Funding for the Mt. Rainier Pool generated the most conversation at the Jan. 8 Des Moines City Council meeting.

The main question regarding the pool was whether or not it had the support of the citizens of Des Moines and Normandy Park.

The council discussed the possibility of surveying the public or putting a pool tax measure on the ballot and letting the voters decide.

"The pool is going to die, it's going to go away," said Councilman Ed Pina. "People should vote if they want to keep it."

"A ballot is the best survey," said Mayor Pro Tem, Dan Sherman. "Our city does not have the financial capacity to take this one alone. We should give the public an opportunity to choose."

The council discussed the possibility of forming a single-purpose municipal park district with Normandy Park that would function to support the pool.

"If the pool district was greater than Des Moines, we'd be able to maintain and improve (the Mt. Rainier Pool) if there was a larger taxable district.

"I can see Normandy Park and Des Moines working together," said Councilman Scott Thomasson.

Councilman Dave Kaplan agreed.

"I think we have to give the public and the voters a shot, " noted Kaplan.

Some members seemed uncertain of public support.

"I don't see how we can afford it," said Councilwoman Susan White. "No way, especially if SeaTac is pulling out of it."

White said that the public will fall in love with the YMCA pool and start using it instead.

A couple of members from Wesley Homes, a Des Moines retirement community, pledged to support the pool in any small way that they could.

"Thank you for the swimming pool," said Faith Callahan. "I'm the oldest person to use it, and I'm alive because of it."

Callahan is 104 years old and has been participating in classes at the pool since 1970.

Lawmakers also discussed whether to renew the city's contract with Allied Waste. There is a possibility of terminating the contract early.

Resident Hans Rasmussen spoke before the council about the rising costs of Allied Waste.

"Allied Waste has developed strategies to increase their fees to surpass living costs," Rasmussen said.

Rasmussen said that his waste bill has risen 33 percent in the last year.

There have been multiple complaints about the $14.50 Dumpster roll out charge, according to City Manager Tony Piasecki.

Piasecki said that several apartment complexes have just been leaving their Dumpsters rolled-out in reaction to the fee, which violates city ordinances.

"I find that (the dumpster roll out charge) to be a little bit excessive," agreed Mayor Bob Sheckler.