HomeMy Public PortalAboutGolf Commission Packet 6.27.23MEETING NOTICE
TOWN OF BREWSTER
GOLF COMMISSION
Golfcommission@Brewster-ma.gov
Location: 2198 Main Street
Date: June 27, 2023
Time: 4:00 PM
This meeting will be conducted in person at the time and location noted above. This means that
at least a quorum of the members of the public body will attend the meeting in person and
members of the public are welcome to attend in person as well. As a courtesy only, access to
the meeting is also being provided via remote means in accordance with applicable law. Please
note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a
courtesy to the public, the meeting/hearing will not be suspended or terminated if
technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast or affect remote attendance or
participation, unless otherwise required by law. Members of the public with particular interest
in any specific item on this agenda should make plans for in -person vs. virtual attendance
accordingly.
Members of the public who wish to access the meeting remotely may do so in the manner shown
on our posted agenda.
Meetings may be joined by:
1. Phone: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 436 2866
Webinar ID: 881 4407 8985
Passcode: 049087
To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized.
2. Zoom Webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88144078985? pwd=M05KOnNsR1ROT2FzZEpkSFZDWUVO
Zz09
Passcode: 049087
To request to speak: Tap Zoom "Raise Hand" button, then wait to be recognized.
Jay Packett
Director of Operations
Colin Walsh
Course Superintendent
Golf Commission
Anne O'Connell
Chair
Andrea Johnson
Vice Chair
Rob David
John Kissida
Wyn Morton
David Valcourt
The Captains Golf Course
1000 Freemans Way
Brewster, MA 02631
(508) 896-1716
www.CaptainsGolfCourse.com
When required by law or allowed by the Chair, persons wishing to provide public comment or
otherwise participate in the meeting may do so by attending the meeting in person or by
accessing the meeting remotely.
Additionally, the meeting will be broadcast live, in real time, via Live broadcast (Brewster Government TV
Channel 18), Livestream (livestream.brewster-ma._ or Video recording (tv.brewster-ma.E ov'.
AGENDA
• Call to Order
• Declaration of a Quorum
• Meeting Participation Statement
• As required by the Open Meeting Law, we are informing you that the Town will be video and audio
taping as well as broadcasting this public meeting. In addition, if anyone else intends to either
video or audio tape this meeting they are required to inform the chair.
• Public Comment
• Update Course Signage (Rob David)
• Discussion and possible vote on proposed revisions to Town Bylaw; Chapter 6; Article V; Sub -Sections
6.5-6.10
• Questions and Comments from Associations and Liaisons
• Future Agenda Items and Meetings (7/11)
• Matters not anticipated by the Chair
• Adjourn
Date Posted: Date Revised:
Received by Town Clerk:
Draft
Proposed Revisions to Town ByLaw
Background Discussion and Context for the proposed Golf Commission ByLaw Revision
The revision of the Town Bylaw is one of three actions to be recommended to the golf
commission for discussion and possible future vote. Bylaw revision discussion is scheduled for
the upcoming 27 June golf commission meeting. The other two potential actions for discussion
and vote include recommended Town website modifications/amplifications concerning the golf
commission and re -generation and distribution of the "Brewster Golf Commission Handbook of
Policies, Operational Regulations, and Procedures", last printed in October 2010. The 27 June
commission session will focus discussions on the potential bylaw revisions with the remaining
actions to be discussed at a future commission meeting, followed by discussion with Select
Board, if required.
The Town Bylaw provisions to be considered are those currently found in paragraphs 6-5
through 6-10 on the Brewster-MA.gov website as of 6/19/2023. It is understood that our
discussions and any recommendations for bylaw revision must be approved by Town counsel
prior to review and approval by the Select Board. Ultimately, any change must be approved at
Town Meeting.
Para 6-5 Appointment Terms. There are no proposed revisions to this paragraph as currently
written, however, comment regarding the filling of vacancies is warranted. As written the Select
Board has unilateral authority to fill vacancies on the golf commission with no selection
participation or input from the golf commission. Strongly recommend that the golf commission
have representation in the process to fill golf commission vacancies as well as other key golf
personnel (Director of Golf; Superintendent, etc.).
Para 6-6 Purpose.
A. (1) The golf course shall be operated and maintained so as to pay its expenses and
return a reasonable profit to the Town. Recommend delete red verbiage and add :
"As the Captains golf course became an Enterprise fund on 1 July 2022...the golf
course shall be operated and maintained as authorized by its approved FY budget
and in compliance with Mass State Law MGL44:53F1/2.
(2) The golf course shall be operated and maintained as a facility available to the
residents of the Town. Recommend delete the red verbiage and add: available to ...the
public with priority to the residents of Brewster.
B. There are no recommended revisions to the narrative in paragraph, however, the
interpretation of the responsibilities given to the golf commission could be better defined. As
written, it would seem that as long as the itemized actions contained in paragraph "B" taken by
the golf commission remain in compliance with the two guiding principles prescribed in
paragraph "A" then these actions are within the commission's authorities. Our future discussion
of "Handbook of Policies, Operational Regulations, and Procedures" will afford an opportunity
to revisit the functions of the golf department and golf commission.
