Mayor French Update on Rye Golf Club Workshops

Rye City Mayor Douglas French provided the following updates regarding Rye Golf Club Commission workshops: 

The City held another public workshop with the Rye Golf Club Commission, the Rye Golf Club Strategic Committee, Club members and the public.  Fundamental to the discussion were two prevailing questions in connection with the Club – should the City be in the restaurant business; and, if so, what is the proper level of governance to run the operation?  

A five-point plan was put together last fall to restore public trust after a decade under the former Club Manager:  Tighten up financial policies and procedures; institute tighter conflicts of interest procedures; get the Club up and running for the season and review performance; determine a long-term strategic view for the Club; and, put the proper governance model in place.  Discussions and steps have been taken in each of these areas including the make-up of the Golf Club Commission. 

As with other Boards and Commissions, the City is looking to have some oversight by having some seats Mayor-appointed and Council confirmed to supplement the member-selected Commission since the public at-large still holds all liability.