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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGolf Board - Minutes - 03/10/2021 Golf Board TYPE OF MEETING – (REGULAR) March 10, 2021 6:00 PM Zoom Meeting 03/10/21 – MINUTES Page 1  1. CALL TO ORDER  Kathy Meyer called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM 2. ROLL CALL  Board Members Present o Patrick Dawson o Michael Hardisty o Ross Liggett o Kathy Meyer o James Penland o Jon Schmunk  Board Members Absent o John Litel  Staff/Contract Vendors Present o Vince Buelk o Brent Johnson o Kevin Sheesley o Scott Phelps o Dawn Worth 3. AGENDA REVIEW  No changes to the Agenda 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On a motion by Kathy Meyer, seconded by James Penland, the Board voted (6:0) to approve the January 13, 2021 Minutes. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS  Youth Scholarships Scott mentioned that the subcommittee met with Nina Bodenhamer, Director of City Give. She believes setting up the program under City Give would be our best route. Nina would like us to prepare a one-page document outlining the program. We need to determine the organizational structure so those donating have a full understanding of BOARD NAME TYPE OF MEETING – (REGULAR) 03/10/21 – MINUTES Page 2  the program they are supporting. Ross said working through a city program that is already established makes sense. Scott stated that Nina suggested that we hold off on the Reduced Fee Program. He informed the Board that the Recreation Department is revamping their program, with Nina’s assistance. Scott will update the Board at their April meeting.  Southridge Pond Update Scott said the project is still on track & going well. We had 10 additional staff members from the other courses & the Parks Department assisting with the project. We wanted to ensure that the liner was in place prior to the predicted snowstorm. Scott stated that the storm may put us back a bit. He mentioned that we were only over budget by $300 on the $15,000 project.  Irrigation RFP Update Scott said we are in the process of issuing another Purchase Order. He reminded the Board that there are aspects of the construction that were not in the initial irrigation design. Scott stated that part of the irrigation project is to dredge the other two ponds at SouthRidge & install liners. This will require us to hire a golf course architect, since the irrigation designer does not do that line of work. Scott mentioned that we are still holding discussions with the Finance Department. We want to assure we are able to move forward with everything before we post the RFP. Michael asked if the 5 million included the infrastructure. Scott stated that everything is included in that original amount. He said if we find out that we can’t get a bond for the project, we may have to cut out some of those items. Scott reminded the Board that we have been hoping to tie this into another city project in hopes of a better rate.  POS/Tee Sheet Update Scott reminded the Board that there was an issue with our top two choices being able to work with the city’s new credit card vendor, so we are going with our third choice. We are not overly happy about this, but it will still be better than our current system. Scott said this system appears to have better reporting capabilities & we are hoping to utilize its marketing capabilities. He explained that the city does not want us using a different credit card vendor. The Finance Department feels this could potentially cause an issue if they allow us to do so. Scott stated that we were hoping to get this in place prior to the season, but that was not the case. He said we will start implementing the new system in the fall. Scott mentioned that Dawna Gorkowski will be retiring in June, which might make it challenging for the financial aspects. Scott will update the Board in April.  Tree Trimming at Collindale Scott said the tree trimming project went well. He reminded the Board that the Forestry BOARD NAME TYPE OF MEETING – (REGULAR) 03/10/21 – MINUTES Page 3  Department tries to get out to the courses every 3-5 years to trim the trees. This was a 2-week project. Scott said they closed 9-holes at a time. This had minimal effects on the course because the weather was cold. Scott mentioned that they removed between 15-22 trees. 6. NEW BUSINESS  Collindale Food & Beverage Concessionaire Kevin Sheesley mentioned they are entering their 11th year at Collindale. CB & Potts has had a presence in Fort Collins since 1974 & holds a spot in the hearts of CSU Alums, Fort Collins Natives & Craft Beer Lovers. CB & Potts Brewery is the 4th oldest Craft Brewery in Fort Collins & their beers have won over 68 GABF metals & over 202 Medals nationwide. Kevin said Potts is proud to provide guests their award-winning beers.  