Feb 11, 2015 By Terry Kish 3 min read

Scott Township officials are looking at the long-term future of their community pool. Last year, the almost 50-year-old pool was scheduled to open for Memorial Day weekend, but the opening was delayed a week to repair several leaks found after the pool was filled.

To attempt to avoid a repeat situation this year, Public Works director Randy Lubin told the township commissioners at the Feb. 10 agenda meeting that as soon as the weather breaks, his department is going to get an early jump on pool repairs. He also plans on filling the pool earlier than usual, so if there is a leak, it can be addressed before Memorial Day.

Lubin is not planning to do major repairs, as the municipality is planning to install a new pool at the end of the 2015 swim season.

This past October, township engineer Larry Lennon reported that in addition to leaks and piping that needed replaced for the gutter system and main drains, there was significant deterioration and spalling of the concrete on the walls of the pool. After reviewing repair versus replacement costs, the board decided to move forward with plans for a new pool.

Scott Township’s pool committee chair Laura Hartman addressed the board, seeking its approval to move forward with hiring Jim Goldman as a consultant on the new pool. Hartman said Goldman would work with the committee on design, mock-ups and preparing the project for bid.

Board member Bill Wells commented that Goldman was “excellent at what he does” and added that Goldman had designed the pool at the Jewish Community Center in Scott Township.

The board approved Goldman’s hiring and will ratify its decision at the Feb. 24 voting meeting.

Hartman told the board that everything needs to be in place when the pool closes in the fall of 2015 so the new pool will be ready for the spring of 2016. She said there will be a public meeting at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Scott Township Municipal Building to seek public input about what people want in the new pool.

Also at the Feb. 10 meeting, the board recognized Patrolman Mark Samangy as the 2014 Officer of the Year. Scott Township Police Chief James Secreet told the board that the award recognizes dedication to the department. Chief Secreet said it’s always tough to choose one officer, since they all do a very good job. He said that Samangy demonstrates the department’s motto of ‘We’ll be there’ by helping people solve problems.

Samangy thanked the board for its support, and also thanked the chief and command staff for choosing him for the honor. Samangy introduced his family, and thanked his fellow officers, stating, “I work with some of the best officers around. I’m honored to be here and working for this department.”