Marion City Council voted 7-2 to override the mayor’s veto and build an aquatic center to replace Lincoln Park Pool. Construction will start this summer and the new facility, similar to the plans pictured, will be ready to open at the beginning of the 2012 season.
Council members Becky Gustin and Ruth Masters voted against the override. Gustin told council before the vote that she spent more time looking at the proposals. She said the plans for the $2.4 million pool were similar to the $3.4 million, saying the City would basically be getting the same thing. The differences would be the absence of expanded parking, the diving area, and the lazy river.
“It really would be a good start,” said Gustin, explaining that additional features could be added in the future “when we can afford them.”
Mike McBride, a City resident, said he wanted to make sure it was on record that the hospital lease money, which would go towards paying for the aquatic center, could be used to fund the recreation department. Mayor Scott Schertzer said the law director and the hospital themselves told him they believe that is the case.
McBride also asked Council members Jason Schaber and Eric Hines why they are voting for the aquatic center now when they voted against the issue the last time. He asked, “What changed?”
Hines said what changed his opinion was the idea that general fund money would not be used. He said he also received numerous phone calls from the public in favor of the project.
Schaber said he voted against both the original borrowing resolution and the original project. He also voted against the resolution that expanded the borrowing to $3.4 million. Schaber said his opinion changed because the City is now “in the hole” no matter what Council does. He said that even though the mayor has said he is in favor of a cheaper pool, there is no plan for what that would look like and if it would cash flow.
McBride said that with the rash of bad economic news this week, “This is a pool that we cannot afford.”
Local resident Dave Troutman said that Gustin showed leadership by investigating alternatives. He also agreed with the sentiment of spending only what the City can afford.
Dave Troutman, this one the representative for the Fraternal Order of Police, said he thought there was a resolution passed that called for no general fund money being used. Ralph Cumston said he was correct. He explained that the startup funding for the facility would come in part from the interest earned on the money that was already borrowed and the $70,000 that had been earmarked for the pool operation this summer, but was not used.
Troutman said the department is short officers and hours have been reduced. He said the parks department is also down several guys and they are the ones who provided maintenance for the pool.
“I just wanted you to know that the services are going to be hurt,” Troutman told Council.
Several residents spoke in favor of the new aquatic center.
Victoria Desmond said the City should move forward with the $3.5 million plan. She said not because it is the most proper choice, but because it is forward thinking.
“If we don’t start looking forward, in 20 years we are going to be right here where we are,” stated Desmond. “Marion has tremendous, wonderful people, tremendous universities, empty buildings and land. Let’s grow into what Marion wants to be.”
Terry Cline agreed, saying “If you go just for a regular pool, then you aren’t going to be any different than every other community.” He explained that a regular pool has no draw, but an aquatic center can result in many spin offs for the community.
“Let’s not waste tens of thousands of dollars by backing out because we’re afraid,” said Cline.
Following the discussion, Council voted 7-2 to override the veto. The construction is expected to begin in July or August and will be completed by next spring.
