Golf Commission

CHICOPEE MUNICIPAL GOLF GOLF COURSE COMMISSION 1290 Burnett Road Chicopee, MA 01020 Tel. (413) 594-9295 Fax (413) 594-7596 www.chicopeema.gov/golf www.Chicopeecountryclub.com Tom Robak Brian Mendes Glenn LaPlante Chairman Vice-Chairman Recording Clerk Minutes December13, 2023 The Chicopee Golf Commission meeting will be held on December 13, 2023, at the Chicopee Country Club located at 1290 Burnett Road at 6:00 p.m. The items to be discussed include the agenda items listed below. Anyone recording this meeting other than meeting minutes? CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER 6:00 P.M. Chairman Robak called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm, he mentioned this meeting was being recorded for notes for minutes. He then asked if anyone else was recording, there was no answer. Attendance: Chairman Robak, Vice Chairman Mendes, Commissioner’s LaPlante, LaPerle & Polchlopek, Director O’Neill. All present Suggestion Box Review: None Public Input: No Public input a. Each speaker is asked to direct their comments to the Chair and keep their remarks up to 3 minutes. Communications: None 1 Acceptance of and November 15, 2023, Minutes: Commissioner Mendes made a motion to accept the November 15,2023 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Polchlopek, all in favor motion passes. Director Report: Director O’Neill provided the following report. He stated that November was an ok month, the weather had affected play. He mentioned that November had 9 frost delays and that the course was closed for 3 days because of rain. He also stated that he has signed up a few new passholders for the 2024 season. Director O’Neill mentioned the recent Turkey Shoot was a success, there were 104 players that played. He mentioned the course was officially closed for play on November26th. He stated that most of his employees have been laid off, he mentioned that the Pro Sop will remain opened until Christmas for any last-minute shoppers, the hours are Thursday thru Saturday from 10am to 2 pm. Superintendent Report: Director O’Neill provided the following information from Superintendent Bach. He stated that all season ending applications have been made. He also stated that the fairways have been aerified. Concession Report: No one available from Concessions New Business: 1. Leaf cleaning between 2nd & 6th fairway if possible. Commissioner Robak explained he had received complaints regarding the leaves in this area. 2  He asked Director O’Neill to have Superintendent Bach take care of the leaves in this area from the bunker towards the 6th green to the bottom of the hill. 2. Review seasons pass play for 2023. The Commission reviewed the report provided by Director O’Neill and a general discussion was held. 3. Start Discussion on 2024 golf fees. There was a discussion on establishing the fees for the 2024 Season. Director O’Neill will put together his proposed rates for the next meeting to be reviewed by the Commission. 4. Liquor License for 2024 re new Director O’Neill mentioned that the Liquor License has been filled out and sent in for renewal. Commissioner LaPlante asked Director O’Neill to explain the process of the Liquor License renewal. Director O’Neill explained the process of how the license gets renewed. Commissioner LaPlante mentioned his concern of having the City Hold the Liquor License and allowing a vendor to operate that license that stays in the Cities name. He stated he was very concerned about the Liability aspect of having no control of what the vendor is doing with the License and whom and how much they serve patrons. Commissioner LaPlante suggested that he believes the vendor should have their own Liquor License to sell liquor at the golf course. Commissioner LaPlante asked Director O’Neill to see if the city will grant a seasonal License to the vendors and remove the responsibility of the city to use the License without the City being on the License. 3  Director O’Neill will reach out to the Cities Law Dept and Liquor Commission to see if a Seasonal License can be created to be used strictly for the Golf Course address. 5. Sign contract for concession operation 2024 There was a discussion on whether the contract had been signed for the 2024 season. Director O’Neill will reach out to the Cities purchasing dept to see if this has been completed. Old Business: 1. Tree planting/purchase update Director O’Neill stated that Superintendent Bach will purchase the trees and install them in March/April weather permitting. 2. 12th hole green voted to proceed update on quote. The Commission agreed to move forward with the proposed renovation. Director O’Neill stated he had brought the letter to the City to have this item put on the agenda for approval. 3. 9th hole cart path Vote to proceed. RFP update Director O’Neill mentioned that he has been working with the City Engineer Dough Ellis. The engineer will be coming to the course to go over the proposed project along with Director O’Neill. Doug Ellis will be putting together specifications for the RFP for Director O’Neill. 4. Golf, five-year maintenance contract Commission voted to award. Update Director O’Neill mentioned that the contract has been signed by himself, the Chairman of the Golf Commission, and the City Purchasing Director. Director O’Neill stated that the contract was in the Auditing dept waiting for their signature and then the mayor’s signature. 5. Capital equipment discussion 2024. Director O’Neill provided the Commission with the pricing of the Capital Equipment items. The pricing for these pieces of equipment is as follows, these are all state contracted pricing. 4  2 greens mowers are $110,822.00. 1 top dresser at $2,544.0 1 sand pro rake at $3,450.00 All of these are machines. There was a discussion regarding funding these items, Director O’Neill noted that we currently have enough funds in our Driving range & pro shop revolving accounts to purchase at least the top dresser and sand rake. Commissioner LaPerle made a motion to have Director O’Neill create a purchase order to purchase the top dresser and the sand pro rake. The motion was 2nd by Commissioner Mendes, all in favor motion passes. 6. Replace / repair carpet concession and pro shop area progress. Director O’Neill stated that the carpet has been ordered and will be installed when it comes in. 7. Strip door curtain kits for back door and back men’s restroom room door. Update Director O’Neill stated he reached out to the maintenance dept and was waiting for them to get back to him. 8. List of winter course work that will require outside assistance. (DPW) a. Schedule brush cutting on the 18th tee area and any areas that need it asap while the ground is still firm. 1. Lower parking lot brush on East side 2. 4th fairway brush cut back as needed. 3. 16th fairway left side as needed. 4. Left edge of driving range at beginning Director O’Neill stated he had reached out to the DPW to get these items scheduled. 9. Season ending cart maintenance Cart break adjustments. Update Director O’Neill stated that the carts have been serviced and the brakes adjusted, and the carts have been powered down for the winter. 5  10. Wi-Fi at range. Update Chairman Robak was concerned that the Wi-Fi for the ball dispencer credit card use was intermittent. Director O’Neill will reach out to the Chicopee Electric Light dept to inquire about adding fiber or a stronger router. 11. Sixth fairway Pine tree trim back. Update Director O’Neill mentioned the forestry dept will be here within the next few weeks to take care of this. 12. Grease trap cleaning. Update Director O’Neill stated that this has been completed. 13. Contractor for tree and brush removal back nine area. Commented [TR1]: Quote Director O’Neill mentioned he had reached out to the Northern tree Company regarding this work. He stated he received a price of $2,500.00 a day, and a week would cost $12,500.00. Director O’Neill suggested that we consider moving forward with this work. O’Neill noted that funds may be available. All agreed to table this item until the next meeting after reviewing the water bill. Financial Review: The Commission reviewed the provided financial reports and a discussion was held on this year’s revenue. Review & signing of the bills: Completed by all Commissioners in attendance. Date, Time, Site, Of Next Meeting January 17, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Chicopee Country Club MEETING ADJOURNED 7:06 pm. 6