These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes, please contact the Town Clerk's Office.
MINUTES
CULTURE, PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
OCTOBER 28, 2004
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Culture, Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:35 P.M. Present were Chairman Linda Johnson, Commission Members Dave Bush, Joe Grace, Mary Liljedahl, and Harry Ryan.
II. REPORT – IRON HORSE BAND SHELL
Richard Sawitzke, Town of Simsbury Engineer, reported on the band shell. The groundbreaking ceremony was scheduled for Friday, October 29th. Richard distributed to the CP&R members the project description and developmental stages of the band shell (Addendum I).
Richard stated currently funding is available for the basic facility (Phase I). Detailed maps of the stage, shell, seating area, etc. were shown and explained. The concrete, raised stage (up four feet from ground level) will be approximately 3,000 square feet. This will hold a full symphony and a choral back up. The site will be slightly graded with a grassed seating area and a seating area in front of the stage seating approximately 975 people. This area could be covered in bad weather. The groups utilizing the facilities provide utilities, stage lighting, and a sound system.
Phase II features added would be a “coffered” interior ceiling for acoustics and to keep birds out, a full electric system for show lighting and sound, underground utilities, complete landscaping and more.
Dependent on funding of Phase III, options would include an additional 4,700 square feet of dressing rooms, bathrooms (private and public), storage, a Meadows sales office, and “fairground” parking.
A question and answer discussion took place and the following information was reported. The current parking site accommodates approximately 140 spots. The downtown area has an additional 2,000 spaces, and an additional 500 spaces would be added in the “fairground” parking (Phase III) in the adjacent back fields.
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CULTURE, PARKS & RECREATION
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Richard stated the band shell area can basically run itself for up to attendance of 2,000. The groups using it take care of set up, lighting, sound, take down, etc. Attendance above 6,000 requires police and traffic controls.
Events scheduled/permitted are currently done through the First Selectmen’s office. Volunteers of the Talcott Mountain Music Festival take care of maintenance, etc. during their events.
It was asked who would take care of future management, maintenance, etc. Richard said they are hoping the Hartford Symphony would “step-up” to this job, or outside groups can be hired. Richard Sawitzke reported the Symphony is in its’ 3rd year of a 5-year agreement with the Town.
Fundraising has been done through the First Selectmen’s office, the Talcott Mountain Music Festival’s fundraising company, and a state grant of $650,000 was given.
St. Mary’s will still use the area for their future carnivals.
Richard explained this performing arts facility fits in with the P.O.D. for the Culture, Parks, & Recreation Commission. He stated the Town master plans that were done a while ago could be shared with the CP&R members.
III. SIMSBURY FARMS RESTAURANT UPDATE
Marty Pushkarewicz, owner of the Farms Restaurant, scheduled to be at the CP&R meeting, was not available to attend. Dave Bush gave a summary to the CP&R Commission members of the meeting held October 19th with the Farms Complex Committee and the CP&R Sub-Committee.
Mixed feedback has been received about the restaurant, and suggestions of improvement that were brought to the attention of Marty had not been put in place (printed lunch & kid’s menu, etc.).
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OCTOBER 28, 2004
Dave Bush proposed another meeting to be held with Marty Pushkarewicz, Tom West, and Gerry Toner to discuss the future of the restaurant.
IV. SIMSBURY CELEBRATES!
Linda Johnson gave an update to the Commission members of the November 27th event. She showed members a copy of the program to be printed that includes added events since last year. She reported the WHCN 105.9 radio station will be set up and located at Fitzgerald’s for the evening.
To date, approximately $12,000 has been raised, and this is ahead of where they were last year.
Linda distributed a volunteer schedule to the CP&R members, and expressed the importance of members helping with the event’s festivities.
V. MINUTES – 9/28/04
Dave Bush made a motion, seconded by Joe Grace, and passed unanimously to approve the Minutes of September 28, 2004.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
Linda Johnson said she received notice of the Charter Revision Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 10th. Any CP&R Commission member who is interested in attending should notify Linda.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The CP&R Commission members unanimously adjourned the meeting at 9:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Lungarini
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