Town Hall meeting tonight at 7.30pm regarding the buiding of the pool steel tension structure

Tonight (Tuesday) at 7.30 pm there is a Town Council meeting that includes 2 items regarding our pool's building process. Please attend to show the Council that we meant it when we said we want this done properly this time. 

 The most important item on the agenda is with regard to the RFP process. An RFP process recognizes that different manufacturers may have different products that would meet the needs of our unique pool. These differences need to be analyzed, and an RFP process allows for the best analysis of performance, features and price.
With our unusual pool a "one size fits all" approach does not work. An RFP process would allow for far more scrutiny and an informed decision.

 Please attend tonight. Stay informed and stay active.

 

Tuesday, November 11th, 7.30 pm.

Tuesday, Meet the Candidates and a Duel in the Pool

Two things going on tonight, Tuesday.

Meet the Candidates at Town Hall, from 6pm - 9pm. This is hosted by the League of Women Voters. It's a chance to hear what the candidates stand for, how well informed they are, and decide how well you think they would represent you on Town Council. It will be moderated , but you can submit questions on paper to the moderator. Let's see what they are made of.

The second event is very exciting. Undefeated Cheshire High meets undefeated Amity for a Duel in the Pool that will bring out the champions tonight ! 7 pm in Hamden Hall Aquatic Center (Skiff Street). All of us recreational, athletic, rehabbing, and just plain splashers are always inspired by the Cheshire Girls team. It's been a disjointed training year for them but they haven't lost yet.
A great night of competition is in store. It's senior night there too.

They are one part of the "community" of pool users. They are some of our town's finest ambassadors. Hop down to Hamden and cheer them on.

Pool Solution goes to referendum in November

After a few tense moments last night the Town Council voted to put the Pool Solution on the ballot in November. It was a vote of 8-1 with Mr. Sima voting against. He felt that the committee should have gone with the more expensive option.

We disagree.

The Pool Evaluation Committee worked diligently to arrive at a recommendation that cuts operational costs, reduces closure of pool to 0%, retains the summer feel through removable side panels, is a reasonable cost, and has survived over pools during Hurricane Katrina and Michigan Lake effect snows. It is capable of being insulated better than our attics and it is a permanent enclosure. No more bubble collapses. No more downtime and closure while the bubble is put up and taken down thus decreasing revenue. It is a reliable recommendation that provides year-round, safe swimming for all our citizens.  It is a good solution that we encourage you to motivate all your neighbors to vote yes to.

Here are some views of the Solution. You can see that it is still an open feel and the picnic and grassy areas are preserved. The airlocks are gone and the dangerous doors replaced. The steel tension building is well insulated and strong. Take a look to get an idea of what the Solution will look like.

Vote Yes to the Pool Solution November 5th

The Solution to the Pool

From 5 to 7 pm tonight the Cheshire Y Sea Dogs will hold their registration for Short Course season. With swim community goodwill, tenacity, and indefatigable spirit the coaches and team have secured pool time in numerous locations so that the kids can prepare to bring further pride to Cheshire at State Championships, Y Nationals, Junior Nationals (and in Olympic years Olympic trials). I would expect to see many of them come from registration to the town meeting tonight just as they did on school nights in Spring and exactly as they did during the vacation days of August. In the audience too were those who have children with special needs who find respite, joy and exercise at the Community Pool. We had seniors in attendance, some for whom the pool is the only place they can safely move, some rehabbing from hip surgery, some just getting their groove on at AquaZumba! Lap swimmers, many lean and fit, attended to find out if their winter swim would continue. High school kids, worried about homework time being cut into as they travelled out of town for a sport that requires so much time commitment already, they were all there. Multi-generational families that travel as a group to the pool to enjoy a day or evening of swimming and fun sat in attendance to find out the progress of the town asset. 

 The Pool Evaluation Committee has answered all the requests that the town asked for. It provided a pool solution with no downtime unlike the bubble, it cut energy costs by giving an option with insulation rates of R35 (better than many of our attics), it found a solution used over pools that survived Katrina and Lake Michigan snow dumps, it held onto the summer feel by providing a pool with sides that could be removed to allow for a pavilion like structure. Best of all it cut the cost of the previous proposal by more than half.

 Those who complained of energy costs have been heard, those who complained of unavailability are satisfied, those who worry about collapse should have no fear, and those who worry about their tan, well they too were considered
The solution to the pool is a good one. We are confident that tonight it will go to referendum, and we will work tirelessly to let our community know that this is the sensible future of the Cheshire Community Pool.

