Minutes of the Lake Wildwood Golf Committee Meeting on July 10, 2007
Approved on August 14, 2007
I. The meeting was called to order by Frank Chilberto at 2:04 p.m.
II. Roll Call
A. The following members were:
1. Present: Jane Butler, Michael Byrne, Frank Chilberto, Doug Dorfmeier, Bob Martin, Duane Mayfield, and Diana Mortara.
2. Absent: Maddie Graham and Rick Levy,
B. The following liaison personnel were present: Bill Haushalter, Jim Knight, Chuck Murphey, Don Streseman, and Ken Wolford.
C. The following guests were present: John Cook, Barbara Cross, Hanna Davey, John Davey, Dave Doench, Gerry Galvin, Tom Knoflick, Mike Lesnewsky, Don Liljeblad, Gary Turzak, and Bill Wilcock.
III. Minutes
The minutes of the June 12, 2007 meeting were approved as submitted (Vote).
IV. Reports
A. Golf Course Superintendent - Ken Wolford
1. Irrigation System Evaluation - Ken asked Frank Chilberto to submit a P.A.D. to provide funds for hiring a consultant.
2. Fund for Forward Tees on Holes 13 & 14 - Frank Chilberto has submitted a P.A.D. to Don Streseman asking for Community Improvement funding for this project in the amount of $8,000. Doug Dorfmeier asked if a new blue tee on #14 was part of this project and the response was, “No”.
3. Handicap Access to Closed Fairways on Green Flag Days - Ken said that when a fairway is closed to carts by signs, e.g. holes #1 and #2 right now, that those fairways are open to carts with handicap flags only if there is a sign specifying so.
4. General Report
a. While some of the season’s hottest weather occurred during the Men’s Invitational, they were able to keep the course in good condition with lots of hand watering and special attention.
b. Jim Knight noted that there seemed to be a problem with special watering today because some Lady Niners were unable to finish on #11 due to sprinklers going off.
c. A mowing problem on #12 was reported by a guest. Also, it was reported that during the past week a leaky sprinkler was seen on #12. It was called in to the Pro Shop via a cell phone; however the person on duty did not know how to handle such a problem. It was felt that he should have simply notified Ken.
d. Finally, a guest asked about a perceived “significant reduction” in the area of the green on hole #8. Ken said that there has been a problem with growth of grass in some areas of #8 and attempting to repair this has caused the reduction although he did not feel that it was significant.
B. Golf Professional - Jim Knight
1. After Hours Activity - There has been an increase in course activity after the closing time of the Pro Shop. Jim recommends a 2nd marshal to adequately police the course. Also, please note that those with annual memberships who are planning to play after the Pro Shop closes should still get their name(s) on the tee sheet beforehand.
2. Financials - Chuck Murphey reported that the 2006-2007 financials are not complete. He does not have figures yet, but it would appear that the number of annuals for 2007-2008 are down from last year.
C. Special Projects Subcommittee - Gerry Galvin
New Cart Paths on Holes 13 & 14 -The new cart path has been measured and comes in at 3,200 ft. Contractors have been contacted for estimates. Because concrete trucks cannot get across the bridge, cement would have to be pumped in at a significant increase in cost. They are looking into the possibility of getting access from a vacant lot. There is a concern that the amount in Replacement Reserve will be insufficient to cover the increased length of the new cart path route.
D. Board Liaison - Don Streseman
1. Community Improvement (CI) Funds - Currently there are approximately $27,000 of uncommitted funds for 2007-2008. $8,000 for construction of forward tees on holes #13 & #14 is possible. The request should be in soon because the funds must be spent by May 31, 2008 and we need to anticipate the winter weather.
2. Husband’s Lawsuit - A continuance until September 5 was issued on June 22. Mediation efforts are ongoing but show no real progress yet.
3. Ballots - Lots are coming in; the Board is hoping for a favorable vote on the new Community Center.
4. Refueling Station - The new refueling station in the Marina is operational. People have been experiencing problems using the credit card dispenser but hopefully we will get the wrinkles ironed out.
