Recorder Articles
Friday, December 9, 2011
Council votes in favour of golf course
transfer
Tom Sasvari, The Recorder
GORDON—Gordon-Barrie
Island council has voted unanimously in favour of the Manitoulin Island Country
Club (MICC) being transferred to the township.
“I’m behind this, we
will take a try at this,” stated councillor Lee Hayden, (prior to council’s
vote on a resolution for the transfer), noting council is committed to making
sure the takeover of the Manitoulin Island Country Club (MICC) will not be
subsidized by taxpayer money.
“As you are all aware,
the township is about to take over, or talking about it,” said Leo Brunet, one
of two residents who made a delegation to council at a meeting held Tuesday.
“One question I have is how much information has been given out to all the
taxpayers, and I think the taxpayers’ dollars should be going into things like
roads, culverts and bridges.”
Mr. Brunet acknowledged,
“I am sorry to see the golf course is not doing well, it is certainly not
because of Jane and Art Pummell, they are doing a great job. But taxpayer money
should not be used in this, and I don’t feel enough information has gotten out
the residents as to exactly what is going on. I feel more consultation should
have taken place to explain to taxpayers what is taking place.”
Reeve Jack Brady told the
20 members of the public at the meeting, “My thought on this sort of thing is
when you call a public meeting most time no one shows up. To be sure we would
get people to attend (township clerk Carrie Lewis) contacted people randomly in
the township to attend these meetings.”
It was pointed out by Ms.
Lewis the meeting dates and times were posted on the township website as well.
“It seems that some
people seem to have the impression that this whole process has all been done in
a rush,” said Mr. Brady. “But this has been in the works for awhile now.”
“There will be no
taxpayer money involved in this transfer and our taking over the course,”
stated Mr. Brady. “If we take it over we would buy it for $1 dollar and take
over the liabilities, which amount to three loans, and the three persons
involved have indicated they don’t want to be reimbursed until the course gets
back on its feet.”
Mr. Brady further explained
Ms. Lewis, “looked at the finances of the golf course and she picked up two
areas we could help out. One is to do with insurance, which is costing the MICC
$12,000 a year, and if we take over it would be under our insurance coverage and
would run in the order of $4,000 as part of our overall insurance policy. And
the golf course is only looking at an overall deficit of $400-500 in 2011,”
although he acknowledge in the past the MICC has had some larger yearly
deficits.
“Another reason we are
looking at this is we feel to get the best way to get the golf course back on
its feet is with the municipality taking it over,” continued Mr. Brady. He
pointed out although there are funding agencies, golf courses can apply for
funding, “they are not held in high regard for these grants.” However, “as
a municipality we have a wider range of funding agencies to tap into, so we
could possibly access government money if it is needed.”
Mr. Brady pointed out,
“if we decide in the future we don’t want to continue owning the golf
course, the current MICC board has suggested, in fact they would like first
right of refusal before we looked at selling it to an individual or group.”
As well, Mr. Brady said a
board made up of MICC board members and members of council would be set up to
oversee operations of the golf course. “Much like other committees we have
they would oversee the golf course budget and finances and would have to adhere
to the budget.”
Mr. Brady said having
received a letter from Mr. Brunet, with questions, answers have been provided
and will be forwarded to him. “There was no intention of hiding the truth or
information, this was definitely not the case,” stressing again, “rest
assured there will be no taxpayer’s money going into this. The budget will
have to be adhered to and recommended by the committee to council for their
approval, and it will have to balance or it will be sent back.”
Mr. Brady encouraged the
public to continue asking questions on the whole initiative, and told the
meeting, “if council passes the resolution tonight to take over the golf
course, our legal eagles will be looking at the agreement to make sure we are on
the right track.”
The second public
delegation was made by Gordon resident Willis Campbell. “As you know I just
live down the road from the police station, and I could walk to the golf course.
I’m not a golfer, but (his wife) Jane and I were charter members of the club
because we believed in the course and still do.”
Mr. Campbell has lived in
the township for 60 years and has paid taxes locally for 40 years, he told
council. “My two concerns are if the course went to a private owner they might
increase fees to the point of forcing local golfers out the door. My other
concern is if it went to an individual or a group and they run it into the
ground, which has happened with other businesses in the area.”
It was pointed out by Mr.
Brady the MICC has been in existence for over 30 years, “and it is a good draw
for the municipality. And it is a requirement of a municipality to supply
recreational opportunities for its residents, especially in this day and age
when so much emphasis is made on exercising to stay healthy.” He said that is
why the township invested in the new parks on Barrie Island, for example.”
