June 17, 2008

Litchfield Country Club

Present:          Christa Bodensteiner, Bob Bicknell, Anne Burgin, Tom Lannen, Marge Lannen, Joyce Jerow, Jim Masline, Max Morgan, Pat Richardson,

Mel Smart & Phil Nelson

Max Morgan began by stating the greens are having a difficult time with the transitiondue to the lack of rain and high temperatures.  Stump removal on #16 fairway is set to begin.  New tee box on #17 is planned therefore creating a new forward tee & #4 tee box to be upgraded the second week in July.  Course is scheduled be closed August 6^th-9^th for maintenance.  Max also stated someone is selling golf balls on #3 & #17 and suggested this is a problem and should be addressed.  Christa said she would look into it and Bob Bicknell of the P.O.A. was also asked to investigate.  Marge Lannen brought up the condition about very dry grass around the #7 green.  Max stated this is a difficult area to attend to especially with the lack of rain.  In conclusion Max stated the company is considering a 5 year plan for upgrades including the greens.  A decision w/ details could be reached at the end of this summer.

Phil Nelson stated that Clubhouse sales in May were slower than expected with a decrease in sales of 10% from last year.  June is expected to be down as well due to current economic conditions and therefore adjustments are being made to compensate for the slower than usual business.  Christa Bodensteiner reported May was a reasonable month with paid rounds up 7% however member rounds were down 7%.  Overall it was a good year.  Kristen Prunier reported tennis was good in May with an increase of 5%.

Pat Richardson reported the Ladies Member Guest went very well with attendance of 74 players.  Everyone enjoyed the food and prizes.  Interclub was hosted at LCC this past Monday. Everything went well with 60 players.  Next event is the Tri-Club on June 26^th in which the ladies hope to bring home the “bear” trophy.

Tom Lannen reporting for Shel Keenan.  Men’s quarterly brunch is scheduled for this Wednesday in which Mr. Lannen will assume the responsibilities of President with Bill Galloway as Secetary/Treasurer & Joe Greco as member at large.  Mr. Lannen hopes to introduce some positive changes in the golf format and the addition of using the white tees in order to improve participation.  Currently there are 78 members of the LMGA

Joe Greco submitted a written report stating the Member/Member on June 1^st was a success with a good turn out.  Next tournament is the red, white & blue scramble on July 4^th.  Men’s Member Guest is shaping up nicely with 35 teams expected.  Ed Blackhurst is doing an excellent job contacting members to encourage sign up.

Christa Bodensteiner stated Jeff Dayton will be leaving from the Pro shop however still involved in lessons.  His replacement should be hired in the coming weeks. 

Anne Burgin reported the summer kick off was slower than expected.  June 4^th-6^th Roger Cox from Tennis Magazine visited the Racquet Club speaking with members and enjoying tennis.  We look forward to some good exposure.

Phil Nelson reported that membership had very few changes with one new tennis membership, three transfers and 3 resignations.  Jim Masline asked if there was a separate accounting for members over age 80 and Tom Lannen ask what exactly is a retired resident member.  These questions have been submitted to corporate and will be under old business at the next meeting in September.

Phil Nelson reported all upper improvement of the Clubhouse are complete and the gutters have been cleaned.  Tom Lannen asked if the front door could be repaired.  Phil stated the door is wooded and therefore is temperament due to the humidity and is constantly being adjusted to close properly.  A request for a renovation of the front door and door frame will be submitted. 

Bob Bicknell reported new crime watch signs will be posted in the area.  Also reported there has been no positive action on the part of the homeowner on #9 in regards to the construction of an unauthorized fence.  A letter to the homeowner was written by Phil Nelson stating the clubs position was in agreement with the P.O.A. and urged a swift resolution.

Joyce Jerow reported the Fall Gala is planned, the January event will feature an entertainer, yet to be determined, and next years Litchfield Follies is already in the works.

Joyce Jerow asked the hours of operations for the front office and concerns of not having a full time receptionist.  She stated that on occasions there has been on one in the office to assist members.  I replied Michelle, our part time receptionist, is in the office 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM however she is also used as Hostess 2 days a week during lunch and that most likely this is when someone may have needed assistance.  I further explained that this was a company decision to control cost where it is felt needed.  Mrs. Jerow also asked why the salad bar is not available on Saturday.  I explained Saturdays have become extremely slow serving only 8-16 people on average over the last several months and very few having the salad bar.  Concerning food cost, this has become a large waste of food.  She replied this past Saturday was very busy. 

The next meeting will be

Tuesday September 16^th at 9:00am

Reported by:  Phil Nelson