SMETHPORT — Since Smethport Borough Council registered no objections Monday to the proposal from the Smethport Rotary Club to construct a splash park in Hamlin Lake Park, the club will proceed with investigating the project, including fundraisers and possible grants.
According to Rotary Club treasurer Patty Witchen, who presented the proposal to council, the splash park would provide a place for youngsters and older people who choose not to use the public pool to cool off during the three months in the summer. “The facility would be handicap accessible, and the borough would choose the park’s site,” Witchen added.
The proposed park will use chlorinated water, which would be recirculated and there would be no standing water. Monthly expenses for chemicals, water and electricity could run about $100 each.
Noting that the Rotary Club has successfully completed other large community projects such as the skateboard facility and basketball court in Hamlin Lake Park and holiday lights along Main Street, Witchen said, “With an estimated cost of between $80,000 to $100,000 — there would be no upfront costs to the borough — we realize this is an expensive venture and a long range project. We also understand the issues involved, such as fencing and security.”
In other business, council unanimously adopted two resolutions. Under the terms of the first one, the borough, using its state aid of $50,592.94, will reimburse the General Fund $48,903 for the Non-Uniform Pension Fund and deposit the excess of $1,689.94 to the Non-Uniform Pension Fund.
The Municipal Pension Fund Funding and Recovery Act, Act 205 of 1984, provides that municipalities have the latitude of using state aid to help defray Non-Uniformed Pension Plan costs, as well as their Police Pension Fund.
With approval of the second resolution, the borough will maintain and amend its 457(b) Plan to reflect changes in the Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act.
Council sent trick-or-treat night in the borough for 6 to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31.
Councilman Jeff Tanner reminded the public that materials that are not recyclable are not to be left at the recycling center.
During the public part of the agenda, Darlene Dorward informed council of a pine tree on the island in Hamlin Lake Park that could be lost if the situation is not dealt with in a timely manner.
Council will meet in an adjourned meeting at 7 p.m. on Oct. 29 for the purpose of developing the 2019 budget.