Recap of the August 20th Capital Budget Hearing

The public hearing went well last night. We had a great turnout. It was a very positive atmosphere. Thank you so much for coming to show your support and thank you to those who spoke in favor of the pool.

Highlights of the evening
Mr. Wetmore who co-chaired the Pool Evaluation Committee addressed many of the concerns of those in the audience who are still making up their minds. He has put together a business report that will be available online, at the Town Library and the Senior Center. He reminded us that the pool is not a business but a municipal entity. He gave us the reality-check figure that the solution to the pool would cost the average homeowner a paltry $2.60 per year. $2 and 60 cents for a solution. He talked of community and how he doesn't use the youth center, have kids in school, use the library and the senior center but pays for it as part of the community "cover charge" as it were. We all pay for roads we don't use and venues we don't attend. It is disingenuous to single out the pool. He commended the volunteerism of the Evaluation Committee and supporters and urged us all to work hard to get the solution passed. 

 Robyn Housemann gave a stirring account of the health challenges facing our society and contrasted them with the benefits of using a pool. She spoke of seniors who often can only exercise in water because of mobility issues. She spoke of the advantages of swimming with regard to heart disease, obesity and diabetes. She urged Cheshire to continue its record of encouragement of activity as evidenced by the existence of the linear trail, open space and Park and Rec programs. She called the pool a "social asset" outlining the mental health benefits of going as a family to swim, in a group to exercise, or individually improving your health.

 The swim teams were represented by Greg Han who told of his personal journey from child to young man and the life lessons he took from swim team's "intense" regimen. He credited his swim achievements with his acceptance to Amherst. Paul Robinson found out from council that there is 275K from insurance regarding the bubble collapse and was assured that it would be spent on pool-related expenses. Denise Bishop, a swimmer's mother, told of her conversion from a parent dropping her child at the pool for practice to an active participant in all the activities that the pool has to offer. She pleaded with the Council to vote for the solution.

 Matt Levine, also on the Evaluation Committee, reminded us all that this is a "community" pool. It serves young and old of all abilities. He noted that the pool was the site of the National Dual Meet record and was a huge source of pride then and should continue to be so. He promised the Council that we would work tirelessly to get the solution passed in referendum.

The Council now takes all these comments into consideration and on the 27th (Tuesday) will vote on the items to be included in the Capital Budget. We will know on Tuesday if the solution will go to referendum in November. Our work then will be getting the information to all our friends and neighbors and making sure that they get out to Vote Yes to the Pool solution. We will be relying heavily on each and every one of the Friends of Cheshire Pool to secure a yes vote. Judging by the performance of everyone so far we are well up to that task !

August 20th meeting- Critical that you attend

We have two very important meetings this month for you to attend.

It is absolutely critical that every supporter attend the Capital Budget meeting on the 20th. The Council will take comments and questions from the public on the Pool Evaluation Committee's choice of the year-round steel tension structure. This is the mid-tier option of 3.2 million dollars. It is designed for a snow load of 50" and can withstand 130mph winds. It will vastly reduce the operating costs of the pool. It is a very good choice.

The meeting is on Tuesday, the 20th at 7.30pm in the Town Hall. We need each and every one of you, your family and your neighbor. We expect this to reach standing room only quickly as the anti-pool contingent are well mobilized this year. Come early and secure seating.

We will also ask you to attend the final vote on the 27th.

There will be several items on the agenda. We ask that you speak at this meeting letting the Council know how much of an asset the pool is to the town, to all our citizens young and old.

 

Our pool benefits our seniors by providing a safe and accessible place to keep fit and mobile.

It benefits those with injuries, allowing them a place to rehab long after insurance stops paying for physical therapy.

It helps those with special needs and sensory issues find a safe and comforting form of physical activity.

It provides swimming lessons that benefit a person throughout their lives.

It provides a place for a family to have fun together in a healthful environment.

It provides a venue for our young children and teens to become disciplined, fit community members  through grueling training that provides lessons for life.

It is a place for fun, alternative, cardiovascular activities including the exuberance of Aqua Zumba, the intensity of underwater hockey and water polo, and the magical experience of scuba and generating revenue along the way.

It acts as a counter to many of our society's challenges; obesity, disenfranchisement of youth, senior loneliness and the long, cold, cabin-fever winters of Connecticut.

 

It is one of the few Town Assets that everyone in Cheshire can avail of, regardless of age or ability. It deserves our support.

