2007-04-10
BEVERLY GOLF & TENNIS COMMISSION
134 McKay Street
Beverly, Massachusetts 01915
Meeting of April 10, 2007
Commission Members
Jeffrey KLein, Chairman
Richard Barger, Vice-Chairman
Kevin Ascolillo
Chad Crandell
Gary Lambert
Martin Lawler
Douglas Richardson
Diane Presutti, Recording Secretary
Guests Present:
John Dunn
Joe Ganey (Permit Holder)
David Newhall
Larry Butler
Charles Hogan
Call to Order:
Mr. Klein opens the meeting at 7 pm indicating that no Commission members are absent.
He begins by allowing the guests to introduce themselves. He started by expressing his
thanks to the Commission for their nomination. He acknowledged Mr. Lawler and Mr.
Lambert for their excellent workmanship during a difficult time for the Beverly Golf &
Tennis Club. He also acknowledged Mr. Dunn for his guidance and support to the
Commission.
He asked that the guests refrain from commenting and that the meeting will be opened to
the public at the end of their session.
Mission Statement:
Mr. Klein stated that he has been a Commission member for about two years. He also
stated that they are moving into an era to do the right thing by guiding the course to help
improve the BG&T Club. He indicated that many people don't want to move on from the
past, and recent newspaper articles are a perfect example, it is not the intent of himself or
the BG&T to spend the next year dealing with bitter battles. He stated that Mr. Barger
has accomplished a lot with the Building Commission. Mr. Klein stated that in the next
year he would like to see the money available go for capital improvements, make sure
Doug Johnson and Johnson Golf Mngt. Holds up to their responsibilities and to
concentrate on the good and move forward. He also wants to make the public aware of
the accomplishments the BG&T Commission had made and their plan to move forward.
He recommended to the Commission that they create a brochure for the public and focus
on the accomplishments along with the mission statement for the coming years. He also
suggested obtaining names and addresses from Mr. Johnson for their mailing list.
Mr. Barger stated that he was a Commission member on the very first Commission
appointed. He indicated that back then there were permit holders unhappy and stated that
there will always be some unhappy people. Mr. Crandall agreed that their focus as a
Commission is proper and urges the Commission to stay focused on their strategic plan
and influence what they are able to influence. He also acknowledges Mr. Lawler and Mr.
Lambert for their accomplishments in the previous year.
Mr. Lambert stated that both parties have wasted time bickering causing the lapse in
moving forward. He also stated that when the bid process arrives, it would be the first
and foremost for the city.
Approval of Minutes of March 13. 2007
Mr. Lawler motioned to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Lambert.
Motion carried 7-0.
-Facilities:
Mana2ement Contract:
Mr. Klein indicated that the Commission not forgets their responsibility of the daily
maintenance and to be sure it stays in compliance with the contract and USGA
recommendations. He suggests that the Commission follow up on a daily basis.
He also stated that Mr. Johnson asked to meet with the Commission in Executive Session
and he declined his request but invited him to attend this evenings meeting.
Tennis Operation Update:
Mr. Dunn indicated that the negotiations with Bass River Tennis Club are not progressing
and does not look promising. He stated that the operation might go back to Mike
Mercier.
The Commission recommended writing a letter to Mr. Johnson stating that the Tennis
Operation is a vital part of the BG&T and supports Mr. Johnson's pursue for what is best
for the City of Beverly for a return in their investment. The letter will ask for a prompt
update on the tennis operation to expedite the resurfacing of the courts and to inform the
Parks & Rec. Dept. for their summer schedule.
Historical Buildin2 Status:
No update at this time.
Monthly Finance Report:
Mr. Lawler stated that no bills were paid; therefore no new finance report was distributed.
All stands the same as last months, except for two new bills submitted, not paid. The
ending balance still stands at $28,754.
Mr. Dunn distributed a copy of the bill for the tree work done on the course. The bill
shows in detail what work was completed and the cost. He also stated that Johnson Golf
Management was up to date in their payments to the city.
