Reverses course after outcry over unfinished swim facility
VILLAS — Township Manager Mike Laffey announced June 15 that the Lower Township municipal pool will, in fact, open for the summer season — ideally by July 3.
“[From] our meeting two weeks ago, we have since had several meetings with different people on site in the office to come up with a plan to move forward to try and open the pool as quickly as we can,” Laffey said during the Township Council meeting.
The re-opening is a reversal of what was discussed during the council meeting June 1, when Laffey told the public that the pool house renovation would interfere with the opening.
Councilman Joseph Wareham asked Laffey on June 1 for a detailed report outlining the project timeline, including any delays, unforeseen obstacles, change orders, contractor issues, permitting challenges or other factors that contributed to the failure to complete the renovation on schedule.
Mayor Frank Sippel said he, along with Laffey, Wareham, several engineers, the contractor and insurance agents, met to discuss options to open the pool for the summer.
Re-opening plans
Laffey explained that the re-opening requires the active construction area to be completely fenced off. Old concrete was placed in dumpsters for removal, and a new concrete slab will be reinstalled.
“We’re going to relocate the pump temporarily for the entire summer and take the existing pump that we took out, replace it, and run an underground line to make that pump operable in the next two weeks,” Laffey said. “We also have our parks and rec staff to tidy up and clean the area on a daily basis after the contractors.”
Laffey added that the township already works with Klenswite for various pool projects and will use the company for additional pool pumps.
Additionally, several ADA-accessible restroom trailers will be available to the public. Laffey said the township received several quotes from different companies on restroom trailers that can tie into the sewer and water hookup.
“The price for a restroom tower with pump-outs is enormous,” Laffey said. “It goes anywhere from $15,000 to $23,000, and that’s hooking it up to our existing sewer and water without having any pump-outs.”
Laffey added that the township was fortunate to work out a shared service agreement with Cape May County for the portable, handicapped-accessible restroom trailer.
“We met with Jay Montgomery and our insurance inspectors, and they came up with so many ideas to try to make this as safe as we possibly can for everybody,” Laffey said. “We will use the entrance off Rosehill Parkway, and we’re going to put a temporary structure there for the staff that works down there.”
Additional parking areas will be created, with Laffey noting that there will be three handicap parking spots on Rosehill Parkway.
“I appreciate the folks that came out here that buy into what the pool is,” Laffey said. “I know it’s near and dear to all of your hearts and we’re going to do everything we can to open this up as timely as we can.”
Township Council passed an ordinance to reduce the pool fees for the season. The ordinance would reduce the seasonal pass from $30 to $15, a daily pool pass for 16+ from $5 to $3, and a daily pool pass under 16 from $3 to $2. The second reading and public hearing are scheduled for July 6.
Wareham asked Laffey about the pool’s operational hours. Laffey said they are discussing it right now and will decide and announce it as soon as the hours are finalized. Sippel suggested residents could check the township’s Facebook page or call Township Hall to inquire about hours.
“Thank you, Mr. Laffey, for everything,” resident Karen Watson said. “I was really critical because I didn’t think you were working with us, but I appreciate what you’ve done here.”
In February, council received a state Department of Community Affairs Small Cities grant to replace the pool building and awarded R. Maxwell Construction Co. Inc. a $785,000 contract.
Council also approved a change order for the temporary relocation of pool equipment to the exterior next to the shed, along with underground electrical service, resulting in an increase of $52,112, bringing the total contract to $837,112.
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
