)
On Sept 19th I wrote a letter to the President, Mr. Richard Kudelski,
with copies to Ms Mary Olsen, Mr. Richard Fleming why this charge and the possibility of changing the out of season start time
from 11am to an earlier time.
I received written replies from Mr. Richard Kudelski on Sept. 23rd, and
from Ms Mary Olson on Sept. 22nd. Messrs. Fleming did not respond.
Mr. Kudelski responded in part as follows:
"The 13 member Golf Committee, Chaired by Mr. Bob Davis,made an recommendation to the Master Board at our April 2, and April 25, 2007 businessmeetings. The Golf Committee (after lengthy discussions at their April 12th, April 20th and May 2nd meetings indicated(minutes of their meetings) every cart user is subsidizing the expenses of maintaining the golf operations while any walker is not;
they believe this creates an inequity between cart users and walkers. Therefore, they presented a resolution which charged walkers $5.00 plus tax from October 1 thru April 30th. From May 1 thru September 30,a summer pass at a cost of $25.00 annually be required.
At the June 21, 2007 Master Board business meeting the Board unanimously approved
the resolution.
For your information: last fiscal year, cart fee revenue amounted to $540,229.00. Total operating cost for the Pro Shop operation was $427,
769.00. Cart fees not only paid for entire operating cost but produced a profit of about $113,000.00. Walking pass revenuewas $5,800.00. I believe this is the area the Golf Committee felt there was an inequity.
Every Golf Unit received a $635.00 credit from cart fee revenue, which in turn was applied to reduce the Annual Maintenance Fee."
Ms.Olson responded in part as follows: "This spring the Golf Committee under the leadership of Bob Davis did a thorough review of our golf policies and fees. They presented several ideas for Board discussion and input at the April Board meeting noted on the on the April board agenda. One of the items was to institute a user fee for walkers. The discussion by the Board was noted in the Minutes of April 25th.
After completing their extensive study of the golf program and fees one of the Golf Committee recommendations to the Board on June 21st was
to institute a walking fee. The Board adopted this recommendation. The rationale for this fee is that while the maintenance fee paid by all those with golfing privileges does support the golf course in addition to other club facilities, the cost of maintaining the golf course is supplemented by those using the course via the cart fee charge. To make it fair for all who use the course,the board instituted a walker's fee.
We are very fortunate to have a course where members can and walk and it seems fair that those using the course, both walking and riding,
should particate in it upkeep. Were these "user fees" not in place then the annual
maintenance fee would have to be increased. I will pass on to the Golf Committee your suggestion of changing the start time for walker during the summer."
There you have most of what they said in writing. I will thank them shortly for responding so quickly,but I do disagree with their position. So for the first time ever in Countryside's history, walkers, in season, will have to pay $5.00 plus
tax to play. I calculated that if I were to walk every available day in
season and pay the walking fee, it would amount to approx. $600 and that
for only 9holes each day due to the 3:45pm starting time. In conclusion, my wife and I have only lived here since March 2005 having moved from New Hampshire. This is our only home.
If anyone wishes complete copies of my letter and replies, please let me
know. God Bless.
Jack Gerah
