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Selectmen approve up to $10,000 to replace leaking hot water heaters at Simsbury Farms clubhouse
Summary
The Board of Selectmen on June 15 approved a supplemental appropriation of up to $10,000 to replace aging, leaking water heaters at the Simsbury Farms Golf Clubhouse and referred the funding to the Board of Finance; the board cited urgency to prevent building damage and restore service to the restaurant.
The Board of Selectmen voted June 15 to approve a supplemental appropriation of up to $10,000 to replace leaking hot water heaters at the Simsbury Farms Golf Clubhouse, following a presentation from Parks and Recreation Director Tom Heberski that described aging equipment and an urgent leak.
Heberski told the board the clubhouse’s two original water heaters, installed with the building in 2002, began showing discoloration and then began leaking. "The water heaters were leaking," he said, noting the units have served the facility for 24 years. Early contractor estimates to replace the system as configured ranged from about $33,000 to $45,000, Heberski said, but more recent local quotes returned "under $10,000," prompting his recommendation that the board appropriate no more than $10,000 for a smaller, natural-gas-fired replacement.
The board questioned whether a smaller system would meet future needs. A member identified as Steve explained that larger facilities often use multiple tanks in tandem or add on-demand units to supplement capacity, and that adding a second tank later is a standard way to expand service if demand grows. Heberski said vendors and local experts advised that the proposed replacement would meet current restaurant needs and that a second tank could be added if expansion is later required.
Selectmen also asked how the purchase would be funded. Staff said the town expects a sizable general-fund surplus at year end but has not certified it; because the heater was actively leaking, the supplemental appropriation was advanced to allow immediate work. The chair said the Board of Finance chair had agreed by e-mail to "work it out," and the appropriation was recommended to the Board of Finance for final funding decisions.
A motion to approve a supplemental appropriation of up to $10,000 for the Simsbury Farms clubhouse hot water heating system was moved and seconded. The transcript records three members saying "I" in favor; mover and seconder were not identified on the record. The board then voted to enter executive session under Connecticut General Statutes §1-206A to discuss personnel matters with town manager Mark Nielsen.
A recorded appeal from Simsbury Community Media followed the meeting transcript, asking for community donations to support local programming; that announcement appears to be a promotional insert rather than board discussion.
What happens next: The Selectmen recommended the appropriation to the Board of Finance, which will finalize funding; staff said they hoped to replace the unit as soon as possible, potentially before the end of the week, depending on vendor availability and delivery times.
