Swansboro Swimming Pool Committee Joint Special Meeting

Town of Swansboro Board of Commissioner & Swansboro Swimming Pool Committee Joint Special Meeting Minutes June 26, 2025 Call to Order The joint special meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm. Commissioners in attendance were Mayor Bill Justice, Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Conaway, Commissioner Tamara Pieratti, Commissioner Doug Eckendorf, Commissioner Pat Turner, Commissioner Joe Brown. Pool Committee members in attendance were Matthew Prane, Laura Holland, Brooks Barnett, Scott Evens, and Renee Cassiano. Mayor Justice reviewed that the purpose of the special meeting was to review and discuss various aspects of the potential development of a swimming pool in Swansboro. Pool Committee Chair, Matthew Prane reviewed three primary facility options: ● A high-end natatorium (approximately $13 million) ● A permanent concrete pool facility (approximately $7.3 million) ● A "mega instapool" solution (approximately $60,000 for a 6-lane, 25-yard pool) The discussion centered on several critical factors that would influence any future decision: ● Land Requirements: It was determined that 4-5 acres would be needed for a pool facility, with the majority of space required for parking. The committee identified a potential location near the soccer complex on Hammocks Beach Road, consisting of approximately 4-5 acres of currently undeveloped land. ● Financial Considerations: The group emphasized the need to develop the project without increasing taxes. Potential funding sources discussed included grants (federal, state, county), partnerships with nonprofits like the YMCA, and creative financing approaches that could leverage future tax revenues from the facility. ● Community Needs Assessment: It was noted that while previous surveys from 2008 and more recently have shown community interest in a pool, a more detailed survey is needed to determine specific programming requirements. The group discussed the possibility of conducting a new survey. Parks & Recreation Director Anna Stanley shared that an estimated cost of approximately $15,000 for a statistically valid assessment was provided based on quotes from two years ago. ● Sustainability Considerations: The discussion included options for green initiatives such as geothermal heating/cooling and solar technologies that could reduce long- Page 1 of 2  term operational costs. The group also addressed the importance of programming diversity to ensure financial sustainability. ● Facility Design Options: The committee reviewed various design possibilities including indoor year-round facilities, outdoor seasonal pools with potential for future enclosure (retractable domes), and different pool configurations to serve various community needs. The committee concluded that next steps should include: ● Developing and distributing a detailed survey to assess community needs ● Researching potential funding sources and grants ● Continuing discussions with potential partners like the YMCA ● Further exploring land availability options Public Comment Tom Pieratti highlighted the importance of first understanding the community's desires before tackling land or cost considerations and shared his personal experience of a community pool as a social hub. He raised concerns about potential obstacles such as hurricanes and water table issues. Dorothy Tisdale expressed support for a community pool, asked about potential locations and parking, suggested exploring wooded or wetland-adjacent areas with possible aboveground options, and emphasized that existing soccer fields are actively used and should be preserved. Adjournment On a motion by Commissioner Eckendorf, seconded by Commissioner Turner, the meeting adjourned at 7:02 pm. Page 2 of 2