December 2006 Golf Committee Minutes

JANUARY 2007 GOLF COMMITTEE MEETING

Meeting called to order on January 5, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. by Acting, Temporary Chairperson, Jeanne Osborne.

Followed by Pledge of Allegiance.

Committee Members Present: Chairman: Members: Jeanne Osborne, Tom Guinther, Tony Pitrulle and Suzanne Peterson. Excused absence: Bob Peet.

Also Present: Course Director of Golf, Jim Kormondy, Pro Shop Manager, Sandy Lobello, and Course Superintendant, Mike Henderson.

Guests in attendance: Richard Bleau, liaison member from the District Board, John Couch, John Hall, Maggie Hall, Pat Dunckley and John Barry.

The minutes of the December 2006, meeting were approved as submitted.

Correspondence: None.

Election of 2007 Committee Chairperson: Acting, Temporary Chairperson, Jeanne Osborne announced that Bob Peet had completed the maximum of two years service as Chair, as specified in the Committee's By-Laws. Jeanne Osborne nominated Tom Guinther as Chairperson. The nomination was seconded by Suzanne Peterson. Guinther was unanimously elected.

Jeanne Osborne nominated, and Tom Guinther seconded the nomination of Suzanne Peterson as Committee Secretary. Peterson was unanimously elected.

Tom Guinther assumed the Chair. He thanked the Committee and thanked Bob Peet for the work Peet has done for the past two years. Guinther also thanked Peet for agreeing to stay on as a Committee member.

Guinther welcomed Tony Pitrulle as the newest member of the Committee.

Unfinished Business: Member, Tony Pitrulle asked about the status of the equipment tent. Director Kormondy advised that the temporary equipment tent is a dead issue. He said that there was a new solution for housing the maintenance equipment. Beginning on January 8, the equipment will be housed at the Property Services Building, and transported daily to be used on the Course. Kormondy explained that the bids coming in for the replacement maintenance building were over twice what was budgeted. So, there was no way to go forward with building plans, yet something had to be done to protect the maintenance equipment. A trailer is going to be purchased to transport the equipment back and forth from Property Services to the Course. The area which once housed the equipment barn will be landscaped over. The two trailers between the 13th green and the 14th tee will be moved back nearer the road, so as not to obstruct the views of the homeowners on the 14th tee. The roof will be replaced, and some remodeling will be done on the maintenance building off the 8th green. When asked about the insurance and FEMA monies that had been intended for the rebuilding of the equipment barn, Kormondy said that the equipment barn was not insured. Whatever FEMA monies that might have been available at one time, would never have come close to replacing the building. The housing of equipment at the Property Services building is, therefore, the final solution.

Chairperson Guinther said that he's still getting complaints about the cutting of the holes - particularly the edges. Superintendant Henderson said that the holes were cut every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He added that on Tuesday and Thursday a cup setter is placed in each hole and turned 180 degrees to push the edges back up. Henderson said that it takes only a few golfers using their putters to retrieve balls from the holes to undermine the integrity of the edges. Director of Golf Kormondy added that ideally the holes would be cut every day. But, with the small size of our greens, even with three times a week, one can see how many hole plugs there are on the greens. If cut daily there would be double the number; so there would be no putt more than 10 or 12 feet without having to putt over at least one or two hole plugs.

Chairperson Guinther suggested a campaign to encourage the membership to fix their ball marks on the greens, and any other ball marks that they see. Supervisor Henderson said that when crew members have spare time, they are sent out to the greens to repair ball marks. He added that during the next month the greens are to be aerified , which will speed up the growth of grass over the ball marks.

There was discussion about the work crew working on the course in front of golfers as golfers tee off and approach the greens. Supervisor Henderson said that he will educate the crew and instruct them to stop and wait for the golfers to pass.

Chairperson Guinther asked Director Kormondy to comment about progress toward placing yardage markers on the practice range; and, whether the Ranger meeting and training had yet taken place. Kormondy said that the Ranger meeting was coming up soon - "probably next week." He is in the process of choosing whether to place yardage markers at each increment of 25 yards, or place one sign at the the tee that states that flags are spaced at 25, 50, 75 and 100 yards. Concensus of the Committee was that it would be better to post one sign at the tee.

Kormondy reported that the culvert repair project, which was to have been completed at the time that the bunkers were repaired, was postponed. It is still in the plan, and monies are still available to complete the project. The company that was contracted to repair the culverts will likely resume work in the summer of 2007.

