2002-02-13BEVERLY GOLF & TENNIS COMMISSION
134 McKay Street
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS 01915
Commission Members
John D. Kenney, Chairman
Michael P. Pierce, Vice Chairman
Marianne M. Doane
Kevin F. Hobin
Donald E. Jones
David J. Lang
Martin J. Lawler, III
Elliott C. Margolis
February 14, 2002
Lawrence Nelson
Ida Beaver, Recording Secretary
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
February 13, 2002
Present:
John Kenney, Chairman, Marianne Doane, Kevin Hobin, David Lang, Martin Lawler, Lawrence
Nelson, Michael Pierce and Donald Jones.
Absent
: None
Guests:
Doug Johnson and Don Lyons (Johnson Golf Management), Peter Harrison (Par for the Course),
Peter Gilmore (City Solicitor) and Marc Fortier (Salem Evening News).
Call to Order:
Mr. Kenney called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. He introduced Ida Beaver, the new Recording
Secretary to the Commission, and welcomed the guests. The Commission voted to accept the minutes of
the previous two meetings, with all in favor.
Management Contract:
Mr. Kenney introduced the City Solicitor, Peter Gilmore and asked him to give an overview of the
Management Contract and answer questions. Mr.. Gilmore stated that the new contract was not yet
finalized, but would be soon. He stated that the City Solicitor's office is responsible for negotiating the
contract with Johnson Golf Management. Mr. Pierce questioned why the Commission was not involved in
the contract negotiations. Mr. Gilmore replied that the Commission and the City as a whole was being
represented by the Solicitor's office because the matter was in litigation. He explained that when the
settlement negotiations took place the Commission was represented by the previous City Administration
(Mayor Scanlon and Marshall Handly). Therefore, the City and the Commission are obligated to accept the
provisions of the settlement package negotiated by the attorneys and approved by the court.
The rate structure for 2002 was discussed. Mr. Johnson explained the various categories of
membership and how they related to the old categories. Mr. Guido Liporto asked to be recognized by the
chair and stated his concerns with many of the policies of the City and the Commission. The Commission
voted to take a brief recess. When the meeting resumed, Mr. Gilmore answered questions from the
Commission and the public. He stated that paragraph 14 of the original settlement had been revised to
include four additional outings to benefit City organizations. He expressed his hopes to see the course open
to more Beverly residents. One of the concerns voiced by a permit holder was that the rates were being
raised while the benefits of being a permit holder, such as restricted tee times, were being taken away. Also
non-Beverly residents felt that they were not being treated fairly.
Mr. Johnson advised the Commission that he wanted to be flexible on the matter of Honorary
memberships for those over 80 years of age. He agreed to meet with a subcommittee of the Commission to
work out the details and report back at the next monthly meeting.
Beverly Golf & Tennis Commission
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Minutes of the February 13 Meeting
Page 2 of 2
Facilities:
According to the Gale Report, the golf facilities are in need of approximately two million dollars
worth of repairs. A tour was given to the Commission before tonight’s meeting to understand the Gale
Report and the conditions of the building.
Policy and Grievance
Mr. Kenney handed out copies of the Policies and Procedures that were established by the
previous Commission. These will be reviewed by the Policy and Grievance subcommittee and brought up
to date.
Old Business
Mr. Kenney opened up the meeting to receive nominations for Chairman of the Commission. Ms.
Doane nominated Mr. Kenney as Chairman, and was and seconded by Mr. Pierce. Mr. Kenney was elected
unanimously. Mr. Hobin and Mr. Pierce were nominated for Vice Chairman. Mr. Pierce was elected by a
vote of 5 to 3, with Mr. Kenney abstaining.
Mr. Kenney informed the Commission that three committees were needed to be established, (1)
Management Contract and Finance, (2) Policy and Grievance and (3) Facilities. Three Commission
members were asked to volunteer to serve on each committee. The resulting committees are as follows:
Management Contract and Finance
Mr. Pierce, Ms. Doane, Mr. Jones
Policy and Grievance
Mr. Margolis, Mr. Hobin, Mr. Kenney
Facilities
Mr. Lawler, Mr. Lang, Mr. Nelson
New Business:
Mr. Pierce received a letter from Steven Tufts and asked that the Commission consider it. Mr.
Kenney will distribute copies of the letter to the Commission for discussion at the next meeting.
Mr. Harrison asked about what to do with invoices that had been mailed to 134 McKay Street
address. These are either the responsibility of the City or Friel. Mr. Kenney agreed to take the bills and
review them with the Finance Director, and City Solicitor, if necessary.
The Commission requested a meeting with the new Finance Director, Tom Durkin, to discuss the
Enterprise Fund. The Commission has serious concerns about how to fund the emergency repairs to the
veranda, and how to pay for the costs of the repairs outlined in the Gale Report.
Mr. Johnson advised the Commission that they are waiting to see response for memberships
before taking any action on adding permit holders from the waitlist.
Adjournment:
Mr. Pierce made a motion to adjourn at 9:30 p.m., which was seconded by Mr. Lang with all in
favor. The next regular monthly meeting of the Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, March at
7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ida Beaver
Recording Secretary