1990/01/25PARK AND l~E~ixE~'£1ON COmmISSION MINUTES --. JANUARY 25, 1990
The January 25, 1990 meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission was called
to order at 7:00 P.M. by acting chairman Bill Baccaro. Those present were
Sebastian Senia, Lois Szczepanik, Ed Giana, Len Zielinski, Phil Maule~ Joe
Annunziata, A1 Hawkins and Lindsey Hansen. Those absent were George Wiecek
and Vic Salce.
A motion was made by Mr. Zielinski, seconded by Mrs. Szczepanik and voted
unanimously to dispense with reading of the minutes of the January 11 1990
meeting and approve them as submitted. '
The remaining portion of the meeting was a public forum for comments and sugges--
tions regarding Timberlin Golf Course. Approximately 70 residents and non-
residents were present. Mr. Baccaro informed those present of plans to
revitalize the Greens Committee and invited those who are interested in
serving on this committee to give their names to the Commission after the
meeting.
The following comments were made regarding condition and maintenance of the
course:
Steve Ludwin of Glendale Avenue asked if additional help has been asked for
to help ~aintain the course. (Mr. Baccaro answered that the request has been
rejected by the Finance Board in the past.)
Bob Brown of Winchell Drive stated that help is needed to make the course better.
Art Crandall of 60 Alling Street complained of high grass in the roughs and
and the condition of the 17th green which is not level. He stated that
additional help is needed to improve the condition of roughs and greens.
Ed Tetreault of Metacomet Drive suggested that repair tools be given out
to each golfer during the first month of each golf season to repair ball
marks. Harry Verheyen pointed out that the Timberlin Men's Club bought
repair tools and left them on the counter in the past for players to use but
people just wouldn't use them.
Cindy Facey of Park Drive stated that flood damage has never been repaired on
the 4th and 5th holes and she would like to see this area cleaned up.
The following were comments made in regards to revenue and the golf course
budget:
Art Crandall asked if the course is making any money and if additional
expenses at the course would come frora taxpayers. Mr. Baccaro explained
that the Commission doesn't have a handle on finances of the golf course --- he
was told by the Finance Director that Timberlin showed a profit of $45,000.00
last year but according to the chairman of the Finance Board the course lost
money. Commissioner Zielinski suggested the Commission try to obtain
accurate cost and revenue figures and publish them.
Bob Brown of Winche!l Drive noted that the money taken in from the course
goes into the General Fund.
A1 Miller of 37 Glenview Drive suggested that when requesting more help for
Timberlin the Commission remind the Finance Board that revenue from the
course goes into the General Fund.
Jack Olson of Kensington Road stated that the course was built as a recreation
facility and not a money making endeavor, therefore any little money it makes is
a bonus. If it is meant to be a source of revenue then maybe we should start
charging for use of other recreation facilities.
Peter Szymascek of 1343 High Road asked if the Finance Board is trying to
attain a certain percentage of profit. He noted that the amount of money
made is very dependent upon the weather during the season. Mr. Baccaro
replied that there is no set policy and even among the Commissioners there is
disagreement as to whether the golf course should make money for the Town
or be considered a park for recreation use only.
i4any comments were made concerning starting times:
Bob Veronesi of 31Shultz Road suggested some type of system be set up for
starting times on weekends, giving preference to residents.
George Jones of Bingham Street, New Britain, a season ticket holder, commented
that last year the 7:00 and 7:05 starting times were reserved for 9 hole players
but most days no one used those times.
Mr. Szymaszek disagreed with giving preference to residents for starting times.
Mr. Crandall agreed with Mr. Szymaszek because he feels the course needs out-
of-towners to make money.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES -- JANUARY 25, 1990
Page 2
Bill Casner of Robbins Road suggested a lottery for starting times.
Alan Ladd of Biships Curve stated that he used to play golf in Massachusetts
where residents were given priority for starting times and it was not detri-
mental to profit from non-residents.
Harry Verheyen of Cornwall Road agreed that residents should be given priority
since they are the taxpayers who must pick up the tab for staffing and
maintenance work. He suggested a system which is used at a course at the Cape
where walk-in residents are given every 3rd time slot.
