Oak Hills Park Authority

CITY OF NORWALK OAK HILLS PARK AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 21, 2025 – 7:00 PM VIA ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING ATTENDANCE: Alan Dutton (Chair), Richard Dellinger, Gary Leeds, Denise Brown, Jennifer McAllister, Mary Verel, Geoffrey Sweitzer, Anthony Trimboli, Robert Stowers (Director of Recreation and Parks). STAFF: Paul Alexander (Golf Professional), Mark Gartner (Controller), Jim Schell (Superintendent), Jim Hollyday (General Manager). OTHERS: Jerry Crowley (Supporters of Oak Hills Park). I. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Dutton called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Roll call was conducted, and a quorum was noted as present. III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. Regular Meeting: June 26, 2025 Mr. Dutton requested the following changes: 1. Page 4 – Item F, Long-Term Planning o Paragraph 1 (beginning “Mr. Leeds discussed…”) — everything after the first sentence is to be deleted. o Paragraph 2 — deleted. o Paragraph 3 — deleted. o Reason: That discussion was actually part of Mr. Schell’s Superintendent report, not Mr. Leeds’ long-term planning. 2. Page 4 – Item G, Nominating Committee o Under “Alan Dutton” — his first name is spelled with one “l” (Alan, not Allan). 3. Page 5 – Item H, Golf Professional (Paul Alexander) o After “Golf Professional – Paul Alexander,” add: “See attached report.” o Reason: Mr. Alexander did not deliver an oral report, but he had submitted a written attachment. CITY OF NORWALK OAK HILLS PARK AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – AUGUST 21, 2025  4. Page 5 – Item I, Superintendent (Jim Schell) o Where it reads: “Mr. Alexander presented his report” should be corrected to “Mr. Schell presented his report.” o Where it again says “Mr. Alexander” replace with “Mr. Schell.” 5. Page 6 – Superintendent section o Delete the line under “Mr. Schell presented his report...” (not accurate). 6. Page 8 – Executive Session timing o Original entry states session began at 8:09 PM and ended 8:11 PM. o Corrected: Executive Session actually started at 7:45 PM. **MR. DUTTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 26, 2025, MEETING MINUTES PENDING CORRECTIONS. **THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. B. Regular Meeting: July 17, 2025 The following changes were requested: 1. Last Page – After Executive Session o “Move to” is twice, remove duplicate. 2. Restaurant Section o Replace “winter events” with “special events”. 3. Attendance Section o Jerry Crowley is listed twice. He should be listed only under “Others”. 4. Adjournment o The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. ** MS. VEREL MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS AMENDED OF THE JULY 17, 2025, REGULAR MEETING. **MR. DELLINGER SECONDED THE MOTION. **THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was no one who wished to address the Authority at this time. V. REPORTS A. Chair – Alan Dutton Mr. Dutton provided the following updates: CITY OF NORWALK OAK HILLS PARK AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – AUGUST 21, 2025 Regarding Water Pump and Irrigation Support, it was reported that a replacement pump had been installed through the Capital program to draw water from the underground aquifer. The system is now operating effectively, supplying about 30,000 gallons daily, with further details to be provided by Superintendent Jim Schell. On the Tennis Facility RFP, it was announced that the document is complete and ready for release. Committee members were thanked for their diligent work, with special appreciation to Robert Stowers for providing office space in City Hall for the drafting process. Mr. Stowers joined the meeting at 7:11 p.m. The Authority was reminded of the upcoming 2026 rate-setting process for the golf season. With last year’s procedure now established, the goal is to complete this year’s work early and thoroughly. B. Restaurant – John Lloyd Mr. Lloyd was unable to attend and provided his apologies. C. Nature Advisory – Mary Verel Ms. Verel reported that the “alternative lawn” project is still in progress but not yet complete. She noted that the planned “Lunch and Learn” program has been postponed due to preparations not being finalized. She also stated that A&A Landscaping has been on-site performing weeding and mulching work. The walk-through with the Arborist has not been confirmed yet. D. Tennis – Ms. Denise Brown Ms. Brown reported on tennis operations, the RFP process, and outreach efforts including circulation through USTA contacts. She recognized the Friends of Tennis program participation and ongoing tournaments. Two upcoming tournaments were highlighted: a Labor Day doubles tournament and the Arthur Goldblatt Tournament on September 19, 2025, including donations to benefit Grassroots programs. She noted new rules and etiquette guidelines under development for court usage. Ms. Brown reviewed necessary structural repair to the curbing area of Court 8, with preference toward a $5,500 proposal from Oval Tennis, citing reliability and responsiveness despite being higher than the prior $3,200 quote. E. Supporters of Oak Hills Park – Mr. Jerry Crowley Mr. Crowley reported no updates at this time. F. Long-Term Planning – Mr. Gary Leeds Mr. Leeds noted no report at this time, pending information from The First Tee. Mr. Dutton indicated the matter would be addressed later in the meeting. G. Golf Professional – Mr. Paul Alexander Mr. Alexander reported that while the summer season was ending, demand at Oak Hills remained strong with full tee sheets. Memberships totaled 1,175 since January 1, slightly lower CITY OF NORWALK OAK HILLS PARK AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – AUGUST 21, 2025 than prior year but offset financially by higher non-resident fees. Golf outings were well booked, with several already hosted successfully. Events included: a sold-out TaylorMade demo day, local women’s golf associations, Metropolitan PGA Junior Tour, and ongoing men’s and women’s club championships. High school golf programs were also on-site. He mentioned the golf cart lease would be renegotiated this year, and that staffing adjustments were underway with seasonal college workers departing. Course rangers and spotters had improved pace of play. A local photographer had begun new drone and still photography for the club’s promotional materials. Mr. Alexander also discussed the impact of a newly opened golf retail superstore in Norwalk. H. Superintendent – Mr. Jim Schell Mr. Schell reported the golf course conditions were stable