Commission Members in Attendance:
Brit Lawlor – Chairman
Ron Krawczyk – Deputy Chairman
Joe Dabrowski – Greens
Tara Ford – Women’s Locker Room & Beverage
Kevin Lauretti – Handicap/Course Assessment
Mike Mislin – Violations
Members in Attendance:
Mike Aronsen, Bill Ayers, John Gennusa, Vic Cisario, Michele Lemoal-Gray, Pat Comiskey, Dennis Maguire
Others in Attendance:
Jim Von Eschen – Director of Golf Chris Johnson – Course Superintendent
John Mackie – Assistant Golf Pro Maureen Veitch – Village Mayor
Lorraine Keuhn – Village Trustee
Motion to accept the minuets by Ron Krawczyk, 2nd by Joe Dabrowski. Meeting officially starts at 6:02PM.
Violations Report, presented by Mike Mislin
Nothing to report.
Women’s Locker Room & Beverage Report, presented by Tara Ford
Nothing in particular to report. Tara does wish the Bellport WMGA team good luck as their first match is tomorrow at Glen Oaks. Brit mentions how spectacular that facility is while also wishing the women good luck.
Report, presented by Ron Krawczyk
Ron begins by stating that the golf course is shaping up, mentioning how the new tee signs and plates look great. Mr. Krawczyk would also like to give kudos to Ed Santalone for the continuous work he does around the golf course. Ron says that Mr. Santalone has donated a trailer to Chris and installed the new water machine by the 1st tee. Brit would like to mention that although the water machine is in, Eddie is still hesitant to turn it on due to the overnight temperatures.
Greens/Course Assessment Report, presented by Joe Dabrowski
Joe says that the crew is in the general maintenance part of the season but does mention that the crew has begun to widen tee boxes, aerate the tee boxes and they are adding sand to bunkers where they deemed necessary. Joe reiterates Ron and Brit mentioning we have a new ice and water machine behind the first tee box/starters booth area. Joe continues, stating that new sod has been laid at the entrance way of the sand traps (front 9) and in front of some cart paths where needed. Lastly, Joe says that Chris and the crew has done some over seeding in different rough areas throughout the course; the thought is to let the fescue grow up, see where we have it and cut it back where we deem necessary.
Report, presented by Kevin Lauretti
Mr. Lauretti begins saying that the capital assessment money was used for the posts, tee signs and the plates to correspond with the new yardages; Kevin says that they look great out on the course. Despite the recent weather, Kevin says that the course is still in great shape.
Chairman Report, presented by Brit Lawlor
Brit begins mentioning the new green on holes 4 and 5 – he says that it was hard to picture what it would look like last season but after another year of growth, it looks great.
Continuing on the half of Ryan Stanley, Ryan would like to gauge interest in the possibility of a Red/White/Blue Scramble on July 6th. Jim Von Eschen says that normally we do that in the Men’s/Women’s Tournament Day but can be done that weekend for all. Jimmy continues, saying that the people who play in the event always love the format. Additionally, Jimmy says that with the 4th of July falling on a Thursday, we won’t do a Men’s Tournament Day that week. Ends by saying that we will gauge interest through the shop but says that format is always a favorite when played in the Men’s/Women’s Tournament Days.
Director of Golf Report, presented by Jim Von Eschen
Mr. Von Eschen begins by saying the ball promotion from Titleist went great with just over 300 dozen ball orders which puts us in the top of the island (green grass shops) according to our Titleist rep. Looking at the online 125-year shop, Jimmy says that we have sold over 50 pieces with another online shop coming in the Summer/Fall. Brit also brings up the new head covers and valuable pouches in the Pro Shop, he loves the new look of them. Jimmy also mentions that once the new budget hits in June, we will see some glassware to commemorate the 125 years of golf. Jimmy mentions that the 9 & Dines will be returning this year with Pat Comiskey taking the lead on that, she will talk with catering and get us a price; once we have a price, we will get that out. To make sure that nobody is upset, Jimmy says that we will do on a Monday so that Gus is closed. Speaking of the catering hall, Jimmy mentions that he spoke with Robert already and we can do it upstairs but will need 50 people at a minimum.
