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Steubenville’s Belleview Park pool operating costs under scrutiny as council eyes next budget

STEUBENVILLE — Future operation of the Belleview Park pool came under scrutiny Tuesday night when City Council members heard a monthly report from Finance Director Dave Lewis.

“The pool brought in $3,900 this past summer while operating costs were $34,500. There is potential at the pool but the plan for concession sales never worked this year,” Lewis told council during an ordinance committee meeting.

“We did not have any pool parties this year and the concession stand was never opened. My office went up there a couple of times to do audits to make sure the reporting was being done correctly. The pool opened late and closed early and was closed every Monday. There is so much more potential for the pool,” Lewis remarked.

“If we are going to stay in the pool business, we need a sliding board and we need a concession stand,” added Lewis.

Lewis said City Council approved a change in the city’s employee table of organization earlier this year to hire cashiers but never used them for concession sales.

Mayor Domenick Mucci said the pool isn’t properly marketed.

“I have been up there when there hasn’t been anyone using the pool,” said 4th Ward Councilman Scott Dressel.

“I don’t have faith in opening the pool next year,” commented 3rd Ward Councilman Eric Timmons.

“We need to correct the problems or not open the pool next year,” suggested 2nd Ward Councilman Mike Johnson.

Lewis also reported city income tax collection numbers are down approximately $5,000 from September 2015 to this past September.

“But we are still up $89,000 from last year to this year. The driving force in rising income tax collections during the past five years has been the medical industry and the oil and gas industry,” cited Lewis.

Fifth Ward Councilman and finance committee Chairman Willie Paul said council will meet at 4 p.m. today in the City Hall Pugliese Conference Room for a budget workshop.

“We will not have department heads at that meeting but will get our budget talks structure together and move forward. We need to put together our wish list,” Paul said.

Johnson said he wants to explore using the sanitation fund for a demolition program next year.

“Law Director (S. Gary) Repella said he believes we can use that sanitation money for demolitions. If we can do that, we can keep our demolition of dilapidated houses going. That would have a huge impact on the city,” stated Johnson.

“I also want to go after the owners of dilapidated properties who have the financial means to pay for their own demolitions. And I plan to introduce legislation to disconnect water lines for demolitions at the curb box and not at the main line in the middle of the street,” continued Johnson.

During the regular council meeting, Councilwoman at large Kimberly Hahn appealed for volunteers to provide in-kind services at the city marina to match a grant for the proposed bike and hiking trail that will run from the marina to the Historic Fort Steuben.

“The in-kind volunteer work can be used to match the grants we receive for this project,” Hahn said.

Paul announced a safety committee meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 15, and Johnson called for a planning committee meeting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Council unanimously approved a resolution proclaiming November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month and a resolution of commendation to the women of distinction who will be honored by the YWCA on Dec. 1 at the Hellenic Hall.

Council met in executive session following the council meeting to discuss personnel, including the city manager, police department and sanitation department.

(Gossett can be contacted at dgossett@heraldstaronline.com.)

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