SIMSBURY FARMS COMPLEX COMMITTEE
Minutes of the October 12, 2006 Meeting
Present: Holly Crowther, David Dell, Dick Holden, Erwin Marques, John Ritson, Tom West
Staff: Gerry Toner, Director / Culture Parks and Recreation
Guest: John Hampton, Board of Selectmen
Chairman Tom West convened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. The minutes of the September 14, 2006 meeting were approved as submitted.
Simsbury Farms Improvements
The Golf Club House was recently re-stained and painted after the Culture, Parks and Recreation Department received 3 bids for the work. The low bidder was ADCO of Bloomfield, Connecticut. The final phase of the paving project of lots and roads will be completed before the end of the October. Additional paving of cart paths on various golf holes will continue through November. The Men’s Club donated some equipment to the Course Superintendent, Mike Wallace, which has enabled him to do more work in-house.
The tent has been power washed and the continuing problem with the toilet facilities in the Men’s Rooms is being investigated. Tile in the Women’s Rooms will be replaced where the old floor meets the new floor.
The contract with the restaurant concessionaire is expected to be renewed with minor changes in the contract regarding payment of utilities. A 4-year contract is possible and would be desirable.
Golf Course Revenue and Usage
The fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. The SF budget was balanced using the fund surplus. Nearly $30,000 of revenue was lost in June due to poor weather. Rounds were down in every month. The committee felt there were many reasons including new courses in the area and very poor weather this summer. David Dell, PGA professional, noted that this summer was among the worst in recent memory with several weekends being completely washed out due to rain. Poor weekend weather contributed to a downturn in non-resident play, although weekday non-resident play held steady. Seasonal specials and the value card boosted revenue. The committee emphasized the need to consider new promotions wherever possible and to building the ListServ for the course to advertise specials more effectively.
Dick Holden presented a “to do” list for the Golf Course. It was agreed that these items could be discussed with Gerry Toner and Course Superintendent Mike Wallace without the entire committee’s involvement.
Pool revenues were up approximately $20,000 due to an increase in pass sales and swim lessons.
6-Year Capital Improvement Plan
After a meeting with First Selectman Tom Vincent, Tom West told the committee that renovations to the Main Building at the Farms were planned for FY 2010-11. The Maintenance Facility project (moving of the building, installation of the access road) was in the Capital Plan for FY 2008-09 barring a major change in the 6-Year plan. No funding was available in the current fiscal year and there is a freeze on any new capital projects for FY 2007-08 due to the Library project and renovations to Tariff Ville School.
Selectman John Hampton was asked about the impact of the purchase of the Ethel Walker property on the Capital Plan. He responded that he believed the impact would be minimal. John Ritson noted that there would be much competition for available funds.
New Business
Gerry Toner discussed the restructuring of the tennis program which resulted in increasing revenues fro 2005 to 2006.
John Ritson reviewed the findings of an energy audit regarding the use of propane at the Farms. The Farms uses about 20% of the Town’s supply and the Town has negotiated a price of $ .33 above cost – a very good rate. This vendor supplies all of the Town’s propane and it doesn’t matter whether they fill a large or a small tank, the price remains the same. John concluded that the Farms was in the best position possible.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m.
Holly Crowther
| 
