Town of Simsbury - Simsbury Farms Complex Committee

The regular meeting of the Culture, Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:30 pm in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were Commission Members Dave Bush, Joe Grace, Noreen Kuziak, Mary Liljedahl, Harry Ryan, and Director of Culture, Parks & Recreation, Gerry Toner.

Mary Liljedhal made a motion, seconded by Joe Grace, and passed unanimously by the Culture, Parks, & Recreation Commission to approve the Minutes of April 26, 2007.

Gerry Toner showed a draft to the CP&R members of a tri-fold brochure that will be sent to residents that lists highlights of the Farms Complex. The brochure gives details about the Complex and will be beneficial to new residents in Town that are not familiar with the Farms.

Gerry distributed a copy (Addendum I) of a business card for the Simsbury Farms Golf Course that will be given in quantity to area hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, restaurants, etc. The businesses will present these to people frequenting their establishments and then can be redeemed for Golf Course resident rates and 10% off items at the Pro Shop. These are a one-time use card.

It was explained how these will be recorded, and it was suggested the cards be numbered for each business.

Gerry reminded all that the ads are continuing to run in the Yankee Flyer and a golf course ad has run in the golf section of The Hartford Courant.

The mailing that was sent to the members of the Chamber of Commerce explaining the history of the Complex will also be run as a news release.

Harry Ryan made a motion, seconded by Joe Grace and passed unanimously to approve the Marketing Plan as described by Culture, Parks & Recreation Director, Gerry Toner.

Gerry reported that revenue-to-date for Golf Season Passes was at $106,345 which is about $17,000 off from last year. However, revenue received for green fees was up $18,000 to date.

Dave Bush stated that Attilio's Restaurant did a great job for the Mother's Day breakfast crowd. It was commented Attilio needs to advertise the restaurant hours better. Gerry stated that the restaurant was now open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings for dinner.

Gerry Toner updated CP&R Commission members stating the construction of the challenge course was now complete. They are now in the phase of working on the operation of the course.

People who are certified in the instruction of the course are now being interviewed, and staff training will begin in June.

The Simsbury Farms Challenge Course Proposed Fee Schedule (Addendum II) was distributed to members. Gerry explained price comparisons were done with the Town of Manchester, Newington, Windsor, and Hartford.

Gerry also explained the number of staff required for the course will range from two to five depending on the Low & High Elements that people register for. Initial feedback on the new course has been good.

Noreen Kuziak made a motion, seconded by Harry Ryan, and passed unanimously by the CP&R Commission to approve the Simsbury Farms Challenge Course Fees as presented.

The Swimming Season Pass Comparison Report (Addendum III) was distributed showing to-date 24 more family passes were sold. Gerry said the pools will open June 16th.

Gerry reviewed the Summer Camp Enrollment Report (Addendum IV). Some camps are already at full capacity. Numbers to-date are off compared to last year but registrations are still coming in. Gerry stated he will have final camp enrollment numbers at the next CP&R meeting.

Dave Bush and Mary Liljedahl reported they are finalizing questions for the Youth Sports groups, and they will e-mail these to CP&R Commission members for review and input.

The Sub-Committee will report more information at the next CP&R Commission meeting.

Gerry Toner reminded everyone that the CP&R Commission needs two additional members. One person from each political party is required.

The next CP&R Commission meeting will be held June 28th at Attilio's Restaurant.

The Culture, Parks & Recreation Commission adjourned the meeting at 8:30 pm.