Work is expected to begin this month, weather permitting, and the contractor will have 120 days to complete the project. The contract was approved by a 6-0 vote.In other newsAldermen also voted 6-0 to finalize a contract with Vireo for an update of the city’s comprehensive plan. The Kansas City-based firm will be paid $90,000 to serve as the city’s master plan consultant.A number of public meetings will be held to gather input from residents.• Aldermen approved the hiring of two new employees in the grounds and maintenance department. Chase Nelson was hired to a full-time position and Larry Barton will fill a permanent part-time role.Warrenton pool