MINUTES
CULTURE, PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
DECEMBER 1, 2005
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Culture, Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:30 P.M. Present were Chairman Linda Johnson, Commission Members, Dave Bush, Joe Grace, Mary Liljedahl, Chuck Nicol, Harry Ryan, Christine Sovik, and Director of Culture, Parks & Recreation, Gerry Toner.
II. GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE OPERATION – MIKE WALLACE
Mike Wallace gave a summary to the CP&R Commission members of the maintenance that occurred during the past year at the Farms Golf Course.
The golf season started at its normal time, but with a dry spell and over twenty days of 90 degree temperatures pumping water was the priority. Mid-October to the end of the season was the opposite being very wet.
Some of the work that had been done was a new storage shed was installed, pavers for the shed, vendor area, and leading to the tent were installed, and sign boards were put up for the tees at numbers 8 and 17.
Drainage had been cleaned between the third and fourth greens, and Mike said they are trying to bring this area back to its original condition. Wooden bridges on hole number 5 had been replaced, a new drain was installed at the 18th bunker, a new drain line put in at number 15, and two water fountains were added that were donated by the Men’s Club.
Mike explained this was the hardest grass growing season, but they are slowly moving forward, and his aim is to make progress each year.
Commission member, Dave Bush asked Mike what the top priority would be for next year. Mike said the drainage work on the 17th and 18th fairway.
Dave also asked what the plan would be for the right side of 11 and 14, and Mike said these would be side-seeded.
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Mike stated a new maintenance facility would be a top priority for his “wish” list.
Gerry Toner reported to the members that Mike Wallace was valuable in all areas, and had no hesitation in jumping in to help with other departments.
III. SIMSBURY FARMS COMPLEX COMMITTEE – TOM WEST
Tom West distributed to the CP&R Commission members the Simsbury Farms Capital Budget Summary (Addendum I).
Tom explained the $600,000 spent for Fiscal Year 2005/2006 was well spent on paving, the pump house, and the golf course drainage.
A recommendation for 2006/2007 has been established with $690,000 needed to address these projects which are the relocating and addressing the health hazard of the maintenance facilities, extending the access road, and making specific repairs to the main building at the Farms which cannot wait until 2010. The $690,000 is a realistic number that is not currently in the budget.
Tom stated to expedite the FY 06/07 plan recommendation; a tour was arranged for members of the Board of Selectman and Board of Finance.
Tom West distributed to the CP&R Commission members the Tour Agenda (Addendum II) that included a summary for each of the seven facilities that were seen on the tour. Tom went through the Tour Agenda and answered questions that were asked by Commission members.
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Dave Bush made a motion, seconded by Harry Ryan and passed unanimously to endorse the recommendation to include in the Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2006/2007 the $690,000 as outlined in the Simsbury Farms Capital Budget Summary as presented to the Culture, Parks, & Recreation Commission.
Gerry Toner distributed for review for the Commission Members the Simsbury Farms Golf Revenues and Annual Income report for 2005 (Addendum III).
IV. SIMSBURY CELEBRATES! – LINDA JOHNSON &
CHRISTINE SOVIK
Linda Johnson said the November event had been a huge success. She stated First Selectman, Tom Vincent, had called her to compliment everyone involved in the celebration on a terrific job.
The Simsbury Celebrates! Donations and Expense Report was distributed (Addendum IV) showing a slightly than better break even on the night.
In preparation for next years festivities, a questionnaire will be sent out to all groups that were involved asking for feedback and suggestions on lighting, seating, events, etc. Linda Johnson explained they will stay within all physical bounds that currently exist.
Linda read an e-mail from CP&R Commission member Noreen Kuziak with her comments on the event and suggestions she had from her volunteer time.
It was suggested there be better lighting between the Old Library and Boy Scout Hall and to also have a map of the street for new residents and non-residents who are not familiar with locations.
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V. MINUTES – 10/27/05
Joe Grace made a motion, seconded by Christine Sovik, and approved unanimously to approve the CP&R Commission Minutes of October 27, 2005.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
Gerry Toner explained to all Commission Members that the Culture, Parks, & Recreation Department is and has been looking for new ways and venues of better marketing at the Farms.
To attract new golfers, users, etc. different options have been looked at, and it was decided to be able to bring the Complex to the next level a professional marketing plan needed to be established.
A proposal has been submitted by Clarity Marketing, LLC of Simsbury to Gerry Toner. The proposal (Addendum V) suggests the plan to be developed at a rate of $65.00 per hour.
Dave Bush made a motion, seconded by Christine Sovik, and passed unanimously to support Gerry Toner’s plan to pursue a marketing strategy.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The Culture, Parks & Recreation Commission unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Lungarini
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