Richter Park Authority

RICHTER PARK AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES Richter Park Authority Office Tuesday, October 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 6:00 PM. Members present: George Radachowsky, John Priola, Leroy Diggs, Al Mead, Bob Eberhard, Dave Lajoie and Judy Griemsmann. Also present: Jonathan Pinto, Head Golf Professional, Rob Dorsch, Golf Course Superintendent and Bobby Bria, Musicals at Richter. Absent: Paul DiNardo, Art Haddad and Pam St. Pierre. Public participation None. Approve minutes of previous meetings Mr. Mead made a motion to approve the minutes from the September RPA meeting. Mr. Diggs seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Mead made a motion to approve the minutes from the 10/17/22 Contract Committee meeting. Mr. Eberhard seconded. Mr. Radachowsky abstained. Motion passed unanimously. Correspondence None. Arts Association The RAA Board met today. There is a concern with the lack of heat in the House and the question arose whether there will be heat for spring 2023 programs. There was an art show this past weekend and the floor started to sink slightly in the salon, which needs to be checked. Harry Kuhn asked about the heating system that will be installed. He knows people in the industry and can get quotes. Mr. Siecienski said that he will discuss updates later in the meeting. Musicals at Richter The grant did not go through, due to no completion date on the project, as well as the metrics to support that it will support under-served communities. Grants were given to projects generally found in downtown areas. Bobby is not giving up; Mark Boughton offered to assist and may talk to the Governor. MAR can re-apply in January. The 2023 season may have Oklahoma and The Music Man. Board elections are coming up. Half of the stage is paid off and there is $100k remaining. MPC-Richter House none FORe No report. At the next meeting, there will be a discussion regarding raising funds through the Memorial Walkway and Danbury Amateur sponsorships. Business Manager’s Report Outings are wrapping up for the season. Head Golf Professional September was a busy month and outings went well. There were 437 more rounds this month than last year so far, but the total number of rounds is slightly lower than last year. Superintendent’s Revenge tournament is this weekend and the Turkey Shoot will be back in November. Grounds and Greens Leaf season should peak by the weekend, and we are still in a drought. We will blow out the irrigation system during the first week in November. Tees that need to be fixed have been identified and will be repaired, which should take around three days. Pre-booking offers discounts, so this year 75% of needed items for 2023 will be pre-booked. Financial report Finances are good, similar to last year. We need to decide how much we want to invest back into the golf course. The budget process for next year starts soon and we should look at raising rates. Mr. Mead made a motion to place the financial report on file. Mr. Eberhard seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Siecienski mentioned re-visiting the Pro Shop renovations, which could start in January and be done by mid-March. He told Mr. Pinto to get bids to the Facilities Committee to discuss and vote on at the November RPA meeting. Finance Committee Report Mr. Pinto and staff should put together a budget proposal for the November RPA meeting, based on 35K rounds. Mr. Siecienski asked if we should increase our winter safety net from $250K to $300K. Old business Mr. Siecienski said that the City is full committed and engaged to get the Richter House project completed. The front yard will remain a yard. The steam boiler may convert to a steam conversion unit using propane. Other things discussed include a stair chair for ADA compliance, lights on the driveway into the backyard, and will talk to an architect about the kitchen. There is still a concern about asbestos and lead paint. The grants and City money should be able to handle all of the above. Tom Hughes and engineering is working hard and there will be a new budget on the project. Ms. Griemsmann asked about solar vs. propane, but Mr. Siecienski stated that they are looking at the most efficient system. Bobby Bria asked about possible water spigots. New business RPA Committee assignments: Mr. Siecienski will send out a revised list within a couple of weeks. Salary increase/inflation: tabled for the November RPA meeting, including salaries and bonuses. Mr. Priola made a motion to add the Contract Committee report regarding the Golf Pro contract to the agenda. Mr. Eberhard seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Eberhard stated the Contract Committee’s proposal: $85,000 annual salary with a two year contract and Mr. Pinto will have an option to extend for a third year, 50/50 of the net proceeds from the Pro Shop and change the golf camp revenue from 12% to 10% to the RPA. Mr. Eberhard made a motion to offer the above proposal to Mr. Pinto, effective January 1, 2023. Mr. Mead seconded. After some discussion, a vote was taken. Motion passed. Mr. Radachowsky voted nay. Chairman’s Comments/Report Mr. Siecienski is following up on the “Intent to Sue” regarding Hole #11. Executive Session None. Mr. Mead made a motion to adjourn at 7:24 pm. Mr. Eberhard seconded. Motion passed unanimously.