2019-06-20TOWN OF BERLIN
Timberlin Golf Commission
230 Kensington Road • Berlin, CT 06037
Town Hall-Town Manager Conference Room
Thursday, June 20, 2019
6:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman DeFazio called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Jeff Arute; Nancy Berger, Jim Bugella, Peter DeFazio, Gale
Lemieu�, Richard Nappi, Jim Norton; Seb Senia
Staff Present:
Jonathan Zuk — Director of Golf
Marc Bayram — Golf Professional
B. AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
None.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — May 30, 2019
Commissioner Senia requested that an eachange that took place between himself and Finance
Director Kevin Delaney be included in section D.1.i. of the minutes. Commissioner Senia
asked Finance Director Delaney his position on outsourcing / subcontracting. Mr. Delaney
replied that he is open to the idea providing the vendor is qualified to perform the service and
it makes financial sense.
Commissioner Arute moved to approve the minutes with the above-referenced notation. �
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Seconded by Commissioner Norton.
Vote being 8-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
D. NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Lemieu� moved to add t�vo ne�vly-received donation requests as items c
(Make-a-Wish) and d (First Congregational).
Seconded by Commissioner Norton.
Vote beina 8-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
1. Donation requests
a. Cystic Fibrosis
b. Ryan Lee
c. Make a Wish
d. First Congregational
Commissioner Lemieux moved to approve donation requests a; c and d.
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Seconded by Commissioner Norton.
Vote being 0-8. (MOTION DEFEATED)
Commissioner Lemieul moved to approve donation request b.
Seconded by Commissioner Senia.
Vote being 8-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
2. Statement of Need-Timberlin Club House
The Commission discussed �vhether to make the Statement of Need high level (requesting
a feasibility study to determine �i�hat the market can bear) or include specific details
(banquet facility; square footage; locker roams; etc.). Commissioner Lemieul �vill �vork
�vith Director Zuk and report back to the Commission. Mayor Kaczynsl:i stopped into the
meetinQ and commented that he is open to a new club house, but Berlin still has its debt
issues and alternatives need to be considered.
3. Plaque-Golf Commission
Commissioner Senia moved to establish a plaque recognizing the founding members of
the Golf Commission; the Director of Golf and the Golf Professional, as it would add to
the history and tradition of the course.
Seconded by Commissioner Nappi. stated that he felt there should be a plaque
recognizing the establishment of the Golf Commission.
Those voting in favor: Commissioner Arute; Commissioner Berger; Commissioner
Bugella, Commissioner DeFazio; Commissioner Nappi; Commissioner Senia
Those voting aaainst: Commissioner Lemieu�; Commissioner Norton
Vote beinQ 6-2. (MOTION CARRIED)
4. Banners/Planning and Zoning
Director Zuk noted that the Zonin� Enforcement Officer has determined that Don Bates
Drive is a drive�vay; but because people use it to reach the pavilion or Metacomet Trail; it
is not appropriate to display banners.
The Commissioner will discuss the matter further when plannina the �0`h Anniversary.
�. Golf Pros/Restaurant Contract-Update
Mayor Kaczynski noted that the draft contract is with Corporation Counsel, and he �vill
ask for a status on Friday, June 21, 2019. Mayor Kaczynski added that he is not a�vare of
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any problem or issue, it ��as just going through the review process. Director Zuk will ask
for a copy of the draft contract to be provided to Golf Professional Bayram for review.
6. David Cahill-Drone Footage
The Commissioners discussed the cost of obtaining drone footage and the benefit of the
expense. Timberlin would o��n the footage at the end of the process to use as it wishes.
The possibility of eliminating the CT Golfer advertisement ($1,000) and using those funds
for drone footage was discussed.
7. NEPGA-Fee �vavier
Timberlin is hosting the Public Linl:s tournament on Sunday, July 14, 2019, and the
course �vould not need to be closed. There �vill be 7:45 until 8:4� am tee times on both
sides and cart revenue will be generated, as carts are mandatory. As with other
tournaments, this would be reflected on the calendar posted at the club house.
Commissioner Lemieua moved to �vaive the fee for the Public Links tournament.
Seconded by Commissioner Bugella.
Vote being 8-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
8. Tee Sign-Account Balance-�2432.90
Director Zuk stated that he plans to go to submit a Town Council agenda item to e�pand
the definition of �vhere the tee sign revenue can be spent.
Commissioner Nappi stated that some of the tee signs aren't placed �vell; and he
suggested that perhaps plaques around the club house �vould be a better advertisement.
He �vill ride the course �vith Director Zuk and suggest changes to certain tee sign
locations.
