FV pool delayed again, workers aim for mid-July

FALLS VILLAGE — The new Falls Village municipal swimming pool did not open on July 1 as planned. But officials think it can be open by the middle of the month.

“We’re trying to make sure everything is in order,� First Selectman Pat Mechare said in an interview Monday. “I hope our residents are understanding.�

Workers were treating and epoxying the poolhouse floors early this week, and will be installing the sinks and toilets in that building later in the week. Town pool consultant Bill Drakely is preparing the interior of the pool so it can be filled with water today (July 3) or tomorrow. Then the process of thorough chlorination of the new water will begin. If all goes well, the pool will be open the weekend of July 12, Mechare said.

One of the intangibles is the question of when an official from the state Department of Health can get to Falls Village to inspect the new facility.

Mechare had asked if the department could do a preliminary inspection to apprise the town of any deficiencies before the final inspection, but health department officials told her they do not perform pre-inspection visits. So Drakely, who is experienced in these matters, has been taking an active role in making sure all loose ends are tied up.

“Bill is in contact with the health inspector,� Mechare explained. “He will call her when we are ready.�

On a related matter, at a special meeting last Thursday, June 26, the Board of Selectmen considered a proposed fee structure for the new facility from the town’s Recreation Commission. That commission had proposed to exempt town residents from paying any pool user fees (at least for the first year of operation) and charge non-residents $5 a day or $120 per season.

The selectmen voted unanimously to accept the fee structure with one revision: residents of North Canaan will also be exempt from paying a user fee, since that town has permitted Falls Village residents to swim in the North Canaan pool since the Torrington Area Health District closed down Falls Village’s old pool in 2002.

“They have been so generous in letting us use their pool,� said Mechare.

Mechare emphasized that she is proud the entire project will have been completed with minimal impact to taxpayers. The town obtained a $250,000 state grant through the state Small Town Economic Assistance Program to get the pool started, and then used unexpended funds from the Recreation Commission’s budget, most of which came from not having to pay to staff and maintain the pool on Paige Road for the last six years.

In addition, town residents provided lots of volunteer labor, while the Falls Village Sawmill donated lumber.