George Jones of New Britain stated that the course was built with Federal
funds and if preferential treatment is given to residents he'll protest.
Bill Bennett of Edgewood Road suggested starting times be given out in the
evening to be fair to people who are working and can't get to the course first
thing in the morning.
Regarding recent public statements of a Finance Board member the following
comments were made:
Bob Weiss of 136 Whispering Brook Drive said that the Golf Pro's contract
clearly states that he is to be on the premises 10 days prior to Christmas,
however the pro shop was empty on December 15. He also commented that the
driving range is a business in an area not zoned for business and because of
the lack of adequate insurance coverage for the driving range, the Town
experienced a loss of money. He suggested that before the Town grant, permits
for businesses proper insurance coverage be checked into.
Elaine Verheyen of Cornwall Road stated that she and her husband were in the
pro shop on December 16 and it was fully stocked.
Mrs. Facey also stated that the pro shop was fully stacked on December 16,
17 and 18.
Mr. Baccaro read an excerpt from the Golf Pro's contract in which it states
that the golf pro must be on the premises 10 working days prior to the
Christmas holiday, of which at least 4 days must be weekend days.
Other miscellaneous comments were as follows:
Mr. Weiss suggested looking into the feasibility of keeping the restaurant
open 12 months. He also suggested an appropriate age restriction be enacted
and enforced. Mr. Weiss also recommended gift certificates which could be
used for golf play. (Mr. Baccaro stated that the Commission is presently
working on the second two issues.) Mr. Weiss also suggested the Town
investigate feasibility of increasing revenue from the g01f carts.
I[rs. Facey commented that Mr. Hansen bought the golf carts, insures them~ and
incurs all expenses for their maintenance.
Grace Rabis of Mountain View Drive suggested a memorial board inside the
clubhouse.
Joanne Ward of Oak Ridge Drive suggested that, since the lockers are not being
used presently~ golf clubs be permitted in them.
Terry DeMartino of Cromwell noted that the course gets much abuse from golfers
and a ranger is needed to go around the course on a regular basis to monitor
players and remind them of the etiquette of golf, especially when play is heavy.
A suggestion was made not to hold as many tournaments at Timberlin -- let other
area courses have their turn. Dick Mangone of Crater Lane suggested that an
hour be set aside before tournaments for non-tournament players.
~lr. Jones noted that the new 13th tee is dangerous because of balls coming
off the 2nd tee -- need to improve the set up.
Mrs. Facey requested giving free golf to starters and rangers.
Joe Paskiewicz of Tower Avenue stated that if any new rules are established
they should be enforced.
Greg Smith of Lower Lane complained that before beginning play he has gone to
the concession for a hot dog or drink and by the time he gem to tee off the
starter has given his turn to someone behind him. However, Mrs. Verheyen
stated that she has been a starter and if someone runs into the concession
they don't lose their turn unless they are gone for about 15 minutes.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES -- JANUARY 25, 1990
Page 3
As well as the above suggestions and comments, many people complimented
Mr. Hansen and Mr. Hawkins on the condition of the golf course and that it
is something the Town can be proud of. Several people also commented that it
is a positive move to revitalize the Greens Committee.
A motion was made by Mr. Senia, seconded by Mrs. Szczepanik and voted
unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Guite
Secretary
The following people are interested in serving on the Greens Committee:
Kenneth Asal, 91 Chatham Road~ Kensington, 225-9764
Don Bates, 135 Overhill Drive, Berlin, 828-9347
Willard Bennett, 20 Edgewood Road, Kensington, 828-8116
Robert Costanzo, 48 Parish Drive, Kensington, 828-1382
Art Crandall, 60 Ailing Street, Kensington, 828-3037
Tom Farrell, 550 Lower Lane, Berlin, 828-9918
John Hartan, 12OO High Road, Kensington, 828-6668
Larry Schoech, 157 Percival Avenue, Kensington, 828-5667
Paul Veneziano, 195 Brooke Meadow Road, Kensington, 828-1976
Harry and Elaine Verheyen, 48 Cornwall Road, Kensington, 224-7634
Robert Veronesi, 31Shultz Road, Kensington, 828-6685