HomeMy Public PortalAboutGolf Commission -- 2023-10-10 MinutesTOWN OF BREWSTER
Brewster, Massachusetts 02631
(508) 896-3701
GOLF COMMISSION
Minutes of October 10th, 2023
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Commissioners Present: Andrea Johnson (Chair), John Kissida (Vice -Chair), Jim Juras, Anne
O'Connell, Jay Paggi and David Valcourt.
Others Present: Jay Packett (Director of Operations), Colin Walsh (Superintendent), Bill Meehan
(Finance Committee Liaison), Dave Whitney (Select Board Liaison), and Susan Olin (Women's 9 -Hole
Assoc.)
THIS MEETING WAS VIDEO RECORDED. The meeting may be viewed at: https:l/reflect-brewster-
ma.cablecast.tvfCablecastPublicSitelshowl7721?site=I
Andrea Johnson read the meeting participation statement and called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Declaration of a Quorum — Six Commissioners present which constitutes a quorum.
Public Comment: None.
Superintendent's Report (Colin Walsh) - Colin Walsh noted ongoing maintenance projects and
upcoming tournament preparation. He provided an update on the course conditions, mentioning that the
greens are healing and will be dropped in height to improve rollout. The course has been using less water
due to the excessive rain, with a 12 million gallon reduction in irrigation usage so far. Colin Walsh
discussed the implementation of GPS sprayers on the golf course, mentioning reductions in acreage
sprayed and noticeable improvements in overspray and efficiency. He also provided updates on the
rebuilding of starboard number six, which is now open for play, and mentions upcoming fall projects and
cleanup.
Director of Operations Report (Jay Packett) - Jay Packett highlighted the savings from new spray rigs
and fairway mowers, which are more efficient and require less maintenance. Dave Valcourt added that the
new equipment provides a morale boost for staff who have been working with older equipment, and he
looked forward to seeing the future benefits. Jay Packett praised Colin's crew for hard work during
challenging weather conditions. Jay Packet went onto review Captains Course revenue and play totals.
Jay Packett highlighted positive trends in membership and greens fees revenue, despite a slow start to the
fiscal year. Proshop revenue is significantly higher than last year, with Keith Gagnon receiving credit for
his contributions. Jay Packett noted that pro shop purchases were higher in September than expected,
stating that special orders and backordered items arrived in September, leading to higher sales than
expected. He provided a brief financial summary. Calendar year comparison revealed a $351,000
increase in revenue, with membership revenues up $55,000 and greens fees higher by $124,000, attributed
to a busy summer. For the fiscal year, membership remained similar, while greens fees increased by
$53,000, largely due to a busy July and August. The bottom line showed a $93,000 increase, mainly
driven by higher pro shop revenue. Weather impacted play totals in September, with 4 days significantly
impacted by bad weather, resulting in the lowest number of rounds played since 2018. Nevertheless, they
remained ahead of 2022 by around 220 rounds, with hopes for improved weather. Overall, it was noted
that the number of rounds played was on an upward trajectory. Dave Valcourt requested specific
membership numbers, such as resident and non-resident totals, to better understand the usage of the
course. Jay Packett provided an update on the Business Manager position. They had reveiwed all the
applications and resumes and selected five candidates for interviews, which will take place next Thursday
and Friday. If a candidate impresses during the initial interview, Peter Lombardi will participate in a
second interview, particularly for a high -responsibility position, to assess their suitability.
State of the Captains - Final Draft Approval (Dave Valcourt) - Dave Valcourt highlighted changes
made to the document, including revised statements and edits to the verbiage. Jay Packett noted some
discrepancies in initial year financials. Dave Valcourt and Jay Packett discussed the FY 2024 budget, with
Dave mentioning the link to the FY 23 budget on the town's website is not accurate and may cause
confusion. Dave and Jay agreed to include the FY 2024 budget link in the SOC, with Dave Valcourt
mentioning the capital planning and pro shop sections need to be updated. Dave Valcourt provided
updates including the arrival of new GPS sprayers and the addition of The State of Captain's to The
Captain's website. Anne O'Connell and Andrea Johnson identified typos and clarified some points in the
transcript. John Kissida highlights the importance of explaining financial information to avoid confusion.
A motion to approve was made and seconded, all were in favor.
