Pool liner still on hold (02/13/08)

A chance to extend the life of a local pool has been delayed.

Members of the Portland Park Board have decided to wait to seek bids for a new gutter system for the Portland Pool.

Board members made this decision Tuesday night after learning that if city employees were to make a mistake when doing some of the installation work, the company from which the gutter system is being purchased would fix the problem and charge the city for the repairs.

Board members would eventually like to put a liner in the pool, in hopes of extending its life by about 25 years. Before a liner can be installed, a new gutter system must be in place. Otherwise, the gutter would continue to leak, causing water to fall behind the liner and push it out. The gutters funnel water to the pool's filter system, where the water is cleaned and re-circulated.

Jeff Harker, street and park department superintendent, told the board that since board members voted in December to seek bids, he has been having some reservations. Harker said he is concerned about incurring additional costs caused by errors made by city workers. He said if the company from which the gutter system is purchased does the installation work, the company would be liable for any problems.

"If they do the whole work, we have somebody that's accountable," he said.

Harker added that he also was concerned the installation work would be extensive and time consuming. If work began this year, it likely would not be completed before the pool is set to open for the season, he said.

Harker told the board Tuesday he expects the total cost for a new gutter system, a liner and installation of between $230,000 and $270,000. He said there aren't enough funds in this year's budget to cover such an expense.

"I'd be happy to put it in the budget next year," he said. "But at this point ... we need to hold off on this."

Park board president Neil Medler agreed. "I don't think we can budget that in one year. We need a plan."

Board members voted to rescind their earlier motion to seek bids for the gutter.

Medler said there might be a grant for which the city could apply to help offset some of the costs.

Also Tuesday, Harker announced that a local family has pledged to fund the creation of a new shelter at Haynes Park.

Jeff and Phil Bailey would like to have the shelter built west of the kiddie play area at the park in memory of their grandmother. Harker said he is working to get a price estimate ready for the family.

"It'll be a nice, generous gift," Medler said.[[In-content Ad]]