Richter Park Authority

RICHTER PARK AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES Richter Park Authority Office Tuesday, November 21, 2023 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 6:04 PM. Members present: Jay Eriquez, Al Mead, George Radachowsky, Leroy Diggs, Bob Eberhard, Dave Lajoie, Judy Griemsmann, Paul DiNardo, Pam St. Pierre and Art Haddad. Also present: Jonathan Pinto, Head Golf Professional, Karen Madaus, Business Manager and Bobby Bria, Musicals at Richter. Absent: none Public participation None Approve minutes of previous meetings Mr. Mead made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 17th RPA meeting, pending the addition of budgeted amounts for Capital expenditures. Mr. Eberhard seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Bria made a motion to approve the minutes from the November 15th Master Plan Committee meeting. Ms. Griemsmann seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Correspondence none. Arts Association There has been a wonderful relationship established between the RAA and the Danbury Museum. Musicals at Richter The MAR also has a great relationship with the Danbury Museum. MAR is currently working on finishing the creative team for Grease and Beauty and the Beast. Bobby Bria was re-elected as Executive Director of MAR. MPC-Richter House Ms. Griemsmann met with Mr. Dorsch and Mr. Pinto to discuss suggestions for reconfiguring the 10th tee. The suggestions are not currently possible; the irrigation system is in dire need of attention. Suggestions were made to update the homepage of the Richter Park website to show all of the components, including the hiking trails. Organizational websites will need to be updated first and then can be linked. FORe FORe met on Tuesday, November 14th. A number of things were discussed, including a membership drive, stabilizing the bricks in the Memorial Walkway, a new sign at the Hiking Trail, and that they netted $2,500 from the 2023 Danbury Amateur. Business Manager’s Report The Business Manager has been working on updates to the online store to get ready for the holidays. There has already been decent interest in outings and Advance Tee Times for 2024. Head Golf Professional October was a good month, and we were slightly under our roadmap. The annual Turkey Shoot was last weekend and the Big Cup Tournament at the beginning of November and both did well. We are starting to look into golf carts with GPS, although we’re only on year one of a three-year lease. Grounds and Greens We are in the final stretch before closing, and we are still blowing leaves. We have aerified the greens and have been topdressing. The CIP worksheet has been completed and sent to the City. Mr. Siecienski complimented Mr. Dorsch and his crew on a great job that they’ve been doing. Financial report Expenses are down and revenue is up. Mr. Mead made a motion to accept the financial report and have it placed on file. Mr. Lajoie seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Finance Committee Report The Finance Committee met today to discuss the 2024 budget. Mr. DiNardo complimented Mr. Diggs for all of his hard work on the budget process. Old business Richter House status: Tom Hughes (with the City) is happy with the progress. The pouring of the slab for the concession stand is happening on Monday. The asbestos abatement is done. Holiday Party and bonuses: Mr. Eberhard made a motion to hold the Richter Park holiday party on Friday, December 22nd at Barbarie’s from 6:30pm – 10pm. Mr. Mead seconded. Mr. Radachowsky and Mr. Diggs voted nay. Motion passed. Mr. Pinto gave the RPA a document showing the previous staff bonuses from last year, as well as recommendations for this year. The decision will be tabled for the December meeting. New business none. Chairman’s Comments/Report Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Executive Session None. Mr. Mead made a motion to adjourn at 6:55 pm. Mr. Eberhard seconded. Motion passed unanimously.