OCTOBER 2008 GOLF COMMITTEE MEETING

 Meeting called to order on October 3, 2008, at 9 a.m. by Chairman, Tony Pitrulle.

 Followed by Pledge of Allegiance.

 Committee Members Present:  Chairman, Tony Pitrulle, and members Ed Layton, Jeanne Osborne and John Couch. Suzanne Peterson has been excused. 

 Guests in attendance:    Tom Guinther and Pat Dunckley.

 Also Present:  Director of Golf, Jim Kormondy and Course Superintendant, Mike Henderson. 

 Minutes:  Following a motion by Layton, seconded by Osborne, the minutes of the September 2008 meeting were approved as submitted.

 Correspondence:  None.

 New Business:  Mike Henderson assured John Couch that the many holes on the greens will be filled during the aerification process. 

Henderson also explained that the rough had been longer than usual because of a setting problem with the mower.

 Pitrulle questioned the decision to mow the long grass on the driving range when golf balls had not been cleared. 

 Osborne asked about the duration of the One Source contract for golf course maintenance.  Kormondy reported that One Source is currently on a 1 month extension.  Bidding is open until October 14.  The interviewing of bidding companies is set for October 21.  A 3 person committee has been was appointed to do the interviewing.  Layton asked if there had been any consideration given to using our own facility people, instead of a private contractor, to maintain the golf course.  Kormondy said that while that was always a consideration, he didn't believe that we could do it cheaper or better than a private contractor.  There is no requirement that the lowest bid be chosen, only that the best bid be chosen to maintain the quality of the course. 

 Unfinished Business:  The Ad Hoc Committee formed to investigate the issues of privatization of the golf course and food services had its final meeting without coming up with any recommendation.  Jeanne Osborne said she was sorry that there was nothing in the newspaper about the closing of Vista Golf Course.  It had been purchased by a private owner, but has apparently been foreclosed by a bank.  This information could have been used by the Ad Hoc Committee in its final report on privatization of our own course.  Tom Guinther said that even though the Ad Hoc Committee has completed its assignment, without any final recommendation, the Commission still needs to continue to insure that the golf course and food service operations, as well as all departments within the Bay, are at the highest level of financial efficiency.

 Couch asked if there was any new information about a maintenance/equipment building to replace the one lost in 2004.  Kormondy said that we are working hard to get something, even a shell, to house and protect our equipment.  Osborne added that the money should still be there, left from last year's budget.  Guinther said that much of the originally earmarked money, was spent on demolishing the damaged building.  After that, the Commission didn't carry over monies from one budget year to the next.  He emphasized that the Commission, and the residents needed to appreciate the fact that a maintenance building replacement was important to the protection of the investment we have in the equipment that we own.

 Report from Director of Golf, Jim Kormondy:  We've begun taking proposals for our new golf cart fleet.  We have 2 viable bids.  As soon as we get the 3rd bid, we can make a choice.  We hope to have the new fleet in by the end of October.  Layton asked if present carts will be sold when the new fleet comes in.  Kormondy said that it depends on what we are being offered for them in trade.  However, if any are sold, the price will be in the $ 900 range.  They are 2002 cart, and have been used day in and day out for 6 years.  So, if they are sold, it will have to be "as is."  It was suggested that we could probably get $1,200 to $1,400 each.

 We have done some research on the use of volunteer rangers.  It seems that most courses do not use volunteers because of the potential legal liability.  We will keep this issue on the table, until we have gotten the legal opinion of our counsel.

 The Member/Member Tournament's new format was well received by 99% of those participating.  We will use the same format next year.

 Next is the Mixed Team Tournament.  It will be held on October 11.  Any couple may enter.  It will be a best ball format with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.  The cost is $15 per person/$30 per couple.   Lunch following the tournament will be held in the 19 Hole.  This tournament replaces the usual Couples Tournament, which has not drawn much participation in the past couple of years.  We are considering scheduling a Couples Tournament at a differerent time of year, when more members are in residence.

 We're beginning the organization of the annual Sadie Hawkins Tournament, which will again benefit Serene Harbor.  The Committee needs volunteers.  The date is November 8.  Cost is $50 per couple.

 Report  from Course Superintendant, Mike Henderson:   Aerification went well.  Overseeding will be next month. 

 Pitrulle asked about  the tree on the right side of 14 that appears to be falling down.  Henderson will see what can be done to stabilize it.

 Cart paths have been filled in at 14, 10 and 17.

 Pitrulle expressed concern for the safety of maintenance workers, working in and alongside the fairways while play is in progress.  He suggested that they be encouraged to wear hard hats. 

 Other Business:   Pat Dunckley thanked Tom Guinther for attending the meeting, and providing insight and guidance to the Committee.

 The next Golf Committee Meeting will be on Friday, November 7, 2008, at 9:00 a.m.

 Respectfully submitted,

 Suzanne Peterson, Secretary

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