Manchester board OKs study on pool restoration
By SHEILA RHOADES
Thursday, May 8, 2008 9:50 PM EDT
NORTH MANCHESTER - At President Chris Garber recommendation, the Town Council approved Wednesday a consultant's study into options for restoring the North Manchester Community Pool.
The pool's closure was announced on April 23, upon recommendation from architectural and engineering consultants, due to "significant and potentially dangerous roof corrosion."
"I think we should look into funding a project through donations," Garber said. Initially, $100,000 was allotted the Parks & Recreation Board for renovations before the pool was deemed a hazard. "I suggest we take $20,000 out of it to get consultant work started."
The Council approved the action.
Hannaford also offered an update on restoration of The Firehouse.
"The roof is on and concrete poured," he said. "The stud walls are up and they are ready to drywall."
He said supporters are working weekends on the building, located on Main Street in the former fire station, and fundraising efforts continue.
State Rep. Bill Ruppel visited the board and offered his take on what is happening in government and how it will affect North Manchester and its surrounding communities.
Ruppel discussed the potential Circuit Breaker Tax Credits from legislation, Local Option Income Tax (LOIT), and the state's timeline on several issues.
He concluded by announcing there will soon be "good news" that will "affect everyone in Wabash County." He added that "we could see personal income rise," but failed to name specifics, except to mention a possible "railroad expansion." He did say, however, that one business was "on the hook, waiting to get the net under it."
He also predicted that gasoline would be at $5 per gallon before the end of summer, but added that Wabash County was "sitting fairly good ... it could be a lot worse."
In some final business, Council:
- Welcomed Tom Dale to the board. Dale will replace Gordon Richardson, who recently tendered his resignation due to job relocation.
- Learned that North Manchester has been named a Tree City USA for the 12th consecutive year.
- Reminded visitors that Tuesday, May 13, will be Meet Your Police Officers Day, which will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Public Safety Building.
- Announced the North Manchester and Chester Township fire departments will conduct their annual Tenderloin Day on June 14.
- Heard from Parks & Recreation Director Kathy Staton that America in Bloom is using $3,000 to replace shingles on the Warvel Park gazebo and beautifying the town with flowers and plants. Grant money will also be used to build a new pavilion at Frantz Park.
- Approved a request by Public Works Superintendent John Mugford to use $260,000 to mill and resurface Wayne Street and Cherry Lane.
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