Golf Course Authority

To: NGCA Members From: Barney Caulfield, Chairman NGCA Re: Minutes of NGCA monthly meeting of March 18, 2015 Members Present Bernard Caulfield J.P. Mereen Richard Strouse Richard Podurgiel Michael Driscoll Others Present Mike Svab, Pro Manager Bruce Morse, Superintendent Sandra Kuchta, Finance Department Bob Malouf, Member’s Club Jeff Brining, Norwich Public Utilities Devon Schleidt, Lantern Energy Call to Order  Chairman Caulfield called the March 18, 2015 meeting of the Norwich Golf Course Authority to order at 7:02 p.m. Minutes  A motion to approve the minutes of the February 18, 2015 meeting of the Norwich Golf Course Authority with a clarification that the water meter credit described in those minutes was taken in January of 2015 and will not be taken upon reinstallation of the water meter was made by Mr. Mereen, seconded by Mr. Podurgiel, and approved unanimously.  Mr. Podurgiel moved to suspend the rules to amend the agenda to allow a presentation by Lantern Energy to be made out of order. This motion was seconded by Mr. Mereen and approved unanimously. Darren Schleidt of Lantern Energy presented a proposal to replace the parking lot and maintenance building outdoor lighting bulbs with light emitting diodes under a program sponsored by Norwich Public Utilities. Jeff Brining also provided an explanation of the program. Mr. Schleidt and Mr. Brining responded to several questions by members of the Authority. Essentially the Authority would receive an upfront rebate against the cost of the project from NPU, borrow money from a local bank to cover the balance of the cost, the interest on the loan to be covered by payments by NPU and the energy savings to be realized from the switch to LED’s would pay the principal of the loan and produce a small positive monthly cash flow. The cost of electricity used for outdoor lighting is calculated to  be several thousand dollars lower annually. Mr. Malouf assisted the Authority with technical questions of Mr. Schleidt. The Authority thanked Mr. Schleidt and Mr. Brining for the work done in preparing this proposal for the Authority and the information they provided. Financial Report Ms. Kuchta presented the financial report. Revenues for the month of February 2015 were $18,205.00 compared to budgeted revenues of $39,106.00, $20,901.00 under the budgeted revenues and $16,640.14 under February 2014 revenues. Year to date revenues for February 2015 were $27,166.50 compared to budgeted revenues of $44,152.00, $16,985.50 under the budgeted revenues and $15,274.86 under year to date February 2014 revenue. Expenses for the month of February 2015 were $58,148.60, $7,740.16 under the budgeted expenses and $3,110.94 under February 2015 expenses. Year to date expenses for February 2015 were $110,625.00 compared to budgeted expense of $127,400.06, $16,775.06 under budgeted expenses and $15,125.34 under year to date February 2014 expenses. Expenses exceeded revenues in the month by $39,943.60. Expenses exceeded revenues year to date by $83,458.50, which is $210.44 under budget. Cash balance at month end February 2015 was [$64,315.22]. The Authority is under budget in most categories largely due to the snow and adverse weather conditions. Ms. Kuchta also reported that the Authority had received a refund of $2,887.00 from the insurance audit which sum has been credited to the Authority account. The Caddy Shack restaurant has paid in full through the end of March 2015. A motion to receive the financial report was made by Mr. Podurgiel, seconded by Mr. Mereen, and approved unanimously. Correspondence Chairman Caulfield reported that the Authority had received a note of thanks from Mr. Paul Schwab of Club Car. COMMITTEE REPORTS  Chairman’s Report  No report presented.  Clubhouse Committee Chairman Caulfield reported that we had an ice dam on the roof of the clubhouse which was dealt with by Mr. Svab.  Greens Committee   No report presented.  Planning Committee  No report presented.  Marketing Committee  No report presented.  Beautification Committee  No report presented.  Budget Committee  No report presented.  Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Morse reported that he has been resurfacing the bridge between the 9th and 10th hole with the work going well, weather factored in. The cost of re- decking will exceed the original estimate and he recommended an additional appropriation of $300.00. A motion to approve an additional $300.00 was made by Mr. Strouse, seconded by Mr. Podurgiel, and approved unanimously. Superintendent Morse reported that the maintenance staff were current as to vacation time. There had been a question with respect to one employee which has been resolved. Superintendent Morse reported that he has concerns about ice on the greens as it has likely been there for some time. Poa annua is subject to damage from ice if the condition lasts long enough. He has tested several greens and not noted evidence of damage due to ice in the testing. The tested areas represent only a small portion of the tested greens so he will be concerned until the ice is totally dissipated. He noted there was only a small depth of frozen ground, perhaps 6 inches, below the snow and ice.  Pro Manager’s Report Mr. Svab advised that the Pro Shop will be current as to vacations shortly. Mr. Svab noted that the Authority had received a request from the Norwich Free Academy to use the course for the boys’ golf team during the 2015 season. The course on which the team intended to play will be unavailable until no earlier than May 1, 2015.  A motion to approve the request of NFA at a charge of $1,500 even if another course is used for part of the season, was made by Mr. Podurgiel, seconded by Mr. Mereen, and approved unanimously. Mr. Svab reported that the new carts have arrived. They will not be able to accommodate 4-bag use, being limited to 2 golf bags per cart. The delivery included 5 utility vehicles which were provided as part of the package. Mr. Morse indicated that these are very satisfactory.  Member’s Club Mr. Malouf requested that the fees for the 2015 Member’s Club tournaments remain the same as in 2014. A motion to keep the fees the same was made by Mr. Mereen, seconded by Mr. Podurgiel and approved unanimously. Mr. Malouf advised that the proposed date for the Senior Invitational was objected to by the seniors and the Member’s Club suggested moving it to the second Thursday in August. Mr. Svab confirmed that that date would not present a conflict. A motion to schedule the Senior Invite for the 2nd Thursday in August was made by Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Mereen, and approved unanimously. Mr. Malouf indicated that questions had arisen with respect to tee box yardage markers on the various tees. Mr. Morse noted that there are bricks and sprinkler head yardage markers on all of the Par 3 tees. Mr. Malouf will determine whether the member’s club is interested in purchasing additional tee yardage markers. Adjournment There being no further business a motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 8:07 p.m. by Mr. Podurgiel, seconded by Mr. Mereen, and approved unanimously.