FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- Energy efficiency has been a priority in Fairview Park for years. Director of Public Service and Development Shawn Leininger said recently that completed projects include new HVAC equipment, a boiler, and a water tower and chiller at City Hall, as well as the addition of LED lighting throughout various buildings.

Now the city will have more money to use toward such efforts after recently receiving a $70,000 Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) grant for energy efficiency and/or energy infrastructure projects in the community.

"We haven't yet determined how we're going to use it," Leininger said. "We're currently evaluating different projects we can apply it towards that would qualify."

Fairview Community Development Planner Monica Rossiter said the city can use the funds toward solar energy, lighting, energy-efficient doors, windows and roof improvements, which have to be completed by the end of the year.

"We're given a lot of wiggle room to work with," Rossiter said. "It's not very specific. Ultimately, it's up to the city with City Council and NOPEC approval."

Current projects being considered include roof needs at the senior center and a service department garage. Another option is to use the grant toward the estimated $1.5 million price tag to fix the Gemini Center's leaking natatorium roof.

"I think initially right now, you're probably looking at other options than the Gemini Center roof," Leininger said. "It would be nice to put this grant elsewhere in the city infrastructure."

Speaking of the natatorium issue, last week City Council approved $90,000 for the design of the roof replacement.

"We're starting the design a little bit later than we hoped, but we'd like to get it done this year," Leininger said. "We need to advance the design a little bit to see where we're at. It'll be a several-month project.

"In terms of shutting the pool down, everything we know so far about what we need to do there we believe we can keep the pool open during construction. However, there will be a few points during the process where the pool had to be shut down temporarily for a day or two at a time."

Already, the city spent $5,900 for a 2016 Construction Resources study, which when presented last year recommended replacing the 10-year-old roof that spans the natatorium and a portion of the fitness area.

Leininger said the Gemini Center's leaking natatorium roof involves warm air getting into the wall cavity, turning into condensation and leaking into the natatorium.

Considering the popular venue is only a decade old, the city is exploring its legal options. City Council approved spending upward of $56,000 to hire The Vickers Group to further examine the issue.

"The legal issue is still pending with City Council as part of their executive session," Leininger said.