Richter Park Authority

RICHTER PARK AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES Richter Park Authority Office Tuesday, January 18, 2022, 6:00 PM In compliance with Connecticut General Statute § 1-225, these minutes are being provided for informational purposes and are subject to approval of the Richter Park Authority Board of Directors at its next regular meeting. Chairman Pete Siecienski opened the meeting at 6:05 PM. Members present: Pete Siecienski, George Radachowsky, Al Mead, Bob Eberhard and Dave Lajoie. Also present: Karen Madaus, Business Manager, Jonathan Pinto, Head Golf Professional, Rob Dorsch, Golf Course Superintendent and Bobby Bria, Musicals at Richter. Absent: John Priola, Leroy Diggs, Wendy Grispin, Judy Griemsmann and Paul DiNardo. Public participation none. Approve minutes of previous meetings Mr. Mead made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 21st RPA meeting. Mr. Radachowsky seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Correspondence None. Arts Association No report. Musicals at Richter There will be two shows this summer: Into the Heights and the Sound of Music. We are looking for alternative venues, just in case it’s needed. Would the front lawn be an option? Fairfield County Giving Day is coming up on February 24th, with the fundraising mission of lighting apparatus. Mr. Siecienski spoke with Mr. Bria regarding electricity requirements and the new concession stand at the Richter House. MPC-Richter House No report. FORe There was a recent Zoom meeting and the Memorial Walkway was discussed. Also, due to the high COVID numbers, it was decided to tentatively move the fundraising breakfast to the fall. FORe currently has approximately $14,000 in their bank account. There was some discussion of the Memorial Walkway amongst some of the RPA members. Ms. Grispin is coming off of the FORe Board and Committee, and Mr. DiNardo will replace her on the Committee. There should be another common person on FORe and MPC. Business Manager’s Report Outing and Advance Tee Time inquiries have started. Resident IDs and season pass sales are going well. Head Golf Professional There were 42,717 paid rounds in 2021 with an average of $50/round. The PGA show is at the end of the month in Orlando. We have updated the Loyalty Program with a punch card that golfer needs to present each time they play to accumulate punches to earn a free greens fee. Grounds and Greens Emil Skandera, a former employee, passed away on 12/31/21. Mr. Mead made a motion to donate $100 to St. Paul’s church, as mentioned in the obituary, and to also purchase a brick on the Memorial Walkway in his memory as well. Mr. Lajoie seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Tom Soderstrom’s father passed away recently as well. Mr. Mead made a motion to pay for flowers to send to Tom. Mr. Eberhard seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The tee project is on track to be done 3 ½ to four weeks before we open. The large oak on 6 has been taken down; it was rotten. We are working on cutting phragmities. The Superintendent’s conference is in San Diego during the first week in February. Financial report Mr. Mead made a motion to approve the financials and have them placed on file. Mr. Eberhard seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Finance Committee Report No report. Old business Richter Grant status: there was a Zoom meeting today. There will be a two year extension on the grant and we can alter the priorities of the items on the list. Mr. Siecienski discussed changing up the priorities on the project. Clubhouse renovations: Mr. Lajoie asked about reducing the proposed cost of the Pro Shop renovation. The two vendors who have given quotes on the project were discussed, as well as possible barter options. In order for construction to be completed by opening day, it will need to start by February 1st, which will require a Special RPA Meeting to vote. New business There was an inquiry from a golfer regarding Sherman being considered a touching town, as it touches Candlewood Lake, as does Danbury. After some discussion, it was tabled to the next meeting. Chairman’s Comments/Report None. Mr. Mead made a motion to adjourn at 7:32pm. Mr. Eberhard seconded. Motion passed unanimously.