Golf Course Authority

To: NGCA Members From: Barney Caulfield, Chairman NGCA Re: Minutes of NGCA monthly meeting of June 18, 2014 Members Present Bernard Caulfield Charles Whitty Richard Podurgiel Richard Strouse Michael Driscoll JP Mereen Others Present Mike Svab, Pro Manager Bruce Morse, Superintendent Tony Madeira, Finance Department Glenn Meadows, Member’s Club Call to Order  Chairman Caulfield called the meeting of the Norwich Golf Course Authority to order at 7:01 p.m. Minutes  A motion to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2014 meeting was made by Mr. Mereen, seconded by Mr. Whitty, and approved unanimously. Financial Report Mr. Madeira presented the financial report. Revenues for the month of May were $156,288.31, exceeding the budget projection by $16,675.75 and May 2013 by nearly $11,000. Year to date revenues through the end of May were $489,609.76, under the projected budget by $57,800 and about $1,600 more than in the same time frame for 2013. Early spring weather conditions were more adverse in 2014 than 2013 but the weather for June 2014 has been significantly better than that for June of 2013. Mr. Svab noted that revenue numbers in early June should be up appreciably over figures for the same time in June 2013. As of the close of business June 17, 2014 membership fees were $334,597.52 against a budgeted figure of $335,000. Mr. Svab reported that additional revenues had come in on June 18 and we slightly exceeded the projected budgeted figure. Mr. Madeira presented a new report listing the rounds played by different categories comparing 2012, 2013, and 2014. Early spring in 2012 was unusually good weather-wise but play in 2014 is down compared with both years.  Expenses for May 2013 were $131,015.36, slightly more than $8,000 over the projected budget. The figure is also approximately $12,500 more than the expenses in May of 2013. Year to date expenses through the end of May 2014 were $444,826.15, about $50,000 under the budget projection and $43,000 less in expenses than through the end of May 2013. Maintenances expenses are down significantly. Mr. Morse explained that utility costs, principally water, were quite low in May of 2014. He expected that with the good weather in June the expenses would increase. The differential of revenues over expenses for May 2014 was $25,272.95, approximately $8,500 more than the budget projection, but $1,300 under the comparable figure for May 2013. Year to date revenues over expenses through the end of May 2014 were $44,783.61, $7,700 less than budget projections but well above the end of May 2013 figure. Cash on hand at the end of May 2014 was $194,226, $1,500 less than at the same time in 2013. The cash position remains good. Mr. Madeira noted that the May 2014 budget has been restated to report an increased amount for the course improvement line item, 80036. This relates to the improvements made to the first tee and the cart paths there. A motion to accept the report was made by Mr. Podurgiel, seconded by Mr. Mereen, and approved unanimously. Caddy Shack Mr. Madeira further reported on the Caddy Shack. Payments during 2014 have totaled $12,000 and there is a balance owed, including, June rent, of $11,154. A motion to accept the report was made by Mr. Whitty, seconded by Mr. Driscoll and approved by a 6 to 1 vote, Mereen in the negative. Correspondence  None COMMITTEE REPORTS  Chairman’s Report Chairman Caulfield reported that he and Authority staff would be meeting next Tuesday with representatives of Norwich Public Utilities and the company hired by NPU to install gas lines at the Norwich Golf Course to discuss the gas line installation. The line will run down the maintenance building access road with a spur to run to the clubhouse and another to the maintenance building. While the ditch is open NPU will install a conduit to be used to run fiber optic line to the maintenance building to meet future needs. The work in installing the gas line will be done in stages with interruptions for tournaments at the golf course. It is estimated the actual installation will take 9 days but the work will be spread over three weeks to avoid excessive interruptions to golf course operations. The gas service will be connected in the fall.  Clubhouse Committee  No report presented.  Greens Committee Mr. Strouse noted that Mr. DiBattista had looked into the installation of railings on the new steps on the 1st tee. Chairman Caulfield reported that we had received four different options from different providers some proposing a single set of posts in the center of the stairs with a double rail system, others a railing to run along one or both sides of the stairs. The materials proposed include aluminum and stainless steel. Prices range from $1,700 to $3,800 depending on materials and the nature of the installation. Mr. Mereen moved that railings of brushed stainless steel be installed on both sides of the stairway and an appropriation not to exceed $3,800 be made for the work. This was seconded by Mr. Podurgiel and after discussion approved unanimously.  Planning Committee  No report presented.  Marketing Committee  No report presented.  Beautification Committee Mr. Podurgiel extended his compliments to Mr. Morse on his selection of summer staff noting with approval their pace and skill.  Budget Committee  No report presented.  Superintendent’s Report Mr. Morse reported that he and staff are repairing grub damaged areas of the course using a process of placing top soil, seed and mulch. He also indicated that the edging of traps was ongoing and would likely be completed this week. Mr. Morse provided information with respect to the use of water at the course. Currently with dry conditions he is pumping approximately 160,000 gallons of water per night to maintain the course. This comes with a cost of more than $500 a night.  Pro Manager’s Report Mr. Svab reported that play in June to date has been good benefiting from good weather. He has scheduled a number of tournaments in June and expects strong revenue figures. Six signs are planned for the 1st tee area to assist in the flow of traffic and he expects to pick these up  soon.  Member’s Club Mr. Meadows reported that the Member’s Club had discussed course conditions and a representative met with Mr. Morse to report on member preferences. Mr. Morse provided responses to the representative. Mr. Meadows noted that many members think the rough is too thick slowing golf on Saturdays and Sundays. The rough is cut three days a week with Thursday being the last day on which it is cut. Mr. Meadows inquired as to whether the schedule could be adjusted which led to a discussion about the optimum height and density of the rough, weighing speed of play against the challenges thick rough presents and the risk of burning out the rough. Mr. Meadows indicated that the drop areas near hazards often have longer grass than the surrounding area and show the effects of a good deal of play. Consequently a ball dropped in a drop area may end up in a difficult lie. After discussion Mr. Morse indicated that the conditions in the drop area might be improved by mowing the area with a John Deere mower to 1¼” and he would implement this procedure. Adjournment A motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. was made by Mr. Mereen, seconded by Mr. Strouse, and approved unanimously.