Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - 4/26/2018

TOWN OF SIMSBURY – CULTURE, PARKS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION

Subject to Vote of Approval – Regular Meeting Minutes – Thursday, April 26, 2018 – 1.5 pages

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by David Bush, Chairman, in the main meeting room of Town Hall. Other commission members who were present included Dennis Fallon, Lori Coppinger, Gerry Wetjen, Kelly Kearney, Dennis Fallon, Bill Mullen, Gerry Post and Steve Spalla. The C. P. & R. Director, Gerry Toner, was also in attendance.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

One change was made to the March 8, 2018 Special Meeting Minutes. In the “New Business” section, in the second item listed, Mr. Kearney’s name will be replaced with Mr. Bush’s name. The sentence will now read: “Mr. Wetjen and Mr. Bush volunteered to be on a special recruitment panel for a new C. P. & R. Director.” Mr. Bush declared the minutes approved—as corrected—and requested that they be put on record.

Friends of Simsbury Farms – Report

The FoSF Charitable Golf Event will take place on Friday, June 22, 2018. It will begin at 12:30 p.m. There are already four principle sponsors and corporate matches.

Parks/Fields Trash Removal Policy – Referral from BOS

Mr. Toner distributed a memo with two parts. The first, dated April 27, 2017, is titled, “Proposal – Parks/Athletic Field Trash Removal.” The second, dated April 26, 2018, details the history of town’s July 1, 2017 carry-in, carry-out trash removal policy. Numerous complaints have been voiced, especially by users of the Ironhorse Playground. Mr. Toner noted that overall, the policy has been successful. Even though trash cans are no longer present, P & R staff still check safety and cleanliness in all town parks several times a week. After a careful discussion, Mr. Bush made a motion to maintain the town’s carry-in, carry-out trash removal policy as-is. Mr. Fallon seconded the motion. Mr. Kearney opposed the motion, noting the special circumstances of the Ironhorse Playground area. All other board members were in favor. The motion passed. This issue will be listed as an agenda item for the next two C. P. & R. Commission meetings.

Proposed Natural Gas Line Installation – Simsbury Farms

Mr. Toner distributed a March 20, 2018 email that he received from Michael Borea of Connecticut Natural Gas, titled “Simsbury Farms and Recreation Propane Usage.” It compared the annual savings that SF could expect if it converted from propane to natural gas. Transition costs could be between $6000 to $8000, even though the natural gas company would pay for running the lines to the Farms. While no savings would be seen in the first year, significant savings could be seen in years to come. The gas company will need a six to eight week notice to start, and three to four weeks to install. Mr. Toner recommended an early September installation.

Director Job Search – Status

Mr. Bush reported that 29 applications were received for the C. P. & R Director’s position. He and town manager, Maria Capriola, chose six candidates to interview. These candidates were interviewed by an internal town panel, as well as a professional panel, which included C. P. & R directors from Glastonbury, South Windsor, and Suffield. Both panels scored the candidates and agreed upon the same two finalists. During the second week of May each finalist will have full day interviews with the Board of Selectmen, the C. P. & R Commission, and top town officials. The start date for the new director is expected to be in mid-June.

Capital Projects - Update

Mr. Toner distributed a one-page report, titled “Park Improvements: FY 2017/2018.” The SF equipment wash-down facility is finished and in use. The golf course/park maintenance facility has a new generator and a repaired access road. Memorial Park repairs and Town Forest Park parking lot paving have been completed. A contractor has been chosen to build the new SF basketball courts. Any fill that is dug up during this project will be used to reconstruct tees at the golf course. The basketball courts are expected to be finished by mid-July.

Old Business. None.

New Business. Golf Course Tee Time Reservation Policy. Mr. Toner presented a one-page “Revision to Tee Time Policy” written by John Verrengia, PGA Golf Professional at SF. This new policy is an attempt to better utilize the in-line tee time system for both weekday and weekend play. Board members felt that this new approach should be tried. It will be in effect tomorrow and listed as an agenda item for review at the next C. P. & R Commission meeting.

Mr. Kearney mentioned that several individuals found green #2 quite difficult to play. Mr. Wetjen acknowledged that it is a known problem. It will require a full day to repair the upper level crown.

Mr. Toner distributed the 2018 Simsbury C. P. & R Summer Program Guide, and the new full color, two-sided publicity card for the Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex.

Adjournment

Mr. Wetjen made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Mullen seconded the motion. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

Next Meeting
The next Regular Meeting of the C. P. & R. Commission will be on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 7 p.m. in the main meeting room of Town Hall.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorrie McElligott

Commission Clerk