Controller & Filtration Assessment FAQ
The following FAQ information is provided for greater understanding behind the call for the $300 assessment required for the immediate replacement of the RJP Estate Planning Lakes Course pump station controller and filtration system.
What is the controller and filtration system?
- Controller
- Sophisticated computer system to regulate the irrigation system and pressure controls for the main waterline at the RJP Estate Planning Lakes Course.
- Maintains water flow at a specific rate to ensure proper water distribution to the entire course and HOA/sub-HOA irrigation systems.
- Filtration System
- Ensures clean water enters the irrigation system from the ponds.
- Controls the automatic cleaning and mechanical back-flushing mechanism.
- Monitors water pressure through a network of sensors designed to detect pressure build up and changes in the system.
Why is it imperative we replace the controller and filtration system now?
The unit has been repaired several times over the past few years and it was assumed these repairs could continue with routine maintenance and part replacements as needed. However, in late April 2016, the manufacturer informed WBVGC that the Programmable Logic Control (PLC) for this unit and other parts were no longer available and that we had the last existing unit in service. If it fails, the system can no longer be repaired and the entire irrigation system will be down. Both the RJP Estate Planning Lakes Course and the HOAs involved in our water rights leasing program draw water using this controller and filtration system. Without the controller and the filtration system, the Club cannot pump water nor deliver water to the course or the HOAs. The water rights leasing program is what is funding most of the note for the LIP.
Wasn’t this part of the LIP or a prior assessment?
No, the replacement of the controller was not part of the LIP or any past assessment. During the last assessment and LIP, replacement parts were readily available for repair if needed.
What is the Asset Protection Fund (APF) and what is its purpose?
The Asset Protection Fund (APF) is the Club’s financial safety net designed to fund large capital projects and protect the club in the instance of any unforeseen or needed repairs/issues. All members and patrons contribute to the APF through dues and green fees. We add to the APF monthly through a portion of membership annual dues and a portion of outside play revenue.
Why are we paying an assessment if this repair is being paid for out of the APF?
We are paying for the controller and the filtration system using the APF as designed. However, with the unforeseen replacement of the controller and filtration system along with future planned capital expenditures, the APF would drop below a safe level leaving the club vulnerable to lost revenue which would impact member dues and course conditions. The assessment is to replenish those funds and build the APF back to a sound operating level and protect the club from unforeseen issues if they were to arise.
Who is responsible for paying assessments?
All voting members (Annual, Semi-annual, Weekend, and AAF) are responsible for all assessments made in their membership fiscal year (October 1 to September 30).
The Associate Members are non-voting members.
The Associate Members are non-voting members.
Are outside play and associate members paying their share?
Yes! Without either category, regular dues would be substantially higher and/or assessments would be more than double of what we have today. Neither category is eligible for the rights and benefits of full membership (GHIN, Chelsea, 5-day advanced tee times, Private Club Network, etc.).
Why don’t we just raise the rack rate for outside play during our high season?
Annual reviews for outside play at other courses and Internet pricing drive our rack rate pricing to remain competitive with similar golf clubs in the area.
What are we doing to supplement membership dues revenue?
To name just a few: business sponsor programs, course naming rights, mailing list to 7,000 golfers within 6 miles of WBVGC, summer cooler pass specials, new membership summer specials, a new under 45 membership category. This is a never ending journey to supplement and keep our membership dues and assessment as low as financially feasible.
What about the Vistas Bunker Renovation?
When we initiated the survey we were not aware of the discontinuance of replacement parts for the controller and filtration system. Prior to the completion date of receiving the survey data, it was made clear we had a greater issue that was going to require immediate funding. The decision was to set the Vistas Bunker Renovation Project aside and focus on the extraordinary expense of the controller and filtration system.
For information purposes, the results of the survey were very close with the following results. 408 responses; 47.06% Yes and 52.94% No.
We hope these FAQs have raised your awareness and understanding for the $300 assessment for the controller and filtration system funding requirement. All WBVGC BODs, past and current, have placed a high priority on the delicate balance between the needs of maintaining our courses and facilities with the financial limitations that face the entire membership.
The BOD is currently preparing the 2017 Budget and Strategic Plan. It will be presented at the November Members Forum.
Ways to keep informed.
- Each month the minutes of the Board of Directors meetings are posted on the Westbrook Village Golf website.
- Go to the Members Page on the WBVGC website and under Members Menu, click on “Board of Directors and Minutes”.
- Ask any question via the “Member Contact Us” link located on the WBVGC website, Members Page, Members Menu.
- Attend Membership Forums. Our next forum will be held November 16 at 6:00 p.m. Lakes Recreation Center.
