In December, the college announced that the decision was being weighed by its administration to keep the pool open. Should the pool close, the college has said the space could be remodeled into locker locker rooms and a dance and fitness studio space.

“Basically, at this point I think there are … two key points that will determine whether or not the pool is closed,” said Susan Hahn, an organizer of the meeting. “One is cost, and the other one is usage.”

She created an online petition to keep the pool that now has 250 signatures and more than 100 comments.

At the meeting, community members floated suggestions for the pool’s continued operation such as hiring an aquatic director, petitioning state lawmakers, expanding the pool’s hours, paying more for membership, fundraising for a new pump and attracting sports teams and events to bring in revenue.

In addition to workshopping possible solutions, attendees were encouraged to write letters to college administration and attend NCCC’s Board of Trustees meeting at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25.

NCCC Communications Director Chris Knight said NCCC President Steve Tyrell will discuss the pool in his report to the Board of Trustees during the meeting. Public comment is allowed at NCCC board meetings with the rule that people sign in and limit their comments to five minutes per speaker.

The 41-year-old pool costs the college more than $50,000 annually to operate and maintain. Necessary repairs to the pool, including pumps, motors and equipment could cost the college more than $100,000, according to a December NCCC press release. Though these figures are estimates – the college has hired a consultant to get more accurate numbers.

“We obtained a consultant to assist us in completing a full assessment of the infrastructure needs,” NCCC President Tyrell wrote in an email to Hahn, which she relayed at the meeting. “What needs to be replaced and what needs to be upgraded so that the equipment can remain functional. … We are hopeful that the final outcome is a win-win for all stakeholders vested with this important issue.”

Knight said he will release a survey this week to gauge community support for the pool.

In a December press release, the college cited the rehab cost, lack of usage and trouble finding lifeguards as the primary reasons for considering to close the pool.

NCCC employees present at the meeting disputed some of these points, saying that the low use numbers often come from users not signing in to use the pool.

“Because I work there, I know what’s going on,” said Justyna Babcock. “And I have about 20 to 40 people a day. Sometimes it’s 50.”

Other attendees said these problems are connected since the lack of use comes from the limited hours – the pool is often only open from 10 a.m. or noon to 4 p.m.

“If you were go to a (YMCA) … their hours are packed from five in the morning until eight,” said Diane Litynski, a business professor at Paul Smith’s College. “If your costs and your expenses are so high, then maybe there’s a way to make a better revenue model.”

Lifeguards at the session agreed on the point of morning hours – as lifeguarding is often a side-gig.

“The biggest problem is the hours, because we have other jobs,” Megan McCone said. “If there were early morning hours at North Country, I would be able to guard there as well, but from 10 to 2, I’m working.”

Others, who said they’ve been swimming at the pool for decades, pointed to a lack of direct administration, saying that hiring an aquatic director to plan events and manage the pool might solve the college’s problems.

“When you talk about programs and things there, the staff that’s there now has very little interest in aquatics,” said Tom Kilroy, a 40-year pool user. “They need to get an aquatic director – someone that’s familiar setting up programs, bringing people in.”

Jim Grant said he’s been using the pool for 30 years, and has seen it packed in the past.

“I’ve seen that place so crowded that you couldn’t get in to do laps and I think it can be that way again,” Grant said. “What’s the difference between then and now? I think it’s the difference of having an aquatic director.”

Debbie Young said she’s been using the pool since 1986, and addressed its necessity for public health.

“My big thing too is health and safety for the people in this community,” Young said. “Because there are a lot of people including myself who use this pool for rehabbing orthopedic issues.”

She said that having the pool as a resource for swimming lessons was a must in a region inundated with lakes, rivers and ponds.

“When you’ve got a college that’s got the word ‘community’ in it, then it’s got to serve the community somehow,” Young said. “I think every one of us needs to, if you haven’t already, send an email to President Tyrell, but also copy it to the Board of (Trustees).”

Franklin County District 7 Legislator Lindy Ellis raised the point of organization – citing other times community members have worked together to solve issues.

“Are you willing to merge your talents to raise funds for whatever could be set aside for whenever that pump does go?” Ellis said. “That could be a good influencing factor.”

To see the petition, visit www.ipetitions.com/petition/ncccpool.