Assembly approves funding for $400,000 pool residing project

The siding on the exterior of the swimming pool building is deteriorating and borough officials are working to ensure that the facility stays safe and looks its best for years to come.

At its April 11 meeting, the borough assembly unanimously approved spending an additional $261,000 to purchase and install new siding on the building, bringing the total appropriation to $436,000.

“The … project involves removing the existing cedar siding and replacing it with a tongue and groove PVC-like siding,” wrote Capital Facilities Director Amber Al-Haddad. The brickwork around the columns along the walking ramp will also be replaced with rain-resistant graphic wall panels.

“A focus of the borough is to preserve the integrity of our buildings, from the outside to inside,” she continued. “An exterior building assessment indicated the structure is in good condition; however, the siding is starting to deteriorate. Replacing the siding will allow us to confirm and repair any hidden structural damage as well as ensure long-term protection of the building’s structural system from weather elements.”

The borough last year designated $175,000 for the project from state grant money paid out to compensate municipalities for revenues lost during the pandemic. However, engineers have estimated the total cost at $400,000. By transferring $261,000 to the Parks and Recreation budget last week, the assembly made up the shortfall, plus a little extra for inspection costs and construction contingencies.

“We’re still in design,” said Al-Haddad. “We’re shooting to have the 95% (design) done by the end of this month, ready to go out to bid in the beginning of May.” She anticipates that construction will wrap up this summer.

Unlike the ongoing pool repair project, which has shut down the pool since last November, the siding replacement will not affect operations at the facility.

Initially, borough officials had proposed using federal funding from a rural school program to cover the additional $261,000 for the residing project. Though 85% of that federal money must be used directly for school operating budgets, 15% can be used for public buildings and roads that support the school system.

Some assembly members expressed their desire to retain 100% of that money for schools.

“I have a problem with taking money from schools for our road systems or our old buildings,” said Assemblymember David Powell. “I would prefer this come out of our general fund. … I mean, we’ve done our due diligence to make sure that our schools are funded in the future. … I do not want to delay this building, but I really feel that we should look for another place rather than coming out of Secure Rural Schools.”

Assemblymember Ryan Howe amended the proposal to transfer the $261,000 out of the general fund instead of the federal schools fund and the assembly approved this amended version of the motion.

 

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