Berwyn aldermen appoint six community members to pool advisory committee

Berwyn aldermen unanimously approved appointments to a six-member community committee formed to guide planning for the city pool. The aldermen said the committee was created by a mayoral directive and drew strong interest: “We received 40 applications, so that’s a great deal of interest from the community,” Alderman Micha Caldwell said.

The six appointees announced at the March 5 meeting were named by the three aldermen representing different wards. Speaker 3 announced two north-side nominees: Mike Ridge, noted for municipal finance experience and prior board service, and Inez Sahagan Bahina Bahina, described as a librarian with grant-management experience. Alderman Richard Leija announced Nancy Kucinski, described as a longtime resident and frequent pool user, and Elizabeth Tara Borg, identified as working in health care. Alderman Micha Caldwell named Chris Nesbitt, a parent active in the Irving PTO with capital-management experience, and Juan Guerrero, who the aldermen said has more than 15 years of aquatics and youth-program operations experience.

The aldermen made a single motion to seat all six appointees; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote, seating the committee by unanimous consent. The presiding alderman noted that representatives from the recreation department, Berwyn Park District and the township have confirmed participation in future meetings, while confirmations from North Berwyn Park District and the city treasurer were pending.

Committee members and aldermen discussed priorities for the group’s first meeting. Topics they identified for early work include gathering background materials on the pool’s current condition and warranties, clarifying operating and capital budgets, conducting at least one site visit, establishing rough timelines and checkpoints, organizing quarterly community listening sessions, and considering two subcommittees (finance and operations) to handle detailed work. Alderwoman/Speaker 1 suggested sharing notes and background material in advance so members would not need to review large documents during the meeting.

The committee confirmed its first fully seated meeting for March 19 at 6:00 p.m.; because of the anticipated attendance the aldermen agreed to hold it in chambers. The presiding alderman said he would email each appointee individually and copy the aldermen to help orient new members before the first meeting. The meeting adjourned by voice vote.

Next steps: staff or the recreation representative was asked to provide baseline budget and maintenance information ahead of the March 19 meeting and the committee will begin planning community listening sessions and internal subcommittees.