Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - 12/7/2017
TOWN OF SIMSBURY – CULTURE, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Subject to Vote of Approval – Regular Meeting Minutes – Thursday, December 7, 2017 – 1.5 pages
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the main meeting room of town hall by David Bush, chairman. Other commission members who were present included Gerry Wetjen, Bill Mullen, Sarah Cramer and Gerry Post. The C. P. & R. Director, Gerry Toner, and Selectman Chris Peterson, the new C. P. & R. Commission liaison, were also in attendance.
Minutes of Previous Meeting
No changes were made to the October 26, 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes. Mr. Bush declared the minutes approved, and requested that they be put on record.
Golf Course and Ice Rink Reports
Golf Course. Mr. Toner distributed a spreadsheet titled, “Simsbury Farms Golf Course Annual Income.” It compared 17 years of greens fees and rounds from March through December of 2000 to 2017. Figures were collected through the end of this November. There was an increase in outings this season. However, because of the late spring opening, rounds revenues were low. Mr. Bush praised the maintenance and the Pro Shop staff members for their continued excellence. The golf course officially closed yesterday.
Ice Rink. Mr. Toner handed out a 1-page spreadsheet titled, “Simsbury Farms Ice Rink Revenue Report: 2017-2018.” It compared 11 years of revenue from September through March of 2006 to 2017. Figures were collected through the end of this November. The rink opened about a week late because of warm weather. Opening revenues have been good. There has been an increase in small rental groups, and new ones are already scheduled for next year. All after-school time slots are booked for the entire season. Skating lessons have been popular. Public Skate revenues have been low, but are expected to pick up with colder temperatures. The new warming hut now has bleacher seating, and the old warming room has a new electric heating system.
Capital Projects – Report
Mr. Toner distributed a 1-page report titled, “Park Improvement Projects: FY 2017/18.” All projects listed are generally on time, on budget, and going along as planned. Update on the Lighting and Communications Upgrade Project at SF: Jeff Shea, the town engineer, is developing plans for the lighting upgrade. Rick Bazzano, the town data processing manager, has applied for fiber to be brought in from Farms Village Road to the entrance of SF for the communications upgrade. Wiring for both will be installed when trenches are dug in the spring.
Friends of Simsbury Farms – Report
Mr. Wetjen reported that a resident is in the process of setting up a charitable remainder trust to provide the FoSF with a steady monthly income. The Friends will provide up to $5,000 for a computerized moisture and weather detection system to be linked to the irrigation network at the golf course. They are also partnering with the SF Mens Club to finance a solar-powered aeration system for the pond on the sixteenth hole. In addition, a long-time town resident has offered a significant donation to the FoSF help fund a new basketball court at the Farms.
Simsbury Farms Basketball Court Project
A purchase order has been issued to do a survey, plans, and bid documents. The survey has been completed. The preliminary design is being worked on. It will go to the Conservation Commission in January. A bid will go out by late February. Construction will begin in April and last about six to eight weeks. The new court is expected to be finished by June, without lighting.
Old Business. None.
New Business. Mr. Bush welcomed our new Board of Selectman liaison, Chris Peterson, and gratefully acknowledged Mike Paine for his past service. He also welcomed and introduced the new First Selectmen, Eric Wellman. In addition, he expressed his sincere appreciation to commission members and to Mr. Toner.
Adjournment
Mr. Post made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Cramer seconded the motion. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Next Meeting
The next Regular Meeting of the C. P. & R. Commission will take place on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at the earlier time of 7:00 p.m. in the main meeting room of town hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorrie McElligott
Commission Clerk