In a nutshell
The city’s Clark Henry Pool was built in 1975 and has exceeded the average 30-40 year lifespan of an outdoor pool, according to July 17 meeting documents. According to meeting documents, the $10.1 million renovation would include replacing the current six-lane, 5,400-square-foot main pool and 200-square-foot children’s pool with:
- A 3,229-square-foot lap pool with six to eight lanes
- A 3,078-square-foot recreation pool with play and spray features; a shallow zero-depth area; and a waterslide tower
“I think that some people might say for water, sewer, drainage infrastructure, going into debt makes more sense than going into debt for an amenity, and I respect that,” Rossi said. “I mean, it's something to think about.”
City Manager Austin Bleess said the city does not have the cash needed to pay for the pool renovations without going for a bond.
“That is a legitimate point, that debt is a different kind of beast,” Mayor Bobby Warren said. “That being said ... citizens are going to decide whether this is a good idea. ... ‘Why [don't] we consider alternatives, such as not building the pool?’ We have. There have been just about every alternative considered under the sun here. We had an entire committee of citizens who talked about this over the course of multiple meetings for many months, and at the end of the day, they came to the conclusion that this was the right way to go.”
In case you missed it
On July 17, Jersey Village City Council unanimously voted to approve the recommendation of the city’s bond committee for a $10.1 million maximum renovation for the city pool to be considered in a November bond election.
Jersey Village’s bond committee considered five rebuild options for the city pool that ranged from $7.6 million-$10.1 million in work, Bleess said July 17. The committee has met 10 times since April and received public input before ultimately voting 5-2 in favor of the $10.1 million option, according to July 17 meeting documents.
Those in favor
On Aug. 19, Avery Ayers, a Jersey Village resident, said he has frequented the city pool for years and shared ideas for the pool’s remodel.
“It could be remodeled under budget, if you can, to attract maybe younger homeowners, because Jersey Village still has a lot to give. ... Secondly, you can offer our seniors some aquatic exercises to keep it vibrant,” Ayers said. “But I think we can do it under cost, because I grew up out here, so I know what Jersey Village is capable of doing when it comes to getting something done.”
Those opposed
Jersey Village resident Michael Torigian expressed concern about the pool project since voters rejected a $19 million bond proposition for pool and park renovations in November.
“While I understand the desire for improved recreational facilities, I believe this project is both excessive and ill-timed. ... Many other communities are closing their pool complexes due to the expense of proper maintenance and the liability for the community,” Torigian said. “I urge the City Council to reconsider this extravagant project and instead focus on more critical improvements that benefit all residents.”
