Article 24

Shall the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $39,000 for the purpose of refurbishing the current bathrooms at the Pelham Veterans' Memorial Park? (Recommended by Selectmen) (Recommended by Budget Committee) (Majority Vote Required)

Status

Originator: Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen: 5-0-0 Recommended
Budget Committee: 5-2-0 Recommended
- Lavallee - no, Farris - no

Voter's Guide Explanation

The lakeside bathroom at Veterans' Park is in disrepair and in need of renovation. The bathrooms are primarily used during the Summer, particularly during the Recreation Summer Camp, where over 300 children attend. Funding this Article will permit the necessary renovations.

Backup Data

A Brief History of PVMP and PVMP Facilities:

In 1951, the Lowell YMCA purchased Camp Alexander. Shortly after the purchase, the YMCA built the lakeside restroom building and lifeguard shack. In 1954, the YMCA built the existing lodge building and put in an artesian well for drinking water. In 1976, at a special town meeting, the Town of Pelham voted for a bond to purchase Camp Alexander for $150,000. The bond was completely paid by 1981.

In 1980, voters approved the $10,000 Camp Alexander Master plan. The roof on the lodge was shored up and re-shingled in 1982. The lodge restrooms received $2,686 in renovations in 1983. In 1986, the town updated and expanded the septic system and leech field. Also in 1986, the lakeside restrooms were renovated and expanded. In 1987, the lakeside restrooms received over $8,000 in vandalism damage. In 1987, a chain link fence was installed around the tennis courts. In 1988, 1992, and 1996, the tennis courts were resurfaced. In 1996, the town installed alarm systems in all buildings.

In 2003 and early 2004, vandalism damage to the lifeguard shack and lodge building resulted in over $2,500 in losses and repairs. In 2004, all buildings received updated electrical systems, including GFI's and external lighting on photo-sensors. Also in 2004, the chimney was removed from the lodge building, and a window at the lifeguard shack was sealed over to prevent vandals from accessing the buildings. As a result of vandalism damage, the doors to the lifeguard shack were replaced in 2005. The well pump died and was replaced in 2005. Vandalism damage to the lifeguard shack in 2006 resulted in over $2,000 of roof damage.

Currently, all restroom facilities need updating, specifically the sinks. No restroom at PVMP has hot water. All of the buildings have roof leaks, and the roofs need to be replaced. The lakeside restrooms have little to no natural light as all of the windows have been sealed to prevent vandalism. Water runs over the floor through the lakeside restrooms in the late spring and is causing the foundation to erode.

Additional Information

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