By Mary A. Crisafulli
DELHI - Delhi Pool Head Lifeguard Amy Randall presented the season-end report to the Town Council on Oct. 6. She acknowledged the pros and cons of the year while her hair lightly dripped, as Randall had just come from teaching water aerobics.
The Homebase scheduling software has been greatly successful, she reported. No one missed a shift since employees can switch shifts as needed, making coverage simple, explained Randall.
Patrons are enjoying the pool with very few complaints, and attendance was up this year, she said. "We were at capacity eight times this year," said Randall, which is 75 people.
Since the splash pool is no longer operational, Randall explained that a portion of the shallow end of the pool was roped off as a calm swim space. Randall asked the council to consider purchasing a more sustainable divider for 2026.
Water aerobics was popular, but Randall suggested canceling the evening sessions as the morning times tend to be more desired. She further suggested shortening sensory swim from two to one hour and shifting open swim to a regular schedule of noon to 6 p.m. daily, which the board approved.
One persistent complaint was that the swim lessons, which were scheduled for 4 p.m., were difficult for parents who work to attend. Randall said this, suggesting they be moved to later next year and extended from two to three weeks.
Randall explained that some private swim trainers are offering lessons at the pool during open swim. The board voted to prohibit lessons not scheduled by the town.
Randall asked the town to consider upgrading the rusted lifeguard stands and purchasing a tablet for lesson sign-ins. She further suggested developing a QR code for individuals to donate to the pool, as admission is currently free for anyone.
Councilmember Margaret Baldwin emphasized her desire to keep admission free. She said that was the mission of all the individuals who originally opened the pool and those who worked to reopen it. "...it's just nice to not have a price tag," Baldwin said.
Supervisor Maya Boukai acknowledged that all virtual donation systems would help sustain the pool budget while respecting Baldwin's stance.
Budget
The council scheduled two public hearings for Monday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m., immediately preceding the monthly meeting. The first public hearing will be held to permit the board to exceed the state-regulated 2% tax cap, if necessary. The second public hearing will be regarding the proposed 2026 budget. The budget is expected to be presented following the budget workshops, which took place following press time on October 7th and 9th.
The 2025 budget was under the tax cap, totaling $3,065,057, excluding the Fire Protection District, which had a budget of $276,260.
In Other Business
The board permitted Boukai to negotiate with both companies that submitted bids to update the town's comprehensive plan. The two bids came in around $75,000, alongside another bid that was not considered, as it exceeded $100,000. If Barton & Loguidice agree to $65,000, the town will award them the contract.
Boukai reported that three applications were received for the Code Enforcement Officer position, which will be vacant following Dale Downin's retirement at the end of the year. She noted all three candidates are either currently employed with another municipality or have experience in the field. The board will review the applications and set interviews.
The board was presented with an alternative veterans tax exemption. The discussion was tabled for further review.
Justice Mathew Burkert reported that the town's public defender has resigned, leaving a vacancy. The County public defenders' office is short-staffed with only three attorneys, he said. There are local law offices that the town contracts with for services when needed, but Burkert reported a delay in payment from the County for those contracts.
Board members entered an executive session to discuss the employment history of an individual. Justice Burkert was asked to join the session. No decisions were made.
The next regular town board meeting is scheduled Monday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m.
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