Golf Course Authority

To: NGCA Members From: Bob Malouf, Chairman NGCA Re: Minutes of NGCA regular meeting of September 18, 2024 Members Present Bernard Caulfield Susan Dutilly, remotely David DiBattista Richard Strouse Bob Malouf Ray Lathrop Michael Driscoll Others Present Eric Kundahl, Superintendent Micky Busca, Member’s Club CALL TO ORDER Chairman Malouf called the September 18, 2024 meeting of the Norwich Golf Course Authority to order at 6:01PM. MINUTES A motion to approve the minutes of the August 21, 2024 meeting of the Norwich Golf Course Authority was made by Mr. DiBattista, seconded by Ms. Dutilly, and approved by a vote of 7-0. NEW BUSINESS Mr. DiBattista led discussion on the hole #2 fairway flooding issue. Mr. DiBattista advised that the Authority, through him and Mr. Warzecha, has received a number of communications from: • the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, • the National Resources Conservation Service, • the United States Department of Agriculture, • the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District, • Jean McInnis, Environmental Protection Administrator, Compliance and Regulation Department Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, • Danielle Russell, Tribal Affairs Liaison Office of Equity and Environmental Justice Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, 1  • Paul Burgess on behalf of the Eastern Connecticut Conservaton District, • Todd Bobowick, National Resources Conservation Service, State Foresters and State Biologist, together with NRCS staff from the USDA, • Representatives of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection from the Forestry and Fishery Divisions, • staff of the Norwich Golf Course including Mr. Svab and Mr. Kundahl, and • members of the Norwich Golf Course Authority including Mr. DiBattista and Chairman Malouf. Collectively, these provide a review of problems being experienced at the golf course, and upstream and downstream of the course, on Trading Cove Brook. These specifically discuss erosions problems relative to Trading Cove Brook on the 4th and 9th holes and the continuing flooding problem on the 2nd hole. The information includes a photograph of the brook adjacent to the Norwich Golf Course 9th green where stream stabilization as well as relocating the existing cart path as it runs between the stream and the green may need to be implemented. The materials also provide technical details with respect to the flow, depth, dimensions and channel characteristics of Trading Cove Brook which, given its proximity to the Thames River, is identified as a site being within the zone for essential fish habitat. The Natural Diversity Data Base recognizes the Eastern Pearlshell, an invertebrate, and the Bridle Shiner, a fish, as both being Connecticut Species of Special Concern within Trading Cove Brook. The Eastern Pearlshell is a freshwater mussel species whose host fish include brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. The reports also discuss increasing erosive resistance by establishing native deep rooted vegetation within the floodplain, which may provide more resistance to erosion and may also reduce the velocities within the flood plain area. One report also suggests some transition along the brook on the 2nd hole to native grasses to be mowed less frequently. The investigations have included an automated site assessment as well as onsite reviews. Various employees of the United States Department of Agriculture and the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection have been providing technical and other assistance with respect to streambank and floodplain erosion issues. Reports indicate that, at the downstream end of the golf course, the watershed of Trading Cove Brook is approximately 13.1 square miles. Trading Cove Brook is considered a third order tributary to the Thames River with statistics as to width, depth, peak/flow, provided in a report by Mr. Bobowick. Mr. Bobowick’s report includes recommendations to limit the accelerating streambank erosion on the 4th and 9th holes, and to minimize periodic prolonged inundation on the 2nd hole as well, by establishing riparian vegetation between the brook and the turf areas on the 2nd hole. This approach may also slow the velocity of the brook along the 2nd hole leading to less erosion. The recommendations made to the Authority include retaining the services of a firm well versed in natural channel design and repairing and restoration to develop a rehabilitation plan for all three sites. Challenges include the fact areas of the 2nd hole are within a natural floodplain and the existing vegetation on the 9th hole includes American Beech trees, currently compromised due to disease. The recommendations include 2 relocating the existing cart path away from the top of the bank on the 9th hole and the creation of an adequate riparian buffer along the stream. The Authority expressed appreciation for all of those who have assisted it in these ongoing concerns. FINANCIAL REPORT Current Month OPERATING REVENUES for the month of August 2024 were $164,607.23 compared to budgeted revenues of $164,677.00, $69.77 under budgeted revenues, and $4,622.90 more than August 2023 revenues. EXPENSES for the month of August 2024 were $162,502.70 compared to budgeted expenses of $148,014.81, $14,487.91 over budgeted expenses and $25,222.40 over August 2023 expenses. NET GAIN for August 2024 was $2,104.51 compared to NET GAIN for August 2023 of $22,704.01. CASH BALANCE for August 2024 was $205,171.45, in comparison to the prior month, July 2024, of $219,269.93. This was a decrease of $14,098.48. YTD YTD OPERATING REVENUES were $1,188,016.75, compared to YTD budgeted revenues of $1,152,538.00. This is $35,478.75 over the YTD Budget, and $56,916.55 over the prior year. YTD EXPENSES were $1,054,974.00 compared to YTD budgeted expenses of $1,050,317.55. This is $4,656.45 over the YTD budget and $197,062.44 over the prior year. (PLEASE NOTE: Course Improvements, Course Supplies, Dues & Subscriptions, Material & Supplies Pro Shop and General Budget Repairs & Maintenance and Financial Services are overspent for the year. The overage currently is approximately $43,500 on these line items. This overage will need to come from other budget lines.) YTD Total Revenues were more than Expenses by $133,042.75; which is over budget by $30,822.30 and $140,145.89 under YTD August 2023. PLEASE NOTE: $57,750.00 was moved from the Course Improvements line item to the Fixed Assets on the balance sheet and depreciated accordingly. This makes the actual to budget look more favorable than it is. 3 Items of interest on the Balance Sheet: • The Restaurant lease is paid through the end of September 2024. • The balance in Accounts Payable (products/services received but not paid for as of 8/31/24) is $(2,557.89). • The balance in Due to Member’s Club is $590.00 and the Sale Taxes owed are $2,608.55. • The Due to General Fund is the NGCA’s cash balance as of 8/31/24. An amount in the Asset section means the City owes the NGCA those funds of $205,171.45. NOTE: August Cash Balance less items to be paid = Cash available (Shortfall): $205,171.45 ‐ $640.66 = $204,530.79 A motion to accept the Financial Report as presented was made by Mr. Lathrop, seconded by Mr. DiBattista and approved by a vote of 7-0. ARP FUNDS – BRIDGE REPLACEMENT The City Council has reallocated unused ARP funds. The Life to Date Budget of the Project has been revised to $294,623.00. Additional funds were spent in August in the amount of $66,785.24. This brings the Life to Date Expended amount on this project to $190,780.51. This leaves open purchase orders for the project total $103,842.49. CADDY SHACK Mr. Malouf reported that the Caddy Shack lease has been paid through October 31 2024. CORRESPONDENCE None received. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Chairman Malouf reported that Mr. Kundahl and maintenance had cut in bent grass seeds into the greens and Ms. Dutilly noting that the greens were “sandy” immediately following that. Mr. Kundahl indicated this was temporary condition. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Mr. Kundahl reported that the condition of the 17th hole is improving with grasses filling in between the cross cuts. It still needs to be observed and attended to as necessary. Mr. Kundahl described this condition is temporary. 4 Mr. Kundal notified the Authority that he intends to start leaf blowing in the immediate future as there are areas of the course already starting to accumulate falling leaves. Mr. Kundahl advised the Authority that there has been damage on the 15th and 16th greens due to a young person riding a bicycle on the same. He also advised that on the 8th hole a problem occurred when the irrigation system did not activate causing some drying and damage to high areas on various mounds. The clock to control this area is an issue with regard to training and probably goes back to the original installation. He estimated that obtaining a replacement clock will cost approximately $10,000. Mr. Lathrop recommended that sum be budgeted as part of the 2025 budget to remedy the situation. PRO MANAGER REPORT In Mr. Svab’s absence, Mr. Malouf reported that the income received in September 2024 between September 1-September 15 was approximately $75,000. MEMBER’S CLUB Mr. Busca advised that the hitting ranges are receiving a good deal of use and the Member’s Club plans to replace the netting on at least one next year. Mr. Busca also reported that the nomination of officers will be held following an upcoming Member’s Club event on October 6, 2024. During Mr. Busca’s remarks, questions came up with respect to the Norwich Invitational. Apparently there were complaints of slow play at various times during the Invitational and the Member’s Club is considering suggestions to deal with the same possibly including the reduction of the number of flights and the elimination of the beaten eights play on Sunday morning. Mr. Lathrop expressed his opinion that eliminating a flight would be harmful to the tournament and explained why he was of that opinion. BRIDGE PROJECT HOLE #9 Chairman Malouf reported that the pouring of concrete is scheduled hopefully to be completed before the weekend. He also indicated that the recommendations made with respect to the 9th hole strongly recommend the cart path running between the green and Trading Cove Brook be relocated and that is being considered at this point before the new cart path is installed. No votes were taken with respect to either of these matters. GREENS COMMITTEE Mr. Strouse indicated that the Greens Committee has put together a list of projects but has not made any formal recommendations as to which projects should be done next year awaiting information on how much money will be appropriated in the budget towards projects. In his opinion, the projects which could be completed within the 5 appropriated funding may be the projects to be recommended. Mr. DiBattista expressed a contrary opinion suggesting the projects should be ranked to assist the Budget Committee in determining how much monies to set aside for projects. MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE Mr. Lathrop and Ms. Dutilly expressed their appreciation for the work Rob Cardini arranged to have done at the golf course and the quality of the same. Mr. Lathrop suggested that the budget for tree trimming be doubled from 2024’s $25,000 figure to $50,000 for needed work. BUDGET COMMITTEE In Mr. Postler’s absence, there was no discussion of the budget other than the Authority was advised that he will attend a meeting with Mr. Kundahl, Mr. Svab, and Ms. Kutcha on Friday, September 20, 2024. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Lathrop initiated discussions regarding the availability and charges of certain memberships which he would like reconsidered for the 2025 season. No action was taken. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:42 PM was made by Mr. DiBattista, seconded by Mr. Lathrop and approved by a vote of 7-0. 6