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HomeMy Public PortalAboutGolf Commission -- 2023-05-09 MinutesTOWN OF BREWSTER Brewster, Massachusetts 02631 (508) 896-3701 GOLF COMMISSION Minutes of May 9th, 2023 I~'4'4° 0.9_ Commissioners Present: Anne O'Connell (Chair), Andrea Johnson (Vice -Chair), Rob David, John Kissida, and David Valcourt. Others Present: Jay Packett (Director of Operations), Colin Walsh (Superintendent), Terry Ivester (Women's 18 -Hole Association) and Peggy McEvoy (Friends of Captains). THIS MEETING WAS VIDEO RECORDED. The meeting may be viewed at: https:llreflect-brewster- ma.cablecast.tvlCablecastPublicSitelshow17513?channel=1 Chairperson Anne O'Connell called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Declaration of a Quorum — 4 Golf Commissioners in person at Town Hall and Dave Valcourt attended remotely, which constitutes a quorum. Public Comment: Peggy McEvoy provided the following updates for The Friends of Captains: The Captains Course Driving Range ball popping event had 26 attendees, including Rob David and Dave Valcourt of the Golf Commission. They successfully collected thousands of golf balls and filled multiple containers. The efforts of Jay, Pat, Jon, and Keith in conducting a golf clinic for the participants were greatly appreciated. The Friends of Captains organized the Brewster in Bloom Closest to the Pin event for Daffodil days, which received positive feedback. They paid out over $630 to winners and made around $200. They have scheduled divot days on May 18 to prepare for the Mass Sr. Four Ball event. The Friends of Captains have partnered with the Brewster Recreation Department to offer a free golf clinic called Tee-rific for youth aged six to twelve. Golf clubs will be provided if needed. Previously, they provided scholarships for golf classes, but this new initiative aims to reach more students who could benefit from free access to golf. Peggy McEvoy noted the Brewster Recreation Department has included information about the clinic in their brochure. Jay Packett noted his gratitude and appreciation for the ball picking event. He mentioned that both Colin and he, along with the driving range staff, found the ball picking event to be amazing. Many attendees initially expected to pick up only a few dozen balls but were surprised by the scale of the event. Jay Packett thanked Peggy and the entire Friends group for their efforts. Jay Packett noted that Mike Gradone, the Director of the Brewster Recreation Department, expressed great honor and gratitude for the Friends' involvement in the junior golf clinic. Superintendent's Report: Colin Walsh discussed several topics during the superintendent's report. He praised the Friends group for organizing the divot days event. He mentioned how important it is to showcase the meticulous work of filling divots to visiting golfers, especially those accustomed to high- end private clubs. Colin encouraged everyone to participate in the event and expressed his gratitude to Peggy and The Friends for their efforts. Colin noted the recent paving work around the starter shed, pro shop, and first tee areas. He highlighted the progress made on the project, including the detail work and flower bed improvements. Colin Walsh noted that the paving cost approximately $72,000 out of the allocated $120,000, with significant savings achieved by handling certain aspects in-house. Colin praised his team for their hard work and mentioned the durability of the paths they constructed. Colin Walsh went on to discuss a meeting they had with Lori Kennedy, a stormwater consultant, to address drainage issues. They explored various options such as swales, catch basins, and potential removal of unnecessary cart paths. Lori analyzed floodwater heights and rainfall data to propose drainage improvements. Colin expressed optimism about achieving the project goals without excessive spending. He anticipated receiving Lori's report by the end of the fiscal year. Colin Walsh noted a recent meeting with Kurt Raber, John Kissida, Rob David, and Jay Packett to discuss maintenance building improvements. They focused on rehabilitating two existing buildings and potentially adding a third building to enhance storage capacity. Safety and workflow improvements were also emphasized. Colin expected revised plans to be available soon. Colin Walsh noted the MASS SR. Four Ball Championship, an upcoming tournament with near scratch golfers and emphasized the importance of attention to detail and greens maintenance to make a favorable impression on the participants. He expressed appreciation for the upcoming divot days. Lastly, Colin Walsh noted staffing and operations. He acknowledged that they were still short-staffed but mentioned promising candidates soon to be onboarded. He acknowledged the efforts of the crew and expressed that everything was going well despite the staffing challenges. Discussion followed on the topics in the Superintendent's Report. The conversation involved several topics, including cart path work, green conditions, pathway improvements, and the maintenance building project. Rob David observed that by the first tee without ropes in high traffic areas, people park on both sides of the cart path, causing inconvenience for others. Colin Walsh acknowledged the issue and mentioned installing ropes and bollards to address the problem. They discussed a minimalist approach to determine where ropes are necessary. The conversation then shifted to the condition of the greens. John Kissida praised the cart path improvements and the meeting regarding the maintenance building project. He acknowledged the project's complexity and the need to secure funding. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and the detailed plans provided by the consultants. John Kissida anticipated the next steps, which included obtaining a cost estimate and dealing with potential budget challenges. Director's Report: Jay Packett gave kudos to Colin's crew and the great job on the prep work for the paving, saving a significant amount of money. The exact amount of savings is unknown, but it is estimated to be substantial. The cost incurred for the prep work and T base installation was approximately $6,000, with an additional $72,000 for the actual paving. The total cost of the project is around $78,000. The crew also worked on fixing issues in the cart barn, making it safer and improving the overall appearance. Jay Packett noted the meetings with Lori Kennedy regarding pump house protection and Kurt Raber for the maintenance building study have been productive and informative. Jay Packett also noted the upcoming MASS GOLF SR. Four Ball Championship, and that the golf course will be closed on May 22nd and 23rd for this event. Efforts are being made to gather good press coverage for the golf course, including contacting local press and leveraging the association with MASS GOLF. Jay Packett went on to speak on financials. The budget status through April shows that they are on track with the previous year (FY 22). For the calendar year 2023 compared to 2022, memberships, greens fees, and cart fees have all seen increases, resulting in an overall increase in revenue of over $65,000. Comparing the fiscal year 2023 to 2022, memberships, greens fees, and cart fees have also increased, leading to a total revenue increase of approximately $195,000. The Captain's Course has received over $72,000 in solar lease payments, which will further contribute to the positive financial position of the course. Jay Packett noted how in April rounds played were slightly lower when compared to the previous two years but significantly higher than in April 2020. The difference was just over 140 rounds from the previous year. In terms of calendar year 2023, the total rounds played in the first four months amounted to 11,208. Overall, Jay Packett expects rounds played to reach over 85,000 rounds for the calendar year 2023, which is significantly higher than pre-COVID levels. He noted that the increased number of rounds has positive implications for the golf course and highlights the success of both the maintenance and pro shop teams. -Course Operations and Concerns - Anne O'Connell asked Jay Packett about the capital status report. Jay Packett explained that they haven't spent any money since the last meeting two weeks ago, which is why he didn't include the report. Anne O'Connell asked about the status of the doors that are supposed to be purchased. Jay Packett confirmed that they are still in the process of obtaining quotes for the doors and will report the prices as soon as he has them. Jay Packett noted that they are discussing exterior doors for the pavilion, the doors behind the bar leading to the patio, and the door from the restaurant to the hallway. Rob David asked for an update on the non-resident waitlist, asking if they had reached the 25 person mark yet. Jay Packett noted that they have not yet reached the 25 -person mark. He explained that Jon is still working on determining the number of people on the waitlist and that they did receive some interest when they moved down the list, but not from everyone. Jay Packett mentions that he did not provide an updated membership list during the recent meeting, but he planned to do so at the end of May. He will also provide an update at the next golf commission meeting in June, sharing the current status with the commission. Anne O'Connell noted the energy management that they are paying for, noting that it will become a personnel bylaw employee. Jay Packett responds by saying he saw that on the Select Board's agenda but couldn't attend the meeting. Anne O'Connell asked if there are any cost implications and requested Jay Packett to find out. Jay Packett agreed to speak with Susan in HR and didn't believe there would be any cost implications. Anne O'Connell emphasized the importance of having all the information. Questions and Comments from Associations and Liaisons: Terry Ivester, the President of the Women's 18 -Hole Golf Association, provided an update on the association. She mentioned that there are 62 returning members and nine social members, which is consistent with the previous year. They have been experiencing an increase in membership from neighboring clubs. Terry expressed gratitude to the Golf Commission and Jay Packett for allowing their association to keep their Tuesday block of times, which is not always the case in other clubs. Terry Ivester acknowledged the excellent condition of the course, particularly the greens. Terry Ivester noted that the new cart path has been appreciated by the members and attributes it as one of the reasons for attracting new members. Lastly, she mentioned the success of the Captain's Women's Spring Team, which currently is in second place in the standings for points in the Spring League against other Cape Cod golf clubs. She expressed hope for the team to win the remaining three rounds of the cup. Review and approve minutes: - 4/11/23 Approved with amendments - 4/25/23 Approved with amendments Future Agenda Items and Meetings (6/13) - Anne O'Connell noted the next scheduled meeting is set for June 13', which will be a regular business meeting. Anne O'Connell noted there will be updates on the maintenance building study. Matters not anticipated by the Chair: John Kissida noted dead plants in the solar project area. He mentioned that they are a requirement for warranty from the planning board, indicating that replacements should be made but was unsure of the appropriate contact person. John Kissida asked Jay Packett to find out. He emphasized the importance of addressing the situation since the plants should have budded at this time. John Kissida offered to assist in creating a list of identified locations if needed. A motion to adjourn was made by Anne O'Connell - Motion was approved and the meeting was adjourned.