Member Peterson asked again that notice be given when chemicals are going to be used on the Course. It was noted that some members, particularly those with respiratory ailments and conditions, are sensitive to the chemicals used, even though the chemicals are not poisonous per se. If notice was given in advance of use, members who are sensitive could choose not to play on those days. Superintendant Henderson agreed.

Member Pitrulle asked when the roof on the water cooler on the 16th tee would be fixed. It still has a temporary blue roof, long after all the other coolers have been repaired or replaced. Superintendant Henderson said that the repair is the responsibility of District maintenance.

New Business: Member Peterson asked when the painting of the Pro Shop, 19th Hole building would be completed. Kormonday agreed to check.

Member Pitrulle suggested that the lines in cart parking area be repainted. Pitrulle commented also on the weeds growing around the foundation area of the 19th Hole and the back entrances to Building D and E. It was agreed that that the area around the buildings was unsightly and in need of attention. Part of the responsibility for upkeep, specifically around the 19th Hole, is for Petals and Palms, which planted the area. The other areas are the District maintenance responsibility. Landscaping upkeep on the Course at tee boxes is the responsibility of Course maintenance personnel. Chairperson Guinther suggested that members who, while waiting to tee off, notice weeds, pull a weed or two.

Member Osborne suggested that this was the time for the Committee to develop a plan for improvements to the Golf Course for the coming fiscal year budget. Director Kormondy said that he would be asking, in February, for a "wish list" of proposed projects for 2007-2008. He added that the projects that he is looking at for the coming year are the lake banks between Hole 6 and Hole 2, and the remaining two culverts that need to be replaced. If those project don't eat up the whole $40,000, then he would add the repair of the severely eroding lake bank off the Hole 5 green. Chairman Guinther said that he had been under the impression that the budget had gone up a bit over last year's $40,000 amount. Guinther and Member Peterson both remembered that when the District raised the golf member dues that the raise was to have gone toward an increase in the $40,000 allottment, i.e. a 5% increase in membership in return for a 5% ($2,000) increase in budget. Member Osborne stressed that the $40,000 figure was from two years ago, based on prices then; and that the $40,000 was separate and apart from the $90,000 which had been earmarked for the purchase, repair and maintenance of equipment. Director Kormondy agreed to ask for an increase in the 2007-2008 budget. The Committee asked for a copy of the budget to clarify what was originally budgeted for the Course, and what is left in the Course budget for the fiscal year 2006-2007.

Chairperson Guinther said that he plans to meet with the Interim District Manager in January or February. He invited any Committee members who wanted to join him to do so.

There was general discussion about the rumor that all District Maintenance employees had been laid off, and that One Source would be taking over all maintenance of District grounds. Apparently, there is a Request for Proposal, asking for bids to that effect. One Source is submitting a bid. Discussion led to the issue of whether the Interim Manager had been given or should have the authority to privitize the maintenance of the District, without first getting the approval of the entire District Board.

Report from Director of Golf, Jim Kormondy: There were no tournaments in December. The Veterans Council Tournament is scheduled for January 13, 2007. The theme this year is "Our Brave, Our Freedom." The play will be individual, low net, in flight. To date, nearly 110 players have signed up. The limit will be 160, with sign ups due in by Wednesday, January 10, or when the limit is reached, whichever comes first.

The annual "Over 80 Open" is scheduled for January 19, 2007. There will be both 9 hole and 18 hole flights, with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The tournament will be followed by a luncheon for all participants and for awarding of trophies.

In response to the remarks made at last months meeting by a departing Golf Committee member, Director Kormondy listed the following improvements made over the past year, at the behest of the Committee and under his direction:

1. All tee boxes have been redone, and are now "nice and flat, and at least 25% to 30% bigger than the old ones were."

2. Every bunker on the course has been rebuilt, adding drainage and new sand.

3. The lake bank on Hole 9 has been fixed.

4. The net has been added between the 18th green and the parking lot.

5. A new practice bunker has been placed so that golfers aren't hitting toward the road.

6. Revenue for the Course has increased over 13%, without any increase in 2006 dues.

7. Greens fee play is the highest it's ever been.

8. The membership drop is the smallest in 4 years.

9. The Director has participated in promoting the game of golf by holding a free ladies clinic during Ladies Golf Week; during "Free Lesson Month," the month of May, Kormondy gave over 53 free lessons.

