EDCO Park pool proposal rejected
EVANS CITY — The one and only bid to fix the EDCO Park pool was rejected because it was too high, so officials are hoping to receive better bids before a key grant expires.
Lance Welliver, director of the Butler County Department of Parks and Recreation, said at Wednesday's county commissioners meeting that the $553,000 bid from a Lawrence County company would only complete half the work needed at the pool.
Add to the mix a Community Development Block Grant that expires at the end of the year, and the urgency to get the project completed this fall as planned is increased.
Welliver said if that grant expires, there will not be sufficient money to complete the project.
Welliver also stressed that EDCO Park Authority members were able to raise $80,000 in donations, which he said is an impressive feat in such a small community.
He said the project consultant recommended rejecting the lone bid and readvertising the project. Welliver said many companies with swimming pool expertise are at the height of their season, and may bid if the job is re-advertised.
“To move forward, we feel it is in the best interest of (the county) and Evans City to try to rebid it and get better bids,” Welliver told the commissioners.
The commissioners voted unanimously to reject the one bid received and re-advertise the project, which would begin in the fall after the EDCO pool season ends.
Welliver said the basic work that must be completed includes:
A zero-entry pool entrance for children and those with disabilities
A handicapped area with handrails to bring the pool into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
Plumbing and filtration that would fix current issues and pre-plumb the pool property for future water features
The addition of a peninsula between the pool and bench area.
Welliver said the project would be advertised for the second time on Wednesday. Bids will be required to be returned by June 10, he said.
“It's very necessary to get it done,” Welliver said.
He said various pool features will be added depending on bids, including a slide, deck chairs and starting block anchors.
The commissioners did approve a $73,125 bid by Boben Excavation and Construction of West Sunbury to renovate the EDCO pool bathhouse.
The total amount available for pool and bathhouse is $740,000.
