August 25, 2021
Commission Members in Attendance:
Brit Lawlor – Chairman
Ron Krawczyk – Deputy Chairman
Ryan Stanley – Tournament / Membership Liaison
Jeff Nagel – Membership & Marketing
Joe Dabrowski – Greens
Mike Mislin – Violations
Mike Cioffi – Men’s Locker Room/Food and Beverage
Tara Ford – Women’s Locker Room/Food and Beverage
Others in Attendance:
Jim Von Eschen – Director of Golf
John Mackie – Assistant Golf Professional
John Daley – Member
Rich Weissman – Member
Bob Scalia – Member
Lisa White – Member
Michael Dioguardo – Member
Michael Auerbach – Member
Vic Cisario – Member
Motion to start meeting by Joe Dabrowski, Jeff Nagel 2nds it; accepted by Brit Lawlor. Meeting officially starts at 6:01PM.
Violations Report, presented by Mike Mislin
Mike states that he wanted to bring this up at the last meeting but was obviously not present; but when reporting and finalizing the minutes, Mike suggests that we keep names out of the minutes. He says that a couple months ago, one particular member was upset that his name was mentioned in regard to a violation. Brit mentions that he spoke with John Mackie in regards to this. Going forward, Brit states that we will leave all names out of disciplinary actions and medical leaves.
Continuing, Mike says that on August 3, 2021, there was an incident regarding one of our member’s guests and an employee from Peter’s on the Green. This particular guest was seen urinating in the hallway between the Men’s Locker Room and Peter’s on the Green by said employee. Mike says that there was a letter sent to the particular member, stating that his guess will be suspended for a year and then we will revisit at that time. Mike also mentions that the letter included that said member was asked to apologize to the staff at Peter’s on the Green.
Men’s Locker Room/Food and Beverage Report, presented by Mike Cioffi
Mike says that the Men’s Locker Room and Peter’s is going great; he mentions that the food at the Men’s Member/Guest was great. In regards to the erosion project, Mike states that working with Mayor Fell, they are waiting on the funding process to see what will officially be needed. Mike is hoping that we can get more answers on when we would be able to start testing the canal water.
With the flagpole project, Mike says that he got some pricing and although it may be expensive, he believes they can get it done. Ron Krawczyk says that he will work on the fundraising aspect. Mike states the pricing as follows:
50 Ft. Flagpole – $9,350
Electrical – $2,000 to $14,000
Mike mentions that the large range in electrical pricing is because there are lots of ways to do it; but with proper up lighting (to display the American flag at night), the estimated project cost should be around $12,000 – $15,000. Tara Ford asks if this flagpole is something that would have to get approved via the Village. Both Mike and Ron said that Ray is on board for it, with all the feedback so far being positive.
Women’s Locker Room/Food and Beverage Report, presented by Tara Ford
Nothing to report.
Tournament Report, presented by Ryan Stanley
Ryan starts by saying that in August, we held our MGA MET/Net Local Qualifier on the 14th. Tom Curley and Hank Heissenbuttle won the Men’s division. They defeated Anthony Pepitone and Jim Cottone on the 6th playoff hole. Debbie Capozzi and Lee Redvanly won the Women’s division. Both teams will represent BGC at The Hamlet on September 27th. Ryan says that our Men’s Member/Guest was held on August 20th and it seemed as though everybody had a great time; our winners from the event were Michael Ryan and Joe Ryan. Moving onto the Mixed Pinehurst, Tony Sorrentino and Lee Redvanly won the event. Ryan Stanley states that it was one of the most enjoyable rounds that he has played throughout the entire season.
In September, Ryan says that we will have our Member/Member which will be held on Labor Day Weekend. The event will see flights of 4 teams (8 players) compete in match play. Handicaps for the members will have to be within 5 shots of each other, with the high handicap able to come down. Deadline to sign up is August 29th with the entry of $180 per team. Ryan moves on, stating that the Club Championship will be held September 25th, 26th (Men’s B & C Flights, Women’s A Flight) and October 2nd, 3rd (Men’s Champ & A Flights, Women’s Champ Flight) depending on your flight. Ryan finishes by saying that all flights will be Gross & Net with a person having the ability to win both. You will see more information following the Member/Member tournament.
Deputy Chairman’s Report, presented by Ron Krawczyk
Ron states that he will get working on the flag pole fund.
Greens Report, presented by Joe Dabrowski
Right now, the crew is dealing with routine maintenance, with hand watering greens as they are needed. Joe states that the greens aeration process finished up today after some rain issues earlier in the week. Overall, Chris said that he is happy with how the process turned out. Joe states that when Chris comes back, he and Joe will sit down with Parkland and get some quotes in regards to the new first tee and possible bunkering. Joe says depending on the quote, we will see how much we can actually get done.
Joe states that some work was done on the 4th, 5th and 6th collars. He says that it went well but they believe it is still a drainage issue that will be worked on throughout the Winter.
Membership Report, presented by Jeff Nagel
Jeff says that the rates for next season will be going up $150 for both returning Residents and Non-Residents; for new members, it will go up $250 after the February 1st date. Anybody who is paid in full prior to February 1st will receive the $100 to the Pro Shop (to be used on merchandise only). Jeff states that if you are not paid in full by February 1st, you will run the risk of losing your membership spot. Individuals from the waitlist will be called starting February 15th.
Jeff also proposes that we bring back an initiation/course assessment fee for any new members for the 2022 golfing season; the proposed fee will be $1,500. Jim Von Eschen states that this $1,500 came from all the course assessment money that current members have paid over the last 5 or 6 years. Jeff also says that since we will be once again doing outings in the 2022 season, we are looking to bring our membership total back down to 380 members (our previous cap prior to COVID was 370). Joe Dabrowski reiterates that if all 400 current members return, nobody is going to lose their membership spot.
Lastly, Jeff states that our outing price for 2022 will go up to $100 per person (from $80) and we will discount the outings 10% for any member-run golf outing.
Director of Golf Report, presented by Jim Von Eschen
Nothing to report.
Chairman’s Report, presented by Brit Lawlor
Brit states that he only has 1 piece of correspondence. [Name redacted] is having shoulder surgery on August 25, 2021. This member is looking to take their dues from now until the end of the season and carry them over to the 2022 golfing season. Brit states that this member will have to show proper medical documentation, but barring that, he believes this member should carry 25% of their dues to 2022. The commission unanimously agrees. Brit says that going forward, Christine Novelli (membership) will contact all medical leaves from here on out.
Brit also says that he was able to play in last week’s Men’s Member/Guest. He states that Chris had the course in great shape and also thanks Ryan Stanley and the rest of his committee for putting the event together. Brit says that his guest, who plays in all the top amateur events in the area, couldn’t stop raving about BGC. Finally, Brit thanks Jimmy and the rest of the golf staff for running a flawless tournament.
Comments from the Crowd
John Daley – Mr. Daley states that his and the rest of his guys are really happy with the golf course. Mr. Daley gives kudos to the entire commission, golf and maintenance staff.
Rich Weissman – Mr. Weissman states that he is looking for a medical leave due to back surgery; says that he emailed the commission but has yet to hear an answer. Brit says that he will speak with him after the meeting, regarding the decision in which the commission previously made.
Meeting concludes at 6:27PM.