The Cheshire Herald coverage

Thank you to Mike Torelli and Greg Lederer for continuing to cover the pool decision so comprehensively in the Cheshire Herald. The pool article is on the front page and continues in the body of the newspaper. Many Friends are mentioned and quoted. It is great to have so many voices represented.

Please thank the Herald for their continued coverage and share how much the pool means to you and to the town https://www.cheshireherald.com/extras/dd-formmailer/letter_form.php

USA Olympians support our pool

 

When as many as eleven Olympic medalists and team members of the United States Olympic team retweet support for the Cheshire Community Pool you truly realize the caliber and national reach of our local swim teams. The picture that went viral in the swim world this week shows members of the local swim team who showed up at the Pool Evaluation Committee’s Public Information Session on June 27, 2013 standing outside Town Hall with signs of support.

With homemade signs and a poignant call for help intended to garner more support for our community pool, the kids posed for a picture that was tweeted out to the United States Olympic Team.  Olympians such as two time gold medalist Ricky Berens , six time Olympic medalists Rebecca Soni and Allison Schmitt retweeted a message from @FriendsofCCP getting the word out about our pool to even more people.

The Cheshire Community Pool has served as the home to two nationally recognized swim teams the Cheshire High School girls swim team and Cheshire YMCA Sea dogs.  These teams have brought pride to our community and help make Cheshire one of the best places to live in America.

The superstars of swimming who highlighted the message of support were Rebecca Soni -a 6 time Olympic medalist and holder of several world records, Ricky Berens who holds 2 gold medals and several world records, Allison Schmitt - 6 time Olympic medalist including 3 golds, Gold Medalist Tyler McGill, Breakout star Lia Neal bronze in 2012, Jessica Hardy- gold and bronze Olympic medalist and world record holder,  Kate Zeigler-world record holder,  Chloe Sutton -Olympian in both open water and pool events,  and Alyssa Anderson, , Camille Adams, Clark Burkle -all Olympic team members and rising stars. The picture and support message was retweeted by numerous followers of the Olympians including @phelpssquad and several high-ranking college swim coaches.

A year round community pool offers many benefits.  Not only is it home to these swim teams but it serves the entire community seniors and children alike.  Residents of all ages use and enjoy the pool all year round. This past year the pool was more popular than ever with over 128,000 people using the Pool.

For more information:

Like us on Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfCheshirePool

Follow us on Twitter: @FriendsofCCP

Go to our Website: www.friendsofcheshirepool.orghttp://friendsofcheshirepool.blogspot.com/

 

Asking for help

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the public information session on June 27^th a success.  I think we all got a glimpse of what we are up against. To get facts out to all the public will take a huge effort but we are up to the challenge.

Now it is necessary to raise funds to wage an effective large scale campaign for a year round pool.  We are asking that you please make a donation so that we can share the facts with more members of our community.   Funds raised will be used to purchase advertisements and signs, to produce information brochures, and to otherwise inform the public and obtain support for the pool. Any amount will help.

For this to be a successful campaign, it is critical that we have your financial support.

Please donate today.  Send personal checks* made payable to Friends of Cheshire Pool to: P.O. Box 238, Cheshire, CT 06410 or by visiting www.Friendsofcheshirepool.org and clicking on the Donate tab.

Thank you for your support,

Friends of Cheshire Pool

 

Note:  On July 23, 2013 the Pool Evaluation Committee will make its recommendation to the Town Council.   We need to secure the vote from the Town Council to take the recommended structure option to referendum in November.   Please mark your calendars and attend. 

 

* State law prohibits contributions from business entities.

Let them know you're coming tomorrow, Thursday at 7.30

Please share -
Here are the email addresses of the Town Council members. Let them know that you are going to the meeting tomorrow Thursday at 7.30 pm and that you support a year-round pool.
pafh@aol.com,  michaele584@aol.com, sspn13@cox.net, dsschrumm@cox.net, tomruocco@snet.net, aafalvey@cox.net, petert111@cox.net, jrs7@att.net, tslocum@snet.net

Town Hall, Pool Information Session Thursday June 27th 7.30

3 options to be discussed at Thursday's meeting. The article below gives an overview of each of these options. Each and every one of us will need to attend the Information Session on Thursday evening at Town Hall. Bring your neighbors. Car pool. Ask your questions. Wear an item of swim apparel (like goggles) Support a year round, viable solution.

http://cheshire.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/committee-ready-to-present-pool-alternatives?ncid=newsltuspatc00000001&evar4=picks-1-post

Remember - Thursday, June 27th at 7.30. Town Hall. Wear something pool related to show your support (goggles, swim shirt, go nuts !!!!)

