A recent update & Q&A provided by the Harrison Pond HOA:
1. Bid Process and Due Diligence:
QUESTION: Could you share whether multiple contractors were considered for this project?
We have been trying to get quotes for years. This year, we finally were able to get four companies to come out:
- Extreme Concrete and Pools, $519K
- Hidden Creek, $689K
- Aqua Pools Construction, ultimately pulled out after seeing scope
- Sheehan Pools, $>$700K, rough estimate
QUESTION: Were various architectural plans and design options evaluated?
Several ideas were presented. We got an initial sketch of ideas from Extreme which included a zero entry, stamped concrete, a grotto, waterfalls, slides and deeper end of the pool, and a splash pad. We did some communications, put the sketch up at the pool for review for several weeks, and set up 4 meetings throughout the summer for anyone to come and offer their ideas around the draft sketch. Based on feedback, we eliminated the waterfalls and grotto. Most people liked the rest of the plans.
QUESTION: What factors guided the selection of Extreme Pools?
It ultimately came down to price and contractor response to the board. Once Extreme came in with the best price, the HOA president reviewed a couple of sites they had completed and found them to be satisfactory. Additionally, Town Properties did their due diligence to review the legitimacy of the business and history to ensure the HOA Board would be working with a credible business. Extreme Concrete and Pools also provided the best ideas to enhance our pool for the community.
QUESTION: Would it be possible to review the comparative analysis that led to this decision?
Although our comparative analysis may not be as formal as some might prefer, we can confidently assure you that we thoroughly vetted the process to ensure the best decision.
2. Community Involvement:
While I understand the informal discussions held poolside were helpful, I believe many neighbors would have appreciated the opportunity for more structured involvement in this significant decision.
Historical Context: The pool renovation has been a recurring topic at our annual and monthly meetings for several years. These discussions have laid the groundwork for the current decision-making process. The HOA board enlisted a group of community resident volunteers to help in the early stages of the pool project by identifying companies to assess the current pool situation.
Urgency of the Situation: Our pool infrastructure has reached a critical point where continued repairs in and around the pool are becoming unsustainable. This urgency has necessitated an accelerated timeline for the decision-making process. Without this renovation, the pool may need to be closed due to its deteriorating condition after 30 years.
Balancing Community Input and Project Timelines: While we recognize the value of structured community involvement, we had to balance this with the need for timely action to meet our project deadlines.
Future Improvements: Your feedback is valuable, and we will consider implementing more structured involvement processes for future significant decisions, while still maintaining necessary project timelines. The HOA board is initiating a 5-year plan to renovate the pool grounds and potentially the pool house. We aim to make this a key selling point for future residents and to enhance home values in our community. This is crucial as nearby neighborhoods are being developed with similar or improved amenities compared to Harrison Pond. If you wish to provide input or volunteer your time, we encourage you to reach out to the board. We welcome and appreciate any community involvement.
3. Project Timeline and Pool Season Impact:
QUESTION: Could you share the anticipated construction timeline?
We expect permits to be ready by early winter, pending Gahanna's timeline and approval. The blueprint plans required for the Gahanna permit process are being finalized. We anticipate starting the project in late winter or early spring, aiming for completion by the pool's opening.
4. Communication:
QUESTION: Would it be possible to increase communication about this substantial project?
We are going to use this new website as a means to communicate the progress of the pool.
5. Contractual Agreement
The HOA lawyers have prepared a comprehensive 17-page contract to ensure the protection of our community and board, as well as to guarantee that our contractor is properly insured throughout the construction process.
6. Community Financial Assessment:
Thanks to the fiscal responsibility of both past and present HOA board members, there is no planned community assessment for 2025 to fund the pool. The allocated budget for the pool will still leave ample funds in our reserves to address other needs as the arise.