Minutes
Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission - Minutes - May 7, 2026
May 7, 2026
A public record published by the Town of Simsbury (simsbury-ct.gov). mySimsbury indexes it and makes it readable; it is not the official copy. View the original file.
Page 1 of 3 Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting May 7, 2026 – 6:00PM Held via Zoom Platform MINUTES TOWN OF SIMSBURY – CULTURE, PARKS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION Subject to Vote of Approval – Regular Meeting Minutes – Thursday, March 26, 2026 – 3 pages TOWN OF SIMSBURY – CULTURE, PARKS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION Subject to Vote of Approval – Regular Meeting Minutes – Thursday, May 7, 2026 – 2 pages Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Dave Bush, Chairman, via Zoom. Other commission members who were present included Lori Coppinger, Erik Petersen, Liz Keppel (6:55 arrival), Andrew Droney, and Kelly Kearney. The C. P. & R. Director Tom Tyburski and Board of Selectmen Liaison, Curtis Looney were also in attendance. Public Session- Mr. Wetjen spoke regarding the expansion of the restaurant. He stated the Board of Finance asked them to create a business plan for the golf course in 2013. He shared that they amended the business plan in 2019 to include the kitchen and restaurant. He spoke on the importance of creating a permanent event and outing space and that it is now in the Town’s Capital Plan. Mr. Bush would like to make Mr. Wetjen’s letter part of tonight’s meeting packet. Presentations – None Agenda Items Minutes – Approval of March 2026 meeting minutes- Mr. Bush declared the March 2026 minutes approved and requested that they be put on record. Proposed Resolution Regarding The Need For A Permanent Event Space at SFGC – Mr. Kearney shared that at the last Friends of Simsbury Farms meeting the group had a discussion regarding their support for improving restaurant and outing spaces at SFGC and came up with a resolution as the Town’s Capital Plan has a place holder for this project. He shared that as part of this discussion there has been a lot of conversation going on regarding the “why is this necessary?”, the cost, taxes, the effect of other businesses, etc. Mr. Kearney has worked on collecting pertinent data related to these topics. He shared that in 2010 the Board of Finance mandated that the Simsbury Farms Golf Course be operated like a Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission Board/Commission Name Regular Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026 Page 2 of 3 business and be self-sustaining. Food and Beverage is a primary driver of the number of rounds played and course selection. More than 70% of food and beverage operator profits come from events. He shared that less events means less vendor success and rounds drop. Less rounds could lead to an operating budget deficit. A deficit could impact taxpayers. Event revenue is critical to the golf course as an attractive, functional, modern event space attracts outings/events. Events and outings help maximize golf course use/rounds of golf. More rounds means more income. Meeting the financial objectives is part of a well-run business. Mr. Kearney shared comparable golf course food and beverage facilities and stated that the market is rapidly changing. An event tent is a significant limitation as it is seasonally dependent and unusable in heat, cold or heavy rain, has no indoor restrooms, no kitchen access, no food stations, no sound/video or adjustable lighting. If SFGC had a permanent, climate controlled, multi- use community and event space, it would mean year-round events, year-round Town programming and community use leading to stronger vendor resulting in food and beverage stability. He shared that the Commission is not being asked to spend money but to endorse a direction that Simsbury Farms is worth investing in. Mr. Bush stated that this is a self-funded project and that any improvements are going to be paid for by golf course revenues that would support municipal bonding to allow them to get the funding they need for the project. Mr. Looney shared that the comparable clubs Mr. Kearney referenced are all private clubs, he suggested looking at more public courses. He shared that the Farms does generate money for the Town and it is in need of updates although there are some upcoming large town projects which bonding dollars will likely be used. Mr. Bush shared his concern that they are the only facility that uses a tent for primary event space. Ms. Coppinger made a motion to adopt the resolution: “The Simsbury Parks and Recreation Commission hereby affirms its position that a permanent event and multi-use program space at the Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex, integrated with the restaurant, is a genuine Golf Operation and community need- and that this is fundamentally a Town of Simsbury project, with the Town as the primary driver and owner of this initiative. The Commission further believes that a permanent, fully equipped event and multi-use program space is essential to the long-term financial health and competitiveness of the Simsbury Farms golf operation.” Mr. Kearney seconded the motion. The motion passed with all in favor. FY2027 Town Budget Process Update-Mr. Tyburski shared that the Town referendum is Saturday, May 16th at Town Hall. He shared the Board of Selectmen did a great job, Simsbury proposed tax increase is less than surrounding towns. There is a $40k expense coming out of Simsbury Farms reserves that would allow for improvements for additional improvements to the Golf Clubhouse and patio. Update on Simsbury Farms Golf Course Restaurant- Mr. Tyburski shared that they have been a pleasure to work with and encouraged the Commission to check them out. Mr. Bush stated he has only heard good things about the new vendor. Season Pool Passes Sale Update- Mr. Tyburski shared that after May 31st, the price of pool passes increases. He stated that they are 46 more members as of today than this time last year. Friends of Simsbury Farms Sponsored Projects and Initiatives Update- Mr. Tyburski shared the recently approved funding to the Town of Simsbury/Simsbury Farms by the Friends including: $10k for fireworks for end of Summer Blast, $15k towards LCD messaging sign at corner of Golf Road/Pool & Rink Parking Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission Board/Commission Name Regular Meeting Minutes May 7, 2026 Page 3 of 3 Area, $15k toward towards tee leveling (in addition to $5k previously approved), $6k toward tree pruning, $3k towards portable sound system, $20k towards aerator and electric work to help mitigate issue with health of pond on #15, $30k for shade sails project at the golf patio. Community Clean Up Day & Flash Egg Hunt Event Summary- Mr. Tyburski shared that 73 people signed up and 10 additional showed up to Community Clean Up Day. He thanked Big Y for having a group, Latimer Lane and Squadron Line school groups did around the schools and their neighborhood. He thanked all that helped out and attended the Flashlight Egg Hunt, it was about 350 kids for the junior egg hunt and 600 for the older kids. Mr. Tyburski shared that they have completed summer hiring and are in the training phase right now, they will be putting out information on the summer special events soon. Adjourn Ms. Coppinger made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Kearney seconded the motion. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m Next Meeting The next scheduled meeting of the Simsbury Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 6:00pm at the Town Hall Main Meeting Room. Respectfully submitted, Heather Taylor, Commission Clerk