2007-10-09BEVERLY GOLF & TENN.IS COMMISSION
134 McKay Street
Beverly, Massachusetts 01915
Meetin of October 9, 2007
Commission Members
Jeffrey mein, Chairman
Richard urger, vice -- Chairman
Kevin Ascolillc
Chad Crandeli
Crary Lambert
Martin Lawler
Dougias Richardson
I)iane Presutti, Recording Secretary
Guests Present: John Dunn, City of Beverly Finance Director; Art Daignault, ADS.
Coordinator for the City of Beverly; Jane Ask Director of Business Operations, for Bass
River Tennis; Manny Barros, Owner of Bass River; John. Waugh, Mngr. Of Tennis
Operations at BGT; Mr. Obear & Mr. Newhall, Tennis • Club Members.
enm* Remarks:
Mr. Mein reflected on the quiet 30 days he has had. and is eager to move forward with
their .continuous efforts on the course and master plan. He indicated that Mi. Johnson
was invited to attend this evenings meeting but has stated for the record that he was not
present He assured the members and guests that he the goal is to move forward in a
positive manner for the future of the facility.
ARRroval of MinuLes of Se tember 20070
Mr. Klein asked the Commission for any comments regarding the September minutes
and/or a motion to accept. Mr. Lawler motioned to accept the minutes as presented,
seconded by Mr. Crandall. Motion carried 7--0.
Finance Report:
Mr. Lawler stated that the balance in the Maintenance account is $57,000; $2,400 worth
of bills were paid in September towards maintenance. There is stiff $36,000 available in
the veranda account. There has been $2,000 in bills submitted not yet paid leaving a
balance of $54,000.
Mr. lambert motioned to accept the finance report as presented, seconded by Mr.
Crandall. Motion carried 7 -0.
Faces:
U date on 'torn ' ter Removal.
Mr. Ascolillo has previously mentioned an acquaintance knowledgeable about the
Massachusetts Historical Register and had conversed with her regarding advise the
Commission. He indicated that his acquaintance discouraged them to pursue removal
from the Historical Register. She did indi cafe that she would provide the Com=ission
with architects familiar with the Preservation Codes that could assist them..
Mr. Klein stated that Ms. Cassidy is also compiling a list for the Commission.
1VIr. Kdein indicated that at the August 2007 meeting the Commission pass a motion to do
preliminary tree work. At that time, the Commission asked that Johnson Golf
Management personnel mark the trees that should be addressed first. The personnel
agreed to start this process. At the September meeting, the Commission learned that
Johnson Golf Management and their personnel would not participate i�a helping with the
tree Ana rbir g process. Therefore, Mr. Dunn. was asked to invite Mr. I�hmowitz and Mr.
Collins to get started on this phase of tree removal.
Mr. Dunn state that they have not tagged trees as yet but have imaged to get a telecopter
and came'ra with pictures to feed into oIS system. This will allow them to look at green
and brown spats; along with water spots and I.D. certain problematic issues. once that is
done, they will look at the trees and brush; about three weeks away. Mr. Dunn stated that
the Nigger trees warranting heavier equipment might need to wait for frozen ground.
Also, he indicated that not interfering with the golf operation and having cooperation.
from Doug Johnson would be beneficial. Mr. Dunn will provide Mr. Johnson the time
frame that they will be nuarkmi a trees.
Proceeds with Master Plan.
MT. Klein stated that there is a Master Plan in place to make bnprovements on the course
with an estimate cost. He stated to the Commission that they might be more ready than
they think to address the Mayor and the City Council.
:tic. Klein. indicated that the total reconstruction of the drainage project is $500,000,
�nin rr um of $200,000 depending of the extent of the reconstruction and flat does not
include irrigation..
Mr. Lawler stated that the Master flan has a number, the building has a number, Minave
has a number and asked the Commission to move forward and present to the Mayor and
City Council in December. Mr. Lambert having a presentation with a "phase' approach
with excerpts from the Gale Report would be a comprehensive presentation.
Mr. urger stated that beeping the focus on the course is important but indicated that they
would approach. the Council at a later date regarding the building phase.
Mr, Lawler motioned that the Commission move forward with putting together numbers
for the "Phase' plan to present to the Mayor by the first or second creek of December to
include Master Plan, Maintenance Building and Drainage for request for funds by
December. The Commission, to compile proposal at the November 13 meeting to be
presented to Mr. Dunn by November 20. Seconded by Mr. Ascolillo. Motion passed 7 -0.
