The Livingston Pool Committee, formed to help the Township Council make a decision on what to do with the town’s community pools, gave a report at the Monday, July 10, Township Council meeting.
The update followed several public forums, where the group sought input from residents on what they wanted to see happen with the town’s pools. The committee also received 1,400 responses to a survey they put out several months ago, and visited several nearby municipal pools for inspiration.
“This is just the beginning of our work,” Mayor Michael Vieira said, in anticipation of the presentation.
Ron Valentine, chairperson of the pool committee, summarized the 30-page report, which had been submitted to the Council prior to the meeting. He said the committee had several recommendations, including:
•An in-depth study of the architectural and engineering requirements of the Northland Pool complex’s footprint;
•An in-depth study of the architectural and engineering requirements of moving the Haines Pool northeast of its existing footprint;
• Identifying capital improvements and estimating the associated costs necessary to keep the Haines Pool functional and safe while a new pool complex is built or Haines is enhanced;
• Update the capital cost projections for a new pool complex adjacent to the existing Haines complex, as well as update multiple capital costs projections for the Northland Pool, one that includes a complex with a lap pool and another as a multi-functional recreational and pool complex; and
• Communicate the project timeline to Livingston residents, as well as the steps being taken by the Council and township manager Barry Lewis to move toward a decision on a future town pool complex.
“Now, the onus is basically on you,” Valentine said.
Council members Ed Meinhardt and Rosy Bagolie were the two members of the governing body on the committee.
“I hope we will get back to you in a reasonable amount of time,” Meinhardt said.
“We have a lot to discuss,” Bagolie added.
After viewing the presentation, Mayor Vieira stated, “I think we need a new improved pool complex in Livingston.”
