Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - 07/25/2013
SIMSBURY CULTURE, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order in the Town Hall Main Meeting Room at 7:30 p.m.. In attendance were Chairman David Bush, Harry Ryan, Steve Spalla, Gerry Wetjen, Bill Mullen, Marc Lubetkin, Gerry Post, and Gerry Toner.
Minutes – April, June meeting
The April minutes were approved with changes noted by Mr. Wetjen. The June meeting minutes were unanimously approved.
Eagle Scout Project Proposal – Ryan Weathers
Ryan Weathers presented his proposed Eagle Scout project to the Commission. The project involves trail repairs and renovation to a section of the Fitness Trail at Simsbury Farms. The Commission approved the project with the condition that Ryan meets with Conservation Officer Howard Beach for approval on this project.
Memorial Pool Study – Marc Lubetkin
A special meeting will be set up in August at the Memorial Pool to discuss the proposal.
Golf Pro Contract – Recommendation
The current contract with Golf Professional John Verrengia expires this year. Mr. Verrengia has met with Gerry Toner and First Selectman Mary Glassman regarding an extension to the current agreement. The new contract would be for five years and would include a lease agreement for the fleet of 45 golf carts that Mr. Verrengia leases to the Town. Other proposed changes to the contract were discussed.
A motion was made by Harry Ryan and seconded by Gerry Wetjen that the contract extension be recommended to the Board of Selectmen for approval with changes to the contract language on instruction and insurance limits. The motion passed unanimously.
2013/14 Ice Rink Rates
The rates for the ice rink for the 2013/14 season were discussed. In most cases, the rental rates and public skating fees had not changed in the past 4 years. It was noted that overall rink revenues have declined while additional administrative costs were being added to the Special Revenue Fund. Rental fees and general admission fees for other rink facilities were also solicited. After lengthy discussion, the attached recommendations were made for fee increases for the upcoming season. It was also noted that similar to the golf course, staff must have the flexibility to offer special rates at times that are difficult to attract users.
The motion was made by Bill Mullen, seconded by Gerry Wetjen, and passed unanimously.
Golf Course Business Plan
Following the recent meeting with the Board of Finance, Gerry Wetjen put together a business plan for the Simsbury Farms Golf Course. The plan is comprehensive and includes a plan to address future improvements at the course in order for the facility to remain competitive. The Commission expressed their appreciation to Mr. Wetjen for the work that he put into this plan. They also requested that the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee place the plan on their September meeting agenda to review and make recommendations on the business plan. Mr. Wetjen agreed to present the plan at their next meeting.
A motion was made and passed to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gerard G. Toner