Selectmen approve up to $10,000 to replace leaking hot water heaters at Simsbury Farms clubhouse

The Board of Selectmen on June 15 approved a supplemental appropriation of up to $10,000 to replace leaking hot water heaters at the Simsbury Farms Golf Clubhouse and agreed to recommend the funding to the Board of Finance.

Parks and Recreation Director Tom Heberski told the board the two original water heaters, installed with the clubhouse construction in 2002, began showing discoloration and then developed leaks. "The water heaters were leaking," Heberski said, adding the units had provided about 24 years of service.

Heberski said initial vendor quotes to replace the system "as is" were in the $33,000–$45,000 range, but further review indicated the system might be oversized and new quotes came back "under $10,000." He described the plan as a smaller natural gas-fired tank to serve the restaurant’s dishwashing and sinks and stressed urgency to avoid further building damage and to maintain service.

A board member pressed for assurance the new system would meet longer-term needs; another member identified as Steve described common restaurant approaches — circulating pumps, tandem tanks or on-demand units — and said a tandem arrangement or an on-demand supplement would allow for future expansion without full replacement. "In a restaurant, you don't wait for the water to come at home," Steve said, explaining the use of circulating pumps for instant hot water.

Board members also discussed funding. Staff reported an anticipated general fund surplus at fiscal year-end but said the amount was not yet certified; the supplemental request was advanced because the leak required prompt action. The chair said staff would coordinate with the Board of Finance on the funding approach.

The chair asked for a motion to approve the supplemental appropriation up to $10,000; a motion was made and seconded and the board voted in favor with members responding "I." The board instructed staff to pursue the replacement as soon as possible and to present the recommended funding for Board of Finance approval.

Clarifying details in the transcript about tank sizing were inconsistent: Heberski at one point referenced a "175 gallon" tank and later the discussion referenced a "75 gallon" option. The board said vendors also discussed tandem or on-demand options if additional capacity is needed. The town declined to read a pending written vendor quote into the record during the meeting.

The board moved on to other business and then into an executive session later in the meeting.