Commissioners Present: Anne O’Connell (Chair), Carl Blanchard (Vice-Chair), Wyn Morton, Jeff Odell, Ed Pavlu, John Piemontese, and Judy McCarthy.
Others Present: Mark O’Brien (Director of Operations), Ray DiPietro (CCMGA), Paige Ferraguto (Women’s 18-Hole Assn.), and Chuck DeVito (FinCom liaison).
This meeting was held at the Town Hall and was televised. The video of the meeting may be viewed at: http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerFlex.aspx?PGD=brewsterma&eID=1184
Call to Order: Anne O’Connell called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Public Comment:
- None.
Correspondence and Suggestion Box:
- None.
Superintendent’s Report:
- No report in Pete Ervin’s absence.
Director’s Report:
- Mark O’Brien reported the budget is still on target for FY 2017.
- The electrical service for the irrigation system is close to $200,000. Eversouce submitted a bill of $83,000 for their portion; additional funds will be requested to complete this project.
- The NEIGA is looking into the possibility of playing on Saturday/Sunday rather than Sunday/Monday as in previous years. Mark O’Brien would rather see this tournament continue to be played on Sunday/Monday as this change would cause members to have no access to the course for the weekend. In this regard, he handed out figures showing revenue for Saturday play from 2010 to the present. Discussion followed. The commissioners agreed this change would not be beneficial to the golf course.
2017 Rates:
- Mark O’Brien presented a basic proposal showing a $1.00 increase across all categories, generating approximately $82,000 in revenue plus a 3 per cent increase in membership resulting in $100,000 in revenue enhancements for FY 2018. He suggested leaving all other fees as they are. These changes will keep The Captains within range of the competition. A motion was made by John Piemontese, seconded by Judy McCarthy to approve the rates for FY 2018 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
FY 2018 Budget Review:
- Mark O’Brien presented preliminary budget figures assuming the rates just discussed and also handed out a directive from Mike Embury. Wages and contracts for the unions are under discussion so the level number uses the wages from FY 2016. The increase for the superintendent is included in the full-time maintenance line. Part-time administrative wages will be increasing as the minimum wage has increased. Mark O’Brien will be meeting with the Town Administrator and the Finance Committee and will have updated figures ready for the January commission meeting. Discussion followed. The packet Mark O’Brien handed out shows the progression of these meetings. Updated expenses will be close to those of FY 2017.
Web Site:
- The website is close to completion except for some technical issues. Discussion followed.
Restaurant Issues:
- Anne O’Connell has had some input from the Ladies 9-Hole Association. Ray DiPietro of the men’s association reported a questionnaire was sent out to the membership (180 members) with approximately a 10 per cent response, most suggesting expanding the bar capacity with a pub or sports bar atmosphere. A few suggested increasing the dining area and removing the cafeteria-style food service; converting the conference room into restaurant space for food service or dining; replacing the pergola with a canopy either permanent or one that can be rolled up; a canopy on the side deck with food service and drinks principally for the Starboard players; moving the computer into the pro shop; freshening up the paint and cleaning the interior; aiming improvement efforts at visitors rather than the membership. The sub-committee will be reconvened to review these suggestions.
Follow Up:
- Hand dryers—Mark O’Brien has spoken to a contractor who will be getting back to him with a price and expects the job to be completed over the winter months.
Future Agenda Items:
- Up-date on budget.
- Up-date on electrical system.
- Capital plan.
- Discussion regarding non-resident incentives.
Review and Approve 11/15/16 minutes:
- A correction was made to page 2 regarding a motion concerning a 3 per cent increase to read approval 6 in favor 0 against.
- A motion was made by Jeff Odell, seconded by Judy McCarthy, to approve the minutes of November 15 as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
Topics the Chair did not reasonably anticipate:
- Anyone not receiving the memo regarding ethics training was asked to contact Anne O’Connell.
- Chuck DeVito introduced himself as the Liaison from the Finance Committee and encouraged a meeting regarding the budget short fall. He also asked for clarification on several budget items.
Judy McCarthy made a motion, seconded by Wyn Morton, to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
The next meeting of the Brewster golf Commission will be held on January 10, 2017 at 4 p.m. at the Town Offices.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorothy Vesperman, Senior Clerk