Golf Course Authority

To: NGCA Members From: Bob Malouf, Chairman NGCA Re: Minutes of NGCA regular meeting of June 26, 2024 Members Present Susan Dutilly David DiBattista Richard Podurgiel Todd Postler Richard Strouse Bob Malouf Ray Lathrop Michael Driscoll Others Present Mike Svab, Pro Manager Eric Kundahl, Superintendent Micky Busca, Member’s Club William Warzecha, Guest CALL TO ORDER Chairman Malouf called the June 26, 2024 meeting of the Norwich Golf Course Authority to order at 6:00PM. MINUTES A motion to approve the minutes of the May 15, 2024 meeting of the Norwich Golf Course Authority was made by Mr. DiBattista, seconded by Mr. Lathrop, and approved by a vote of 8-0. Mr. DiBattista and Mr. Warzecha led a discussion on flooding issues involving Trading Cove Brook and Trading Cove Pond. Various interested parties, including the Town of Montville, Mohegan Tribe, potentially the Mashantucket Tribe, the Norwich Golf Course Authority and the City of Norwich have all expressed concerns about the problem and will unite in requesting assistance from the appropriate state agencies to resolve the same. Mr. Warzecha proposed a draft letter which Mr. DiBattista has circulated to the various parties. The Town of Montville, through Mayor Len Burnell, has already sent such a letter to the Commission of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the Commission of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, 1 and copies to suggested employees of both departments. Similar letters are in the process of being prepared and signed. Mr. Warzecha indicated, based on information he has received, funding is available for removal of the dam under Route 32 if the agencies agree. FINANCIAL REPORT A motion to waive the formal reading of the May 2024 financial report was made by Mr. Podurgiel, seconded by Mr. Postler and approved by a vote of 8-0. A motion to accept the financial report as presented was made by Ms. Dutilly, seconded by Mr. Postler and approved by a vote of 8-0. MAY FINANCIAL REPORT OPERATING REVENUES for the month of May 2024 were $148,818.55 compared to budgeted revenues of $141,565, $7,253.55 over budgeted revenues, and $964.15 more than May 2023 revenues. EXPENSES for the month of May 2024 were $174,489.88 compared to budgeted expenses of $187,430.26, $12,940.38 under budgeted expenses and $29,973.99 under May 2023 expenses. NET LOSS for May 2024 was $25,671.33 compared to NET LOSS for May 2023 of $56,609.47. CASH BALANCE for May 2024 was $190,782.37, a decrease of $100,678.12 from the April 2024 of $291,460.49. YTD YTD OPERATING REVENUES were $655,167.97, compared to YTD budgeted revenues of $637,563. This is $17,604.97 over the YTD Budget, and $28,931.77 over the prior year. YTD EXPENSES were $628,850.96 compared to YTD budgeted expenses of $585,386.73. This is $43,464.23 over the YTD budget and $105,418.50 over the prior year. (Items to note: Course Improvements, Dues and Subscriptions and General Budget Repairs and Maintenance are overspent for the year) YTD Total Revenues were more than Expenses by $26,317.01; which is under budget by $25,859.26 and $76,486.73 under YTD May 2023. 2 Items of interest on the Balance Sheet: • The Restaurant lease is paid in full through the end of June 2024. • The balance in Accounts Receivable (products/services received but not paid for as of 5/31/24) is $5,589.15. • The balance in Due to Member’s Club is $21,590 and the Sale Taxes owed are $1,875.04. • The Due to General Fund is the NGCA’s cash balance as of 5/31/24. An amount in the Asset section means the City owes the NGCA those funds of $190,782.37. NOTE: May Cash Balance less Accounts Payable equals Cash (Shortfall): $190,782.37 ‐ $29,054.19 = $161,728.18 ARPA FUNDS – BRIDGE REPLACEMENT No change to the status of funds or expenses as there has been no activity on this account in the month of May 2024. The life to date budget of the projects is $295,000. To date $48,850.27 has been expended with open purchase orders for the project total of $245,778.73. This leaves a remaining available budget of $377. CORRESPONDENCE None received. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Chairman Malouf has made committee appointments to the four standing committees as follows: Budget Committee Chair Todd Postler; Members Richard Podurgiel, Michael Driscoll. Responsibilities: Prepare the annual budget Prepare monthly budget reviews in coordination with the Norwich Finance Department Greens Committee Co-Chairs Richard Strouse and David DiBattista Responsibilities: Working with the General Manager and Superintendent to identify and plan large scale capital projects to improve the playability and sustainability of the Norwich Golf Course 3 Maintenance Committee Chair Ray Lathrop; Members Barney Caulfield, Sue Dutilly, Eric Kundahl- Superintendent Responsibilities: Working with the General Manager and Superintendent on a day to day basis regarding playability and sustainability of the Norwich Golf Course Clubhouse Committee Members Bob Malouf and Mike Svab-General Manager Responsibilities: Working to maintain all facets of the Pro