MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Johnson, Clement Smith, Bridget Hippler, George Mitchell, Sal DeSantis, Robert Catlin, Arthur Palleschi,

MEMBERS ABSENT:

STAFF PRESENT: Dennis Hoye, Joe McNulty Phil Gaudet (recorder)

Public Hearing regarding Fee Recommendation:

Ms. Hippler opened the public hearing and asked for public comment.

Mr. Sweeney made a recommendation for a "special member rate" at $15 per cart for 18 holes of golf.

Mr. Jefferson recommended that rates remain the same, keeping the Emerson case in mind the course will need all the money it can get.

Mr. Sweeney suggested mat the committee review the rates of the other towns because they have gone down. We do not want to lose members.

Discussion ensued regarding non-resident and resident fees. Ms. Hippler closed the public hearing at 5:11pm

Ms. Hippler Opened the regular meeting at 5:llpm.

Minutes:

Mr. Catlin discussed a series of amendments to the minutes outlined below within the motion.

November 23, 2009: page 1, line 2, add "This letter explains that "cherry picking" is acceptable, but the DOR does not recommend going forward with the RR Fund." Page 3, line 26, remove "older cemetery accounts" add "old records".

Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was unanimously approved by the committee.

Fee Recommendation discussion:

Mr. Hoye stated that many other municipal golf courses have lowered non-resident memberships, as mentioned earlier. Captains course is still the highest at $1500, Dennis and Yarmouth are around $1000. Our non-resident rate is a bit higher, even though other courses offer a multiple golf course option. Mr. Hoye recommends lowering the non-resident fee down to $900 because that gives Cranberry Valley a competitive edge. Mr. Hoye stated that lowering this number would give us an opportunity to allow the course to pick up 20 to 30 addition members.

Mr. DeSantis asked if it might be more appropriate not to change the rates at all. Mr. Hoye answered that he would like increase the membership by lowering the rates a bit.

Mr. Catlin asked for clarification regarding documents that were provided in the packets regarding fee projections by the town. Discussion ensued between committee members.

Mr. Hoye stated that the committee is voting to approve the 2010 budget and then will have another shot at voting later. Mr. Hoye also stated that there was much analysis looking at the budget cycle to make these determinations.

Mr. DeSantis asked if this was an effort of futility because we are reviewing budget recommendations from accounting rather than looking at the budget that is submitted by the committee. Mr. Hoye stated that they did not submit fee recommendations.

Mr. Hoye stated that last Thursday Mr. Hoye met with Mr. Smith, Mr. LaMantia, and Mr. Ryan and learned that a revolving fund would not work. The expense budget would be short.

Discussion ensued between Mr. Hoye and Mr. Catlin.

Mr. Johnson stated we have no database and no way to measure and the figures we get from administration is unpredictable and defies logic.

Mr. Hoye stated that one of the reasons that non-resident membership was even considered in the first place is because that outside revenue would help keep the resident rates stable and down. Mr. Johnson stated that is a logical argument, but we are dealing with predatory accounting.

Mr. Palleschi stated that the people who he plays golf with think the rates are great because they feel $ 1100 is not much money. All the fees should be reduced to zero out the $ 192K and the two $80K amounts. Mr. Palleschi continued by stating that we should make a recommendation to reduce the fees in compliance with the Emerson case and let the Selectmen increase the fees. Let Larry Cole who knows nothing about a golf course make a recommendation of fees and then let those people suffer the consequences of the thousand members that we have who vote in this town.

Mr. Catlin stated that although he agrees with Mr. Palleschi's statement, we are stuck in the middle of budget process where the $ 195K has already been spent and there is no surplus revenue and more importantly in deficit. This is just "baiting the trap" to raise fees to cover that deficit. Mr. DeSantis stated that of course they created this deficit, they are eating up $195K with indirect costs to our budget and they force us to raise fees. I'm totally disgusted by the process; it's very manipulative and unfair to the committee. The budget process is loaded on the wrong side of the equation and we are treated as a puppet organization. Either this committee stands to make its recommendations based on our ability and profession expertise and make a recommendation to the town. Right now the town is making recommendations to the committee and not the other way around.

Mr. Hoye stated that he did not recommend any fees to go up; looking at the economy raising the rates is not a wise decision. I want to keep the money level the same

Mr. Smith wanted to praise Mr. Hoye for the Junior Non-Resident membership option. Mr. Smith agrees with Mr. Palleschi because a negative message is sent to our resident members. The resident and
non-resident fees should stay the same. ' .

Mr. Johnson stated that he agreed with Mr. Palleschi and explained that the $195K and $75K should be given back to our members and the rates could be reduced to $580 based on the logic that there is predatory accounting taking place.

Mr. Catlin stated that the Town Administrator, Town Accountant and a majority of the Selectman believe what they are doing is legal and proper.

Mr. DeSantis stated that the committee should not be forced into raising fees to bail out a budget that is being submitted by the Town Accountant through rubber stamp approval by this committee.

Mr. Johnson stated that he had a discussion with the state attorney's office about all the issues surrounding the Emerson case. We should vote our conscience with regard to what it right.

