Town's golf season set to open next weekend
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Golfers will know the season has started when the flags are placed at the holes, Highway Superintendent Bob Anderson said, adding that crews have been busy prepping the courses for the 2008 season.

"For the past two weeks, we have been picking up sticks, raking, rolling the greens," he said.

Surveying for damage from the winter, Anderson said it looks like a typical year for the golf courses.

This week and next, crews will continue to roll the courses, especially the tee-off areas and greens, to stimulate grass growth.

Throughout the winter, the crews repair and paint the signs and are ready to hang them as soon as the weather cooperates.

"We will be open for sure next weekend," Anderson said, referring to April 19 and 20. But he said there is a possibility the courses may open as soon as April 16.

"It's all weather-dependent," he said, adding that mid-April has historically been the start time.

The March snowstorm may have pushed back opening day slightly, but the sunny days this past week have helped dry up the courses.

"The biggest thing is we want it clean and crisp when we open. Make sure we are ready to go," he said.

The Town of Amherst operates three courses: Audubon and Par 3, 500 and 475 Maple Road, respectively, and Oakwood, 3575 Tonawanda Creek Road.

"We'll put the flags in the morning of opening. As soon as people see those flags, they just shoot right in," he said.

For information on fees, call the Recreation Department at 631-7132 or visit www. amherst. ny. us.

Facing a looming deadline, the Town Board approved with hesitation a contract extension for a concession worker at the Audubon Course.

The contract was amended to end in November, instead of two years.

Deputy Supervisor Shelly Schratz said the town has paid $3,900 in utilities at the concession for January and February because the space is being used offseason for a restaurant.

The contract requires $1,250 be paid monthly for rent.

"It doesn't make sense. Why are taxpayers subsidizing it during months it should be closed?" she said, adding that the town needs to do a request for proposal to see if the concession can be better run.

The name of the man on the contract was not listed on Monday's agenda, and the name could not be confirmed at press time.

Recreation Director Anne E. Schiferle did not return a request for comment.

During the meeting, she had said the individual's contract had been renegotiated to allow food service during the offseason.

The board approved the eight-month contract with the intent to review the matter further.

Supervisor Satish Mohan said the town has major issues with contracts, and they aren't reviewed fully before being signed.

"I'm distressed we had to do it, but they come in the last minute," he said about approving the contract for concession.

During the work session, the board also discussed payments due to the three school districts in town, as well as Clarence. Comptroller Darlene Carroll said an estimated $800,000 is owed among the four districts. She said that the town hasn't made payments since 1997.

The money is generated when a resident buys a home that previously had exemptions that the new owner doesn't qualify for.

Town Attorney Tom Jones said the preliminary investigation resulted in more questions than answers. His office will continue to look into the matter.

The Williamsville School District said it was unaware of the issue until it was reported by the media.

A decision on how to handle the discussion was not made Monday.