Golf Course Authority

To: NGCA Members From: Barney Caulfield, Chairman NGCA Re: Draft Minutes of NGCA monthly meeting of July 25, 2012 Members Present Bernard Caulfield Charles Whitty Richard Podurgiel Michael Driscoll Richard Strouse David DiBattista J.P. Mereen Others Present Mike Svab, Pro Manager Bruce Morse, Superintendent Tony Madeira, Finance Department Jim Homiski, Member’s Club Call to Order • The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Chairman Caulfield. Minutes • A motion was made by Mr. Podurgiel, seconded by Mr. Mereen to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2012 special meeting of the Norwich Golf Course Authority and approved unanimously. Financial Report Mr. Madeira presented the financial report and noted that he would present it on a cash basis making some reference to what might be shown if an accrual method was used. The cash balance of the Authority through June 30, 2012 is $343,871. This is up approximately 11%, or $34,000, compared with the same figure at the end of June 2011. It represents the best cash position the Authority has held since 2004 and is particularly impressive given we had good results in 2011. This said, however, revenues in June were $149,263, down $28,000 over June 2011. Decreases including $13,000 in member’s dues, $7,000 in greens fees for residents and $10,000 in greens fees for non-residents. The professional and superintendent noted that we had little play the first week in June due to rainy weather, having one day where only 4 people played, and at the end of the month we had hot conditions.  Year to date revenue through the end of June is $717,591, $52,000 over the revenues for a similar period in 2011. We have made changes to the categorization of revenues on our financial reports so an exact comparison by categories is difficult. Expenses for the month of June are $133,894 up $11,000 over June 2011. Most of the expense increase is in maintenance particularly in course supplies with payments made for early order items. Year to date expenses are $601,267, an increase of $51,000 over 2011. The year to date expenses in maintenance are up about $51,000 vs. 2011 with course supplies up $23,000, utilities up $12,000, and repairs up $6,000. We are also up $8,000 in capital improvements, principally repairs to the clubhouse. A hot and rainy June seems to have offset some early revenues received due to an unusually warm March. A comparison of net revenues after deduction for expenses through the end of June shows net revenues in 2012 to be $800 higher than 2011. Mr. Madeira indicated we will need to transfer monies into the fringe benefit account to cover anticipated expenses and this can be done at the next meeting. A motion to accept the financial report was made by Mr. Mereen, seconded by Mr. DiBattista and approved unanimously. Correspondence A letter was received from Big Brothers Big Sisters requesting a donation in connection with an event it is running at another golf course. Mr. Whitty moved, seconded by Mr. DiBattista, that the chair be authorized to respond that the Authority was not in a position to respond favorably to the request, this motion made consistent with the policy the Authority has established. The motion was approved unanimously. At 7:30 p.m. Mr. Driscoll made a motion to go into executive session to discuss pending claims made against the Norwich Golf Course Authority asking Mr. Madeira to attend at the request of the Authority. This motion was seconded by Mr. Mereen and approved unanimously. At 7:53 p.m. Mr. Driscoll made a motion to return to regular session, seconded by Mr. DiBattista with Chairman Caulfield noting no votes were taken during the executive session. This motion was approved unanimously. Caddy Shack Chairman Caulfield and Mr. Podurgiel reported that they had met with Jason Bromley to discuss matters of interest including the need for continuous maintenance and upkeep at the restaurant and his plans to modify the Gopher Hole in accordance with liquor regulations to sell beer at the Gopher Hole. Chairman’s Report Chairman Caulfield reported that at the Norwich Invitational there had been some difficulties with the sale of beverages on the course. Some individuals had requested the beverage cart not proceed about the course during the event which caused it to experience a substantial decrease in revenue. Some individuals may have brought their own alcoholic beverages on to the course. He stated decisions concerning operation of the beverage cart on the course should be made by Jason Bromley after consultation with the Pro and/or the Chair when necessary. Requests to modify the method of operation should be made well in advance to be duly considered. The Chairman requested the continued cooperation of the member’s club as to policies with respect to the purchase or consumption of alcoholic beverages at the course. Mr. Homiski acknowledged the request but also requested that the Authority be certain those operating the beverage cart be trained appropriately so as not to distract golfers by moving the cart when golfers are hitting golf shots. COMMITTEE REPORTS • Clubhouse Committee Mr. Caulfield reported that he had met with Mr. Jeff Brining and Ms. Fawn Walker of Norwich Public Utilities to discuss the possible installation of solar panels at the golf course. These discussions are preliminary. • Greens Committee ¾ No report presented. • Planning Committee ¾ No report presented. • Marketing Committee ¾ No report presented.  • Beautification Committee The Beautification Committee has been looking for a project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the golf course. Various proposals have been discussed including a rebuilding of the retaining wall of the roadside tee on the 11th hole. This would replace the existing railroad tie wall with a faced concrete wall or some type of stonewall. Mr. Podurgiel, as prime advocate of the Beautification Committee, was asked to make further investigation and arrangements with respect to this project. • Budget Committee ¾ No report presented. • Superintendant’s Report ¾ No report presented. • Pro Manager’s Report ¾ No report presented. • Member’s Club ¾ No report presented. Adjournment • A motion to adjourn was made at 8:22 p.m. by Mr. DiBattista, seconded by Mr. Podurgiel and approved unanimously.