Mr. Johnson stated we are given budget figures 5 months after we take a vote, which is why this is
predatory accounting.

Motion:
Mr. Johnson made a motion to reconsider to vote to reduce the fees by $200 per member for Harwich resident taxpayers which was roughly equivalent to the $195K in excess revenues. Mr. Palleschi seconded the motion and the motion was unanimously approved by the committee.

Motion:
Mr. Johnson made a motion to recall the original motion based on the fact that we have different budget figure from five months ago. Ms. Hippler seconded the motion and the motion was unanimously passed by the committee. (This motion was made based on the fact that when the previous motion was made the committee did not have the financial information they do now)

Motion:
Mr. Johnson made a motion to reduce the fees to $580 for taxpaying resident members. Mr. Palleschi seconded the motion. The motion did not pass (4-3)
For: Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Palleschi
Against: Ms. Hippler, Mr. DeSantis, Mr. Smith, Mr. Catlin.

Mr. LaMantia stated that the committee should analyze certain line items instead of hyperbole, such as unemployment.

Discussion ensued between committee members regarding in lieu of taxes discussion.

Mr. Smith stated that he also contacted the DOR and they were very helpful, they discussed 53 '/2 vs. enterprise funds, as Mr. DeSantis eluded to, the DOR holds the cards, they [DOR] are in charge and the committee only advises.

Mr. DeSantis stated that contacting the DOR one way or another is important, however we need an arbitrator. Mr. DeSantis continued by saying that he is uncomfortable with whistle-blowing, perhaps the letter should inquire about an audience with the DOR along with the town administration and selectmen.

Discussion ensued between committee members.

Mr. DeSantis stated that he does not want the community to feel that we had something other than only good intentions.

Mr. LaMantia stated that the committee should analyze certain line items instead of hyperbole, such as unemployment.

Discussion ensued between committee members regarding in lieu of taxes discussion.

Mr. Smith stated that he also contacted the DOR and they were very helpful, they discussed 53 '/2 vs. enterprise funds, as Mr. DeSantis eluded to, the DOR holds the cards, they [DOR] are in charge and the committee only advises.

Mr. DeSantis stated that contacting the DOR one way or another is important, however we need an arbitrator. Mr. DeSantis continued by saying that he is uncomfortable with whistle-blowing, perhaps the letter should inquire about an audience with the DOR along with the town administration and selectmen.

Discussion ensued between committee members.

Mr. DeSantis stated that he does not want the community to feel that we had something other than only good intentions.

Motion:
Mr. Johnson made a motion to send a letter to the DOR to make a formal inquiry. Mr. Palleschi
seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-1)
For: Ms. Hippler, Mr. Palleschi, Mr. Johnson. Mr. Catlin, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Smith
Against: Mr. DeSantis

Mr. Catlin stated that he is very troubled, the committee has voted three times for this action. Ms. Hippler stated that the committee had put a hold on sending the letter at one point.

Mr. Hoye stated that regarding the fee approval worst case leave membership alone and offer a junior
non-resident membership.

Motion:
Mr. Catlin made a motion to accept the Director of Golfs proposed amended fee structure that would involve no change in resident member and resident non-member and include that addition of the junior non-resident membership, as well as the modified cart fee ($15). Ms. Hippler seconded the motion and the motion passed (6-1)
For: Ms. Hippler, Mr. DeSantis, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Johnson. Mr. Smith, Mr. Catlin
Against: Mr. Palleschi

Restaurant RFP:

Mr. Hoye stated that he has reviewed the RFP and made all necessary changes. Mr. DeSantis asked if the RFP has been reviewed by a procuring officer. Mr. Hoye stated it has been reviewed by the administration and town council.

Mr. Mitchell asked who is in charge of taking care of the porch. Mr. Hoye stated the vendor takes care of it, but the porch is considered a common area because of septic requirements. Mr. Mitchell asked what is the percentage of gross revenue that CV can receive. Mr. Hoye stated they can bid any percentage or none at all.

Motion:

Mr. Smith made a motion to approve the restaurant RFP with amended changes. Mr. Palleschi seconded the motion and the motion was passed unanimously.

The committee praised Mr. Catlin's hard work on developing the RFP. Discussion of articles 7&8:

Mr. Smith read aloud the proposed language for articles 7&8 and stated that Fin Com has been very receptive to the language. Mr. Smith would like to ensure that these articles are prepared alongside Fin Corn's time line and that they should be aware of the committee's actions.

Motion:

Mr. Johnson made a motion that the committee notify Fin Com of what the committee is working on in regard to proposed article language and be timely in our action. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was unanimously passed.

Mr. Smith also explained the "Clingen-Turner Bill" which is being debated in our state legislature which extends seasonal employment.

Motion:

Mr. Johnson made a motion that the committee supports the Clingen-Turner Bill. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was unanimously approved by the committee.

Ms. Hippler asked that all committee members make sure that the chair is kept aware of all independent actions.

Ms. Hippler adjourned the meeting at 7:30.

Respectfully submitted,
Phil Gaudet