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Carbondale reports 10,428 pool admissions; staff outline grant closeout, contingencies and next steps
Summary
Parks Director Eric Brenlinger told the commission that the new aquatic center logged 10,428 admittances and $160,009.66 in revenue; staff described punch-list items, a pending FMLD grant closeout due Monday, remaining contingencies, and potential sound mitigation or art additions.
Parks Director Eric Brenlinger updated the Carbondale Parks and Recreation Commission on July 8 about the new aquatic center’s operations, finances and remaining project tasks.
Brenlinger said staff has recorded 10,428 admittances to the facility and reported revenue of $160,009.66, calling the figures a strong start for the town’s new recreation baseline. He described ongoing punch-list and warranty work, final payments to contractors (AD Miller and Land and Shelter), and a substantial-completion package that is being processed.
Staff noted a looming deadline to close out an FMLD grant (documents due the following Monday) and said grant closeout requires finalized budget information and energy-use reports. Brenlinger also said some contingency funds remain and are being considered for possible additions such as sound mitigation (to address low-level industrial noise from six roof-mounted heat pumps visible at night) and, separately, a proposed sculpture for the site; he cautioned that the town’s 1% for the arts budget is largely spent on glass-block and lighting elements already installed.
Commissioners asked about project costs. Chair Holla Sutherland cited an apparent increase from roughly $12.6 million to $13.4 million and asked whether the project was about $800,000 over initial estimates; Brenlinger said much of that increase resulted from change orders and contingency use as additional service requirements emerged and contracts extended.
On operations, Brenlinger said staff levels (about 25 employees) have managed heavy summer use, that swim lessons and swim-team activities are underway, and that lifeguards have already made rescues. He flagged higher-than-expected expenditures for pool chemicals and said the department will use this season to set more accurate budget baselines. Brenlinger also said the town has authorized installation of a 15-minute electric-read system for several municipal buildings to measure solar offset but the system is not yet operational.
Next steps: staff will work to finalize the grant closeout documentation, resolve remaining punch-list items and determine whether sound mitigation is necessary and feasible. Commission discussion indicated interest in monitoring contingency use and reviewing a finalized project accounting once closeout documents are available.
