Mahwah April 1, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 9 New federal law requires repairs at township pool by Frank J. McMahon A new federal law that imposes mandatory suction entrapment avoidance requirements on all public pools, and other repairs and installations are keeping Mahwah employees busy this spring as they work to get the township pool ready to open for the Memorial Day weekend. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act was enacted by the US Congress and signed into law in December 2007. Under that law, all public pools and spas must have American Society of Mechanical Engineers compliant drain covers and a second anti-entrapment system installed when there is only a single main drain. The law, which became effective in December 2008, is designed to prevent the hidden hazard of drain entrapments and eviscerations in pools and spas. Marion Crescitelli, the manager of the township pool, advised that the law requires a special valve in one of the filtration motors. In addition, all the pool intakes have to be replaced. Crescitelli said a known leak in the main pool is also being repaired this spring while several improvements are being added to the pool complex. A new lightning detection system is being installed, as are new shade structures. All the diving stands are being refurbished. These expenses, and the increase in salaries at the pool due to the federally mandated increase in the minimum wage, which will be $7.25 per hour effective July 24, have led to the recently announced increase in the membership and attendance rates at the pool. But Mahwah Township Administrator Brian Campion corrected a recent report that there was a gap between the cost to run the pool last year and the revenue it generated. He emphasized that the pool has been operating within its budget and, in fact, the pool generated $827 more in revenue in 2008 than the expenses that were expended for the pool that year. Campion explained that the pool had revenues last year of $170,524 and expenses of $169,697. Crescitelli advised that she has never spent more than her operating budget over the 17 years she has been managing the pool. However, increased expenses and salaries required a raise in the rates this year. Pool membership applications will be mailed out to all residents and former pool members during the first week in April after which time they will be available in the lobby of the township’s municipal building on Corporate Drive. Crescitelli noted that the pool rates are reduced for those who apply for membership during the month of April. Most of the fees for the municipal pool have been raised by $10 to $15. For instance, Mahwah residents will be able to join the pool early for $275 per large family, $110 per individual, and $40 for senior citizen or disabled residents. Mahwah small families, usually two people, may join (continued on page 27) But STILL can’t lose that Tummy or Cellulite? Call me about VelaShapeTM A NEW Nonsurgical method of Fat reduction and body contouring • Non-invasive • No Anesthesia • No Downtime Beverly Dunn, MD Waldwick, NJ • 201-445-0032 Dieting? Working Out? Antique Show Sat & Sun, April 4 & 5 Northerm Highlands Regional H.S. Hillside Ave, Allendale, NJ 10am to 5pm 55 EXHIBITORS Located in the Gym, Vestibule & Café Oak, Mahogany Country & Upholstered Furniture, Art Pottery, Silver, Estate & Costume Jewelry, Glass, Limoge, Doultons, Majolica, Quilts, Kitchenalia, Toys, Linens & Textiles, Vintage Buttons, Clothing & Purses, Framed Cigarette Cards, Iron Garden Chairs, Books, Maps, Scientific Instruments, Botanicals, Country Chic & Store Items, Oriental Rugs, Vintage Posters & much more. Dir: Rt. 17 N or S to Allendale Rd exit, stay on Allendale Rd through town, becomes Myrtle, at end make a left onto Crescent, right at light onto Hillside, to school. Admission $5.00 ~ $4.00 with ad Info: P.J.’s Promotions • 201-666-1340 www.pjspromotions.com