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2008-03-12 BEVERLY GOLF & TENNIS COMMISSION 134 McKay Street Beverly, Massachusetts 01915 Meeting of March 12, 2008 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, Manny Barrous, Jane Ash, Tim Hobin, & Various BGT members. Opening Remarks: Mr. Klein introduced all guests present. He informed the Commission that there has not been an agreement signed between Johnson golf Management and Mr. Barrous. He also informed the present guests that the Commission has been actively involved in the process. He thanked Mr. Barrous for keeping the Commission actively involved and for his creativity to get this matter accomplished. Mr. Dunn made a brief statement regarding e-mails being sent between Commission members. He asked that they be discrete in information; so as not to be categorized as a public meeting not posted. He indicated that you can discuss agenda items, meeting dates and problems about what may not get onto the agenda. Financial Report: Mr. Lawler stated that there were two bills paid in February, $5,682 for greens covers and $400 for O'Connell Plumbing. He also explained the new category on the front page of the Financial Report, Litigation with the balance of $20,500. He also stated that this is an indication of the costs they will encounter with the ongoing dispute with Johnson golf Management. Mr. Dunn indicated that the Litigation Fund will be taken out of Capital Outlay so it won't affect the Maintenance Account. Mr. Lawler indicated that the balance of the Maintenance Account is $28,000 which should carry them until the end of the fiscal year. Mr. Crandall asked for an update on the expenditure they approved for tree removal. Mr. Dunn indicated that the City crew has been on the course for the last seven days working on brush and overgrowth. He will have more information next week and where the city cannot accommodate the tree removal, the contractor will be notified and asked to remove the trees indicated on the USGA report. Mr. Crandall motioned to accept the Financial Statement as presented seconded by Mr. Barger. Motion carried 7-0. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Klein requested that the Approval of Minutes for February be tabled until April; he indicated that he did not receive his copy and requested that the secretary redistribute them to all the members. Update with Johnson Golf Management: Mr. Dunn stated that on Wednesday, March 19, mediation will be held. He has been asked not to speak regarding the situation and may know more after the mediation. The mediation may take 10 minutes, it may take 10 months. He also indicated that Johnson Golfplans on opening the course on March 15, and being in default does not remove him from his responsibilities to the course. Mr. Klein asked Mr. Barrous if he wished to update the Commission on any details at this time. Mr. Barrous stated that Mr. Johnson has yet to cooperate with his bank by providing financial "numbers", but there is a "Plan B" that Mr. Barrous is moving forward on. The Mediation between Johnson Golf Management and the City of Beverly has nothing to do with negotiations. Mr. Dunn indicated that the Commission has already voted regarding the assignment of the contract; but given the time that has elapsed and the new contingencies involved, it may be necessary for the Commission to review again when it is finalized and in writing. Ms. Ash indicated that they are ready to open the course but are limited on staff; she also indicated that they would rely on the Commission for guidance and support. Mr. Klein thanks Mr. Barrous for his graciousness and information. FACILITIES: Update on Master Plan Presentation by the Mayor: Mr. Klein indicated that he was frustrated with the delay in finalizing the settlement regarding Barrous/Johnson and also the Capital Improvement plans presented to Mayor Scanlon have not been presented to the City Council. He feels the most advisable thing at this time is to see what happens over the next few weeks. He also showed concern regarding the course. He stated that the course shows good wear over the winter months and has seen people out playing golf on the previous weekend. New Business: Mr. Lawler asked Mr. Barrous if the tennis operation is on track to start on time. He also stated that they should contact Rotundi to do the courts. Mr. Barrous stated that Bass River is and will operate the tennis aspect of the BGT. He also indicated that he would accept fees from members at any time who have not yet paid. Mr. Crandall stated that he is being asked questions regarding who to pay for the year 2008. Mr. Dunn stated that if they paid Johnson Golf Management or Bassous, they will get the same treatment if there is a change in management. He indicated that about 125 have paid to date. Meeting Opened to Members Present: A gentleman indicated he met Mr. Barrous last April and indicated that he speaks for many permit holders and are willing to assist him in any way they can to and he has their full support. Mr. Obear stated that there was significant brush removed along courts; he indicated that they like to have a barrier there and not to cut the brush so short. He also asked if courts 11 & 12 will be ready for the season; the contractors have started removing their equipment off of these two courts. Mr. Barger stated that the contractor has agreed to redo the courts when they are finished using them for storage. The Raymond Farms project is not completed at this time and when the courts will be repaired is yet to be determined. The next tentative meeting will be April 10, 2008.