Looking at the 4th and 5th greens, Jimmy says that ALL of the new sod will be cut at green height for mowing purposes; this means there will be no fringe on these greens. With sprinkler heads in the greens, we will have to look at the possibility of a local rule, strictly for holes 4 and 5 (no others). Continuing, Jimmy brings up the yearly Spring tee time issue; lack of day light does not allow us to go at 6:30am but we still have roughly the same number of players looking to play early. Jimmy says that unfortunately, this means that some groups will be bumped back. Jimmy suggests that groups of 3 or more should always break the tee time link but going forward, we will be earlier with tee times and hopefully that eliminates some of this issue. Talking about the sprinkler heads in the greens, Vic Cisario mentions that the MET Golfer had a great article on the local “2&2” rule. Kevin Lauretti explains that since it is only 2 greens that this will affect, there will be no need to adopt the rule throughout the course.
On behalf of Jeff Nagel, Jimmy reads off the membership totals. Currently we’re at 392 members with about $1.9 million being brought in through membership dues. Talking about tournaments on Ryan Stanley’s behalf, we have the Ryder Cup coming up (68 players due to many members still being in Florida and cancellations) and the weather looks good! Women’s and Men’s Tournament Days will begin on May 14th & 15th, President’s Cup (Individual Stableford) will be held on May 18th with the Team 4 Ball held on May 25th.
Down by Chris’ office, Jimmy says that Chris needed more parking due to the new diesel tank and that job is getting finished by DPW tomorrow afternoon. Lastly, Jimmy mentions that with the little assessment money that is left, he would like to purchase ball repair tools and ball markers to give out to membership and possibly clean up around Chris’ shop (left of 17 tee). Jimmy does mention that this project might be more than they expect and might have to hold off until the Fall.
Superintendents Report, presented by Chris Johnson
Chris says that he missed the last meeting but is happy to be back for another season. Continuing, he says that a fine fescue mix will be slit seeded into the tees. This is something that he says he has done in the past on the collars and it worked great; hoping for the same reaction on the tees. Lastly, Chris says that his regular top dressing will begin soon, so keep an eye out for that on Mondays.
Mayors Report, presented by Maureen Veitch
In regards to the Howells Creek erosion project, Maureen says that they are working through DEC and they have a new reviewer. This new reviewer is supposed to follow up with the Village and Maureen says that she will keep the pressure on them. On a positive note, she mentions that the Village was approved for a grant worth $3.3 million; Maureen is very clear that this is not only for the Howells Creek Erosion project but also for 3 other road endings throughout the village. Maureen thanks Andrew Garbarino and all others who have helped on this project.
Comments from the Crowd
Pat Comiskey – Pat begins by asking for clarification on what is green and what is not on the 4th hole. Tara Ford states that it is all cut at green height and will be played as a green. Both Jimmy and Chris back Tara’s statement. Chris continues, saying that the poa is beginning to creep into that new area and will continue to do so over time. Chris says that we will see some pins that we have not seen in the past.
Bob Scalia – Continuing on the 4th green, Bob asks if there is a drain or two near the front of the green, and if there is, do they get relief from these? Jimmy says that yes, you get relief from any man-made object, excluding boundary fences. Chris also says that there is a hose hook-up on that left side as well. Mr. Scalia also mentions that he is personally strongly against the shotgun formats in the Men’s Tournament due to pace of play, which will not allow him to get to work on time. Brit says that we will start the year with 3 tee times and 1 shotgun a month and go from there. Brit states that it is a losing battle either way and you may see the Men’s Tournament going to 2 tee times and 2 shotgun starts in the future.
Michele Lemoal-Gray – Michele says that if we are doing the divot tools this year, she suggests using the 125 year logo. The Commission unanimously agrees with Michele’s suggestion.
Meeting concludes at 6:27PM