Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Recreation and Park Department Director Chris Beaulieu provide councilors with an update on the condition of the outdoor pool during the July 9 City Council meeting.
“Built in the 1930s, the 900,000-gallon pool is about two-thirds larger than the indoor pool. We have about 200 kids taking lessons or registered for programs at the facility. We can have over 300 people in the pool on a nice day,” said Beaulieu, noting it costs between $25,000 and $30,000 to run the facility in the summer, which includes the costs of chemicals to treat it, staffing and other expenses.
Beaulieu stressed the importance of the pool, since it’s impacted many generations over the years.
“It allows families of all incomes to learn to swim and be safe in the water. When you have something around 80 years, it has an impact on most everyone around,” he said.
Unfortunately, the facility is in desperate need of an upgrade.
“We’ve done the band-aid approach the past 30 years. It’s catching up to us. We need to make decisions on the pool, what kind of service we want to have — whether to continue or change service,” Beaulieu said.
Beaulieu listed several concerns that will need to be addressed sooner rather than later.
“The culvert that circulates water back into the pump needs replacement, the culvert that drains needs replacement, the retaining wall, slide and bridge need replacing. Springs beneath the pool cause the asphalt to heave, thus requiring regular repairs. The chlorinated water is regularly drained into the stream — something DEP may soon prevent,” explained Beaulieu.
He told councilors the city has a couple different options.
“You can keep it open but if so, you need to invest a substantial amount of money. It serves the community and is worth having but options and benefits need to be weighed,” he said.
“Another option is replace it at the same location or elsewhere. You could go a fraction of the size and still get the benefits,” said Beaulieu, referencing Fort Fairfield’s pool which was built a few years ago.
“The last option is to close the facility and not have an outdoor pool at all. It’s a difficult decision. Ending service completely is not something I’d recommend,” said Beaulieu. “It has too much value to not have an outdoor pool.”
Council Chair Emily Smith asked if it had to end, “isn’t learn to swim and water safety offered at the indoor pool all summer too?”
Beaulieu acknowledged that it was offered all year round “but cost is significantly more.”
Councilor Dick Engels questioned how long DEP would allow the dumping of water into the river. Beaulieu said while adding additives to the water before it’s drained has been sufficient, rules are changing.
“The issue of not filtering tips the scales faster than additives,” noted City Manager Jim Bennett.
“The handwriting’s on the wall that the pool will have to be closed,” said Engels, noting city officials will have to consider recommendations and go from there.
“We need to gather as much information as we can to start looking at options,” said Bennett.
In other business, councilors:
• Amended Chapter 48 — General Assistance Ordinance;
• Approved consent agenda;
• Appointed Steve and Lucy Richard as chairs of the Community Center Fund-Raising Committee;
• Discussed the city’s 2012-13 Work Plan;
• Listened to a presentation on options for the Presque Isle Fire Department presented by Deputy City Manager Martin Puckett;
• Listened to an update on solid waste presented by Public Services Director Dana Fowler;
• Approved a proposal by Bennett to pursue development options of the former Cunningham school lot;
• Listened to an update on the Community Center presented by Beaulieu;
• Approved changes to human resources staffing;
• Approved the fee schedule, as presented; and
• Discussed setting an October date for an economic development summit.
During the manager’s report, Bennett advised councilors that the Army Corps of Engineers had recommended Alternative 7 for the proposed bypass, with work expected to begin as soon as next year. Bennett also told councilors he’d received several fireworks complaints and recommended the issue be brought up and discussed at a future meeting, to determine what, if anything, should be done with regard to noise, setbacks, etc.
The next regularly-scheduled City Council meeting will take place Monday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. For more information, call 760-2785 or visit www.presqueisle.govoffice2.com.
