Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins has written to Council President Jessica Marino to express disappointment and frustration over the lack of Democratic support and timely review of his proposed plans and funding “for the next generation of the Budlong Pool as a revitalized community resource.”

Hopkins focused his concerns on Democratic Ward 2 Councilmember Aniece Germain and stated she “has clearly demonstrated that she prefers to be an impediment to my administration’s attempt to move forward to have a new pool opened by the summer of 2024.” 

Mayor Hopkins said that the hiring of a qualified design professional to have the required architectural plans and construction drawings prepared for bidding purposes is critical.

“Without the plans we cannot seek bids from qualified contractors to offer their experience and services to the city,” he said.

To pay for the design consultant the mayor sponsored an ordinance (Ordinance No. 3-23-01) to the City Council to utilize up to $350,000 from available American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the engineering and design development for the Budlong Pool renovation.

“On April 3rd, the Finance Committee took no action on this request and continued it to their meeting on May 1, 2023,” Hopkins said. “The loss of a month is troubling in the critical path to have the pool ready in 2024.”

Mayor Hopkins explained he wants to hire Saccoccio & Associates, a local Cranston firm, to help with the plans for the new pool. He emphasized “they offer us a firm with a complete range of professional services including architectural design and consultation, and facilities planning.”

Hopkins said some council members questioned the selection process.

“Our law department has assured me that they are eligible to be selected from an established list through the Board of Contract and Purchase,” said Hopkins.

The mayor continued, saying he was most alarmed at the political grand-standing at last week’s Public Works Committee meeting where “Councilmember Germain attempted to lead some type of inquisition under the posted meeting notice of a pool status update.”

The assistant city solicitor stopped the councilwoman from an apparent violation of the state’s open meeting laws. However, Mayor Hopkins stated, “she continued a bluster of misstatements for almost an hour as her council colleagues, with rare exception, allowed her to continue while holding off other important city matters on committee agendas.”

“It is apparent to everyone Councilmember Germain would rather have the political issue of the pool being closed rather than being part of the solution to get it re-opened,” said Mayor Hopkins, who has been clear in his plans for a new Budlong pool.

“I will not throw good money after bad with a band aid approach of pool patching and quick fixes for an antiquated World War II pool structure and pool house,” he said. “They are neither safe nor handicapped accessible.”

Hopkins stated some residents question the wisdom of spending substantial money to restore, staff, and operate a facility for a limited six-week period in our New England summer season.

“I have supported the direction of the Council and have included in my proposed capital budget $4 million to fund the pool modernization,” he said. 

That funding awaits council approval with their current budget review. As has been announced, the mayor said, “my plan for the pool now includes a smaller rendition of a complex that I envisioned initially It will include a smaller pool structure and a new bath house. Later, if funding is available, a second phase could include more amenities like a splash pad and gathering spot for children and families.”

The mayor emphasized “if we cannot gather urgent momentum to fund the project design and get out to bid to hire a contractor to undertake and complete the work, summer of 2024 is slipping away for a pool re-opening.”

He concluded by stating, “We need council cooperation not continued status updates. We need affirmative action not negative barbs and politically motivated agendas.”