The possibility of dismantling the granite monuments �vith outdated tee diagrams was
discussed. Director Zuk stated that the maintenance staff �vill try to remove the top tablet
from one monument for relocation to the club house area. The Commissioners also
discussed the idea of displaying the current tee sign sponsors on the Men's Club
television. Chairman DeFazio �vill brina the subject up at the ne�t Men's Club meeting.
It �vas noted that the maintenance staff has been short staffed due to t�vo injury related
absences. Director Zuk requested a budQet transfer (out of Electrical surplus and
Unemployment) to increase seasonal employees' hours from 24 to 40 hours/�veek.
9. �Oth Anniversary Planning
Commissioners Bugella and Lemieul �vill �vork on the plan and report back.
10. Driving range
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The Commissioners agree that it would be clearly safer if the rules of the driving range
were changed to prohibit strikes of over 200 yards. The current restriction to "irons only"
is not practical for several reasons: 1) certain individuals are able to drive a ball far longer
than 200 yards �vith an iron; 2) certain golfers could utilize the driving range with other
clubs �vithout surpassing the 200-yard limit. Director Zuk stated that he emailed this
rationale to Interim Town Manager Kozikowski; asking that he notify Corporation
Counsel of the requested change. Corporation Counsel again denied Mr. Zuk's request;
stating that the situation should remain as-is. The Commissioners feel that perhaps a
golfer would be better able to discuss the situation �vith Corporation Counsel. Golf Pro
Bayram will attempt to reach Corporation Counsel to discuss the matter in detaiL If he is
unsuccessfuL the Commissioners may bring the issue to Town Counsel.
Also; a fe�v marker signs at the driving range are cracked or damaged. Director Zuk �vill
coordinate repair of the signs, or perhaps removal of the damaged signs and color keyed
painting of the poles to indicate yardage.
11. Long Range Planninb Clubhouse
See Statement of Need.
12. CIP-Balance-517,860.44
• Budget
• CIP Priority/2019 & 10 year CIP plan
13. Reports:
A. Director's Report (see attached)
• An engineering firm �vill etiamine bridges and begin work on an RFP.
• 3`a hole cart path repaving — �vas stopped short of the path�s end due to
budgetary restrictions.
• Stonehedge Landscapina �vill inspect #1 tee (alonQ �vith other small tees)
the ��Teek of 6/24/19 to give a quote for reconfiQuration. Bridge �vork �vill
li�ely supersede tee reconfiguration in terms of priority for safety reasons.
• Moved tees on 2, 6, 14 and 17 - gold tees.
• Timberlin Civic Volunteer day — proposing Tuesday; July 23, 2019.
Director Zuk �vill put together a list of tasks; �vhich �vill include s�veeping
the pavilion area; wor� around the club house and the �veedy area beriveen
11 and 1 �.
• Restauranteur Remzi Asani has provided a list of tent rental events which
have been paid for.
•"Under Repair" desi�nation �vill be removed from #2 where trees �vere
removed.
• Vdaiting for prices for a ple�i bo� with doors and bulletin board for the,
right of the Pro Shop door.
• Purchased a ne�v st_yle leaf rake kit to go onto the Sand Pro — it will groom
the sand and fluff it, �vithout compacting the bunl:ers �ve �vill continue to
have conditions as �ve do no�v. 17 tons of sand has been added to the
bunl:ers over the last several days.
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B. Assistant Directors Report-To be presented at meeting
C. P&L Report
D. P&L Fiscal year
E. Golf Pro report
• Morning Drive on Golf Channel promoted Timberlin as one of the Top
Four places to play golf �vhile at the Travelers Championship.
■ Year over year; May is poor — this year �ve had rain on many of the
�veekends. Of note, an event on May 31 that �vas paid for in June ($8;000
in revenue) and not included in May revenue figures.
■ Weather continues to be a challenge.
• VVomen & Wine remains popular. Bob and Brenden held a�vine tasting on
the range �vith 16 participants. Most are beginners, hoping that they may
feel comfortable enough to join league play. Mrs. Norton enjoyed it and
reported that staff did a great job.
■ Purchased television for the tent — utilizing Golf Genius soft�vare for big
OUi1riaS.
■ Mixed Nine and Dine — 24 participants signed up for June 21; 2019.
■ Junior programs — 38 PGA Junior League players (up 14 more than last
year); sold a fe�v junior passes in June.
■ Pace of play — a couple of slo�v rounds (did best to have cart attendant /
starter address situations)
■ Pleased �vith staff.
■ Summer evening junior clinic — almost 20 kids
■ Wants to sit �vith Golf No�v representative — make sure the algorithm is
�vhere it needs to be. As Timberlin is getting so many online bookings;
perhaps consider being less agaressive �vith the rate reduction as tee times
near.
