Family troubled by Plaza Pool restrictions

What one family is calling discrimination, Alpena County is calling a safety issue.

On Tuesday, the Alpena County Board of Commissioners heard from 67-year-old Paula Schimmel, a swimmer at Plaza Pool with a medical condition that has led to restrictions on her swimming privileges at the pool.

Schimmel has been diagnosed with limbic encephalitis, which causes involuntary tremors and can cause memory impairment.

Three lifeguards evaluated Schimmel's swimming ability and decided she should be relegated to the shallow end of the pool.

Schimmel said swimming at the pool is a social outlet for her and she hopes bringing her issue to attention will prevent similar action against other swimmers.

"I don't want this to ever happen to anyone again," she said.

Schimmel's daughter, Kathleen Borowski, said they would like to see a paper trail that justifies her mother's treatment.

"We would like some documentation as to why she was banned from the pool," Borowski said.

She said they also would like to know the criteria to pass the swim observation, what the evaluators saw to warrant restricting Schimmel to the shallow end, and when she can take the test again.

Commissioner Mark Hall said the issue has not met a conclusion, and it make take some time to reach one.

"We have not dropped the issue. We continue to evaluate the issue and we see it as a safety concern," Hall said.

He said he will be talking to the three evaluators to discuss their decision on Schimmel.

Commissioner Lyle VanWormer said while there was some friction between Pool Director Brandy Norton and Schimmel and her family, he thought Norton and the pool staff have handled the situation appropriately.

Hall said any developments with the situation are run through the county's legal counsel, which he said is a standard procedure for this type of issue.

In other business;

• Treasurer Joelyn McCallum presented former office employee Diane Mitchell a plaque with a resolution passed by the county board, which thanks her for her service to the county.

Mitchell had worked in the equalization office and treasurer's office and also served as Sanborn Township treasurer. She had a total of 40 years of public service and retired in May.

• A letter will be sent to the Department of Natural Resources and Alpena County Road Commission to let the entities know the county is looking into adopting a state-approved ordinance for off-road vehicles.

The Michigan Legislature and Gov. Jennifer Granholm approved a bill that created universal rules for counties that adopt ordinances allowing ORVs to use the shoulder of the road.

After the letters are sent and public hearings are held, the county has the option of adopting the ordinance.

"(Sending the letters) is the first step for us to enact the ordinance," County Chairman Cameron Habermehl said.

• The board unanimously approved a resolution supporting Alpena Community College's millage renewal request.

Sean Harkins can be reached via e-mail at sharkins@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.