Richter Park Authority

RICHTER PARK AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES Richter Park Authority Office Tuesday, May 17, 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, John Priola, Leroy Diggs, Al Mead, Bob Eberhard, Judy Griemsmann and Paul DiNardo. Also present: Karen Madaus, Business Manager, Jonathan Pinto, Head Golf Professional, Rob Dorsch, Golf Course Superintendent and Bobby Bria, Musicals at Richter. Absent: Dave Lajoie Glenn Nanavaty was moved up to the beginning of the meeting to review the recent annual audit. He had reviewed all leases and financials. There was an increase of cash from the prior year and there is a positive cash flow. Public participation None. Approve minutes of previous meetings Mr. Mead made a motion to approve the minutes from the April RPA meeting. Mr. DiNardo seconded. After one change from Mr. Siecienski, Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Mead made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 11th RPA Special Meeting. Mr. DiNardo seconded. After one change from Mr. Priola, Motion passed unanimously. Correspondence None. Arts Association Mrs. Griemsmann suggested sending a thank you to Harry Kuhn for the Richter House bathroom renovation donation. Mr. DiNardo suggested that a link to Arts and Musicals be put on the RPMC website. Musicals at Richter In The Heights will not work for this summer. The July performance is in process. Cost for the stage renovation is upwards of $300k and a new plan is being researched, and it still needs RPA approval to make it happen. Discussion followed regarding a temporary stage. MPC-Richter House The Committee met on April 27th to discuss the Richter House stage and plans. Also discussed a sample 50th Anniversary event plan, possibly September 17, 2022 from 12pm – 6pm. It would be good PR to involve the Mayor’s office as well. FORe There was a zoom meeting on 5/10. The Felix Bonacci walkway was discussed, specifically the dedication date (possibly part of the 50th Anniversary event. They are looking for another person to help with brick orders. Mr. DiNardo suggested that Ms. Madaus could assist Mr. Griemsmann with this. The fall breakfast is scheduled for early October. The next Board meeting will be June 14th. The Treasurer’s report shows that there is $14k available. Mr. Priola asked Mr. Mead to please bring the expense report for the Memorial Walkway to the next RPA meeting. Business Manager’s Report There are new POS systems in the Pro Shop, and new credit card processors are coming soon. The business insurance renewal process has started, with a renewal date of July 1, 2022. Head Golf Professional The weather has been getting a little better. We hit our roadmap of 3500 rounds last month. GolfNow/NBC Universal ranked Richter #8 in the top golf courses in CT. The new golf carts aren’t in yet. The old carts have some bald tires. Discussion followed to brainstorm solutions for this issue. Grounds and Greens There have been six good weather days recently and getting better every day. The irrigation system has some issues, but replacement is $1.8mil, so they’re doing their best. Diesel prices are about to get worse (90% of equipment is diesel), so Mr. Dorsch discussed the benefit of getting another Diesel tank. Price increase will be seen starting July 1st. Mr. Mead made a motion to approve a 275 gallon tank. Mr. Priola seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Eberhard asked about signage for the entrance and exit, or to paint over the arrows, as they are confusing. Mr. Mead made a motion to paint over the arrows at the entrance and exit of the parking lot. Mr. DiNardo seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Financial report Mr. Priola stated that 2021 was a good year, per the audit results, but not quite as good as 2020 was financially. Mr. Mead made a motion to place the financial report on file. Mr. Diggs seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Finance Committee Report Mr. Diggs wants to take a look at the electric bills and energy providers. Mr. Dorsch mentioned solar power. Mr. Siecienski stated that there may be some City funds to assist with the cost. Mr. DiNardo stated that he has solar on his house and it’s great. Old business Mr. Siecienski stated that City Council met for the Government Entity Review and the recommendation was to approve another four years for Richter Park. New business There was a discussion about golf course coverage and increasing staff hours later in the day. Mrs. Griemsmann suggested that there is a ranger/starter until dark. Mr. Siecienski stated that some people will look for other places to sneak onto the course after-hours if the starter/ranger is in one spot, and there is an additional expense to this. Mr. Radachowsky suggested having someone with authority at the golf course from open to close. Mr. Siecienski stated that we can do a two-week staff blitz to identify and penalize abusers with suspension. Chairman’s Comments/Report None. Mr. Mead made a motion to adjourn at 8:36 pm. Mr. DiNardo seconded. Motion passed unanimously.