NEW LISKEARD GOLF CLUB
ANNUAL MEETING
THURSDAY APRIL 24, 2008
Present: Sara Kinnear, Chuck Needham, Mike McArthur, Gilbert Rivard, Sue Shepherdson, Jerry Filipov, Roy Belec, Judy Charbonneau, Bob Norris, Pat Charbonneau, Wayne Willard, Gab Farladeau, Rick Lavictoire, Martial Dupuis, Brian Flaxey, Bernie Lacharity, George Beasley, Gerry Massicotte, Joe Marsh, Stu Pollock, Bruce Helbig, Roger Grandmont, Ed Dane, Bob Taylor, Jack McKnight, Claude Denomme, Jim Bonnah, Mike Bonnah, Peggy Knight, Bob Ing, Bill Johnston, J.L. Dupuis, Aime Grenier
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm
a. Quorum 30 members
2. Minutes
a. Approval of minutes from annual meeting April 26, 2007
i. Moved by: Claude Denomme
ii. Seconded by: Joe Marsh
1. CARRIED
b. Business arising from the minutes
i. Stu Pollock questioned that Kirkland Lake members do not receive half green fees, it was decided that the issue would be reviewed by the 2008 executive.
3. President’s Report: See attached
Read by S Kinnear
4. Committee Report: See attached
Greens report was read by Sara and updated by Billy.
- Billy feels that greens will recover within the next few weeks
- Dead fish in pond will be looked into
- Bruce Helbig questioned who was responsible in making all major decisions with altering the course (i.e. trees, bunkers, tees). After discussion from the floor it was felt that a long term plan should be set so that all members are aware of the improvement plans for our course, and that obviously this plan would be contingent upon the finances of the club. Steve Shepherdson should be consulted with regards to improvements and alterations.
Membership numbers are down. The economy, aging membership were reasons for the decline. B Norris suggested we speak to the non-renewals to find reasons. Corporate memberships are way down so it has been restructured to encourage more companies to participate. 5-day memberships were also discussed because of tournaments but it was felt that only five weekends the entire summer are affected by our tournaments so it would not be beneficial for the club to offer this option.
Tournaments entries were down and it is the aim of the executive to get the profitability of our tournaments back up. Fees have been increased this year as it was felt that we offered a lot for what we charged. Due to the turnover of the Proshop last year it was difficult to get things rolling on time, hopefully things will proceed much smoother this season. Accommodations are a problem on Civic weekend due to the truck rodeo, it was also suggested to move Smitty’s tournament away from the Civic. A Willard reviewed the financial statements and felt that there were very few places to cut expenditures. Options he suggested: that we may get an operating loan to extend our mortgage over several more years to give us a little more cash for operating and improvements (i.e. clubhouse carpet). There are currently two more years on the mortgage and if we can struggle through these next two years we would have an additional $44,000.00 to help ease the financial burden that is incurred in the winter months when there is no income. Members felt they would like to see a better breakdown in the financial statements. Proshop and range revenues should be separated along with wages and expenditures.
a. Moved by Peggy Knight
b. Seconded by Gab Falardeau
That the committee reports be accepted as presented.
CARRIED
5. Appointment of Auditor and Remuneration
a. Moved by: Bob Norris
b. Seconded by : Bob Taylor
i. CARRIED
6. Motion contained in package
a. Explanation by Sara
b. B Norris stated that there was insufficient notice of the change to the constitution, the members must be given at least seven days notice to change the by-laws or the constitution. It was felt that the membership needs to step up and be accountable and help run our club.
c. Moved by: Mike McArthur that the motion be withdrawn.
d. Seconded by: G Rivard
7. Election of Directors: 12 required for the Board
Nominations: A Willard, M McArthur, C Needham let their names stand
George Beasley nominated by C Needham - accepted
Jim Bonnah nominated by C Denomme - declined
Bill Johnston nominated by G Farladeau - declined
Brian Flaxey nominated by A Willard - accepted
Joe Marsh nominated by A Willard - accepted
Mike Bonnah nominated by A Willard - accepted
Bob Ing nominated by G Farladeau - declined
Wayne Willard nominated by A Willard - declined
Stu Pollock nominated by Bernie Lacharity - declined
Pat Charbonneau nominated by J McKnight - declined
Bruce Helbig nominated by A Willard - declined
Moved by: J Bonnah that the nominations be closed.
Seconded by: M McArthur
CARRIED
All positions declared by acclamation
8. Questions
Jack McKnight suggested that we need a yearly fee for the clubhouse. This had been looked into previously and was very expensive to computerize our current system but should be investigated again with the onset of gift cards with declining balances. Will be left to the board to reinvestigate the options available.
Peggy Knight commented that the clubhouse was uninviting and unattractive. It MUST be kept spotless and maybe offer more dinner specials etc. to attract more patrons. The paint was a good start to making the clubhouse more attractive. Advertise specials on a sign board or on the radio to promote the kitchen more.
Bruce Helbig stated that we are the cheapest 18-hole course in Northern Ontario and should be thankful that we have a great facility for such an economical price. We have to be careful not to raise the fees to much to scare away green fees as they provide a large portion of our revenues.
Socials were discussed but the lack of participation caused them to be cancelled. Would advertising help or the use of a sign board create more interest.
Martial Dupuis inquired about shorter tee blocks for seniors. Billy stated that it would increase his expenses as they would have to be maintained regularily.
Alvin Willard thanked the Board members that are leaving the Executive:
Jerry Filipov, Sara Kinnear, Gab Farladeau, Gilbert Rivard
9. Motion to Adjourn
Moved by M McArthur that the AGM be adjourned at 8:20 PM.