Minutes of the Lake Wildwood Golf Committee Meeting on October 9, 2007
Approved November 13, 2007
I. The meeting was called to order by Doug Dorfmeier at 2:00 p.m.
II. Roll Call
A. The following members were:
1. Present: Jane Butler, Michael Byrne , Doug Dorfmeier, Maddie Graham, Ed Lauchner, Bob Martin, Duane Mayfield, and Diana Mortara.
2. Absent: Frank Chilberto
B. The following liaison personnel were present: Bill Haushalter, Chuck Murphey, Don Streseman, and Ken Wolford.
C. The following guests were present: Gerry Galvin, Mike Lesnewsky, Chuck Muno, and Bob Pleski
III. Minutes - The minutes of the August 10, 2007 meeting were approved as submitted. (Vote)
IV. Reports
A. Golf Course Superintendent - Ken Wolford
1. Aeration - Because of weather and especially equipment mal-functions this project is behind schedule. A broken aerator has been repaired and the project will be back on course.
2. Leaves - Leaves are beginning to drop heavily on the course and the grounds keepers will be starting the annual fall cleanup soon.
3. Carts on fairways - Dianna Mortara asked when the moratorium on golf carts on fairways would be lifted. Ken’s answer was, “Soon.”
4. New tree on hole #17 - Ken was asked when the replacement tree would be planted. The answer was, “By Thanksgiving.”
5. New Cart Paths on holes #13 and #14 - Ken has contacted D.H.R. Construction, Inc., a golf cart path construction company, for an estimate on this project. An estimate is anticipated shortly.
6. Forward tees on holes #13 and #14 - There was extensive discussion on the topic of building the new forward tees on these holes. There are a number of associated problems largely dealing with bringing in the requisite dirt and the ability of the #14 bridge to stand the load, scheduling, possible weather delays and possible impact on the invitational tournaments next spring. If, for whatever reason, the project was not completed by the end of this fiscal year the committed Community Improvement (CI) funds could be lost.
Because of these factors, the Golf Committee unanimously voted to ask the Board of Directors to modify the current allocation of CI funds from specifying “holes #13 and #14" to “holes yet to be determined”. (Vote)
7. Golf Course Inspection - Ken made the following summary comments relative to the latest inspection:
a. Tees, roughs and fairways - Wet spots continue to be a problem and he continues to work on it.
b. Bunkers - Work will be done to redo the worst offending bunkers.
c. Crab and Dallas Grass - Ken feels that they had done an excellent job this year managing the problem.
d. Greens - Ken feels that, with the exception of problem greens #3, #8 and #9, that they were very well managed this year.
There was committee discussion about the golf course inspection report itself and as published in The Wildwood Independent. There was a feeling that there was too much emphasis on negatives in the report and none on positives and that the TWI article broadcast negatives. It was questioned whether the inspection itself, at least as currently done, is worthwhile.
B. Golf Professional - Jim Knight
Chuck Murphey reported on the golf financials. At the end of August, year-to-date revenue is down approximately $20,000 from budget. Golf cart fees and Ken Wolford’s expenses are the only items with a positive standing relative to the budget.
C. Special Projects Subcommittee - Gerry Galvin has accepted appointment as the new chairman of the Special Projects Subcommittee.
D. Irrigation Subcommittee
1. The Golf Committee formally voted to establish an ad hoc Irrigation Subcommittee. Its chairman is Bob Pleski and current members are Ed Lauchner, Ken Towns, Tom Watson and Ken Wolford. (Vote)
2. The primary purpose of this subcommittee is to insure that the irrigation system will operate in a manner to
a. insure maximum piping lifetime and
b. get maximum watering uniformity on the golf course.
3. Bob Pleski reported on subcommittee activities to date.
a. At the first meeting, Ken Wolford explained the current system and its operation.
b. At the second meeting, Ken demonstrated the pump station.
c. At the next meeting, a representative of Rainbird will give a presentation.
E. Board Liaison - Don Streseman - None
F. General Manager - Bill Haushalter
G. Guest Input - None
V. Correspondence
A. Community Improvement Funds Request - Don Streseman formally notified the Golf Committee that CI fund requests for the fiscal year 2008/2009 are due by November 15, 2007.
B. Letter to Frank Chilberto - Jacque Wilson submitted a letter whose subject was “Deviations from the Golf Master Plan need a thorough review prior to implementation.”
C. Letter to Frank Chilberto - David J. Galitello submitted an email whose subject was “Golf fees and points”.
VI. Old Business
A. Tree cutting behind green #3
Ken Wolford presented a photo survey, taken a few years ago, showing shading on the #3 green at several times during the day; he also submitted an article discussing the negative effects of shading on greens in general; he pointed out that one can see that the pine tree in question was topped, perhaps 10 years ago, probably in response to a shading problem then; and he reiterated his opinion that removal of these trees are necessary.
Doug Dorfmeier asked the Committee if anyone desired to change their opinion since last month when the Committee voted to authorize removal of these trees. No one did and Doug declared that the vote stands.
B. Memorial Trees - It was noted that the Board gave its approval of the concept of allowing trees, which are to be planted under the Golf Master Plan, to be donated by individuals as memorials.
VII. New Business
Funding Sources for the Golf Master Plan - The proposed rules changes allowing the Association to charge for golf tournaments is being put in abeyance because of concerns about the Association’s non-profit status.
VIII. Club Reports - None
IX. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. (Vote).