2021-02-11 Joint
2021-02-11 Town Council / Golf Commission Special Meeting
TOWN OF BERLIN
Special Meeting of the Town Council and the Golf Commission
February 11, 2021
6:00 P.M.
REMOTE MEETING
A. CALL TO ORDER
Town Manager Jayawickrema called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
B. PURPOSE OF THE MEETING - The purpose of the meeting is to discuss various operating,
management, and governance models for the Timberlin Golf Course.
Opening Remarks:
- Town Manager Arosha Jayawickrema – This meeting is meant to be a high-level session
to discuss the future vision for Timberlin. All parties involved have the common goal of
wanting what is best for Timberlin and the Town.
- Mayor Mark Kaczynski – Looks forward to direct discussion between Town Council and
the Golf Commission to make a plan for Timberlin, whether that plan is keeping the
operations the same, contracting out management or changing the overall plan. The
economy is facing tough times and the Town is looking carefully at all divisions to make
sure it is making financially sound plans that respect the Town’s assets as well as the
taxpayers. Timberlin is a great asset, and the group should consider all possible options
before reaching a consensus for the future plan.
- Golf Commission Chairman Peter DeFazio – Some time ago, the Golf Commission was
asked by the Town Council to come up with a list of options for Timberlin in order to
make it self-sustaining, or even profitable. The Golf Commission provided
various options for Council’s consideration, but the future of Timberlin will ultimately be
Council’s decision. The Golf Commission maintains that Timberlin was built as an
amenity to the Town that provides residents with parks, playing fields and open fields.
Financial support of Timberlin is no different than support of the Town’s education
system – even those taxpayers that don’t utilize the golf course or park contribute to its
upkeep just as those taxpayers without children in school contribute toward the education
system. Berlin Seniors regularly utilize the course and make up the majority of play at
Timberlin on weekday mornings.
C. DISCUSSION ITEMS:
- Current Financial Picture (Operating vs fully loaded)
- Pros and cons of a self-sustaining model
o Management options (in-house vs outsourcing)
- Pros and cons of selling Timberlin
- Other?
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2021-02-11 Town Council / Golf Commission Special Meeting
Town Manager Jayawickrema invited meeting attendees to share thoughts and opinions.
Town Councilor Mike Urrunaga – Noted that the current goal is to run Timberlin as close to zero-cost as
possible, and the course profited $69 in fiscal year 2019/2020. The clubhouse is in dire need of an upgrade
but the course itself is tremendous. With COVID, golf is in high demand. Timberlin is an asset for
residents and non-residents alike, but we don’t want the taxpayers to be responsible for its operating costs.
He suggests this might be a good time to explore the option of selling Timberlin – what would it mean if the
Town sold the course or outsourced its operation.
Town Councilor Peter Rosso – Would like to review the financials and pros / cons for different options
before making any decision on Timberlin’s future.
Town Councilor Brenden Luddy – Timberlin is a Town asset that offers golf, pavilions and other passive
recreation. If Berlin explored sale of Timberlin, it should maintain control of the land. If the Town invested
in the clubhouse it might entice a third party to be part of management / restaurant operations. He noted that
Golf Pro Marc Bayram is a Berlin resident and well regarded by golfers, and an outside management
company might change that. He does suggest that the group gather information and consider several
options.
Golf Commissioner Jim Norton – Berlin’s other amenities do not cover their costs (including the pools,
parks, schools, library) and he doesn’t know why Timberlin is expected to cover its costs. Taxpayers pay
for things they don’t necessarily use. Labor costs will continue to increase and keep Timberlin from being
profitable. He is concerned that selling Timberlin could result in development of housing that the Town’s
resources cannot support.
Board of Finance Member Gerry Paradis – Many municipalities he has worked with have golf courses,
~90% of which lose money. Municipal subsidy of ~$50,000 for an amenity is close to self-sustaining. He
suggests that the parties agree on an operating philosophy – does the Town expect Timberlin to be self-
sustaining, or will there be subsidy involved? The appropriate accounting practice will follow the higher-
level decision.
Golf Course Commissioner Gale Lemieux – What is the Town’s process to examine options for its
amenities – who will do the research, what due-diligence is needed?
Timberlin Golf Pro Marc Bayram –Even if Timberlin is expected to cover operating expenses, there are
many needs at the course that will require funding over time
Golf Course Commissioner Seb Senia – Other courses (Meriden, Norwich) have transitioned to enterprise
fund accounting and are forced to continue to request funding from the municipality when a major need
arises. A study in 2020 reported that the average municipal golf course provided 22,000 – 24,000 rounds of
golf annually with revenue of $1,100,000 - $1,200,000. In 2020, Timberlin provided 48,000 (9-hole) rounds
with revenue of $1,200,000 – he is not sure that the course could improve on that.
Acting Director of Golf Jerry Salvio – Timberlin was built with 50% Federal funding, 25% State funding,
and 25% Town funds. Original paperwork stated that “Timberlin was built for enjoyment and use for the
residents of Berlin and surrounding towns.” He suggested that local golf management providers be
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2021-02-11 Town Council / Golf Commission Special Meeting
consulted to get more detailed information about what outsourcing is available and at what cost. (Town
Manager Jayawickrema will research whether an RFI is needed so that any responding management
provider would not be disqualified from responding to a future RFQ.)
D. NEXT STEPS / MEETING
The next meeting will take place within the next 3-4 weeks and will focus on two options: a) selling
Timberlin as a golf course (with Berlin’s right of first refusal in the event of future sale); b) self-
sustaining model, including capital investment in the clubhouse / property.
Town Manager Jayawickrema will put together a history of Timberlin (funding, construction, any
limitations to sale / operations) as well as consult with colleagues regarding municipal courses that
utilize outside management. All attendees are invited to forward him pros and cons for each option,
which he will compile into one comprehensive list for future discussion.
E. ADJOURNMENT
Town Manager Jayawickrema adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
Submitted by,
Dana Borges
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