September 13, 2007

 

In attendance:

Racquet Den update

As a society, we are eligible to apply for grants to offset the cost of projects (renovations), but we would have to raise funds to match the grants.  We are currently not in a sufficiently strong financial position to match funds and so will defer applying for grants until later.  Snow Valley Holdings has encountered unexpected costs associated with the renovations of the main floor space and are having to spend the monies earmarked for the planned bathroom renovations in the Racquet Den facilities.

A work weekend to remove the finish and sand the squash court (and, therefore, repaint the lines) is being planned.

Lease

The Racquet Den Society has entered into a two year lease with Snow Valley Holdings with an option for a third year subject to negotiations at a rate of $1000.00 per month plus GST.  We signed the lease tonight.  We have a home for the next two years!

The janitorial contract will be transferred to the Racquet Den Society from the City of Revelstoke and it will be ours to manage.  It is not a significant cost item, but we will be responsible for the consumable supplies.  We will likely continue to rely of the City of Revelstoke for those supplies (relying on their buying power) and will reimburse the city for the supplies consumed at the Racquet Den facilities.

Financial Report

Norm reports that the Racquet Den has approximately $2000 in the bank and that the City of Revelstoke is holding approximately another $2000 for us most of which is tied up in key deposit refund money.  The printed cheques have arrived.

Kevin underscored the need for everyone to actively pursue recruitment and the payment of membership fees so that the Racquet Den will be able to meet its financial obligations to Snow Valley Holdings right through until September, 2008.  We need 60 paid members to comfortably meet those obligations!

Membership Drive/Marketing

All members are encouraged to introduce new recruits to the sport and encourage new members to join the Racquet Den.  The fall (now) is the prime time to really pursue new members in advance of the winter season.  If every member were to attract one additional member the Racquet Den Society would be in a very comfortable situation with respect to finances, player/talent/skill pool, and access to court time.  We currently have 32 members.

As a way to raise the profile of squash activities in Revelstoke in general, and the Racquet Den in particular, Kevin has suggested that we report the squash ladder standings (maybe the top dozen or so) in the local newspaper.  He will investigate whether or not it can be reported as a local story or whether or not is needs to be sponsored.

Insurance

The insurance available through Squash BC is only applicable to members of the Racquet Den society and for sanctioned events and/or practicing for said events.  Non-member are NOT covered.  Our ladder games can be viewed as practicing for sanctioned events so our main concern is around non-members on our courts.  We will post signs indemnifying the Racquet Den society at the courts.  Kevin is looking into private insurance coverage since the cost per member is $30.00 which comes close to the cost for private coverage.

Racquet Ball court

The subject of converting the racquetball court into a squash court was discussed.  With few racquetball members signed up (approximately 2 or 3 members), the continued preservation of the racquetball court is not financially tenable and as the squash membership increases, the availability of court times will become limited and potentially cause booking conflicts.  The cost to convert the racquetball court into a squash court using a movable wall is estimated to be approximately $12,000 while the conversion cost using a fixed wall is estimated to be approximately $150 and some volunteer labour.  The Racquet Den would/could not host a tournament with a single court and converting the racquetball court to a squash court would allow the society to become part of a “Kootenay league” and to host both local and invitational tournaments.  No decision will be made about converting the racquetball court without a vote by the Racquet Den society membership at a general meeting of the society.

Tournaments

Tournaments increase the social aspect of both the Racquet Den society and the squash game itself.  Kevin proposes having three (3) in-house tournaments per year and suggests something like November, January, and March dates for the tournaments.  We would also like to be part of a “Kootenay league” and participate in and host tournaments with other clubs in towns such as Nakusp, Golden,

Other business

The mechanics of changing from booking hourly court times (on the hour) to booking 45 minutes court times was discussed.  Alan feels that this change would not be difficult for the Recreation staff to administer in booking court times.  We may have to look into having the shorter time slots for the prime hours (maybe between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm) if booking a court becomes difficult.

We will carry on with the current web hosting company for another year as we have experienced no difficulties with them and no local alternative has presented itself.

To facilitate members and guests locating the Racquet Den and to further raise the profile of both squash and the Racquet Den, Kevin will look into posting signage around the entrance/foyer of building to indicate the presence of the facilities.