Notice to Members – 25/10/2017
RENTAL OF KITCHEN AND FUNCTION FACILITIES
- Following interest by members and by reason of on-going efforts to be accountable and responsive to members, please be reminded and informed as follows:
- Graeme Kelbrick was retrenched from his employment as manager for operational reasons (we could not afford his salary) with effect from 31 January 2017.
- The committee negotiated with and agreed to pay Graeme Kelbrick a retrenchment package. This was most generous to Graeme Kelbrick and in excess of legal requirements. It was thought appropriate because of his long service.
- Because the club was unable to find suitable tenants to hire the kitchen and function facilities, the club negotiated and agreed a written lease for 6 months with Graeme Kelbrick. The agreement was not renewable and excluded any expectation of an extension or renewal. During that time, the committee interviewed several prospective tenants but found them to be unacceptable.
- As a result, Graeme Kelbrick entered into a new written lease agreement for 2 months (August – September) which was not renewable and excluded any expectation of renewal or extension. Graeme Kelbrick was invited to submit a business plan and to compete with prospective tenants for the right to hire the kitchen and function facilities.
- When by the end of September suitable tenants with which to conclude a long lease had not been identified, Graeme Kelbrick’s then existing 2 month lease was extended by agreement on the same terms and conditions for one month until the end of October.
- On 29 September, the committee met with Graeme Kelbrick. He was told that a decision on a long term lease could not then be taken because other applicants had not been evaluated, but that a decision would be taken by the committee at its next meeting and that he would be informed of the committees decision immediately thereafter.
- On 16 October, Graeme Kelbrick was advised that the committee had unanimously resolved not to further extend the then existing lease, but had decided to allow Graeme Kelbrick to continue to trade until 30 November 2017 in order to afford him an opportunity to arrange his affairs. Graeme Kelbrick accepted this opportunity.
- This brings to an end the club’s relationship with Graeme Kelbrick as both manager and tenant. We wish him well with his endeavours and hope that he will continue to participate as a member of the club.
- Our new tenant, Crystal Carelse, has signed a written lease to hire the kitchen and function facilities for a period of 1 year (with an option to renew for a further 2 years) at a market related rental. She is professionally trained as a chef/caterer and ran a well- known and successful restaurant in Knysna. The takeover date is 1 December and we wish her well in all her endeavours. She has indicated an intention to improve and expand the existing facilities, so as to create a self-standing restaurant which will be deserving of the support of our membership.
RICHARD QUINN
CHAIRMAN