Commissioners Present: Anne O’Connell (Chair), Carl Blanchard, John Kissida, Wyn Morton, Jeff Odell, and David Valcourt
Others Present: Jay Packett, Director of Operations, Colin Walsh, Golf Course Superintendent, Rob Harris (CCMGA), Sarah Robinson (18-Hole Women’s Assn.), Donna Potts (9-Hole Women’s Assn.), Dave Whitney (Selectboard Liaison) and Bill Meehan (Finance Committee Liaison).
THIS MEETING WAS HELD REMOTELY WITH AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDED. The meeting may be viewed at: http://video.brewster-ma.gov/CablecastPublicSite/show/5397?channel=1
Anne O’Connell called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm after reading remote meeting guidelines and procedures.
Director’s Report:
- Jay Packett reported on the recent update regarding COVID restrictions regarding the golf course grounds and carts. Face coverings are mandatory in all areas of the golf course until April 30. Carts are being sanitized. The water stations have not been put out; sanitation will be difficult. Bunker rakes are back in the bunkers. Shot-gun tournaments will be held respecting social distancing. The restaurant is open with all tables six feet apart, six people per table. Restaurant guidelines will be upgraded on May 29. Tee times were not addressed by Governor Baker. Anne O’Connell reported golf facility specific guidelines are being withdrawn as of April 30 according to information she received from the Mass Golf Association. Discussion followed. Wyn Morton expressed his concern regarding water stations and would like to discuss this at a future meeting.
Course Operations Questions and Concerns:
- Colin Walsh reported maintenance is at full staff and practicing social distancing: one person per cart, face coverings are worn indoors. The staff continues to work at full capacity. Weekend work begins on May 1.
Impact of growth in membership in 2021 on golf course operations including, but not limited to FY22 budget, tee time allocation, association block times, staffing, 2022 rates, number of members:
- The process of tee time allocations will be discussed at the first meeting in June. Jay Packett reported a break even point of $42 per round and reported a projected $500,000 loss over a 7-week period going to 20%. The formula in place should be honored, but the commission needs to be aware of these possibilities. The golf course is currently solvent. Future capital projects need to be done so that The Captains maintains its reputation of being the premiere 36-hole golf facility on Cape Cod. A balance needs to be in place making the members’ experience a happy one and providing the revenue necessary to allow future projects to go forward. Membership for April up to today is $214,000. Jeff Odell asked for a total membership number: it is 972 as of April 22. He commented on the formula and spoke about the point system. Wynn Morton suggested explaining the Chelsea system on the website. Anne O’Connell said in reviewing emails received she feels there is a lot of false information out there. Discussion followed regarding the effectiveness of the current Chelsea system and providing educational feedback to the membership. John Kissada thanked Rob Harris for his explanation of the tee time system and would like a review of the quantity of memberships, noting the by-laws should be reviewed and asking if the Chelsea system is providing the proper balance in play time, i.e. should extra times on hold be made available earlier in the day to be booked. In answer to Rob Harris’ question, Jeff Odell said the number of non-resident members originally was capped at 100, then raised to 200. No cap has been in place for at least ten years. Jay Packett explained the 200 cap on memberships had never been reached and advised that after early resident members play 25 times, they are at the $42 per round figure. In answer to John Kissida’s point about the on-hold times, Jay Packett will have Chelsea adjust the times earlier if the commission so desires. Jeff Odell explained the history of advanced bookings and the on-hold times. Carl Blanchard spoke of the financial issues involved in balancing revenues vs. expenses, noting Rob Harris’ report regarding golf course costs and efforts to keep membership fees down and employee wages stable. Rob Harris explained his report was a fact-only of past tee times. The formula was developed when golf membership and golf was in decline. Discussion followed regarding capital goals and membership fees collected so far this year. Anne O’Connell asked whether changing the tee time cut-off would adversely affect guest play significantly. Jay Packett doesn’t think it will make a difference.
- A motion was made by John Kissida, seconded by Wyn Morton, to change the time that members can get a free tee time the day before play from 8 p.m. to 4 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
- Anne O’Connell suggested the opportunity in choosing not to increase rates this year was missed in order to thank the membership for its loyalty and support. She mentioned the differential between morning rates and early rates. This matter will be discussed at another time. Wyn Morton suggested tweaking the tee time system. John Kissida agreed and suggested a public information guide be sent to the membership advising what their membership buys. Dave Valcourt re-emphasized communications with the membership and suggested adjusting fees. Jay Packett spoke about fee adjustments and benefits to the members. Anne O’Connell asked for opinions on limiting non-resident members and suggested prior budget reports be reviewed. Discussion followed. Anne O’Connell said additional insight on these issues is expected from the next draft of the NGF report regarding tee time allocations and possibly membership rates. Discussion followed.
- Anne O’Connell assured the association representatives that their blocks are safe and indicated unused tee times will be used by the golf course. She asked anyone with suggestions regarding communications be sent to Wyn Morton so that they may be addressed in a timely manner.
Public comment:
Topics the Chair did not reasonably anticipate:
Future agenda items and meetings (5/11, 5/18):
- 5/11 – Regular business meeting
- 5/18 – Irrigation study
- Possible draft from the National Golf Foundation
A motion was made by Wyn Morton, seconded by Jeff Odell to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorothy Vesperman
Administrative Assistant