Mr. Brady also pointed out
a question had been raised taking on the liabilities it will assume from the
MICC. However, if the municipality decided they didn’t want to maintain
ownership of the course, the MICC board, “would take it back in the same
condition. And if they don’t accept it at that point we could divest or sell
the course. But I am confident that we along with help from the club
members-board and volunteers can make a general effort to grow membership,
especially getting more young people involved in the course.”
Mr. Campbell asked, if
council passed the resolution for the transfer, whether it would be for a one
year period, three or five years.
“We are waiting for some
input from our lawyers, but regardless to take over for a year and let the
course go would not really be fair,” said Mr. Brady.
Mr. Hayden pointed out
council had discussed the possible transfer at a meeting on Monday. “We had a
lot of discussion and I thought the meeting was very productive, and my concerns
were addressed. The way the resolution is written, it satisfies a lot of the
concerns that have been raised, one of the main ones being that taxpayer’s
dollars would not be used to subsidize the golf course. We are committed not to
use taxpayer’s money to subsidize the golf course. And in the process we’ve
identified options for us to consider if we can’t make a go of it.” He added
the agreement “will not be for one year, it might be for two or three years or
maybe become an election issue for the next council.”
“I’m ready to vote,”
said Mr. Hayden stressing, “I’m very appreciative of all the calls I’ve
received from residents, with your concerns and questions. In the interest of
preserving the golf course, and our interests, I’ve appreciated all the input
I’ve received from local residents.”
The resolution voted in
favour by council states in part the MICC would be transferring the assets for
liabilities of MICC to Gordon/Barrie Island, and it stated the township has a
commitment that it will not be a burden on taxpayers.
............................................................
Update - November 20, 2011
On Sunday, Nov 20, 2011, Brian
Bainborough and Heather Hall met with most of Township of
Gordon-Barrie Island councilors as well as Reeve
Jack Brady and clerk, Carrie Lewis.
They toured some of the holes; the watering
hole and washroom on # 4 and up to HQ area. They
toured the clubhouse and the facility and grounds
surrounding the clubhouse. Various
improvements over the years were pointed out and
description of the irrigation and ponds were
given.
In the clubhouse, Heather Hall provided draft
financials from the accountant for year
ending Oct 31, 2011. A question and
answer period followed where previously submitted
questions from the Township were discussed. At
the council meeting on Dec 6, council will vote on
whether to pursue an agreement with MICC to
transfer the course to the municipality.
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Township Meeting - Nov. 8, 2011
See the article in The Manitoulin West RECORDER dated Friday, November 18th for further details of the township meeting.
Update - Township Meeting
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The discussion and decision regarding the transfer of MICC to the township was deferred until the township meeting on December 6th.
...................................................................
M.I.C.C. General Meeting
Monday, November 7, 2011
About 60 people attended the meeting to discuss the possible transfer of MICC to Gordon-Barrie Island Township. Discussions about the club's financial situation, other possible choices for the club, and general feelings were expressed by many in attendance. Finally, a motion was put forward for a membership vote.
The motion and conditions that were
voted on and would be put forward to Gordon
council are as follows:
.......................................................................
MOTION
- To transfer the assets for the liabilities
of MICC to Township of Gordon-Barrie Island.
This is considered our charitable donation to the
community as per our constitution.
CONDITIONS:
(1) Members of MICC have the first right of
refusal or acceptance if at some point in the
future the Township does not wish to continue to
operate the facility and land as a golf course
(2) Chartered members will receive the same
benefits as currently available in terms of fee
structure
(3) There is a commitment that an appropriate
number of members be asked to be on the
Township's Parks and Rec committee to ensure
member participation and input on golf course
decisions
(4) Any future liabilities that occur
after transfer be absorbed by the municipality.
....................................
The
vote was 49 yes and 6 no.
The Board of Directors will proceed
with negotiations for the possible transfer
of M.I.C.C. to Gordon-Barrie Island Township.
Progress
reports will be available on this web page as they
become available.
.............................................
Important Letter to All Members
October 18, 2011
Dear Fellow M.I.C.C. Members,
An important General Membership Meeting to investigate the possible transfer of the ownership of M.I.C.C. to Gordon – Barrie Island Township will be held at the clubhouse on Monday, November 7th at 7 pm.
This meeting will consist of an open discussion of this issue followed by a vote by the membership.
This is a closed meeting; open only to current members in good standing.
Regards,
2011 M.I.C.C. Board of Directors