Public Forum

Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 01.10.11 BOROUGH OF GREENVILLE www.greenvilleborough.com MINUTES OF A PUBLIC FORUM OF THE BOROUGH OF GREENVILLE COUNCIL ON GREENVILLE MEMORIAL SWIMMING POOL HELD IN GREENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL LECTURE HALL Monday, January 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Greenville Borough Council Citizens Brian W. Shipley, Council President Glenn Brakeman Steven May, Councilor Peg Brown Jasson W. Urey, Councilor Gail Fay Peter A. Candela, Mayor Bob Hamilton Anthony D’Alfonso, Junior Councilor Mary Hamilton Pete Longiotti Scott J. Andrejchak, Borough Manager Becky McFadden Nancy Little, Borough Secretary Media: Scott Graubard, Public Services Director Caleb Stright, Record-Argus Frank Vanderslice, Tax Collector Monica Pryts, Herald Mr. Andrejchak called the meeting to order at 7:00p and reviewed the current condition of the pool. He reported the consensus of the last pool meeting in October was that something needed to be done about the pool and stated the purpose of tonight’s meeting was to re-focus and suggested forming a pool committee. A new round for DCNR funding is open now and is being investigated. Mr. Brakeman suggested a couple of Pizza Hut fundraisers. He recommends approaching the Greenville High School classes of 1950-2000 to each donate $5,000 toward the pool. Another fundraiser would be to bring in a celebrity, like Shaquille O’Neal, to be guest conductor of the Greenville Symphony. Mr. Hamilton suggests contacting local service clubs for donations. Mrs. Fay asked if the $50,000 already received could be used for a feasibility study. The reply was no, the pool already has a study, completed in 2008. It’s posted on Greenville Borough’s website, www.greenvilleborough.com. Mr. Brakeman suggests pulling in adjoining townships for donations. Council President Shipley concurred. Mrs. McFadden asked what has the borough been doing and does it have a plan. Mr. Andrejchak replied what could be done has been done. No one knows the condition of the steel under the paint in the tub of the pool. Thiel College and UPMC Horizon have been approached to discuss the pool, but the question is, how will we get there financially. 1 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 01.10.11 Ms. Brown asked how much to renovate the existing structure. Mr. Andrejchak replied at minimum $400,000.00. Councilor May suggested looking at the United Way for some funding and encouraged attendees to step up to the plate and take charge of this project. Greenville has the resources, good hearts and everybody needs to be involved. Mr. Andrejchak concurred and advocated a community approach. Mrs. Fay asked, how do we begin. Council President Shipley replied partnering with Mercer County Foundation would provide exempt status and the ability to receive tax deductable donations. A chairman is required and borough council would solicit and approve committee members, folks with a good sense of what it will take and raise the money. Ms. Brown asked about continuing yearly maintenance of the pool. Councilor May replied the support of the community, to make it pay for itself. Council President Shipley added operational funding was adequate, but what is needed is continual capital improvement funding. Ms. Brown suggested a “Venture Grant” from United Way, as this project would probably qualify. Mrs. Fay asked who provides insurance on the facility now. Council President Shipley responded the borough does and it’s not an expense the pool would have to bear. Mrs. Fay asked if the pool was up to code. The response was no. Mr. Longiotti suggested the price rates haven’t changed in years and should be looked into. Mrs. McFadden suggested drawing in adjoining townships. The pool is not ADA compliant and the changing areas are in horrible condition. Council President Shipley responded the purpose of tonight’s meeting is to gauge community support. Mayor Candela added there are just seven Greenville residents in attendance. Mrs. McFadden said historically the pool doesn’t make money and asked if Thiel’s president has been approached. The reply was both Mr. Andrejchak and Council President Shipley have met with him and he is generally supportive, but our facility is not practical for Thiel, as it’s not sized for competitive swimming. Council President Shipley did not wish to speak for the college, but said perhaps five years from now Thiel may consider a joint project, but our pool can’t be converted to serve Thiel’s needs. Mrs. Fay commented the next step is to form a committee and have a plan that should come from the community. Council President Shipley replied it would be presumptuous for the borough to dictate terms for fundraising and said let the committee direct fundraising. Councilor May concurred, saying going forward with a committee is next. Councilor Urey said the borough sponsored the first public forum in October because we didn’t know exactly how to proceed. Now we know what the community wants, but need a committee with vision. Mr. Longiotti agreed and suggests invite adjoining townships to serve on the committee and work as a whole. Council President Shipley said there is a consensus and borough council will accept volunteers to sit on a pool committee. Mayor Candela urged adjoining townships also to volunteer to have a cross section of the community. 2 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 01.10.11 Mr. Hamilton asked if the cost has been determined for an indoor facility. The reply was no. Mr. Graubard said a dome comparable to Thiel’s football field dome is not feasible for the pool. Mrs. McFadden said a dome is installed over the Meadville pool. Ms. Brown pointed out our pool is not competition size and so not useful for Thiel. Councilor May said enclosing the pool is a question for the pool committee. Council President Shipley reported the $50,000 already received for pool maintenance must be spent by June 2011 or encumbered by that date. It may take a few years for a long term solution on the pool. Mrs. Fay asked how long it would take to install a pool liner. The reply was about five months. Mr. Brakeman asked if the pool could be opened for 2011. Council President Shipley said it couldn’t be done in time. Mrs. McFadden asked if there is a pool budget for 2011 and who will operate it. Mr. Andrejchak replied there is no budget and a license operator within three hours distance from the pool is eligible to supervise the onsite employee. In conclusion, Council President Shipley requested volunteers for a pool committee be submitted to the borough office by the end of January and the item would be on the February council meeting agenda. The meeting adjourned at 7:57pm. Respectfully submitted: Scott J. Andrejchak Borough Manager 3