Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes 2008
December 15, 2008
Special Session 6:30 pm
Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns, Mr. Rabuffo
The Board met in joint session with the Country Club Management Committee to review the Business Plan for the Country Club.
Mr. McGrail reviewed the golf operation revenues, noting that the decrease in annual permits was offset by the increase in daily fees. The golf operation is the main source of revenue for the entire complex. It was noted that there are revenue enhancing opportunities related to the Pro Shop that should be investigated. Overall, it is the opinion of the Management Committee that golf operation is going in the right direction and will soon be able to develop some reserves to fund anticipated capital projects.
The pool has been operated up to this point by the South Shore YMCA. The three year contract expired at the close of the 2008 season. Mr. McGrail recommended that the Committee contract for one more year with the South Shore YMCA while evaluating the possibility of bringing the operation of the pool in house. Another suggestion was the operation of a snack bar just outside the pool area.
The bowling alley pays its own utilities and generates a small profit. This family owned and operated business has successfully operated at this location for over 20 years. It was suggested that under the revised liquor licensing laws it would be possible to extend the liquor license to the bowling alley. This could enhance the revenue contribution of this operation.
The tennis courts are in need of significant work and, in view of the number of courts available in town, this expenditure is not recommended.
The final area of consideration was restaurant facility. Mr. McGrail noted that although the function business is growing, as evidenced by six functions on the previous weekend, the pub is problematic. The restaurateur is unwilling to keep the food or even the bar operation open to serve winter golf patrons. Even during the season the restaurant/pub operation has not been ideal. The present leaseholder is very interested in the function business but decidedly less so in the restaurant business. There has been a meeting scheduled next Friday with Mr. Hart to discuss the restaurant. It was suggested that any future lease agreement contain quality and performance standards with clear expectations and penalties if the lessee does not meet those expectations.
The CCMC requested that the current system of purchase orders be revised to allow Mr. McGrail to make purchases up to $25,000 without prior approval of a purchase order. The Committee also discussed the management aspect of the facility. Ms. Burns suggested that a town meeting article to revise Article 37 of the By-law relative to the management of the facility might be in order.
The joint session concluded with a tour of the room that had been converted for use by the high school rowing team. The Board continued their meeting and discussed the Bare Cove Park/Back River Town homes issues with regard to replanting, mowing and vista pruning and a response to Paul Doyle’s recent email.
Meeting adjourned 9:55 pm.
Betty Foley, Interim Town Administrator