Chairman DeFazio conaratulated Director Zuk, stating that the short-handed cre��T has been
doing a good job and the course looks good. He added that Golf Pro Bayram is
Timberlin's best pro ever and has gotten a record number of Juniors on the course.
14. Adjournment
Commissioner Bugella moved to adjourn at 8:1� p.m.
Seconded by Commissioner Lemieu�.
Vote being 8-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
Submitted by;
Dana Borges
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TIMBERLIN GOLF OPERATIONS
TO: Golf Commission
FROM: Jonathan Zuk, Director of Golf, GCSAA
DATE: June 20, 2019
RE: June Operations Report
COURSE OPERATIONS
Contracts
• Will provide update to the Commission during the June 20`h meeting.
Volunteer Davs
• Promoting a special day for volunteers to assist with beatification work on the golf
course.
• A list of potential dates will be given at the commission meeting.
Banners
• It has been determined from the Town Engineering Department that Don Bates Drive is a
driveway, and not a Town road. However, when discussing this information with the
Zoning Enforcement Officer, she contends that the driveway leads to the picnic and
pavilion areas along with the Metacomet trails. Therefore it is used for more than just
driveway access to the golf course. Because of this, the Town will not authori2e the use
of banners on Don Bates Drive.
Please see Town of Berlin Code below:
Article 3. - Preservation of Timberlin Park Sec. 13-41. Purpose and intent of article. aJ The
purpose of this article is to preserve and maintain Timberlin Park, as defined in § 13-42,
as a forested park for recreationa/ activities other than golf. b) It is the intent of this
article to ensure that activities including, but not limited to, walking, hiking, jogging,
bicycling, playground activities, nature study, picnicking, soapbox derbies, and Fall
Foliage Festivals can continue to take place in the area defined as Rev. 3/06/2012 6
Timberlin Park in § 13-42. Such activities shall be consistent wirh all existing ordinances.
(Ord. No. 6-00, § 1, ref. of 11-7-2000J Sec. 13-42. Definitions. The following words, terms
and phrases, when used in this artide, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this
section, except where the context clear/y indicates a different meaning: Timberlin Park
means all town-owned land in Timberlin Park not presently used for golf course functions.
This includes the town-owned land north of and including the access road that runs east
to west from the Chamber/ain Highway to the Timberlin Golf Course parking lot; the Sam
DiPietro Grove area, including Marjorie Moore Road; the picnic pavilion area; and all
undeveloped town-owned land surrounding DiPietro Grove. (Ord. No. 6-00, § 2, ref. of 11-
7-2000J Cross reference—Definitions generally, chapter 1§ 1-2 in this code book. Sec. 13-
43. Use for activities other than golf. It is established that Timberlin Park shall be
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preserved and maintained for recreational activities other than golf. (Ord. No. 6-00, § 3,
ref. of 11-7-2000)
Staffing:
• Seasonal staffing — we currently have five seasonal employees.
� Summer staff — two additional summer employees will be added effective July 15L
• Full time staffing is down as a result of two medical leaves, we anticipate their return in
the next few weeks.
PENDING TOWN COUNCIL ACTION ITE
• Approved Berlin Peck Library Donation.
• Approved-Wavier of Timberlin Tent fee - BHS-Appreciation party.
• Approved-Wavier of Timberlin Tent fee - Berlin little league.
• Please see attached Donation Report & In-Kind Services report.
COURSE MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENTS
Club House area
• Added hanging flower baskets to the exterior of the building.
o Prepared garden box for the Kensington Garden Club and Girl Scouts who will be
planting impatiens.
• Installed flowering Viburnum carlessii to screen outside walk-in cooler.
Pavin� Proiect- #3
• June 10, 2019
o Tore up and removed asphalt and curbing - hauled offsite.
o Backfilled with reclaimed material and rolled area.
• June 12, 2019
o Installed 2187 Sq. ft. of asphalt to cart path.
o Will return to install 75 linear feet of 6" curbing.
• Natural grass/Fescue Areas - two areas were designated. These areas are far enough
away from play, so there will be no impact. The weeds will be controlled and the areas
will be "spiked and overseeded with three different varieties of Fescue-Blue Stem, Red
Chewing and Tall Fescues. Area #1 is located between #14, 15, and 17, and area #2 is
located between #3, 4, and 5.
New Equipment Purchased
• Deep Tine aerifiier was delivered on June 5, 2019.
• A new style rake kit was purchased for the sand trap.
Tree Work
• Two dead Austrian Pine trees along Don Bates Drive will be removed. Due to the trees
proximity to the power lines the tree removal will be completed by Distinctive Tree
Service — date of removal pending.
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Brid�es
• Scheduled to meet with Town Engineer and engineering firm to look over bridge
construction within next two weeks.
Tee Si�n Account Balance
• Developing an agenda item for the Town Council to amend the original tee sign agenda.