Give them a call

It's almost 1pm. Do you know where your Town Council members are? Give them a call and tell them why the pool is important to you .

Patti Flynn-Harris
360 Carlton Dr.
272-1392
pafh@aol.com



Michael Ecke

36 Williamsburg
272-1351
michaele584@aol.com

Sylvia Nichols
100 Barytes Dr.
272-1286
sspn13@cox.net


James Sima
180 Birch Dr.
271-0467
jrs7@att.net


Timothy Slocum*
1285 Lilac Ct.
272-0652
tslocum@snet.net


David Schrumm
369 Sir Walter Dr.
272-2689
dsschrumm@cox.net


Thomas Ruocco
6 North Pond
272-8135
tomruocco@snet.net


Andrew Falvey
379 Peck La.
272-8305
aafalvey@cox.net


Peter Talbot
1271 Lilac Ct.
439-3833
petert111@cox.net

Town of Cheshire Pool Evalution Committee Public Information session. Call and email your Town Council members.

The bubble collapse this past winter at the Cheshire Community Pool was very disappointing to all those who use and enjoy the pool all year round.  This unfortunate event obviously raises concerns about the long term future of the pool.  We, as a community, are being called to task and we, as the Friends of Cheshire Pool, will rise to the occasion to ensure that our pool remain a community resource.  We will certainly face challenges moving forward.  But let there be no doubt that we will meet these challenges because we all share a vision of a pool that is a permanent fixture in this community.

Maybe it is fitting that the winter storm that brought down our home pool was named NEMO.  After all Nemo is the name of the children’s movie where the father, Marlin, is totally committed to swimming as far and as long as possible to bring his son home.  We will have to show that same endurance to make our voices heard and to let the town council and the community know that the pool deserves a permanent solution.  In this vein, the loss of the bubble gives us an opportunity to achieve a solution that will be more impressive and reliable, as well as sustainable for the future of our town.

We will wage a positive campaign to make sure Cheshire is informed about all of the great qualities that a year round pool brings to our community.  Together we can make this happen.

The Town of Cheshire Pool Evaluation Committee is planning to have a public information meeting on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Town Hall.  This meeting is intended to inform the public about the remaining three options-- a new modified bubble; a steel tension membrane structure; and an open/air (greenhouse) type structure.  After this public information session, the Pool Evaluation Committee will then decide on the final recommendation it will make to the Town Council.  The Town Council will meet on July 23, 2013 for a vote on whether that option will be the subject of a referendum to be on the ballot in the November election.

Leading up to these meetings it is imperative that everyone call and email all members of the Town Council to make sure they understand that a majority of the town supports a year round solution for the pool. 

Here are addresses, phone numbers and emails for the Town Council members:

Patti Flynn-Harris	360 Carlton Dr.	272-1392	pafh@aol.com
Michael Ecke Sylvia Nichols	36 Williamsburg	272-1351	michaele584@aol.com
	100 Barytes Dr.	272-1286	sspn13@cox.net
James Sima	180 Birch Dr.	271-0467	jrs7@att.net
Timothy Slocum*	1285 Lilac Ct.	272-0652	tslocum@snet.net
David Schrumm	369 Sir Walter Dr.	272-2689	dsschrumm@cox.net
Thomas Ruocco	6 North Pond	272-8135	tomruocco@snet.net
Andrew Falvey	379 Peck La.	272-8305	aafalvey@cox.net
Peter Talbot	1271 Lilac Ct.	439-3833	petert111@cox.net

It is also incredibly important that we all attend the public information session on June 27, 2013 and the Town Council meeting on July 23, 2013.  Please mark these dates on your calendars.  We want to make sure that the Town Council understands how important this is to the community by having a very large crowd in attendance at these meetings.

We are working and will continue to work very hard to get the word out and inform the public.  Please go to www.friendsofcheshirepool.org and Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FriendsOfCheshirePool to stay updated on important meetings, ways to get involved and fundraising.  If you have any questions you can always email  us at friendsofcheshirepool@gmail.com.

We believe that we there will be a positive outcome in November if we all come together now.

Important Dates, Town Hall meetings

 SAVE THE DATES

Here are the two critical dates for all of us Friends of Cheshire Pool to show our support of a viable, year-round structure .

Town Hall meetings.
June 27, 2013 - Pool Evaluation Committee - Public Information Session
July 23, 2013 - Town Council Meeting - Pool decision

... We need to be a visible, vocal majority.

We will post reminders as we near the dates but pencil this in for now. We are looking forward to meeting you all in person.