Board to dive into discussion on aquatic center renovation

By Rachel Kramer

A proposal to renovate the Aquatic Center will go before the board Wednesday.
“We will present projects and things that have to be done,” College President Robert Silverman said. “The Aquatic Center is a part of the college facility that needs attention.”

Funding for this project would come from a special reserve, the Facilities Reserve Fund. This fund is already in the budget and is not new money.

“We put money away for anticipated problems, so it is available if a light standard falls down (which actually occurred Feb. 10),” Silverman said. “The aquatic center has reached the level of the light standards.”

At Wednesday’s meeting, Silverman will present a business plan that will support the recommendation.

“This is a good use of money,” he said.
Following the death of Ron Russell, at-large MHCCD board member, on Feb. 19, the board began the process to fill his position.
The vacant position on the board will also be dealt with, following the call for applicants at last month’s meeting.

Six applications have been turned in. The applicants are Jim Zordich, Beverly Russell, Harry DeWolf, Kurt Engelstad, Steven Lewis and Amy Staples.
According to Silverman, the applicants will make a presentation during Wednesday’s meeting, then answer questions from the board.

Following these presentations, the board will vote. If one candidate receives four votes, they will take the oath of office. According to Silverman, however, if no candidate receives four votes, the decision will go to the next elections.
“We hope to fill the position [Wednesday],” Silverman said.

Bond parameters will also be discussed Wednesday, according to Silverman.
The architects, contractor and members of the bond campaign team, including co-chairs Fred Bruning and Tony Palermini and treasurer Mike Bennett, will discuss the projects and amount of the bond.