2007-07-30 special
BEVERLY GOLF & TENNIS COMMISSION
134 McKay Street
Beverly, Massachusetts 01915
Meeting of July 30, 2007
(Special Meeting)
Commission Members
Jeffrey KLein, Chairman
Richard Barger, Vice-Chairman
Kevin Ascolillo
Chad Crandell
Gary Lambert
Martin Lawler
Douglas Richardson
Diane Presutti, Recording Secretary
Members Absent:
Guests Present:
Kevin Ascolillo, Chad Crandell, Richard Barger
John Dunn; Dave Newhall; Chris Cassidy, Salem News;
Bob Gates, Beverly Citizen
Call to Order:
Mr. Klein called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. He stated for the record that guests
present were Mr. Dunn, City Finance Director; Dave Newhall, Tennis member; Chris
Cassidy, Salem News; Bob Gates, Beverly Citizen; Joe Eckstrom & Steve Follansbee of
Johnson Golf Management.
Minutes of June 2007:
Mr. Lawler motioned to accept the minutes contingent upon the proper date of June 12,
2007, be placed and they be redistributed to all Commission members, seconded by Mr.
Lambert. Motion carried 5-0.
Finance Report:
Mr. Lawler stated that all bills through June 30, 2007, have been submitted and that they
ended their fiscal year in the black. Mr. Lawler suggested to the Commission that they
Commission should create a "forecast" for this next fiscal year on major spending and
prioritize according to the Master Plan.
Mr. Dunn stated that there are certain improvements, such as some tree work that
bypasses Mr. Lawler therefore not on his financial reports. He also stated that he would
provide those figures to the Commission.
Facilities:
USGA Report:
Mr. Klein distributed the USGA Report to the members present but stated that Mr. Barger
was not present this evening. He therefore asked the members to review the report for
discussion at the August meeting. Mr. Lawler stated that upon reviewing the report;
make a list of major improvements for budgeting purposes.
Mr. Klein stated that on the day the USGA toured the course the Mass. Golf Assoc.
played the field and came back with positive feedback.
Course Conditions:
Mr. Dunn stated that the construction company doing the drainage work in Raymond
Farms would be asked to landscape the shag field and gravel the parking area near tennis
building to eliminate wetness.
Mr. Folansbee stated that all willow trees should be removed. He also stated that the 16th
green at 1 pm is always shaded. There will never be healthy greens if the trees are not
removed. He indicated that the report of 2003 suggested removal of the willow trees and
that now in 2007 they are still present and the same conditions exist.
Mr. Eckstrom stated that conditions are good and improving, very few bare spots, some
crab grass on tees but fairways are solid.
Mr. Lawler suggested that Doug Johnson and Johnson Golf Management make oflist of
prioritized improvements and present them to the Commission; he also indicated that the
Commission was in a currently in a position to make these necessary improvements. He
also suggested that they are also prepared to receive suggestions regarding the
maintenance shed.
Staffin2 & Maintenance:
Status of PGA Professional:
Mr. Eckstrom stated that they did decide on a Pro and they were very optimistic about
hiring him; but the person decided to decline their offer. They will reinterview some
other pros that applied; if that doesn't work out they will advertise again for more
applicants.
Mr. Klein took this time to state for the record that Johnson Golf Management and the
BGT Commission are working together and not as adversaries. He stated that there was
bad press last week that was absolutely not true. The two parties are striving for a
working relationship and positive dialog. Mr. Klein also indicated that the BGT has not
received one grievance this year from any members.
Next Set of Plans Capital Improvements:
Mr. Dunn reviewed the process for presentation to the City Council and stated that the
USGA report, Master Plan, Drainage project, along with brush, shrub, maintenance
building and tree removal should be included in the report along with a dollar figure.
Mr. Dunn also indicated that the City Council might be receptive at this time.
Mr. Lawler stated that we need to move forward. Last year we talked about it and didn't
approach the Council due to school improvements/buildings; now a year later things are
worse and nothing is done.
Mr. Lambert stated to the Commission that he felt they were putting the cart before the
horse. He felt the Commission was being irresponsible without a game plan.
Mana2ement Contract:
Mr. Folansbee indicated that the default letter they received has been responded to.
Tennis Operation:
Mr. Newhall, Tennis Member, indicated that Johnson Golf made a good choice in
allowing Bass River to run the tennis operation. He's happy with the tremendous
improvements that have been made.
Mr. Dunn stated that they purchased the used roller from Rotundi for $1500.
Policy & Grievance:
None at this time.
Mr. Lawler motioned to adjourn at 8:20 pm, seconded by Mr. Lambert. Motion carried
5-0.