It will explain where funds are deposited and how funds should be allocated.
• Tee sign balance - $2,432.90
Chemical Applications
• Greens 1: Summer patch, Growth Regulator/Poa suppression, Fertilizer
• Greens 2: Dollar Spot, Anthracnose, Hyperode Adults
• Fairways & Tees: Summer Patch, Anthracnose, Grubs, Hyperodes, Dollar Spot, Crab
Grass, Growth Regulator/Poa, suppression
• Greens and bunkers surrounds: Grubs, Hyperodes, Crab grass, Broadleaf weeds, Clover
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Golf Pro Report
To: Golf Commission From: Marc S. Bayram, PGA
June 2019
30-Da�� Recap of Operations and Benchmarl:s
➢ The Golf Course �vas open all 31 days in May, ho�vever the entire month had strict cart
restrictions �vith some days where the back 9 �vas closed for carts.
➢ Revenue comparison is attached �vith this document. Despite a poor May 2019; �ve are
still sliQhtly up in overall rounds and revenue compared to 2018.
➢ Compared to May of 2018, �ve did 456 less rounds in May 2019 and $11,640.�1 less in
revenue beriveen Greens Fee and Cart Fee. �
➢ The Women & Wine golf clinics started Mondays from 6pm-7pm. We have averaged 12
participants each �veek. On June 17 �ve are hosting a�vine tasting on the range �vith the
help of Remzi. We elpect this to be very popular.
.� I purchased a TV for the tent. On the TV I put a digital scoreboard for outings. This has
already been popular �vith the Men's Club and I am elcited to introduce it to our bigger
outings.
➢ We hosted our first Timberlin Miled 9& Dine event in May. We had 16 participants. I
expect more for our June 21 S` date.
➢ Our Summer Junior ProQrams have been finalized. We have 38 PGA Jr. League players
for that program. This is 14 more than 2018. VVe have multiple programs for all ages and
skill levels throuahout the summer.
� The Golf Shop is fully stocked; all credit will elpire November 30`h of this year if a
contract agreement isn't reached by July 1 ��'. This is to ensure the customer has adequate
time and notice to shop �vhile there is still merchandise available.
➢ Aeration �vas successful and the greens have recovered nicely.
➢ The pace of play continues to be monitored as closely as possible �vithout the help of
rangers. There have only been a couple instances �vhere I felt we �vere in a bind and
could not confront an issue immediately.
� Our program for St Paul Middle School �vas successful. While the kids participated in the
proaram, the parents supported Remzi's restaurant and most stayed for dinner follo�vina
each �veek's proQram. I e�pect the same to happen on Fridays and Sundays �vith the help
of PGA Jr Leaaue.
Successes and Challenaes
i The �veather �vas a challenae in May; especially on �veekends.
➢ There �vas some confusion over Blue Stake Handicap Cart placement. Jon, Jerry, and I
met and came up with locations. From what I have seen, it has been much better.
➢ Timberlin Golf Club finished second in the CTPGA Senior Pro-Am at Great Neck
Country Club.
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➢ Registration for Summer Junior Programs is at an all-time high already.
Customer Satisfaction
� Customers �vere pleased �ve communicated our aeration schedule along with the discount
in greens fees. This is a practice other courses don't do from what I understand, and it
goes a long way �vith our customers.
➢ We have been getting very positive revie�vs on Golf Advisor for all areas (conditions;
service; restaurant; etc.)
Staffin� Report
➢ Staff has been instructed to alert me of incidents involving customers disobeying
warnings for violating course rules.
➢ I am very pleased �vith the staff this year; especially the staff that used to be a volunteer
position. We have quality and can hold them to a higher standard and etipectation. We
are missing rangers yes, but overall; �ve made the right decision in choosin� cart
attendants over rangers. �
Lool:in� Ahead/Goals
➢ Continue advertising for Summer Junior Programs as �vell as other instructional programs
offered.
➢ Promote 2"d Mi�ed 9& Dine Event.
i Coordinate and �vork together �vith Remzi to ensure a successful outing month.
➢ Monitor staff and adjust their daily routines as deemed necessary.
� Begin practice for our 3 PGA Jr League teams.
➢ Make more instructional videos on Insta�ram.
➢ Educate customers on pace of play initiatives.
➢ Revie�v GolfNo�v and ho�v it has been �vorking this season. Make any changes
necessary.
� Create Pace of Play tips card to put on each cart.
➢ Connect laptop provided to GolfNow Reservations to have as additional terminal for tee
time bookings durina busy times.
� Continue to keep the tee sheet organized on a daily basis �vith the amount of leagues;
organizations, outings; and regular play traffic �ve get each day.
�: CEi1�E� FOR �ECORD
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