E. General Manager - Bill Haushalter
1. Town Hall Meetings - Upcoming Town Hall meetings are:
a. Source of Funds for Major Projects July 17 at 1:30 p.m. in the Cedar Room.
b. Becoming a Certified Firewise Community July 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Cedar Room.
2. Ballots - A larger than normal number of ballots have been received.
F. Guest Input
Mike Lesnewsky said that he had played Dark Horse recently and observed that our course is in significantly better shape and offered congratulations to Ken Wolford for his good work.
V. Correspondence
Letter from Hanna Davey complaining of dust from mowing of hole #18 - There is an area of the golf course perimeter on the top of the hill on hole #18 which, when the weeds are mowed, creates a dust problem for residents. Mrs. Davey had contacted Ken Wolford and discussed the problem. Various remediation actions were discussed along with the fact that this is not a unique problem throughout the course and a perfect solution to all of them would be costly. Ken will attempt to reduce the problem; he has scheduled mowing less frequently and will notify the affected residents on the day before mowing so they can be prepared to close windows, etc..
VI. Old Business
Rules Changes to be Submitted to the Board - There are a few rules changes, 7.10.20, 7.10.55 and 7.10.60, (see The Minutes of the Lake Wildwood Golf Committee Meeting on February 13, 2007) which need to be approved by the Board but whose submission was delayed until after the annual election. They need to be submitted soon so that, if approved, they can be in effect for next year. The Golf Committee voted to submit them to the next possible meeting of the Board and requested Chuck Murphey to pursue with the Finance Committee the issue of allowing surplus golfing funds to be carried over into subsequent years in order to enable accumulation of funds from special activities in order to fund course improvements. (Vote)
VII. New Business
A. Defibrillator for Golf Course Use
Michael Byrne reported that he has received no response from the Public Safety Committee to his query and recommendation for a defibrillator for use on the golf course.
B. Tournament Request from Mt. St. Mary’s Academy
A request was sent to Jim Knight from Mt. St. Mary’s Academy requesting a tournament on our course in April 2008. Association rules currently prohibit accepting the request at this time. If the proposed rule changes (see item VI. above) pass then this can be considered.
C. Discussion of Dual Membership
Jim Knight raised the topic of dual club membership between the Men’s 9 Hole Group and the Men’s 18 Hole Group. Rule 7.10.15 states in part, “A Golf Member may belong to more than one LWA Approved Golf Organization but will only be permitted to designate a start time priority associated with one Organization for use in selecting Tee Times.” Currently there are 10-15 dual members and a sub-set of them have declared their start time priority with the 18 holers on Wednesday. Jim feels that in so doing they are circumventing the rules since, because of the small size of the 9 hole group they are virtually assured of being able to “walk on” on Tuesdays. He feels that, especially in the winter time with frost delays, the individuals can unfairly deprive other 18 hole members of tee times.
There was much and spirited discussion. It was pointed out that current members of the 18 hole group could, and would be welcome, to join and play with the 9'ers on Tuesdays. It was also pointed out that, considering the size of the 18 hole club (600+ members) the numbers here would seem to have an insignificant impact. Also that there could easily be the same number of new residents joining the 18 hole group and should that be considered a problem? After much discussion it was the consensus of the Golf Committee that this is not an issue.
D. Advertising as a Revenue Source
Duane Mayfield suggested consideration be given to selling advertising on golf course holes as a source of revenue for improvements. It was pointed out that Association rules may prohibit this. After discussion, the topic was tabled.
E. Surplus Military Bridge for #14
Frank said that someone had suggested acquiring a surplus military bridge for use on hole #14. No one had any knowledge on the subject and, after discussion, the topic was tabled.
F. Recommended Change to the Point System
In a previous meeting, the Golf Committee had considered eliminating point charges for guests on weekends. Jim Knight brought this up again and recommended eliminating point charges for guests any time during the week. The Golf Committee voted to do so, on a trial basis, for the rest of the year - through December 31, 2007, after which it will consider a permanent elimination if no problems have surfaced. (Vote)
G. Frank Chilberto reported that Rick Levy has resigned from the Golf Committee.
VIII. Club Reports - None
IX. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m. (Vote).
Votes - VI., VII. F. and IX.
Respectfully submitted by Bob Martin