City Council denies energy-saving analysis for Plymouth Aquatic Center

The energy-savings analysis project for the Plymouth Aquatic Center died at Monday night’s Plymouth Common Council meeting. 

The Redevelopment Commission was asked to consider funding the study to save energy costs at the Aquatic Center. To have a project funded, the commission must add it to the list of projects in the TIF (Tax Incremental Financing) District.  To add a project, the Redevelopment Commission must send it to the Plymouth Plan Commission for review to determine if the $16,600 project fits into the city’s Comprehensive Plan.   The Plan Commission voted 6 to 3 to add the analysis to the project list. 

Next, the Plymouth Common Council reviews the request to add the project and decides whether the proposed expenditure aligns with the comprehensive plan. During Monday’s meeting, Councilman Randy Longanecker, who also serves on the Plan Commission, told members he voted against the project. While the study may determine how the pool could save energy costs, it hasn’t been decided who would fund the changes at the Aquatic Center to achieve those savings. 

Councilwoman Kayla Krathwohl said the city has invested heavily in the pool, and residents feel they're not getting enough in return. She also mentioned that she opposes using additional tax dollars for the energy savings project.

City Attorney Jef Houin told the council that the study was expected to determine a 40 to 50% savings. He said the Redevelopment would make the final determination if the council approved the request. 

The motion to deny the energy-saving analysis for the Aquatics Center was unanimously approved, so the project dies and doesn’t move back to the Plymouth Redevelopment Commission for final consideration.