Town officials address vital pool repairs and HVAC upgrades before November deadline

During the December 16, 2024, meeting of Sudbury's Capital Improvement Advisory Committee, a critical discussion emerged regarding the urgent need for repairs and upgrades to the town's community pool facilities. The committee highlighted significant issues with the pool's infrastructure, including deteriorating tiles and a malfunctioning dehumidification unit, which have raised concerns about air quality and swimmer safety.

Committee members emphasized the importance of addressing these repairs promptly, noting that the current state of the pool could impact its usability after November 15, 2026. The discussion revealed that while some repairs are included in the base bid, they are limited to minor fixes due to budget constraints. A proposal for more extensive work, including the installation of a new ducting system for improved ventilation, was also mentioned but remains unfunded.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by the tight timeline for bidding and construction, with a need to complete the work between August and November 2025. Delays in design and funding could jeopardize the project, leading to higher costs and extended shutdowns. The committee is now considering using remaining funds from the community center project to cover design costs for the additional work.

In addition to the pool repairs, the meeting touched on the status of the DPW salt shed, which is currently stalled due to difficulties in finding a vendor for its vinyl covering. Despite its age, the shed has shown no signs of deterioration, but the lack of a suitable contractor has delayed necessary upgrades.

As the committee prepares for upcoming town meetings, the focus remains on securing funding and finalizing plans to ensure the community pool can continue to serve residents safely and effectively.