A simmering dispute over the future of the Hatfield Community Aquatic Center’s volunteer advisory board boiled over Wednesday night, as residents, longtime volunteers and a township commissioner sharply criticized a decision by the board majority to “pause” the group — while township leaders insisted the move is temporary.
During an extended public comment period, multiple members of the pool advisory board described the decision as abrupt, dismissive and damaging to community engagement. The Democratic majority includes Commissioners President Jennifer LoStracco, a six-year resident of the township first elected in November 2023; Commissioners Vice President Shahidul Partha, a 10-year Hatfield resident, first elected in November 2023; and Commissioner Karla D'Alessio, freshly-elected in November and a resident for 34 years.
The Pool Advisory Board is composed of citizen appointees from both Hatfield Township and Hatfield Borough, who consider policies and issues related to the Hatfield Community Aquatic Center. According to the township website, commissioners appoint four of the seven members of the board to a four-year term. The Borough appoints the remaining three seats.
Pool Advisory Board President Becky McHenry, a township resident since 1997, said the announcement came at the end of a recent meeting and felt more like a shutdown than a pause.
“I’m not really quite sure what ‘pause’ means in this context, but at the end of the day, ‘dissolved’ feels more accurate,” she said, adding that volunteers were told the committee was “non-essential” and would no longer receive complimentary pool passes.
“None of us volunteer on this committee expecting pool passes… it is absolutely not why we give to this community,” McHenry said, calling the tone of the conversation “very dismissive” and saying it left her feeling “deeply unappreciated.”
Other speakers echoed that frustration while defending the board’s role.
Jennifer Ahern, a more than decade-long member and pool advisory board secretary, described the advisory group as “a bridge between the community, the commissioners, and the Hatfield Aquatic Center staff,” noting its involvement in safety improvements, policy input, staffing discussions and operations.
“Our goal has always been to help ensure that the aquatic center remains a safe, affordable, and enjoyable place for all of our residents,” she said.
Borough resident Owen Wilcox called the move “a slap in the face” at a time when civic engagement is already declining, while longtime volunteer Sandy Musoleno stressed the board’s role in “promoting transparency, community input, safety, and oversight,” urging commissioners to engage directly with volunteers rather than sideline them.
"Historically, the board fostered a strong, supportive community among Hatfield commissioners, though that sense of support changed after our most recent meeting," she said. "In Hatfield Township, we're fortunate to be guided by five commissioners, each contributing a vital piece of our shared conversation. At this moment, we've had the chance to hear from two of those voices. And we encourage all commissioners to come forward, join a pool advisory board meeting, and engage in these important conversations with your neighbors."
Musoleno encouraged commissioners to "be optimistic" as they make future decisions on the advisory board and pool.
"After all, each of you was chosen to be an independent voice, a collaborative voice serving the township not through politics, but through community spirit," she said.
The sharpest criticism came from Republican Commissioner Gerald Andris, who directly challenged the board majority’s handling of the situation and the characterization of the pool as non-essential.
“This is not how volunteer boards… should be treated,” Andris said, adding, “The Hatfield Pool is an essential service to our community.”
He accused fellow commissioners of effectively disbanding the advisory board and questioned the reasoning behind the decision, noting the pool’s long history of community collaboration and calling it a “top-10 pool in Pennsylvania.”
"(Commissioner) Karla (D'Alessio) suggested the current PAC members could get together as a friend group to provide input. To whom, I’m not sure," he said. "Karla declared the Hatfield pool is a non-essential service. I certainly disagree "
"Karla stated the Hatfield Aquatic Center is one of the township’s true gems and said she was proud to support its construction. She also stated she would partner with the pool advisory board to ensure the facility remains a wonderful place for residents of all ages to enjoy. Karla’s most recent actions and statements say otherwise," Andris said. "I’m not sure where Karla was during the pool construction. However, I was a Hatfield Township commissioner in 2006 and voted in favor of the initiative to demolish the old pool and build a new one for the entire community."
Andris furthered accused D'Alessio of stating that "families should bear the burden and expense of closing the annual operating deficit."
"In an email, Karla stated she would recommend to her fellow board members — and it is unclear whether she meant the PAC or this board — that a new PAC chair be appointed, given the existing chair’s term expired in 2025," he said.
Andris also raised concerns about eliminating volunteer perks and the lack of a clear structure moving forward; he warned that removing the board could weaken communication between residents and township staff.
"Our Hatfield staff is outstanding. John Taylor is an excellent leader. Our approach to member safety is second to none. The PAC has provided invaluable input to ensure the pool remains a destination for families seeking a fun day on a hot day," Andris said. "Young members of our community working at the Hatfield Pool gain confidence, work experience, and learn teamwork day in and day out to ensure an outstanding experience for residents."
"It is not my intention to bring unwanted press coverage to Hatfield Township," he said during the meeting. "However, because of what I view as disregard for the existing PAC and its members by the commissioners’ majority, it is my responsibility to advocate for what I believe is best for Hatfield Township."
Township leaders pushed back on the characterization, emphasizing that no final decision has been made.
Commissioner Tom Zipfel thanked volunteers and acknowledged their contributions, calling their commitment “a real commitment to the township.”
"We don’t want any of you to ever leave this room without realizing that you are fully appreciated. We always joke that volunteers are a little crazy and a little committed — and that’s a good combination, a great combination," Zipfel said. "Our township is made up of so many volunteers. I’m not sure where we’re at with this, but we will continue our conversations and certainly take your comments tonight under advisement."
LoStracco reiterated that the advisory board has only been paused, not eliminated.
“We haven’t made any changes besides a pause on the pool advisory board, and that is just a pause,” she said, adding that officials are reviewing contracts and considering a potential reorganization.
"We might change the structure after we review all of our contracts, and we’ll go from there in May," LoStracco said.
When pressed by Andris on how the pool will be managed in the interim, LoStracco said the township would “have more information in May” after evaluating structure and operations.
"In a pause moment, I want to know how we are going to govern or manage the pool," Andris said. "The contract for the pool ended last year in September, so there has not been an operative contract since then. I’m not sure what has changed from then until now to say we’re pausing."
The exchange highlighted a broader divide over governance of the popular aquatic center, often described by residents as a cornerstone community asset. While volunteers framed the advisory board as a vital conduit for feedback and collaboration, township officials signaled a shift toward reevaluating how that input is structured.
In a statement Friday morning, Township Manager Aaron Bibro sought to strike a conciliatory tone, emphasizing that the facility remains fully supported by staff and leadership.
“The Hatfield Aquatic Center is fully funded, fully staffed, and maintained and managed by Township staff,” Bibro said, adding that officials “embrace disagreements and encourage debate” as part of improving operations.
For now, the future of the advisory board remains uncertain, with township officials expected to revisit the issue in May — leaving volunteers and residents watching closely to see whether the “pause” becomes something more permanent.
