2002-11-13
BEVERLY GOLF & TENNIS COMMISSION
134 McKay Street
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS 01915
Commission Members
John D. Kenney, Chairman
Michael P. Pierce, Vice Chairman
Marianne M. Doane
November 29, 2002
Kevin F. Hobin
Donald E. Jones
Martin J. Lawler, III
Minutes of Monthly Meeting
Elliott C. Margolis
Lawrence Nelson
November 13, 2002
Ida Beaver, Recording Secretary
Present:
John Kenney, Chairman; Michael Pierce, Vice-Chairman; Marianne Doane,
Kevin Hobin; Martin Lawler; Donald Jones and Lawrence Nelson
Absent
: Elliot Margolis
Guests:
Doug Johnson (Johnson Golf Management); Peter Iovanni (President of the
Men’s Association); and Guido Liporto.
Call to Order:
Mr. Pierce called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. A motion was made by Kevin
th
Hobin to accept the minutes of the previous meeting of October 9. Marianne Doane
seconded the motion, and it was approved with all in favor.
Facilities:
Mr. Lawler handed out the monthly Income and Expense Reports for October,
and he stated that bills, which were authorized for payment, were not necessarily paid in
the same month. He said that he is keeping a running tab of bills paid. A motion to accept
the reports was made by Marianne Doane, which was seconded by Don Jones and passed
unanimously. Mr. Kenney distributed a copy of the 2002 USGA Turf Advisory Service
Report. He noted that the report identified the maintenance building that contains toxic
pesticides and fertilizers as an area of immediate concern.
Mr. Kenney reported that the City had opened the bids on the veranda repair
project and was in the process of awarding a contract to the low bidder, GVW. The low
bid was approximately $545,000. Mr. Kenney agreed to ask Ray Bouchard to schedule a
meeting with the contractor, Johnson Golf and Gale Associates for a presentation of the
plan.
Management Contract:
Mr. Kenney passed out a reply from Peter Gilmore, City Solicitor, and asked that
the Management Contract Subcommittee review it and draft a response if necessary.
Next, Mr. Kenney handed out the proposed rate increases for 2003. The Commission
and Johnson Golf considered the present economic downturn, the fees charged at similar
clubs, the 2002 consumer price index and the size of the 450-person waiting list. All of
these factors led the Commission to recommend a five percent (5%) increase for all
permit categories with the exception of junior golfers and those who are over 80 years of
age. No increase was recommended for the latter two categories.
Beverly Golf & Tennis Commission
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting
Page 2 of 3
Ms. Doane made a motion to accept the proposed rate increases, and Mr. Jones
seconded the motion, which was then amended to note the fact that the increase was
commensurate with other fees charged at other golf clubs in the area, since the increase
was in excess of the Consumer Price Index, which is the amount allowed by the
Management Contract, except when the increase is commensurate with rates charged at
other golf clubs in the area. The amended motion was passed with all in favor. Mr.
Kenney will send the recommended rate increase to City Council for their approval, in
accordance with the charter of the Commission.
The proposed rate increase will generate additional revenue of approximately $16,000
for the City, which is our 60% share of the entire increase of $27,193. Johnson Golf will
receive a 40% share of the increase, in accordance with the terms of the Management
Contract.
Mr. Johnson said that a request for tee time preferences would be sent to all permit
holders with their annual registration package.
Policy and Grievance:
Mr. Kenney reported on the responses from the 25 persons who took leaves of
absence in 2002. 15 requested a second and final leave for 2003; 3 plan to return to active
status; 1 letter had an incorrect address and will be re-sent; 1 resigned and 5 did not reply.
Mr. Kenney was asked to send a letter to those who did not reply to confirm that their
lack of response would be considered as a resignation.
The Commission discussed the potential for abuse of the guest policy. If too many
guests play during the permit holder times, there may not be enough time slots for all
permit holders. Ms. Doane commented that the increased number of guests causes the
women’s groups to start later and could become a problem next season. The Commission
took no action at this time, but may consider action if this potential problem materializes.
New Business:
Marianne Doane asked for four days to be blocked off ahead of time for the
Junior Membership tournaments. Mr. Johnson suggested that the Juniors submit a
proposed tournament schedule to him for consideration.
A motion was made by Mr. Hobin to approve $500 for bushes and shrubs and
$1,750 for paving. Mr. Lawler seconded the motion with all in favor.
Mr. Johnson requested that the Commission consider investing in the construction
of rest room facility near the pro shop. He reported that the area already has access to
plumbing and could be built for $10,000 to $15,000. He added that Johnson Golf would
like to incorporate a snack bar into the building and would consider paying part of the
construction costs since they would generate revenue from the snack bar sales. Mr.
Lawler made a motion to approve $1,400 for a site plan to be drawn up. This motion was
seconded by Ms. Doane and was approved unanimously.
Tuesday,
It was announced that the next monthly meeting would be held on
th
December 10 at 6:pmHoliday Dinner
, and a would be held immediately following.
All members along with their spouses or significant others are invited to attend the
Beverly Golf & Tennis Commission
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting
Page 3 of 3
dinner. The Commission plans to present a plaque to former chairman Louis Bennett at
the dinner.
Adjournment:
Mr. Lawler made a motion to adjourn at 9:00 p.m., which was seconded by Mr.
Pierce with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Ida Beaver
Recording Secretary