Golf Course Authority

To: NGCA Members From: Barney Caulfield, Chairman NGCA Re: Minutes of NGCA monthly meeting of November 18, 2015 Members Present Bernard Caulfield J.P. Mereen Charles Whitty Richard Podurgiel Michael Driscoll Richard Strouse David DiBattista Others Present Mike Svab, Pro Manager Bruce Morse, Superintendent Sandy Kuchta, Finance Department Bob Malouf, Member’s Club Call to Order • Chairman Caulfield called the November 18, 2015 meeting of the Norwich Golf Authority to order at 7:00 p.m. Minutes • A motion to approve the minutes of the October 21, 2015 meeting of the Norwich Golf Course Authority was made by Mr. Mereen, seconded by Mr. DiBattista, and approved unanimously. Financial Report • The October 2015 Financial Report was presented by Ms. Sandra Kuchta. Revenues for the month of October 2015 were $63,586.76 compared to budgeted revenues of $69,203.00, $5,616.24 under budgeted revenues and $3,287.13 under October 2014 revenues. Year to date revenues for October 2015 were $1,065,701.09 compared to budgeted figures of $1,074,119.00, $8,417.91 under budgeted revenues and $16,592.90 under year to date October 2014. Expenses for the month of October 2015 were $78,058.38 compared to budgeted expense of $77,467.76, $582.62 over budgeted expenses and $14,410.63 over October 2014 expenses.  Year to date expenses for October 2015 were $945,701.69 compared to budgeted expense of $928,532.26, $17,169.43 over budgeted expenses and $77,695.89 under year to date October 2014 expenses. Expenses exceeded revenues in the month of October 2015 by $14,463.62. Revenues exceed expenses year to date by $119,999.40, which is $25,587.34 under budget. Cash balance at the end of October 2015 was $135,301.43. The lease for the Caddy Shack restaurant is paid in full through the end of November 2015. The November 2015 payment includes a credit of $1,353.62 for the replacement of a refrigerator owned by the Norwich Golf Course Authority. A motion to accept the financial report was made by Mr. DiBattista, seconded by Mr. Podurgiel, and approved unanimously. Correspondence No report presented. COMMITTEE REPORTS • Chairman’s Report Chairman Caulfield reported that the parking lot lighting project is moving forward, the contract awarded to Desrosier Electric with a low bid of $22, 813. By breakdown, $13,285 worth of lighting fixtures will be purchased as to which the Authority will receive a 35% rebate from Norwich Public Utilities, approximately $3,600. Other items purchased for the project and labor are not eligible for the rebate. The remaining cost of the project will be financed through the Dime Bank with the interest to be paid by Norwich Public Utilities. It is anticipated the project will start on or about November 30 and it is estimated to take a week. • Clubhouse Committee No report presented. • Greens Committee No report presented. • Planning Committee No report presented. • Marketing Committee No report presented. • Beautification Committee Mr. Podurgiel and Mr. Morse reported that work is being done on flower beds. • Budget Committee Mr. Whitty, Chairman of the Budget Committee, reported on the recommended budget for 2016. Anticipated revenues and expenditures will each total $1,130,000 and a summary of the revenues and expenditures are attached hereto as Exhibit A. This proposed budget contemplates no increase in seasonal or daily play fees, certain raises in anticipation of increases to the minimum wage and 2% wage increases to the maintenance department staff as set forth at line item 80012. A contingency account of $28,000 has been established for delayed and discretionary items to be expended if revenues permit. A motion to approve the budget as presented was made by Mr. DiBattista, seconded by Mr. Mereen and approved unanimously. Mr. Whitty then presented the schedule of rates and fees recommending no increase to the seasonal fees, daily fees or cart fees. Exhibits of the same are attached hereto as Exhibit B. A motion to approve these fee rates was made by Mr. Podurgiel, seconded by Mr. DiBattista and approved unanimously. At Mr. Whitty’s request, Mr. Svab discussed revenue proposals he suggests the Authority adopt. The proposals include an expansion of the GolfNow Program such that it will market times between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m., normally unused time, and the Authority will receive 75% of the gross payment for the booking for such times. In a one day test there were five golfers taking advantage of the program and the Authority received $180. Mr. Svab also proposed offering the purchase of a 10- play pack, 10 rounds of golf with carts for $400, provided the play pack can be purchased only up to the opening day of the golf course, is non-transferable, and non-renewable. The offer is limited to one per person. The rounds are to be played in 2016. Mr. Svab also suggested a 5-play pack to consist of 5 rounds of golf with carts to be available to be purchased from the opening day of the golf course to the last  day of April in 2016. This also is limited to one per person, is non-transferrable and non-renewal able and the rounds must be played in 2016. A motion to approve the GolfNow Program and the offering of the 10-pack program was made by Mr. DiBattista, seconded by Mr. Mereen and approved unanimously. No action was taken on the 5-pack proposal. • Superintendent’s Report Mr. Morse requested that the course host the 2016 Connecticut Superintendents Association Tournament to be held on April 25, 2016. A motion to approve this request was made by Mr. Strouse, seconded by Mr. Podurgiel and approved unanimously. • Pro Manager’s Report Mr. Svab reported that there had been inquiries by a local institution with respect to a corporate membership. There was discussion of the same and it was referred to the marketing committee for further consideration. Mr. Mereen reported on the meeting he, Mike Svab, and Chairman Caulfield had had with John Bilda and a second meeting held with Ken Thomas. The meeting with Mr. Bilda concerned the development of water resources at the golf course to be used for watering the course and the meeting with Mr. Thomas concerned the potential for a cell tower on the property. • Member’s Club Mr. Malouf advised that the Member’s Club had set aside monies for the purchase of flagsticks with laser mounts, for a bell near the 6th green to be used by groups finishing the 6th hole, and for a plaque showing the distance on the 3rd hole. Mr. Morse offered to meet to discuss the cost of flagsticks and laser attachments and the Authority sought further information with respect to the other proposals. Mr. Malouf will provide the same. Mr. Malouf also asked if the Authority would be willing to work with the Member’s Club to sponsor a junior membership for the 2016 season to be selected by a drawing or some other suitable method. Further information was requested. Adjournment Mr. DiBattista made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m., seconded by Mr. Mereen, and approved unanimously.