Best of Fort Collins  CB & Potts Restaurant has been featured in several publications as one of the most scenic and beautiful patio settings in Fort Collins.  We are dedicated to exceptional service and gracious hospitality from our professional staff for all our guests.  Daily features, great pricing, and weekly patio music give all guests a reason to return.  Partnership for Success  CB & Potts is proud to partner with PGA Professional Vince Buelk for a second year.  We are constantly bringing new ideas to the table to improve the overall guest experience and attract new guests.  In 2020 we will continue the use of our 19th hole secondary outdoor service station  Service on the lower patio will shift to a “fast casual” type concept that helps get the golfers on their way.  2020 Review  CB & Potts Collindale continues to be one of our most Liked locations on social media.  Guests rave about our exceptional service and superior quality food in online reviews.  Google 4 stars, Facebook 4.3 stars.  We continue to improve our successful operations to enhance our CB & Potts brand and market visibility in various channels. BOARD NAME TYPE OF MEETING – (REGULAR) 03/10/21 – MINUTES Page 4   In just the first 2 periods of 2019 we are already up 10% over last years sales  Going into 2021  Looking to hold more Special Events.  Leadership at Potts is going into their 5th and 2nd season along with long time regional leadership.  New outdoor elements being added, improved quality of the property.  CBPB Beverage carts with many food and drink options for our golfers  CBPB Brews available fresh on the course in cans as well as at our tap house on mulberry.  New rewards program that gives 1 for 1 points to dollars spent  Philanthropy Efforts in the Community  The Kristi Visocky Foundation  Animal House Rescue  Food Bank for Larimer County  RamStrength Foundation  Leukemia and Lymphoma Society  ALS Foundation  Shephardson Elementary School Kevin mentioned that he & his staff are very eager to start the 2021 season. He said they are all hoping for more normalcy. Kathy commended them for their innovation during this challenging time.  Collindale Golf Pro Shop Vince Buelk, Collindale Golf Professional, reviewed his staff. Mentioned that together as a team, they made adjustments & had a successful 2020.  COVID  Course was closed for 6 weeks.  Driving Range was closed for 11 weeks.  Pro Shop doors remained closed, and we did all transactions by phone accepting credit cards only.  16-minute tee times  Single rider carts  Sanitizing carts and range baskets  Plexiglass installed on pro shop counter.  One way traffic  Wearing masks inside the Clubhouse BOARD NAME TYPE OF MEETING – (REGULAR) 03/10/21 – MINUTES Page 5  Vince mentioned that not only did COVID pose difficulty, so did the fires. He said this is the first time during his 32 years in the golf industry that he has had to close due to smoke. Though it was very challenging, they are thankful for the success in 2020 & are hoping to keep the momentum for 2021. Vince state that the Collindale staff treat their customers like family. He mentioned that this isn’t just true for the longtime golfers, but the new players as well.  Tournaments & Events Vince said that Collindale had to cancel several Tournaments & Events. The only events not canceled were the following:  Ram Strength  City Championship  JGAC Tour  CGA Amateur Qualifier  CAM Memorial  CMA  Colorado Open Qualifier Vince mentioned that they had to cancel Demo Day & unfortunately they will do the same for 2021. However, the vendors will be coming out to the course individually on multiple days throughout the season.  New for 2021  Vince stated that Scott has authorized more Volunteers at Collindale, to enhance customer service. Based on customer surveys received last year we will be adding a mid-day cart person to sanitize/turn carts, pick up range baskets, clear range balls from trees on #9 and do multiple other duties throughout the day. This will free up our Players Assistant to monitor pace of play and patrol the course more frequently during their shift.  Jr Golf Academy and PGA Jr League – 355+ Juniors per year offering over 32 classes.  