PUdate on . Cassi ro osal to hire an a evalw
Mr. Dunn stated that Ms. Cassidy has requested recommendations from a Boston
Attorney and Mr. Gel%neau is pursuing the platter.
Mr. Klein indicated that the Commission would include this matter on a future agenda
and follow up.
Management Contract:
Tennis Fagffift PRdate":
Mr. Waugh, BGT Tennis Operations from Bass river Tennis Club, indi cated that their
estimate for painting the fence is approx. $13,600. They did purchase a roller for the
courts. The windscreens will be in place by next season. He also indicated that the
feedbag he is getting is all positive. The members are now going inside due to darkness.
He stated that the nets plan on staying in place until the end of October.
Ms. Ash, Bass River Director of Operations, indicated that they have not made money
this season. Experiencing good relationship with Johnson golf Management.
Mr. Barros indicated that Bass River was not allowed to serve any beverages to their
player and were instructed to direct their players to a vending machine or the l 9 Hole.
He asked the Commission to consider a pool be installed to help. business. He also asked
that when. the drainage project in Raymond Farms is complete that the contractors redo
the courts they put in hard courts. He also indicated that they are in "talks" regarding
their contract for next season..
Mr. Daignault asked if they could provide a program for people with disabilities.
Ms. Ash stated that they need special certification for that but would look into it,
TT date on Johnson's status on Lease fp=ents.
Mr. Dunn indicated that Mr. Gelineau has drafted a letter and 'is consulting with council
in Boston..
New Business:
r
2008 Goff Rates and Fees:
Mr. Dunn distributed some proposals to the Commission for review. Ids proposal
consists of o, 3 & 5% increases. Mr. Dunn indicated that there are no longer Soo
members to the club and a modest increase for the next few years would be received
better than a jump in three years.
Mr. Klein stated that the City has jurisdictions over the fees and Johnson Gold'
Management has jurisdiction over greens fees. we can make a proposal and the City
Council can rectify.
Mr. Johnson wishes to distribute a letter to members by the end of October regarding
fees. He bars asked the Commission to address the rate increase.
Mr. Crandall reminded the Commission of the incident last year regarding members not
paying on time being e xcluded from membership. Mr. Johnson is in arrears of his
payments and wants fast cash.
Mr. rein agrees that a mid -rate increase is logical but only Johnson Calf Mngt. would
benefit. He also stated that the Commission should not move can an inctease until
litigation is resolved.
Mr. Lambert motioned to a 0% (zero percent) increase for the 2008 rate; the 2008 rate to
remain at the 2007 level for the entire year, seconded by Mr. Crandall. Motion carried 6-
1 . Mar. Lawler re
Letter to Johnson Gog Ma n�ent
The Co' * ssion reviewed a letter composed by Mr. Lambert regarding Johnson Golf
Mana g ements decision to be uncooperative in assisting the Commission in tagging the
trees to be removed from the course.
Mr. Lawler motioned to send the letter as written. to Mr. Gelineau for review then forward
to Mr. Johnson. Motion seconded by Mr. Barger. Motion. carried 7--0.
Greens Covers:
Mr. Lawler motioned to approve the purchase of two greens covers not to exceed $5000.
Motion carried by Mr. Lambert. Motion carried 7 - 0.
BGT A ccessibilk lie ort resentednd re aced hi Doi �#
1lmr. Daignnau t presented a nine -page report containing repairs to the Club
House for handicap accessibility.
Mr. Lambert sugg ested that the facilities Sub pay attention to this report and
review for the next meeting so the Commission can move on urnmediate repairs.
Mr. Klei . n asked Mr. Bar and Mr. Crandall to review and put their heads to g ether on
this matter.
loo tin Co uttee for December Election of New Co Sion cersR
Mr. Klein appointed Mr. Bar and himself as Nominatin Committee to provide a list
of q ualified candidates for the December election for the 2008 Chairman seat The
Holida part in December will include election of officers UW evenin
Mr. Klein motioned to a seconded b Mr. Uwler. Motion carried 7-0.
Mr. Klein thanked the g uests' anal adjourned the meetin at 8:35pm.