Shop, Restaurant, and other building spaces to be sure they are operating efficiently and effectively SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Mr. Kundahl reported there had been a significant blowout of the irrigation system in the first fairway affecting the 1st, 2nd and 3rd holes and the two practice greens. As a consequence, the 1st green has been stressed while the 2nd green and 3rd green seem to holding up better. As of the time of the meeting, there was an immediate need for water on the 1st green. Arrangements were made by the Chair with the East Great Plain Volunteer Fire Company to spray the 1st and 3rd greens as soon as possible. The East Great Plain Company arrived during the meeting and sprayed the 1st and 3rd greens in the event the thunderstorms predicted for the night of June 26 and 27 did not occur. The Authority expresses its thanks to the East Great Plain Volunteer Fire Company for its immediate attention to the request. Mr. Kundahl also reported that he had made repairs to the system but the pressure in the line continues to cause blowouts. Mr. Strouse made suggestions with respect to a method for diminishing the pressure and Mr. Kundahl noted that once parts are available, he will try to install the same secured by additional cement supports. Asked by the Pro Manager to describe the conditions he observed, Mr. Kundahl noted that the water spewing out of the ground reached about 50 feet into the air until the system is shutoff. The shutoff involves not only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd hole but also the two practice greens. Chairman Malouf extended kudos to Mr. Kundahl and his crew for the work in dealing with the blowout as well as for the general ongoing work at the course. In particular he extended the same to Mr. Kundahl and his crew for the work they had done prior to the Member Guest Tournament making much of the course playable, particularly bunkers, dispute the heavy rains that had fallen immediately before the event. They arrived well before dawn and had the course and particularly the bunkers, in playing condition by tee off. 4  PRO MANAGER REPORT Mr. Svab indicated that the brass tee markers have been installed, and members of the Authority commented favorably on the same. Mr. Svab stated that he has been involved with golf activities in eastern Connecticut since 1992. In his opinion the Norwich Golf Course, despite the heavy rains and high temperatures is in the best condition he has ever seen it to be. He and members of the Authority expressed their appreciation to Mr. Kundahl and his staff for their efforts and obvious successes in maintaining the course and making it a more attractive and inviting placed to play. Mr. Svab advised the Authority that the main television screen in the Caddy Shack restaurant and cable box were both knocked out of service as a result of the recent lightening storm. Both need to be replaced. He also advised that the dryer in the men’s room is inactive as it needs a new sensor which has been ordered. Paper towels are available in the men’s room but their use requires regular attention as the towels tend to be strewn about. Mr. Svab discussed his plans for staining and making repairs to the two rain shelters located at the farther ends of the course. MEMBER’S CLUB Mr. Busca reported on the tournaments that have taken place including the Old Course Event and the Senior and Junior Championships. The Norwich Invitational is upcoming. Mr. Busca also reported that a $1,000 scholarship had been awarded by the Member’s Club to Dan St. George. BRIDGE REPLACEMENT REPORT Chairman Malouf gave a quick rundown of the status of the project advising that installation is expected to start on July 8, 2024 and take approximately three weeks. At the suggestion of the engineer, cement footings will be used. Chairman Malouf also stated that work on the bridge will not take place during the Norwich Invitational and the contractor has been notified of this. Following Chairman Malouf’s report on the bridge, several topics were brought up for future consideration, the committee not yet having met. There were discussions about the condition of the women’s tee box on the 4th hole. Mr. Kundahl indicated that it needs to be enlarged with probably some different material blends utilized. 5 General discussion followed with regard to the speed of vehicles traveling on New London Turnpike. In addition to the recent painting of crosswalks arranged by Mr. Podurgiel, efforts are being made to get more signs installed along the roadway to warn of the two crossings. The Authority has received a request that it consider the installation of a port-o-potty or port-o-potties at the course. Discussions of possible locations and access to the same for cleaning ensued. Mr. Svab noted that the cost of maintaining the same could be higher than the Authority may anticipate. These topics will be followed up upon by the appropriate committees. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn at 6:48 PM was made by Mr. Lathrop, seconded by Mr. DiBattista and approved by a vote of 8-0. 6