19:26The primary focus of the meeting was the ongoing debate over the design and safety features of Colony Pool. The council reviewed various proposals for the pool’s renovation, specifically concerning the potential replacement of the sloped walls with straight walls. The safety of young children and seniors was a concern, with some participants suggesting the introduction of a sandy entrance as opposed to a straight concrete wall. The importance of input from lifeguards and pool users was highlighted, as they possess firsthand experience with the current pool dynamics.

The current sloped design was praised by many for its natural appearance and ease of visibility, allowing parents and lifeguards to monitor children more effectively. However, concerns were raised about the structural integrity of the existing walls, with reports of chunks of the wall being frequently removed from the water. An emphasis was placed on the need for a design that would minimize safety risks, such as “wall crawling,” where individuals might venture into deeper water using the walls for support.

1:00:49Community members, including Jessica Romeo and Sarah Feckner, advocated for a cautious approach, stressing the importance of thorough public consultation before any drastic changes are made. They suggested public sessions at the pool to present plans and gather comprehensive feedback from residents. Darren Bergo and Katherine Fowler echoed these sentiments, urging the council to preserve the pool’s unique atmosphere while ensuring safety.

The council discussed the possibility of holding a special meeting to gather more public input, with the aim of refining the design details and ensuring community engagement. The urgency to proceed with the renovations was acknowledged, but there was a shared understanding of the need to balance this with public sentiment and expert guidance. The potential for a catastrophic failure, particularly with the winter conditions exacerbating existing issues, was a concern that underscored the urgency for a well-considered resolution.

1:29:49In addition to the Colony Pool discussion, the council addressed other community matters, including the absence of a popular amenity—the log roll—at the pool, which previously engaged older children. The committee proposed exploring alternatives to maintain teenage interest in the pool, with the mayor supporting the initiative to investigate options.

The council also touched on issues concerning the library, which has been facing challenges due to high humidity affecting both books and staff working conditions. The mechanical systems have been a longstanding issue, with a costly proposed phased improvement approach being rejected. The council is looking into more cost-effective solutions in collaboration with township engineers.

The meeting included the adoption of Ordinance 2024 related to a historic preservation easement for the restoration of the red brick schoolhouse, with no public comments received during the hearing. Additionally, a change order for Nash field lighting was discussed, with concerns raised about procedural adherence in capital improvements.