Informational meeting flooded with pool questions
Sports reporter
Thirteen people attended a meeting Thursday at the Marion-Florence USD 408 district office to discuss the current building project.
Architect Greg Tice, employees of Hutton Construction, and school board members were present to answer questions regarding the project that includes a performing arts center and gymnasium/indoor swimming pool combo.
A majority of the questions focused on the pool, particularly the absence of a baby pool.
Marci Cain, co-manager of Hillsboro Family Aquatic Center in Hillsboro, told USD 408 superintendent Lee Leiker a baby pool is missed by Hillsboro residents who were used to one at the former pool.
"A baby pool is a great benefit," Cain said.
She said day-care providers sometimes bring multiple toddlers to the pool, and even when a parent brings two children it can be tough without a baby pool.
Others at the meeting such as Marion Elementary School teacher Susan Hall, and Pilsen State Bank president Kurt Spachek expressed concerns about the lack of a baby pool as well.
Leiker said initial discussions were had that determined a spray pad would be used instead of a baby pool. After the meeting however, he did say a conversation with Tice and Hutton contractors resulted in the possibility of adding a baby pool at little cost. It would not add to the allotted $8 million constituents voted for in April.
"We have some flexibility," Leiker said in terms of making the baby pool fit the budget.
Discussion then turned to whether or not everything constituents voted for in the beginning was still in the plan.
"We voted on a grocery list," resident Andy Hansen said.
Hansen said it would be nice to see that list next to a new list on what is actually happening with the projects.
"I can tell you there is everything on that list and more," Leiker said.
The main "attractions" that the district sold to voters were a top-loading gym with a track, a pool big enough for swim meets, and 550 seats in the performing arts center. All still are part of the project.
Leiker informed residents there have been some additions to the project, which include a wrestling room the district will also use as a FEMA-regulated storm shelter for Marion Elementary School.
Tice and Leiker tried to clear up some misconceptions about the project. In a comment to Leiker, Spachek made a reference to the project costing $30 million. Leiker made clear the project was set at $9 million, with constituents paying $8 million, the same amount that passed in a bond election in April 2006.
