Richter Park Authority

RICHTER PARK AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES Richter Park Authority Office Tuesday, November 15, 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, Judy Griemsmann and Pam St. Pierre (replacing Mr. DiNardo). Also present: Jonathan Pinto, Head Golf Professional, Rob Dorsch, Golf Course Superintendent, Karen Madaus, Business Manager and Bobby Bria, Musicals at Richter. Absent: Paul DiNardo and Art Haddad. Public participation None. Approve minutes of previous meetings Mr. Mead made a motion to approve the minutes from the October RPA meeting. Mr. Lajoie seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Mead made a motion to approve the minutes from the 10/25/22 Facilities/Finance Committee meeting. Mr. Diggs seconded. Mr. Priola, Mr. Eberhard and Ms. St. Pierre abstained. Motion passed. Correspondence None. Arts Association The RAA Board met today. There is a concern for the spring season. Performers are ready to be contracted, but unsure if the House will be ready. There is a possibility of moving the spring season three weeks later. Bobby/MAR will try to accommodate this request. Kai is hesitant to sign performers. Mr. Siecienski discussed the current process for State/City to get an eta on work, or at least to get heat in the Richter House. Musicals at Richter New elections are done for 2022/2023. There will be three shows in 2023: Music Man, TBD and Oklahoma!. MAR will re-apply for a grant for the stage in January and is looking for other grants as well. MPC-Richter House Planning to meet in January. FORe Planning to meet in January. Business Manager’s Report We are starting to book outings for 2023. We are also working on the 2023 budget. Head Golf Professional October’s numbers were good; there were over 41,000 rounds through October. The Turkey Shoot is filling up and we are working on the 2023 budget. Grounds and Greens There are two more fairways to cut and the leaves are almost done falling. Winter prep is starting. Goose control is going well. The prediction for closing will be at least past Thanksgiving. The tee box warranty has been extended to 6/1/23. Financial report We are still in a healthy financial position. Mr. Mead made a motion to place the financial report on file. Mr. Lajoie seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Finance Committee Report The draft budget was presented and discussed. Mr. Dorsch stated that costs for next year on many products are going up, including seed, insecticide, herbicide, etc. He is trying to pre-book to lock in pricing. He is also looking at ways to retain employees, such as increased salaries, insurance, etc. There will be a Finance Committee meeting to look at the budget before the December RPA meeting. Old business Pro Shop renovations: Mr. Pinto got three estimates, with the lowest being $54k, with an additional $30k in slatwall, fixtures, etc. Mr. Mead made a motion to accept the bid of $54k and the additional $30k for fixtures, etc. Mr. Lajoie seconded. After some discussion, the vote was five ayes and three nays – Motion carried. Salary increases/inflation: Mr. Mead suggested that the decision for salary increases and bonuses goes to the Finance Committee to make a presentation to the RPA. New business Holiday gathering – last year was a Barberie’s; this year we are penciled in for Friday, 12/16. Mr. Eberhard made a motion to approve the holiday party on 12/16 at 6pm at Barbarie’s. Mr. Lajoie seconded. Mr. Radachowsky opposed. Motion passed. Chairman’s Comments/Report Mr. Siecienski understands the frustration with the Richter House updates. The septic system is still being discussed and is in limbo. Hopefully there will be substantial progress coming soon. Executive Session None. Mr. Mead made a motion to adjourn at 7:39 pm. Mr. Lajoie seconded. Motion passed unanimously.