Since the City put Rye Golf Club Manager Scott Yandrasevich on administrative leave in October, while it investigated his fiduciary conduct, a lot of healthy debate on the operation of the club, especially Whitby Castle, has occurred at Rye Golf Commission and City Council meetings.

 

By Robin Jovanovich

 

Rye Golf Club

 

Since the City put Rye Golf Club Manager Scott Yandrasevich on administrative leave in October, while it investigated his fiduciary conduct, a lot of healthy debate on the operation of the club, especially Whitby Castle, has occurred at Rye Golf Commission and City Council meetings.

 

At the Commission meeting Monday night, members agreed to continue the $300 food minimum this year, but expanded how it can be used. City Manager Scott Pickup said, “We’ll be incorporating that and all other important information into the new member handbook.”

 

The investigation of Yandrasevich is ongoing and he remains on paid administrative leave.

 

However, the City Manager informed the paper that, “We will be appointing an interim manager within the week.”

 

Central Avenue Bridge

 

If all goes according to plan, the long-awaited work will begin on the Central Avenue Bridge next month. Utility relocation has already begun. Weather-permitting, the City Manager said optimistically, “The bridge will be in working order by Labor Day.”

 

Bonded Projects

 

Voters overwhelmingly approved the $1.8 million capital infrastructure bond last fall. One of the first steps in implementing the safety improvements is to get a schedule of projects out. The City Council has scheduled a public work session on that topic Saturday, January 12, 9 a.m. at City Hall.

 

City Manager Pickup told the paper: “We’re pushing for the new Locust Avenue sewer siphon to be done first because of its potential impact on the Central Business District.”

 

Situation on Rye Town Park

 

Right before Christmas, the Town of Rye fired its Rye Town Park maintenance staff. The Rye Town Park Commission was blindsided by the decision.

 

Residents and park users have lodged a number of complaints about the deteriorating condition of the park in recent weeks. “There are broken signs and lights,” reported Deirdre Curran. “Who’s taking care of the park?”

 

Mayor Doug French assured residents at the December 19 City Council meeting that the City will make sure services are maintained.

 

Earlier this week, City Manager Pickup said a contractor was cleaning up the beach and the gates will have to remain locked a little while longer. He added, “The Town of Rye will have to go to a year-round contract if they are going to maintain the park according to expected standards.”

 

Meanwhile, inquiring minds want to know what is happening to the study released late last year on whether the Town of Rye should be dissolved.

 

The next meeting of the Rye Town Park Commission is Tuesday, January 15, 6 p.m. at the Town of Rye Courtroom on Pearl Street.