These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes, please contact the Town Clerk's Office.
MINUTES
CULTURE, PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
DECEMBER 2, 2004
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Culture, Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:40 P.M. Present were Commission Members Dave Bush, Noreen Kuziak, Mary Liljedahl, Harry Ryan, and Director of Culture, Parks & Recreation, Gerry Toner.
II. MINUTES/CORRESPONDENCE
The Minutes of October 28, 2004 will be voted on at the next CP&R Commission meeting. It was reported there was no correspondence.
III. FARMINGTON VALLEY GREENWAY
Steve Noble gave an update on the greenway to the CP&R Commission members. Showing a map of the greenway, he explained it runs from East Granby to the Avon town line.
The Board of Selectmen recently voted to proceed with completing sections of the greenway, and authorized bonding of $400,000 has been given. Simsbury will apply for their portion of this funding for approximately $132,000.
Steve showed on the map the completed multipurpose trails and identified the hiking trails as being the Metacomet Trail in Tariffville (part of a 3-trail system running from Long Island Sound to Madanock, New Hampshire), the Saddle Ridge trail (purchased by the Land Trust), the Great Pond area, and off Ironhorse Blvd. Smaller trails not identified on the map are in the Ethel Walker area and Town Forest.
Steve explained he gave his “wish list” for completing sections to the Planning Commission for the POD. His first priority is to finish the Metacomet Trail in Tariffville.
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It is possible the work and completion of open pieces could begin next year.
The CP&R Commission told Steve to let them know if the Commission can help in the process in any way.
IV. THE FARMS RESTAURANT UPDATE
Dave Bush gave an update to members about the meetings that took place with him, Linda Johnson, and the sub-committee for the Complex Commission.
Discussions took place regarding the problems with the restaurant vendor, and everyone was in agreement on the issues. Harry Ryan attended the Complex Commission meeting where it was voted on that an RFP be put out for new vendor proposals.
CP&R members discussed items they thought should be included in the RFP, such as, management expected to be on site at all times, hours of operation, level of service and restaurant team, and advance menu approval.
Gerry Toner explained the RFP could go out prior to month end, and hopefully have a contract signed by the end of January with a restaurant opening by March 1st or sooner. Gerry also stated there has been interest in the site.
Dave Bush said a vote could not take place due to their not being a quorum, however, he wanted noted for the record that the CP&R Commission supports moving forward on the restaurant and thinks putting out an RFP is a good idea.
V. GENERAL REPORT
Gerry Toner reported the numbers given were through October of this year and were up over last year.
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Implementing weekday specials was key in this, and it was stated the average outing netted $3,700 per event.
Season pass revenue was down in large part because last year the pass for holders was at break-even.
On the maintenance side, Gerry stated Mike Wallace has done a great job and was able to get the maximum out of dollars given. He also had the ability to come up with a master plan and pull it together. From a “PR” standpoint, golfers saw work and improvements taking place.
Dave Bush wanted to know how to get Mike under contract so as not to lose him. Gerry said a union position does not typically enter into a contract, but he would talk to the Town attorney on this matter.
The skating rink is doing well to date and rentals are up. Lessons have been down and this is reported to be everywhere. Youth hockey has the rink rented on Saturdays from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Saturday public skate is now 6:15-8:15 pm and Sunday public skate is still 1:00-3:15 pm.
VI. SIMSBURY CELEBRATES! 2004
Linda Johnson was at the last meeting of the above event and could not attend the CP&R Commission meeting to give the final update.
Members shared views on the event, and it was stated this event had done better than last year. One concern mentioned was the buildings hosting the venues are not large enough to accommodate the large crowds.
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VII. OTHER BUSINESS
The next CP&R Commission meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 20, 2005.
Congratulations to Gerry Toner and his wife on the addition of their baby girl.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The CP&R Commission members adjourned the meeting at 9:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Lungarini
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