Milltown council seeks bids
to renovate community pool
Residents may not see
a new pool until
2002 season
JERRY WOLKOWITZ Borough officials in Milltown have agreed to obtain two separate bids for repairs to the community pool on JFK Drive. The first bid would allow the new pool to be ready for use this season, while the second would postpone work for one year.
MILLTOWN — Borough residents may just have to wait another season before taking a plunge into a newly renovated community pool.
During the Dec. 11 Borough Council meeting, officials authorized Borough Engineer Greg Valesi to seek two separate contractor bids rather than the one they initially intended.
"The first bid would call for work to begin this February and end by May 31, making the pool ready for use in June," said Councilman Mike Skarzynski. Skarzynski also heads the Borough Recreation Committee.
"Furthermore, a safeguard to guarantee that the work gets done on time would be included in this contract, requiring the contractor to pay a fine to the borough each day completion is delayed," Skarzynski said.
The second bid would not require work to begin until after the pool closes in September, allowing contractors much more time to get the job done.
A decision by the council to extend this alternate bid came after Valesi reported hesitancy on the part of some contractors to do the work in such a short window of time.
Additionally, Valesi found many of his preferred contractors to be already booked for this year. "Our original intent was to have a new pool for this year, and we still hope that will be the case," said Skarzynski. "However, we want the most reputable pool company on the job, and if that means waiting another year, then so be it."
A formal decision to renovate the community pool came in July, at which time council members voted in favor of a modest increase in membership fees (in 2001) to help pay for the much-needed repairs.
"If we don’t perform these major upgrades now, I’m afraid we won’t have a pool next year," Councilman Skarzynski told the council last summer. "And we just can’t let that happen. Too many people benefit from and enjoy the facility."
During the 2000 swim season, a family of four paid $200 for unlimited use of the pool, which averages only a little more than $14 a week for the 14 weeks from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
According to Skarzynski, if construction needs to be postponed another year, this summer’s fees will not be affected.
"There will be a pool this summer, regardless," Skarzynski added. "But whether or not it will be a new one remains to be seen.
"The worst-case scenario would be having to break down the pool in late August to prepare for a September start-up date," he said.
Renovations to the pool will include the installation of a new subsurface drainage system and new piping to carry water from the filtration system to the pool. A new concrete bottom, overlaying a gravel stone bed, will also be added to cover most of the existing pool’s floor.
Additionally, the construction of a ramp will create easier access for the elderly and people with disabilities, while a new wading area and kids’ slide will be added to the main pool.
Residents can also expect to enjoy a 50-meter-long racing area with lap lanes and a meter diving board.
"When it’s all said and done, this will be a state-of-the-art facility we can all be proud of," concluded Skarzynski.
Architectural renderings of the pool are on display in borough hall.