Life Safety Issues:
Mr. Lawler indicated that Mr. Bouchard has not received any information regarding life
safety issues from GALE; therefore Mr. Bouchard suggested that the Commission move
forward and fix the handicap ramp but not to use black top. Mr. Lawler also indicated
that Mr. Dunn will put the BG&T on the wish list for the new budget and it represents
intention from the city to recognize what has to be done to the property. Mr. Lambert
also reminded the Commission that the High School and Middle School would have
priority.
Mr. Barger stated that he spoke to Mike Collins, DPW, and he will look at the ramp and
present a proposal for repairs to the Commission.
Mr. Klein suggested that the Commission investigate building a new facility on the
property for a prompt solution and shutting down the present clubhouse. He stated that
the disrepair of the current facility might cause harm to members.
Mr. Crandall asked if City Council approval is necessary; and for the Commission to start
working on a cost estimate and preliminary study and to prepare a business plan.
Mr. Lawler stated that the Commission has waited long enough for a response from
GALE regarding life safety issues. He suggested that Mr. Barger speak to Mr. Bouchard
for his opinion on a plan of action. He also stated that the current building is now a
safety hazard.
Mr. Ascolillo suggested that the building be closed down prior to the City Council ruling
on the $lM life safety money so they can realize the disrepair of the building.
The Commission agreed to invite Mr. Bouchard and Mayor Scanlon to the May meeting
informing him prior what will be discussed regarding the building.
Golf Course Architect:
Mr. Barger stated that Mike Collins and DPW have worked on the drainage but is
uncertain what percentage has been completed and what will be completed in the fall. He
will get an estimate on the time frame to complete the work.
Mr. Barger stated the irrigation has yet to be tackled, he does not have a time frame as yet
or how much needs to be done. He also stated that this process may go out for bid and
assured the Commission he would get a time frame for completion of the work. In the
next few months he will discuss a method to measure progress or lack of. Mr. Lawler
agrees in waiting on the car path plan for after drainage is completed.
Mr. Klein indicated that Mr. Dunn has the process going for the maintenance shed and
bids may be in place.
Policy & Grievance:
Rules & Re2ulations:
Mr. Lambert suggested to the Commission that this committee be abolished; since new
contract the Commission is limited in this area.
Mr. Lawler motioned that the Policy & Grievance Sub Committee be abolished and the
Committee acts as a "Committee of a whole" in those regards, and the whole committee
will act upon any policies. Motion seconded by Mr. Lambert. Motion carried 7-0.
New Business:
Sub-Committee Assi2nments:
The Facilities Committee will consist ofMr. Barger, Mr. Crandall and Mr. Richardson.
The Finance Committee will consist ofMr. Lawler and Mr. Ascolillo.
The Public Relations Committee will consist ofMr. Klein and Mr. Lambert.
M. Klein indicated that the next meeting would be held May 9,2007, due to Mr. Lawler's
schedule.
Mr. Lambert reminded Mr. Barger to speak to Mr. Bouchard, possible Sunday morning
meeting and have it posted.
Mr. Klein opened the meeting to the guests:
Mr. Hogan asked the Commission how they perceive their authority. Mr. Lawler kindly
reiterated the process that rewarding Mr. Johnson his contract. He also stated that Mr.
Johnson deals with Mr. Dunn directly. The Commission also reassured Mr. Hogan that
the Commission is working toward the future for the BG&T Club and will work with Mr.
Johnson to uphold his contract. He suggested to Mr. Hogan that any issues/questions
regarding Mr. Johnson's contract could be brought to the City Solicitor, Roy Gelineau.
Mr. Butler, Permit Holder, stated that he agreed with the position the Commission was
taking on working positively with Mr. Johnson and keeping him to his part of the
contract. He also suggested that the permit holders submit the Superintendent's logs to
the Commission for review.
Mr. Klein stated that the Commission is aware of their role, they can argue but have
decided to accomplish, and the Commission will make the most out of the contract that
exists and will work with Mr. Johnson to do just that.
Mr. Ganey stated that the Permit Holders might do a newsletter. He also asked for
suggestions from the Commission on bringing in new members. He offered to help in
any positive way to improve the BG&T Club.
Mr. Klein thanks the Commission for a positive meeting and the guests for their
suggestions and comments. He motioned to adjourn.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.