Ladies Only classes throughout the summer  Golf 101 – Adult beginner golf classes  Clubfitting – ensuring customers are buying clubs that fit them.  2020 Junior Clinic Numbers  2020 - Coach Chief again ran the PGA Junior League at Collindale and DOUBLED the participants from 2019 (2019-30 kids and 2020–62 kids)  PGA Junior League: 62 Kids (summer/fall total) BOARD NAME TYPE OF MEETING – (REGULAR) 03/10/21 – MINUTES Page 6   Junior Clinics: Beginner: 100+ participants  Junior Clinics: Intermediate: 90+ Participants  Swing Break (during Spring Break): 16 Kids  Camp Collindale: 12 Kids  Junior Lessons Estimated: 75 Participants  Total: 355+ Participants  2021 we are adding more “Camp Collindale” clinics (these have lunch included at CB Potts)  Giving Back to the Community  Coruna Run Challenge o Participants: 357 o Total Dollars Donated: $8,620 to McKinney Vento (Program in the Poudre School District to eliminate barriers to education for kids who are suffering from homelessness) o Food Drive Total: Estimated $3,000-4,000 to go to McBackpack (which helps kids who are on free and reduced lunch to have food on the weekends)  Collindale Maintenance Brent Johnson, Collindale Superintendent, reviewed his staff. He mentioned that he has a great staff that works well together.  2020 Review  We had a limited staff in 2020 because of COVID-19.  Golf had a huge surge in 2020. You can really see the cart wear areas this year.  I’ve never seen the range as busy as in 2020.  We were able to keep up with everyday maintenance despite our reduced staff.  We were not able to complete as many extra projects in 2020.  2020 Completed Projects  Bunker rejuvenation  Increased native areas.  Use Weather station and soil moisture sensors (on going)  Pump house repairs  Painted Skids and Pumps  Painted restrooms  Extensive tree pruning and raising.  Bunker rejuvenation  Weather station BOARD NAME TYPE OF MEETING – (REGULAR) 03/10/21 – MINUTES Page 7   Soil Moisture Meter  Painted pumps and skids  Painted course bathrooms  2021 Projects  More bunker renovation  Cart path additions  Use weather station and soil moisture meters.  Made some cart barricades.  Recertify for Audubon.  2021 Tree removal and full course pruning  Continuing to sell old course hole signs.  New cart barricades for traffic control.  Bunker renovation. Brent mentioned that they did some off-season reel and bed knife grinding. He said they have about 36 reels & bed knives that need as least a yearly grind, if not more. Brent stated that these are very important for keeping the best cut on the golf course. He said 2020 was very challenging, but we are staying optimistic for the 2021 season. The Board thanked the Collindale staff for their efforts during this challenging time & they are eager for the 2021 season as well.  2021 Election of Officers  After a brief discussion, the Board voted 6:0 to reelect Kathy Meyer as Board Chairperson, Ross Liggett as Board Vice Chairperson & Jon Schmunk as Board Secretary.  2021 Rate Reviews  The Board reviewed the 2021 rates. Scott reminded the Board that these rates have already been submitted & approved by the City Manager. He mentioned that Dawn prepared a rate comparison to other courses in the area. Scott Highlighted key items and sent the data to the board for review. 7. ROUNDS REPORT/FINANCIAL UPDATE The Board reviewed the March rounds report. Scott mentioned that Collindale allowed pre- paid league rounds again this year, which is why the report is showing more rounds for them in February & March. Scott explained that the negative interest reflects unrealized BOARD NAME TYPE OF MEETING – (REGULAR) 03/10/21 – MINUTES Page 8  loss on investments. Accounting determined interest earnings/loss. $23,000 timing of GERP Supplemental payment, $14,000 pay out retired employees vacation time in 2020 & $9,000 vacancy savings. He mentioned that the Collindale Pro contract payment posted twice, but this will be corrected in March. Scott also stated that Annual Pass sales are up from this time last year. He said we are all hoping for a strong 2021 season. 8. OTHER BUSINESS Michael asked if the new system would allow for us to charge a head of time. He said this might help with no shows. Scott stated that the new system likely has these capabilities, however we also must follow the city’s guidelines. Jon mentioned that this is an issue at City Park Nine. Scott said it’s an issue at all three courses. He informed the Board that it is also a difficult process for golfers to cancel their on-line tee times. We are hoping that the new system will make this process easier. Ross suggested charging a $2.00 booking fee. He mentioned that the ski industry only allows people 1 no-show. James suggested that we investigate creating a waiting list & to send out notifications when a tee time is open. 9. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Kathy Meyer, seconded by James Penland, the Board adjourned at 8:40