Para6-7 Removal. No change
Para 6-8 Required Reports. The golf commission shall, within 30 days after the end of the fiscal
year, make a report to the citizens of the Town. Comment... the timing of this report was
questioned at our 13 June 2023 commission meeting. Should there be two separate reports
each year? A fiscal end of FY report on financials and then an end of Calendar Year report of
accomplishments/noteworthy points from the past year to the membership and Town's citizens.
Para 6-9 Audit No changes as written.
Para 6-10 Appointment Paragraph 6-10 needs to be deleted. The Golf Director no longer has a
contract. This position is subject to the Personnel Bylaw.
§ 6-5. Appointment; terms. [Amended 11-13-2006 FYTM, Art. 15; 11-13-2017 FYTM, Art. 13]
The Select Board shall appoint a Golf Commission of seven members to serve as the policy -making
board of the Captains Golf Course. Each member shall be appointed for a staggered term of three years.
Reappointment at the end of a term shall be determined by the Selectmen. All vacancies shall be filled
by the Select Board. The Select Board may appoint a member to serve the unexpired term of a former
member.
§ 6-6. Purpose. [Amended 11-13-2017 FYTM, Art. 13]
A. In fulfilling its responsibility to the Town of Brewster, the Select Board, the Town Administrator
and the Golf Commission shall be guided by two basic principles, as follows:
(1) The golf course shall be operated and maintained so as to pay its expenses and return a
reasonable profit to the Town.
(2) The golf course shall be operated and maintained as a facility available to the residents of the
Town.
B. The Golf Commission shall be responsible for the preparation of near and long-term plans, policies
and strategies, including, but not limited to, eligibility for use, fees, hours of operation, block -time
approval and liaison with various golf associations and other golf course users. Any changes in
policies, regulations, procedures or operations that would alter these principles or change their stated
priority shall be approved by the Select Board.
§ 6-7. Removal. [Amended 11-13-2017 FYTM, Art. 13]
Members of the Golf Commission may be removed by the Select Board for reasonable and good cause.
§ 6-8. Required reports.
The Golf Commission shall, within 30 days after the end of the fiscal year, make a report to the citizens
of the Town.
§ 6-9. Audit.
The Golf Department will be subject to an audit in the same manner as other boards, committees,
commissions and departments and shall respond appropriately to its recommendations.
§ 6-10. Appointment. [Amended 11-13-2017 FYTM, Art. 13]
The Director of Operations of the golf course, appointed by the Select Board pursuant to the provisions of
Chapter 5, Art. I, § 5-3C of the Brewster Town Code, may enter into an employment contract for a period
of up to three years.
:1
BREWSTER
MASSACHUSETTS
Published on Town of Brewster (https://www.brewster-ma.gov)
Home > Boards & Committees > Golf Commission
Golf Commission & Department
Mission and Responsibilities
The Golf Commission aims to provide an enjoyable golfing experience on well -maintained Town
courses at reasonable prices. The Commission formulates policies for the Captains Golf Courses,
Brewster's municipal courses, including fees and other matters related to golf operations. The
Commission makes recommendations to the Select Board concerning golf operations, including the
hiring of the golf director, and promotes the game of golf for all ages.
Golf Commission
Members are appointed by the Select Board. The Golf Commission meets every second and fourth
Tuesday of each month at 4:OOpm. See the Golf Commission Website for complete list of Golf
Commissioners, biographies, years of services, and current term of appointment.
Board/Committee Members
Name Position Term End
Rob David Member 6/30/2024
Andrea Johnson Member 6/30/2023
John Kissada Member 6/30/2025
Wyn Morton Member 6/30/2023
Anne O'Connell Chair 6/30/2023
David Valcourt Member 6/30/2024
Department
Brewster's Golf Department operates the Captains Golf Courses, two 18 -hole public courses.
Membership options are available to town residents and non-residents. Services available include a
clubhouse, pro shop, lessons, driving range, putting greens, cart rentals, golf leagues, tournament
play, and a restaurant. Members and non-members may reserve tee times.
Please visit the Golf Department Website for more information.
ADDITIONAL NOTES REGARDING DRAFT PROPOSED REVISIONS DOCUMENT
• The "Brewster Golf Commission Handbook of Policies, Operational Regulations, and
Procedures" referenced in the draft was revised in 2015 and unanimously approved at the
10/13/15 meeting of the Brewster Golf Commission
• The following is from an Informational Guideline Release issued by the MA
Department of Revenue and dated April 2021.
Can an enterprise fund operate independently or under its own procedures?
• No. An enterprise fund is an accounting/budgeting method. It does not grant additional
powers to the department or board providing the service, nor does it create a separate
legal entity. An enterprise is still a municipal department that is subject to ordinary
municipal finance procedures. As stated in FAQ #4, the rate setting process is
established by statute, special act, local charter or by-law. Any enterprise fund
property/asset is owned by the municipality (not the department operating the
enterprise) and may only be acquired, leased or disposed of by vote of the legislative
body. At no time can these conditions be altered through the adoption of an enterprise
fund.