With a final vote of 3 to 2, Winamac Town Council members decided not to back the community pool project during their meeting Monday evening.
Judy Heater once again approached the council as a representative of the Pool Committee, to see if members had reached a decision about getting back on board with the project. She reminded them that in order for the committee to seek grant funding, this project would need to be backed by the Town.
Councilman Alvin Parish said he was not opposed to the project but felt there wasn’t enough money for it. Heater reminded him that the Pool Committee plans to continue fundraising efforts for the initial cost and maintenance.
Heater was asked how much money has been raised for the project so far. She replied that about $150,000 has been raised, with $10,000 of that set aside for future maintenance. She added that the grant they’re interested in applying for would be $200,000 and that the town previously pledged a $150,000 donation.
She said that would bring them up to a total amount of about $500,000 raised and stated that she believes that seems like a reasonable cost to get the pool installed. She also mentioned that with the town’s blessing, they could potentially get additional donations such as concrete and other materials.
Dan Vanaman made a motion for the Town Council back the pool project. That motion was approved by Vanaman and Heater but received opposition from President Tom Murray, Vice President James Watkins and Councilman Alvin Parish.
Parish said he was tired of dealing with the matter every month and made a motion for the town to withdraw any support for the pool at this time. Opposition was provided by Heater and Vanaman but since it received approval from the remaining council members, the motion passed.
Heater asked Parish to clarify what the motion means for the future of the project.
Heater said, “So what you’re saying is that there’s no way you’ll change your mind, no way you’ll back it in any way, shape or form Alvin?”
Parish answered, “Not for some time. Not until I see some money out there to support the thing year after year”
Heater replied, “You’ve stymied us from making the money. We can’t go forward.”
President Murray said they needed to move on with the meeting. Heater thanked the members of the audience who came to show their support for the project and the meeting continued with no further mention of the pool.
