Reprinted from The Connecticut Post © Copyright 2010
January 26, 2010

By Susan Silvers

TRUMBULL -- A standoff has emerged between the committee overseeing the as-new renovation of Trumbull High School and the Town Council over whether to formally -- and probably irreversibly -- sever the $5 million originally allocated for a pool to replace the existing one at Hillcrest Middle School from the project's authorization.

The matter is likely to be the matter of considerable controversy when the council's Education Committee meets Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. in Town Hall.

"It's a new council and we'll take a look at whether the town should spend the $5 million for the natatorium," said council Chairman Carl A. Massaro Jr., R-6, whose party took a commanding 14-7 control of the panel in November's elections, and submitted the proposed measure.

But "it's a question for all 21 members to decide," he added, adding that even for his own caucus, "I don't know where they all stand."

Minority Leader Mary Beth Thornton, D-2, left no doubt about her feelings, though, saying: "Trumbull will either have an indoor pool that will be in working order and meet the needs of the town, or it will not."

Although public comments are not normally allowed at council or committee sessions, committee chairman Chad Ciocci, R-7 said he was not looking to squelch citizens Wednesday, adding he would offer "pretty liberal," though not unlimited opportunity, for comment.

But Massaro's proposal comes at a time when the THS Building Committee is eager to see whether the pool could be built within the authorized budget. The state effectively sank plans for the pool last spring, when officials said it didn't qualify for an anticipated $750,000 reimbursement because it would not be restricted for educational programs during school hours. But then-First Selectman Raymond G. Baldwin Jr. suggested it could be added in later in the renovation process, depending on available funds.

THS Building Committee Chairman Arthur Lemay said this is no time to dry up funds for the pool. "It would be really disappointing if they cut it before knowing what it really costs," he said. And, he added, it is not impossible that the town could still recover state reimbursement by restricting it for school use during the day. He also noted that the town would still have to provide handicapped restrooms and changing rooms for teams that use McDougall Stadium as part of the project, and that those will take additional funds to redesign.

That committee will discuss its strategy in Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Ciocci noted, however, that the school board hasn't asked for any pool-revival plans, and that, as designed, it wouldn't be big enough to meet after-hours needs of local swim programs anyway. Besides, he said the restrooms and locker rooms wouldn't cost nearly as much as the pool.

The pool could be only the beginning of the cost-cutting for the school project. Massaro has asked the building panel to also examine features of the renovation to see what further cuts could be made that would scale back the pricetag expected to be $68 million even without a place to swim.

First Selectman Timothy M. Herbst said he didn't want to jeopardize the 30.17 percent reimbursement the town expects but that cutbacks might be necessary if the town is to renovate other schools as well without adversely affecting its bond rating.

"I'm concerned about our ability afford future necessary capital improvements," he said.