May 2007 Golf Committee Minutes

MAY 2007 GOLF COMMITTEE MEETING

Meeting called to order on May 4, 2007, at 9:10 a.m. by Chairman, Tom Guinther.

Followed by Pledge of Allegiance.

Committee Members Present: Chairman, Tom Guinther and members:, Tony Pitrulle and Suzanne Peterson. Members Jeanne Osborne and Bob Peet were both excused.

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

Guests in attendance: Richard Bleau, liaison member from the District Board, Al Glashauser and Ed Layton.

Minutes: Following a motion by Tony Pitrulle, seconded by Tom Guinther, the minutes of the April 2007, meeting were approved as submitted.

Correspondence: There were 2 unsigned suggestions in the Golf Committee box.

1. That ice be provided on the course. Kormondy said it was not practical; and, if untended presented health issues.

2. That the cracks in the cart path paving be repaired. Kormondy said that this was a low priority, compared to the need to complete work along the lake banks. The priority is to first fix those things which effect the play of golf. When we are in a finacial position to repair the cart path paving, Kormondy said that he would like to see the paths extended out further.

Unfinished Business: Chairman Guinther asked Kormondy about progress on preparing the proposed 2007-2008 budget. Kormondy said that Grace Daddario wants the budget by the end of May. Under the heading of Special Project, he will be asking for $25,000 for lake banks, starting with the areas around the green on #5, and the fairway on #2; and, $15.000 to fix drainage problems on #14 and between #7 and #8; and, another $3,000 for tree replacement. Under the heading of Course Improvements, Henderson is asking for a new fairway mower, a new greens mower and a carry-all. Those 3 pieces would cost about $70,000. Kormondy said that it is not generally cost effective to purchase used golf course machinery because the life expectancy of golf course maintenance machinery is only 5 years, so any used equipment is probably pretty well used up. The cost of redoing greens is too great to justify in this budget, but Kormondy agreed that the budget proposal narrative would reference the future need to redo the greens, and a 5 year plan for Course improvements.

There was a lengthy discussion about the need to submit a break even budget. Therefore, any proposed expenses will require that the Course take in a like amount is membership dues and greens fees. Even without additional project proposal costs, we're looking at the need to take in an additional $100,000 to $150,000 in revenue. The bottom line is that it will cost more to play golf next year. There will be no more free rounds of golf for employees or for events such as the Ladies 18 Hole Invitational.

The Committee voiced the opinion that the increased revenue at the 19th Hole is attributable almost entirely to golfers; and, therefore should be credited, at least in part, as revenue to the Course, instead of being lumped into the Food and Beverage operation.

There was also discussion about what percentage (if any) of the monthly homeowner dues are designated for the Course budget. All other recreation programs receive a set amount of the monthly homeowner dues. I.e. $5 for pools. The Course receives only $2.90. Yet, the Course is the only recreation program in the Bay that brings in any revenue.

There is still a problem with red tee markers being placed back where the white markers are. During the April meeting, Henderson agreed to remedy the problem, yet the red markers have continued to be placed back where the white markers are supposed to be. Kormondy agreed to follow up and fix the problem.

New Business: Member Peterson asked why Club Champions didn't get jackets this year, and why the Champion's names weren't put on the trophies. Kormondy said that shirts were substituted for the jackets; and that trophies were purchased from a firm in Illinois, so it was impractical to have the name placed on the trophy.

Member Pitrulle asked that the red 100 yard marks on the cart paths be repainted, and that the lines in the cart parking areas be repainted. He also asked that a large clock be placed on the porch outside the Pro Shop, so that golfers could readily see what time it is in relation to their tee time. Pitrulle also asked that something be done about the hole outside the back door of the Pro Shop, and that the drainage on the other side of the door be re-routed to prevent the bark and plantings being washed away. Kormondy agreed to follow up on all 5 requests.

Report from Director of Golf, Jim Kormondy: The Pro-Am Tournament was a success. There were 41 teams; 164 golfers. Two Pros, Mike Owens from the Great Outdoors, and Pat Patterson from Vero East shot 59. Pro Pat Patterson's team won the team division. Winning team members were Dick Belyea, Vivian Richmond and Dave Deely.

Member/Guest Tournament is coming up on May 26. It will be a 2 person team quota, 9 a.m. shotgun start, continental breakfast, lunch, entertainment and prizes. Cost is $70 per 2 person team. Cut-off date for sign-up is May 23.

The Junior Golf program is due to start on May 29 and continue through August 13, and will take place every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.

Kormondy said that the program needs donated clubs, particularly putters, and donated light weight carry bags. Any members wanting to volunteer to help, should contact Kormondy.

The Pro Shop is now open until 6:30 p.m., and carts can stay out till 8 p.m. The new hours are intended to generate more after-work greens fees players.

In response to a question from Ed Layton, Kormondy said that he chose not to make the golf etiquette presentation at the Men's Club last General Meeting as their play time had extended to 4 hours, and the men all seemed anxious for lunch. So, Kormondy felt that the presentation would not have been well received at that time. He still intends to make the presentation at a later meeting, probably in the Fall. It was suggested that it might be broken up into 2 segments.

Report from Pro Shop Manager, Sandy Lobello: In the process of making changes to the membership roster. Nothing else to report at this time.

Report by Kormondy from Course Superintendant: Aerification is going well, and should be finished this morning. The new Aerifier is working very well.

It's doing a great job.

Report from District Liaison Bleau: Work is progressing on the bathroom on 16.

The next meeting of the Committee will be on Friday, June 1, 2007, at 9 a.m.

Upon a motion by Peterson, seconded by Pitrulle the meeting was adjourned at 10 a.m.