Dear Tennis Club Members,
With consideration to the long-term future of the tennis club, the SSTC has been engaging with the Sans Souci Cottage Association (SSCA) to negotiate a new agreement and a lease extension for another 21 years (less one day) (the reason for “less one day” is to avoid the necessity of having to obtain the municipality’s consent to the lease in order to comply with Ontario legislation regulating the subdivision of land). As part of this new agreement, the Tennis Executive recommends leasing the Brand Cottage and paying approximately $25,000 to cover past capital expenditures made by the SSCA.
The rationale for leasing Brand Cottage includes the following:
(1) SSTC members have shown great enthusiasm for having a tennis pro every summer, and the board plans to continue offering this service. We are pleased to announce that tennis pro David Brown will return this summer for two weeks in July and two weeks in August to offer clinics and private lessons to members.
(2) Long‑term leasing the Brand Cottage will eliminate the payment of rent to house a tennis pro every summer (see estimated figures in the FAQs below). It has also provided additional rental income for other weeks of the summer.
(3) Leasing the Brand Cottage ensures the SSTC has control and priority over its use ahead of any SSCA plans. If the SSTC wishes to continue engaging a tennis pro each summer, then the provision of accommodations is critical.
(4) Leasing the Brand Cottage in the manner proposed provides the SSCA with much-needed capital for the renovation and improvement of the schoolhouse and construction of a new community building, which will benefit SSTC members as well.
The end of the lease will include provisions for the SSCA to pay back the SSTC any capital amounts that the SSTC has incurred over the period adjusted for inflation and depreciation. The SSCA will not have to pay these amounts if the lease is extended for another 21 years on similar terms to the first 21 years.
The SSTC board will hold a Special Meeting for members on May 31, 2023, to vote online regarding the board’s unanimous recommendation that the SSTC enter a long-term lease with the SSCA for the Brand Cottage and pay $25,000 for past capital expenditures.
Please look for additional emails with instructions on how to vote a day or two before May 31, 2023.
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Below are some FAQs regarding Brand Cottage, but if anyone has additional questions, please contact SSTC President David Roffey at droffey@jarnaccap.com or Vice-President Barb Cerny at cernybarb@gmail.com:
Estimates provided by the SSCA would indicate annual operating expenses of roughly $5,300.
Are there any capital repairs required for Brand Cottage?
A new metal roof was installed in 2019, and a number of renovations have been made to the interior, including an upgrade to the electrical system.
We will investigate the need for windows/screens for the front porch this summer.
Can non-SSTC members rent Brand Cottage?
Yes, anyone may rent the cottage outside the weeks reserved for the tennis pro. We wish to encourage this practice as the additional income will help defray maintenance costs.
What is the rental fee for Brand Cottage?
The rental fee for 2023 is $1,300 per week, plus a $100 cleaning fee. The rental fee generally increases annually to cover inflation.
What is the source of the funds to pay for the past capital expenditures for Brand Cottage?
The SSTC currently has more than sufficient cash to pay for the past capital expenditures.
What if the club cannot find a tennis pro every summer?
While we cannot guarantee finding a tennis pro every year into the future, the Tennis Executive believes that leasing Brand Cottage and having it available to house any potential tennis pro will be crucial in attracting someone.
Sans Souci and Copperhead Association