10. The Director ran a free Junior Golf Program to both promote the game of golf and to increase participation in golf here in Barefoot Bay.

11. The Director was named to the PGA of America Presidents Council on Growing the Game of Golf.

12. Barefoot Bay Golf Course was named the "Best Executive Golf Course in Brevard County," by the readers of Florida Today.

Report from Pro Shop Manager, Sandy Lobello: Memberships for the 2007 calendar year are still coming in. An accurate count will be available at the February Committee meeting. Pat Dunckley asked how much was still available for planting trees. Sandy Lobello said that there was approximately $1,000 to $1,200 currently available, but that we were still trying to accumulate more funds before beginning purchase and planting.

Report from Course Superintendant, Mike Henderson: Henderson said that the dissatisfaction expressed at the last meeting about nothing getting done was hurtful. He said that he endeavors to follow through with all suggestions offered by the Committee, and will continue to do so. He reported that he is one crew member short, but has a person in mind to fill that position. He has promoted from within to the Assistant Superintendant's spot. One Source is budgeted for seven employees, but currently has six. The new Assistant Superintendant does not yet have his spraying license, but works under the Superintendant's license.

Chairperson Guinther asked: If One Source was to get the contract for General District landscape maintenance, would the golf course lose out to the need of other District sites? Henderson assured that the Course would continue to get the same level of service.

In response to a question from Member Pitrulle about the quality of the drinking water on the Course, Superintendant Henderson clarified that the hose now used to fill the water jugs is a white RV hose, so there should not be a musty taste to the water.

General Discussion: There was discussion about who had responsibility for planting new trees. Superintendant Henderson said that the responsibility for planting falls on the nursery/landscaping professionals, as they can then guarantee the tree for a year. The dead palm tree behind the green on Hole 7 needs to be removed. That job will also be let out for professionals. There were questions about some of the disiduous trees which are now bare. Henderson said that those trees will leaf out with the growing season.

John Barry asked if the sign stating that golfers are responsible for damage to private homes would be replaced on the 14th hole. Director Kormondy said no, as that financial responsibility issue is now a gray area in the law.

John Barry asked if the sign on the 16th hole stating that if golfers could not reach the green, please tee off (even though there may be golfers on the green

)was to be replaced. Director Kormondy said no, as the sign was seen as an encouragement for golfers to hit into the forward group of golfers.

John Barry asked if the new slope and course ratings would allow for "Senior" tees. Director Kormondy said yes. Senior tees will be the forward tees. He intends to change the color of the forward tees to another color, perhaps yellow or green, so the tees won't be seen as "Ladies Tees." That change will happen around the end of February, when it is time to order new score cards. The posting program on the computer will be changed accordingly, to allow men to post from the forward tees.

Pat Dunckley complimented the Committee, Sandy Lobello, Jim Kormondy and Mike Henderson for their work and dedication. She said we are lucky to have them all. She expressed regret at not being at the last Committee meeting.

Member Pitrulle asked about the practice of limiting carts to cart path only or to the rough on really wet days. Director Kormondy said that on those days a sign is posted saying "No Medical Flags. Cart Paths Only."

District Liaison Bleau asked if the trees lost during the 2004 hurricanes had been inventoried and submitted to FEMA for reimbursement monies. Superintendant Henderson said that the tree losses, as well as the destroyed bunkers were submitted to FEMA. However the response was that photo documentation of the "before" state of the Course was needed to substantiate the loss.

Member Peterson asked if a photographer had been hired to document the current state of the Course. Director Kormondy agreed that he would follow up on hiring a photographer.

Liaison Bleau asked if the organization called Green Thumbs, to which he belongs, could be of help by growing (from seed) plants for planting on the Course. Superintendant Henderson said that if Green Thumbs would donate the plants he would see that the plants were cared for and maintained. It was suggested that the area around the 13th green (where the equipment barn used to be) could be used to grow replacement plants. Member Peterson suggested that the same area could be used for growing different types of sod for reparing greens and fairways trouble spots.

There was a general discussion about the operation of the 19th Hole.

Chairperson Guinther announced that the next meeting of the Committee would be on Friday, February 2, 2007, at 9 a.m.

Upon a motion by Osborne, seconded by Guinther, the meeting was adjourned at 10 a.m.