CULTURE, PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
December 3, 2009
REGULAR MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Culture, Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:35 p.m. in Room 103 of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were Commission members Barbara Koff, David Bush, Kelly Kearney, Harry Ryan, Mary Liljedahl, and Director of Culture, Parks & Recreation Gerry Toner.
II. Minutes – October meeting
Mr. Kearney made a motion to approve the October 22, 2009 minutes as written. Ms. Koff seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
III. Simsbury Farms Needs Assessment/Preliminary Design
Mr. Toner stated that the architect was supposed to come to a meeting to give this Commission an update and information regarding the needs assessment and preliminary design on the project. It was very important that this be brought in front of the Board of Selectmen at their last meeting. Although there was no action taken by this Commission, Mr. Toner stated that he discussed, with the Public Building Committee, that this Commission had endorsed the areas that were listed. He stated that although he would have liked the architect to have come and talk to this Commission, the timeframe would not allow it.
Mr. Bush stated that although this Commission did not take any action regarding this, they did agree on the basic concepts. He stated that he is encouraged that this project continues to move forward.
Mr. Toner stated that he would continue to keep the Commission updated on the progress of this issue.
IV. Golf Course Survey
Mr. Bush stated that there are several new recommendations being made that were borne out of the survey responses.
Mr. Toner distributed copies of the survey to the Commission members. He stated that the users of the course felt that, although improvements have been made, there are still shortcomings on the course. He stated that one of the areas that need to be addressed are the bunkers. The course is currently 35 years old. The drainage work has made tremendous difference on the course, although there is still work to be done.
Mr. Toner stated that some of the bunkers were refurbished in the late 1990’s, although there were not enough funds to do all of the bunkers. He stated that the President of the Men’s Club has come in with a proposal to institute a surcharge for every round of golf played. This charge would be $1 for 9 holes of golf and $2 for 18 holes. Mr. Toner stated that he has concern regarding this; although the rounds have decrease over the past several years, the revenue has been stable or even increased. He stated that his concern would be that although the surcharge may be appropriate in some years, it may not be for other years.
Mr. Toner stated that although other surveys have been done on other facilities, the last golf course survey was taken 20 years ago. This survey was sent out to people in their e-mail database, as well as the Men’s and Women’s Club and others. He stated that they received over 250 responses. People took the time to take this survey and they put a great deal of thought into it. He stated that no surprises came out of this survey. Most people are happy with the facility, although there is some concern regarding the restaurant in terms of the hours of operation, etc. There is also a need to get kids up to the course to start playing. He stated that when the Junior High School students have their program on the course, information will be handed out to them to take home. A weekly
9-hole tournament in the summer for the kids will hopefully be held also.
Regarding the survey, Mr. Toner stated that the Golf Course Pro Shop staff got the highest rating. The survey also showed that people felt that there was good value for their season pass or daily fee and that the starting time procedure was fair and easy to use. Regarding criticism, people felt the pro-shop should have more merchandise. Pace of play is also another area of criticism, which is another area that they continue to work on.
Regarding facilities and staff, Mr. Toner stated that the restaurant staff got a very high rating; people felt that the value of breakfast, lunch and dinner were good. Although the locker room facilities were above average overall, there were some complaints. Mr. Toner stated that they continue to focus on this issue; within the last year, they have had more frequent maintenance in the locker rooms. He stated that hours of operation at the restaurant received the lowest rating.
Regarding golf course conditions, Mr. Toner stated that everything was average or above average; greens and fairways got the highest ratings and tees and bunkers received the lowest ratings. They will be working with Mike Wallace to come up with a plan to address the priority areas of the course.
Mr. Toner stated that, regarding the assessment fee, 56% of people were in favor and 43% of people were against this. He stated that there is concern among the Complex Committee about implementing a surcharge.
The Commission continued to discuss the surcharge. Mr. Bush stated that he does not feel that there should be a surcharge; people will go elsewhere for $1-$2. He stated that the Men’s Club is selling advertisement. After next year, this should bring in an income of approximately $10,000.
Regarding youths in tennis and golf camps, Mr. Kearney stated that the children receive mostly instruction. The kids want to get out and play more. He asked that this be considered. Mr. Toner stated that this program has been very successful and he will look into this.
V. Field Use Request Form – draft
Mr. Toner stated based on Commission input, a method needs to be put in place regarding athletic field and facility usage requests. He stated that Mr. Kearney has written a draft request form for the Commission’s review. He would like to get this form out by the end of the month if possible.
Mr. Bush stated that under the category for training, he would like there to be a policy or procedure in place for first aid and safety training. He feels that there should be a first aid kit supplied to each team.
The Commission discussed the draft and made several other changes including a deadline for the request forms to be submitted and projected needs for the current year and possible growth for the next season.
VI. Simsbury Celebrates
Mr. Toner stated that this was a great event; they had the biggest crowd this year. The volunteers were great and worked well together; they should be commended for their hard work. He stated that there was more food this year, which people wanted.
Mr. Bush stated that this event was well organized. He heard only positive responses; nothing negative was said. He commended Ms. Johnson and all of the Town staff that worked very hard to make this project a success. He stated that the event was well publicized and it was a great event for the Town of Simsbury.
VII. Golf Course Season Pass Promotion
Mr. Toner stated that they ran a promotion last year that offered season passes for the next year at the current year’s rates. He stated that they would like to do that again this year, starting as soon as possible through the month of February. He stated that this promotion was very successful last year.
Mr. Kearney made a motion to continue the pass promotion this year. Ms. Liljedahl seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
VIII. Other Business
There was none.
IX. Adjourn
Mr. Bush made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Mr. Kearney seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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