Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Saint Marys council approves Local Share grant application to begin pool reconstruction amid public objection
Summary
Council approved resolution 25-20 to apply for a Local Share Account grant (up to $1 million) to begin phase one of a community pool reconstruction estimated at $2.8 million; residents urged keeping the pool open while fundraising and pressed for clearer plans.
The City of Saint Marys Council voted on Nov. 17 to apply for a Local Share Account grant to begin work on a planned community pool reconstruction, approving resolution 25-20 after staff outlined a phased approach and fundraising plan.
City staff reported that a feasibility study recommended against reusing the existing pool and that the city will close the facility next summer to begin reconstruction work. The manager said the total project estimate is $2,800,000 and that the city will pursue phased work dependent on funding; the Local Share grant request proposed up to $1,000,000 for phase one, which staff said would include demolition and early construction costs.
At the meeting, residents and council members probed cost certainty and design choices. "I feel like there's a group of people that have been reaching out wanting to be a part of a conversation," said Molly Redinger during the public-comment period, expressing "extreme disappointment that the decision's already made to close the pool next summer." Redinger and others urged the council to consider temporary repairs, more community involvement, volunteer labor and clearer timelines for fundraising and design.
Council members and staff pushed back on short-term repairs as potentially wasteful, saying money spent on temporary fixes could be better used toward the new facility. The mayor said the council had inherited a long-standing maintenance issue and defended the decision to close the pool and pursue fundraising and reconstruction.
The council approved resolution 25-20 (motion by Tony, seconded by Shane); the transcript records aye votes and the motion carrying. Staff said the capital campaign would begin in December and that once planning models and graphics are finalized they would be shared with the public.
What happens next: The city will pursue fundraising, finalize detailed cost estimates and designs, and continue phased work as funding is secured. The Local Share application seeks a $1,000,000 maximum award for phase one; the council did not adopt final construction contracts during the Nov. 17 meeting.