despite drought conditions, aided by recent rainfall and the functioning well supplementing irrigation. He noted aeration is scheduled for October 14–15, weather permitting. Staffing shortages were present with seasonal departures. Preparations for fall bunker renovation were underway, with notification reminders recommended for members prior to disruption. He highlighted the contribution of the well system providing 30,000–32,000 gallons daily. I. Controller – Mark Gartner The Authority’s adopted fiscal year 2026 budget has now been spread month-by-month to allow comparisons of actuals versus budget throughout the year. This distribution was based on historical data and seasonal operating patterns. The Authority paid $15,000 in July toward its debt obligation. Year-end audit fieldwork has been completed successfully. The audit team reported a smooth process. Mr. Gartner is awaiting the first draft of the audit report. Preliminary July 2025 Financial Results: • Revenue: $49,000 above budget, entirely in greens fees. • Expenses: $9,000 over budget. • Net Operating Income: $40,000 higher than budget and $6,000 over the prior year. • Rounds Analysis: The Authority budgeted with an assumed average round value of $37.54. Actuals for July averaged $45 per round, reflecting a favorable mix of weekend and out-of-town play. Although rounds were only 23 over budget, the higher average fee drove the revenue above forecast. Mr. Gartner emphasized that from a financial perspective, higher revenue is more critical than round count alone. As of July 31, the Authority held approximately $958,000 in operating cash, plus $73,000 in capital reserve funds, for a total of roughly $1.03 million on hand. He noted cash balances are CITY OF NORWALK OAK HILLS PARK AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – AUGUST 21, 2025 expected to increase further through September (and possibly October), before seasonal play declines and expenses begin to weigh down balances in late fall and winter. The primary focus in the first quarter will be on the bunker project, along with several additional projects under review. This year’s CapEx spending is expected to exceed prior years. J. General Manager – Jim Hollyday Mr. Hollyday reported that he had obtained a new estimate for the structural restoration of Court 8, noting its poor condition and the need for repairs due to erosion extending toward the golf fairway on Hole 11. He mentioned recent incidents, including two individuals struck by golf balls and a temporary malfunction of the irrigation system. All issues were addressed promptly, and no ongoing complaints remain. Updates on facility improvements included new striping and crosswalks in the parking lot to enhance safety, the installation of air conditioning in staff areas through connection of a new HVAC condenser, and the hiring of a consultant on a short-term contract to strengthen the Authority’s social media presence. In addition, the roof on the halfway house has been replaced, and new sunshades installed on the restaurant terrace, which have reduced glare and heat, improving comfort for patrons. Mr. Hollyday noted that much of his work continues to focus on operational details and ongoing facility improvements. VI. OLD BUSINESS No old business was discussed. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Approve new HVAC system for Pro Shop Discussion centered on reallocating capital funds to cover the $38,000 HVAC system replacement at the Pro Shop, restrooms, and lobby. The Authority noted savings on other projects but additional costs from awnings and the halfway house roof. The Authority noted that cart path work remains necessary and should be revisited, particularly in the Spring 2026 timeframe to coordinate with heavy equipment on-site for bunker renovations. Mr. Leeds also acknowledged that the structural repair for the tennis court should be funded by Oak Hills’ operating or capital accounts, not through donations from Friends of Tennis. Given that this is a facility structural matter, Ms. Brown and Mr. Dutton agreed. VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Authority entered Executive Session via separate login to discuss a contractual matter. CITY OF NORWALK OAK HILLS PARK AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – AUGUST 21, 2025 Upon returning to public session, Mr. Dutton stated that no decisions were made during the Executive Session. IX. ADJOURNMENT ** MR. LEEDS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. **MS. MCALLISTER SECONDED THE MOTION. **THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 PM. Next Meeting: September 18, 2025 Respectfully submitted, Courtney Baldwin Recording Secretary CITY OF NORWALK OAK HILLS PARK AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – AUGUST 21, 2025

REGULAR MEETING – OAK HILLS PARK AUTHORITY AGENDA AUGUST 21, 2025, 7:00 PM BY ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING To allow public access, anyone may access a meeting by telephone and/or Zoom, or a recording in the City of Norwalk YouTube channel. Specific instructions and links can be found at norwalkct.gov/meetings. Members of the public may call in to participate. Callers will not be able to see the meeting participants. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, dial *9 on the phone and you will be called on by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide "live comments" may also use the Zoom meeting platform. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, click the “raise your hand indicator” and you will be called by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide public comment are encouraged to submit those via email in advance of the meeting. For these comments to be included into the record, they must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Please email Jim Hollyday at ohpgm1@gmail.com with the subject line “Public Comment” to provide written public comment prior to the meeting. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. Regular Meeting: 7/17/2025 IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION V. REPORTS A. Chair B. Restaurant: John Lloyd C. Nature Advisory: Mary Verel D. Tennis: Denise Brown  E. Supporters of Oak Hills Park: Jerry Crowley F. Long Term Planning: Gary Leeds G. Golf Professional: Paul Alexander H. Superintendent: Jim Schell I. Controller: Mark Gartner J. General Manager: Jim Hollyday VI. OLD BUSINESS VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Approve new HVAC system for Pro shop VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION IX. ADJOURNMENT UPCOMING MEETINGS A. September 18, 2025