2007-05-09
BEVERLY GOLF & TENNIS COMMISSION
134 McKay Street
Beverly, Massachusetts 01915
Meeting of May 9, 2007
Commission Members
Jeffrey B. Klein, Chairman
Richard W. Barger, Vice-Chairman
Kevin Ascolillo
Chad Crandall
Gary M. Lambert
Martin 1. Lawler III
Douglas Richardson
Diane Presutti, Recording Secretary
Members Absent: Gary Lambert
Guests: City Councilors: Bill Coughlin & Kevin Hoben; John Dunn, City Finance
Director; Ray Bouchard, Chairman Beverly Building Commission; Joe Extrom, Johnson
Golf Management; Golf Permit Holders Larry Butler, Mike Maguire; Tennis Permit
Holders, Rick Ober, Dave Newhall, Mike O'Brian; Taxpayer Mike Drislane & Paul
Leighton, Salem Evening News.
Call To Order: Mr. Klein called the meeting to order at 7:05pm and in his opening
remarks he asked those members of the public present to hold any questions until the end
of the meetings agenda.
Minutes of AorillO. 2007
Mr. Lawler motioned to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Crandall.
Motion carried 6-0.
Monthlv Finance Reoort
Mr. Lawler stated that the current maintenance budget balance is $28,754. Expenditures
that have been authorized but not yet paid total $20,585 which should leave sufficient
funds to complete the fiscal year. Overall fund balances will end the fiscal year with a
positive balance.
Mr. Lawler asked the Commission for a motion to accept the Finance Report. Motion
carried 6-0.
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Facilities
Gale Report Implementation Update
Mr. Bouchard addressed the Board regarding the Gale Report update. He noted that
building code violations detailed in the report need a consensus from the Beverly Golf &
Tennis Commission to get the projects started. He continued by stating that they also
followed this procedure when the commission needed repairs to the Veranda. Mr. Lawler
motioned that the BG&T draft a letter to the Building commission to that effect,
seconded by Mr. Crandall. Motion carried 6-0.
Mr. Bouchard indicated that the handicap access ramp in the front of the clubhouse was
being repaired.
Mr. Dunn indicated that research was still incomplete on the feasibility of having the
clubhouse removed from the Mass. Historical Commission's Register of Historical
Buildings. There is no guaranty that the process would be successful.
Mr. Ascolillo asked about feasibility of hiring an independent consultant to research the
matter. His suggestion was taken under advisement.
Mana2ement Contract - Golf Course Condition
Joe Extrom of Johnson Golf Management gave the Commission an update on the
condition of the course. He stated that the greens had fared badly over the winter but
Johnson Golf Mngt. was working hard to correct the problems through reseeding,
fertilizing, etc. He further suggested that the Commission should buy covers for the
greens to avoid such problems in the future. Mr. Extrom stated the greens should
gradually improve and that Johnson golfMngt.'s maintenance program is on schedule
and that they have sufficient staff to implement their plans. There is still work to do in
cleaning up the course and some heavy equipment might be needed to remove some
bigger trees that have fallen to wind damage.
The next subject covered was the lack of a Golf Pro due to the resignation of Pro Tom
Smith. Mr. Extrom stated that Johnson Golf Mngt. Moved one of their best managers to
Beverly to fill in at the Pro Shop until a new golf pro can be hired but that at this late date
a golf pro may not be available for the season. There followed a vigorous debate as to
who was in charge at the course because there seems to be no overall leadership.
Mr. Barger gave the Commission an update on capital improvements to the course
including the status of drainage work and irrigation issues. Priorities include cart paths
and bunker repair.
A discussion was held on Johnson golf Mngt. ' s leasing of the practice range for use as a
soccer field. It was determined by the Commission that this use was not allowed by the
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contract and it was motioned by Mr. Lawler to send a letter to Johnson Golf Mngt.
Requesting that the practice cease. Motion carried 6-0.
A discussion was held regarding the tennis courts and the fact that they have yet to open.
There was apparent confusion as to the number of courts to be clayed for the season. The
matter was resolved and the courts should be prepared and open within a week. Mike
Mercier will remain the tennis pro and operate the facility. The need for a new/used
roller was also discussed and who should be responsibility for the purchase of this
equipment. Mr. Lawler stated that Johnson Golf Mngt. should be it. Johnson Golf Mngt.
Stated that the city should buy it. The matter was referred to the City solicitor's office.
Also discussed was the need for wind screens for the tennis courts.
Policv & Grievance
None at this time.
New Business
The floor was opened for public comment.
Mr. Ober wanted to know that the rates would be this year for tennis memberships and
will they be comparable to other such facilities and reasonable. Mr. Ober believed last
years rates were unreasonably high. He was also concerned about staffing for the tennis
courts and accessibility. Johnson Golf Mngt. Promised to look into his concerns.
Mr. Newhall wanted to know when the tennis courts would be open. He was told by the
end of next week.
Mr. Butler had issued regarding the management contract, the condition of the course and
the subletting of the practice fields for soccer.
Councilor Coughlin was concerned about the condition of the course and the lack of a
golf pro or a general manager.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm.
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