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Board unanimously approves $24,000 in supplemental appropriations for clubhouse repairs and portable accessibility mats
Summary
The Board of Finance approved two supplemental appropriations: up to $10,000 to replace a failing hot‑water heater at the Simsbury Farms Golf Clubhouse and acceptance/expenditure of a $14,000 AARP grant to buy portable "Mobi Mats" and carts to improve field access; both motions carried unanimously.
At the June 16 meeting the Board of Finance approved two supplemental appropriations addressing an urgent facilities repair and a grant-funded accessibility purchase.
Hot-water heater: Tom (facilities representative) told the board that a heating/hot-water system installed in the Russell Shaw Clubhouse (Simsbury Farms) around 2002 had developed leaks and discoloration and was at the end of its service life. Initial quotes to replace the oversized original system ranged from roughly $33,000 to $48,000, but after re‑quoting for a properly sized system staff secured multiple quotes under $10,000. The board approved a motion to appropriate up to $10,000 from the Simsbury Farms special‑revenue fund to replace the heater; the motion passed unanimously.
AARP Mobi Mats grant: The Aging and Disability Commission described a successful AARP Community Challenge flagship award totaling $14,000 to purchase portable accessibility mats (often called Mobi or "beach" mats) and rolling carts so people using wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility aids can reach fields and stages. Diana and other commissioners said the mats are portable (deployed for events, then removed and stored) and that the grant covers both mats and delivery/rolling carts; presenters estimated a long service life for the mats (presenter cited ~26 years). The board approved the supplemental appropriation to expend the grant funds in FY2026 and to carry forward any unspent dollars to FY2027 for continued use. The motion carried unanimously.
Votes at a glance: - Supplemental appropriation: up to $10,000 for Simsbury Farms Golf Clubhouse hot-water heating system — outcome: approved unanimously. - Supplemental appropriation: $14,000 (AARP Community Challenge flagship grant) to purchase portable accessibility mats and carts — outcome: approved unanimously.
Why it matters: the hot‑water heater replacement addresses an immediate building‑operation and liability risk for a town recreational facility; the AARP mats expand physical access at town fields and performing‑arts events and are funded entirely by a grant, not by town tax dollars.
Next steps: staff will proceed with procurement for the heater replacement and will manage delivery, storage and deployment logistics for the Mobi Mats with relevant departments (recreation, parks, public works) and volunteers.