Pump House Protection: Technical edits made to the RFP for the irrigation water source/supply
study (Jay Paggi) - Jay Paggi provided an update to the document received from Jay Packett on October
5, mentioning that they had reviewed it and made three small changes. The first change was in the second
bullet of the scope, which pertained to raising the elevation of wells. The second change was a spelling
correction. The third change involved emphasizing the importance of the final report in the last paragraph
on page two. Jay Packet also clarified that the term "pressure maintenance well" was equivalent to the
"jockey pump."
Divot/ball mark problem (Dave Valcourt) - Dave Valcourt reflected on the effort put into repairing
divots and ball marks on the golf course, only to see it disrespected again soon after. Dave Valcourt
emphasized the importance of golfers taking care of divots and fixing them during their round. Dave
Valcourt suggested that enforcement of divot repair should come from within the golfing community,
rather than from an outside authority. He cited the need for more signs and education to address the issue
of poor divot repair. He noted that players disrespecting the course are leaving it in poor condition, which
can negatively impact the experience for all players. Jay Packett is frustrated with individuals driving
golf carts on both asphalt and grass, particularly near greens, and has sent emails on the issue. Jay Packett
and Colin noted they will work together to address the problem, but there are other pressing issues for
Colin's staff, such as preparing the courses for play in the morning. Jay Packett and Dave Valcourt
discussed the issue of golf carts running out of divot fill on the course, leading to frustrated customers. It
was noted that there are boxes with divot mix on the course that can fill empty bottles on the carts for
golfers, but it was acknowledged that some may not be aware of this option. The idea of creating
educational content for golfers, such as a blurb about when to replace divots and when to use mix without
seed, and how to encourage golfers to replace their divots. Options for golfer's that walk the course were
looked into as well. John Kissida noted that seed in divot mix can create problems for rough areas, and
not having seed in the mix allows for more flexibility in repairing divots. Jay Packett followed up by
emphasizing the importance of education and filling boxes to the best of their ability, with a focus on
replacing divots. Jay Packett expressed frustration with golfers not following proper etiquette, including
leaving divots and ball marks unrepaired.
Strategic Planning Updates (Commission) - John Kissida and Jay Packett discussed the upcoming
daffodil planting at Captains, with John Kissida mentioning they've been doing it for three or four years
and will meet in advance to plan.
Andrea Johnson discussed the town's public engagement event, highlighting its success in attracting
members of the public to learn about committees and commissions. Dave Whitely praised the event's
initial success, noting that 45 committee members were present to explain their roles and attract interest
from the public.
Questions and Comments from Associations and Liaisons: Susan Olin (President, Women's 9 -Hole
Association), provided a season wrap-up. They had 63 members, including seven new ones, and the
season had excellent weather with minimal rainouts. They successfully held a charity event, "Rally for the
Cure," raising over $4,500 for the Breast Center in Hyannis. Additionally, they conducted a fundraiser for
the Lower Cape Outreach, collecting $250 in cash and non-perishable food items. Susan thanked Jay
Packett and his staff, especially Patrick Fannon, who managed their tournaments, as well as the course
crew for their efforts. Susan Olin also expressed gratitude to the Friends for their beautiful daffodils and
birdhouses, and finally, she acknowledged the Golf Commission for their dedication to the course.
Review and approve minutes (9/12) - Minutes reviewed and approved with amendments.
Future Agenda Items and Meetings (10/24 & 11/14) - Dave Valcourt asked for the calendar to be
placed on the future agenda items if possible. Andrea Johnson noted she would add it to the agenda and
they would attempt to get to it at the next meeting.
Matters not anticipated by the Chair: - Jay Packett noted that last Friday, the town of Brewster hosted
its annual end -of -year employee cookout and appreciation day at the Bay properties. The event featured
food, music, and games, providing an opportunity for town employees to come together. This year, they
introduced a recognition program for employees with service milestones. Notable honorees included
Keith Gagnon (one year), Lou Moreno (1 year), Jeff Hemeon (15 years), Greg MacKinnon and Eric
Schwebach (20 years), and Tom Flynn (30 years). Each recipient received certificates and free Brewster
beach parking stickers for the 2024 season. The event was well-received, fostering a sense of community
and continuity among the town's employees.
A motion to adjourn was made - Motion was approved and the meeting was adjourned.