MINUTES
CULTURE, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
JANUARY 24, 2008
DRAFT
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Town Hall. Present were Commission members Linda Johnson, Chair; David Bush, Karen Cortes, Noreen Kuziak, Mark Liljedahl, John Pendergast, Harry Ryan, BOS liaison Bob Hensley, and Director of Culture, Parks and Recreation, Gerry Toner. Guests in attendance were representatives of the Simsbury Homeowners Advocating Responsible Expansion (SHARE) and Save our Simsbury (SOS).
II. MINUTES
Harry Ryan made a motion, seconded by John Pendergast, and passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the November 29 Special Meeting.
III. WEBSITE ADVERTISING POLICY
Linda Johnson asked Gerry Toner to discuss the background and expectations of the Special Revenue Fund, and how it related to soliciting advertising on the Department's website. Gerry went over the background of the fund, the expectation that it be self-sustaining, and the recent challenges with higher costs that were being faced. Linda then talked about the need for sponsorships to make programs like Simsbury Celebrates possible.
Marv Negrin (SHARE) stated that his group was aware that no harm was intended by placing the Konover ad on the website. He felt that the advertiser should not be able to utilize a hyperlink, and that a policy was needed. Alan Needham (SOS) felt that access to potentially undesirable links is a concern and that a policy was needed. Jay Bailey (SHARE) stated that residents of Simsbury benefit greatly from the recreation department offerings and understands the need for funding. He gave the background of SHARE and indicated that links were not their concern, but the nature of the current ad.
John Pendergast asked for confirmation that the Konover ad did not provide direct access to the River Oaks link.
Alan Needham asked Gerry Toner about the rink board advertising policy and conditions that were placed on advertisers.
David Bush stated that this situation has caused a greater reaction than necessary. He indicated that an individual is required to make two affirmative steps to reach the River Oaks link, as opposed to a reactionary response.
David Bush made a motion, and Linda Johnson seconded, that the concept of a website advertising policy be passed back to the Board of Selectmen for further discussion and direction. The motion passed unanimously.
IV. SIX YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Gerry distributed the proposed six year capital improvement plan to be submitted for consideration in the FY 08/09 budget. Gerry explained that Richard Sawitzke, Director of Capital Projects had given him some updated cost estimates on the Simsbury Farms Road project that increased the cost somewhat. The Commission was encouraged that proposed projects were being given consideration in the next two years. David Bush made a motion, and Mary Liljedahl seconded, that the six year Capital Improvement Plan be endorsed and submitted in the proposed form. The motion passed unanimously.
V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Harry Ryan nominated Linda Johnson for chairman, and David Bush seconded. The vote was 5 in favor, with one abstention. Linda Johnson nominated David Bush for vice-chairman, and John Pendergast seconded. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gerard G. Toner
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