The Pool Saga Continues

Souderton pool set for Monday, June 20 opening
Published: Friday, June 17, 2011
By Emily Morris
Managing Editor

Are we sure this time?

“We’re hoping by 2 p.m. on Monday to have the gates open,” Borough Manager Michael Coll reported to Souderton Borough Council...

"Hoping"? I would "hope" that you'd know for sure less than three days away.

While the borough hopes to have the competition pool ready for opening day...

There's that word again. How are they not certain?

In response to concerns about the pool’s late opening, the borough has decided to extend the discounted early membership purchase period through July 31. For a family membership with two adults, Souderton Borough residents or full YMCA members, that would be a cost of $275 for the season, plus $5 per dependent, rather than $290.

WOW! A $15 discount! Keep in mind, this pool should have been opened on May 30 - 22 days late (and counting).

In response to an article in last week’s paper where a resident told the Independent she and some neighbors felt the cost for pool memberships was too high, council members noted the new pool had to meet certain requirements including zero depth entry, and the filtration system on the old pool failed.

Um... the cost of the pool is STILL too high. See my "Hero of the Week" entry regarding this totally awesome resident.

Councilman Jeff Gross noted that if residents prefer a pool with fewer amenities that might have cheaper membership rates, they are able to join that type of pool.

“Our prices are based on the facility that we have here in Souderton,” Gross said.

Ah, Souderton arrogance at its finest! "If you don't like our pool, you're welcome to join a crappier one elsewhere." The point is, this pool is TOO EXPENSIVE FOR SOUDERTON. PEOPLE DON'T MAKE ENOUGH. And Mr. Gross, before you start banishing potential members to other pools, you should really make sure this pool doesn't turn into a massive debt-creating millstone around your gaily bearded neck.

The borough has a $500,000 contingency available from Univest if it meets certain needs, and Coll said the borough will likely have to use some part of that money when all is said and done.

BINGO! Here's what I wrote over a year ago: Now apparently, Council plans to use that extra $500,000 as an "emergency" fund in case costs go over estimate (which they inevitably will). "It's our responsibility to not tap into that half million," said Council Prez Brian Goshow at the time.

Somebody might want to remind him of that "responsibility" now that he's failed at it.

Goshow said the borough also has to transition to the experience level of running the new pool.

“We’re in year one now,” Goshow said. “Our previous experience was in year 55, 56, 57.”

Ah, so for the first 40 or 50 years, their failure to make a profit on this boondoggle will be because they haven't "transitioned" to the "experience level" of running this pool (which is totally different from the old pool... how?).

Council members also questioned whether there might be any ability to negotiate with the pool contractors because the pool was not completed for a May 30 opening as originally planned...

Gross noted there could be an argument that some projects were held up for the contractors until the borough crew completed its portion, but that goes both ways.

So in other words, don't expect much back because it was probably Souderton's fault to begin with.

Goshow said he spoke with Wayne Wade of Wade Associates, pool designer and consultant, who noted a pool similar to Souderton’s had earned $11,000 on Memorial Day weekend.

“The reality is not being open is costing us severely,” Goshow said.

HA! I'm loving this! They blew 2 million bucks on this new pool, they'll have to use some (or all) of a 500k emergency fund, nobody is joining, AND they're losing money because they're opening so late. Way to go!

Residents of Souderton - fire all of these idiots.