The Capital Campaign for the Plymouth Aquatic’s Center received a boost from the City Board of Public Works and Safety Monday evening.
Capital Campaign Co-chairman Brad Surf and Jerry Chavez, CEO and President of the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation appeared before the board with a request to help fund the nearly $800,000 still needed to complete the pool project.
Chavez told the council they moved forward with the building project when they had 90% of the total project funded because of a time issue with the unique financing. Knowing there were more items needed to complete the project to create a fully functional competition pool he presented a list of items totaling $707,918.18. Some of the items on the list included the canopy out front of the facility for $56,000; the low voltage system for $30,500; 3 signs for $115,460; a flag pole for $5,418; plastic lockers for $16,409 and a pool cover for $180,000.
City Attorney Sean Surrisi said they were targeting the funds left in the monetary gift fund from the sale of land in the Tech Farm. He said there is $142,654.61 in the line item and the city passed a resolution that requires the funds from the sale of land be spent in the Tech farm or adjacent property for infrastructure or improvements.
Dave Miller, from Vanco development commented on the request saying, “I’m kind of torn because I’m certainly behind the aquatics center. The part that I am torn with is our intent when we did the donation and the land split to begin with was for infrastructure related items out there, whether it be to help off-set the cost of land for somebody to start a new project or to help with any site work or infrastructure issues.” He questioned if all the money is used on this request what would happen for if someone comes with another project and needs some assistance with infrastructure?
While there was no answer to his question, the city attorney said he anticipates spinoff projects from this project in a relatively short time that will be positive for the Tech Farm.
City Council member asked from the audience if the goal wasn’t met would they come back to the city or Redevelopment Commission seeking additional funds.
Surrisi said the Redeployment Commission has already made a commitment that if the ultimate goal isn’t reached they would cover the water and wastewater system development charges, tap fees, that were deferred at the front end of the project. They would make the payment at the end of the project by way of an additional payment.
Bill Walter, member of the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety motioned to approve the $142,654.16 and his motion was seconded by Duane Culp. The vote was four in favor: Walters, Culp, Mayor Senter and Shiloh Milner. Councilman Jeff Houin abstained from the vote due to his relationship with the Marshall County Economic Development Commission and work with United Way on the project.
