(6/5) The Emmitsburg Town Council announced at their June meeting that the pool mural has been finished and discussed how the pool is to be managed while under the limitations established by the state, in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regarding pool management during the pool season, Commissioner Burns asked, given that the town is likely faced with an abbreviated pool season due to COVID restrictions, if the town would be able to drop the pool's use rates.

Commissioner Burns asked, as a result of the impact of the pandemic, "There is financial burdens on every one of us, but we still want people to enjoy the pool and take full use of it, if and when it opens. "Would some kind of concession on the rates be helpful to the members of our community?"

The current daily pool-rates for town residents are: Adults $4; Children $3; Seniors (60+) $3.

The Town Manager said that the decision would be up to the commissioners, but further advised, "The pool is not a money-maker. We (already) lose money every year." On top of that, she said, the town would probably see a maximum of 50-percent of the allowable capacity under the COVID-19 restrictions. In normal times, the maximum allowable capacity is 328 individuals.

However, it was noted that it would not be fair to sell season passes, since, given social distancing requirements, the pass-holder might not always be able to use the pass to access the pool

Commissioner O'Donnell suggested selling one-day passes to help regulate the number of attendees. He also suggested dividing pools hours to two-time frames and selling the passes for specific time frame use to help control the numbers of attendees.

The Manager said she would discuss the issues with the town's pool management contractor, RSV Pools, Gaithersburg. Beyond the discussions, the board took no formal action.

Regarding the mural, the finished work encompasses all four of the sides of the pool building and features various forms of sea life. The town council approved a contract in March to Canvas Sky, LC.

The mural and associated expenses had been estimated to cost $7,200 ($600 material costs by artists, $200 attributed to miscellaneous, and $500 in travel expenses), according to Canvas Sky.

Gulden said, "This (mural) will be paid for 100 percent by Community Legacy funds, so no tax dollars will be used on this project. It is a significant project." The mural is valued at $35 thousand to $40 thousand.