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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGolf Board - Minutes - 03/01/1995n LJ F--I LA CITY OF FORT COLLINS CULTURAL, LIBRARY, AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES GOLF BOARD CITY COUNCIL LIAISON TO THE BOARD: Councilman Bob McCluskey, Jr. STAFF SUPPORT TO THE BOARD: Jerry P. Brown, Assistant to the Director/CLRS; and Alyce Nierman, Golf Division Secretary. MINUTES: Regular Meeting of March 1, 1995 The meeting was called to order at the SouthRidge Golf Course Clubhouse at 7:00 p.m. by Golf Board President Henry Fry. Cindy Roper called to say she would be unable to attend tonight's meeting. AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes to the printed agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was moved by Tom DeGrand and seconded by Mindy Markley to approve the Golf Board minutes of February 15, 1995 as presented. The motion passed (8:0). CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Louis Scharf presented additional information to the Board. He explained the chart that was presented and pointed out the second part which shows the break even rounds needed for the different types of pass holders (based on 18-hole rounds). There were no questions or comments by Board members. Henry Fry thanked Mr. Scharf for being present tonight and supplying the Board with additional data. Gary Hall came to the Board meeting tonight mostly to see the new face of the SouthRidge clubhouse. He has golfed in Fort Collins many years and SouthRidge is now his home course. Further, he was disturbed after reading the recent stories in the paper of what happened at the last Board meeting and felt he should attend this meeting. Overall the Golf Board does a good job, even if he does take some exceptions to decisions made. Mr. Hall was disappointed with the citizen attendance tonight. If he had attended the last Golf Board meeting he would have stated that he would not get an annual pass as there is such a variety of courses to choose from in this area, and that people who choose to purchase passes have a wonderful deal. In conclusion Mr: Hall thinks the Golf Board does a good job. He would like to see a way to encourage more citizen participation at all Golf Board meetings, not just when there is a controversy. REVIEW OF REVISED GOLF BOARD BYLAWS This topic was scheduled tonight as it was originally postponed from the February 15 Board meeting. The last time this topic was Golf Board Minutes March 1, 1995 Page 2 dealt with was in 1977. There have been piecemeal revisions over the years, such as the election of officers and the number of members serving on the Golf Board, however no overall changes or approvals have been done. The functions of the Golf Board were revised and approved by City Council last fall. The document prepared for the Board is staff's attempt at a set of by-laws, however, these have not been reviewed by the City Attorney nor the City Clerk. Other Board by-laws were used as examples to piece together this draft copy of the Golf Board by-laws. Each paragraph article was reviewed by staff. After review it was asked if the Board felt Article V, referencing "Committees", should be included in the by-laws or does it appear to be superfluous? In addition there is no definition of reasons attendance at Golf Board meetings is "not approved". The Board may wish to review the reasons or set down specifics. The "old" by-laws were attached for comparison. Mary Hodge observed that Article IV "Objectives of Board" in the existing by-laws has 7 items listed. Jerry stated that the old Fort Collins Golf Association needed some guidance; but the list is not seen as necessary now that we are operational. Mary agreed that if the Golf Board continues with the 5, 8, and 10 year plans there would be no need to have guidelines written down. If there are established long term goals, and issues are brought before the Board for discussion and decisions, a need for Article IV is not seen. Jerry stated that a lot of this information may be included in the policies and procedures manual. When the Golf Board was first established, getting memberships was deemed as important. Since the 1980's the popularity of golf has increased tremendously. Mary suggested having Golf Board goals printed on one page to be given to newly appointed Board members. This thought was supported by Mindy Markley, as when she was appointed to the Board she read the recent minutes to get an idea on the direction the Golf Board was going. Jerry feels a good place for listing the objectives of the Golf Board would be in the operations manual. Henry Fry stated it may be more important to have this in the by-laws for new Board members rather than in the day-to-day operations manual for employees. Henry speculated that a statement of purpose (mission statement) be included each year with the work plan. Frank Blanco questioned where the operation of the driving ranges would be placed? It was clarified that some items can be defined in the golf pros' contracts. However, as private vendors, the golf pros set all fees for the driving range, pull carts, and club repair, etc. Staff can question the fees established, but the final decision rests with golf pros. As the contracts will be renewable on an annual basis, fees can come under more scrutiny at that time. It is planned to take the recommended changes next to the City Attorney and City Clerk for their review. It is then planned to have the final draft back to the Golf Board at their Golf Board Minutes March 1, 1995 Page 3 April meeting to consider adoption. PRESENTATION AND TOUR OF SOUTHRIDGE RESTAURANT/SNACK BAR Mary Hodge commented that coming in here tonight was very refreshing. She is very excited for the people at SouthRidge and the changes taking place. Derek Cordova then addressed the Board and citizens present, giving them a brief outline of his involvement in the food and beverage industry, and his long time connections with the golf courses in Fort Collins. In 1994,there were quite a few problems with the Health Department, but during an inspection last week, the inspector couldn't believe the changes made toward improvement. In looking at the whole golf experience, food and beverage is an important part of the full picture. Derek spoke extensively regarding his management philosophy and the goals he has established. Dan Bruntz and Kelly McIntyre were introduced as Derek's partner and manager, respectively, and they will be an important part of the success of SouthRidge. In 1994 there were spot checks on liquor sales to minors conducted at all three courses. SouthRidge received a violation, and now it is being stressed to all employees that ID's will be checked and employees go through training and have a manual that deals with the types of ID's that can be taken. The only alcohol sold and allowed on the course is 3.2 beer; hard drinks will be allowed only in the bar. The SouthRidge restaurant and snack bar contract expires December 31, 1995, and Derek and Dan are taking a big chance by incorporating all these changes and remodeling the restaurant at this time. In addition, Derek and Dan made a tough management decision and hired new staff members as they wanted to train them from the beginning. The employees will have uniforms and are taught that people at SouthRidge are not just customers, they are guests. The golfer will always be the first priority. Derek and Dan then took everyone on a tour through the kitchen facilities. OTHER BUSINESS -- Tuesday, March 7, City Council will be deciding on an agenda item regarding extension of the golf pro agreement for SouthRidge. A copy of a confidential memo from the City Attorney was distributed tonight to the Golf Board. Council appears to be satisfied with the proposal. Tom DeGrand, in trying to learn more about the RFP process, asked what some of the differences are between the pro contracts at our courses? Jerry stated that each vendor makes different bids depending on what cash they expect to earn, but the scope of services is essentially the same. -- Henry Fry asked to talk about the junior golf marketing Golf Board Minutes March 1, 1995 Page 4 proposal. Jerry stated that Parks and Recreation Public Relations Coordinator Dave Warner came up with a package to be presented to the Golf Board for review. The golf pros have not yet seen this proposal as it has just been put together. As we are just starting this process, a decision by the Board is not needed at this time. Henry.asked Derek about the age market at SouthRidge and programs being offered? Derek stated the age marketed is 6 to 15, which usually equates to 9th grade and under. Most high school students have more individualized programs offered. Henry wondered if high school newspapers would really be the best choice to spend money as stated in the proposal. Mary Hodge is not quite sure where senior high kids would get their information if it is not sent to the high schools. Henry thinks we should establish our target market at the junior high level or younger. Derek thought we might be able to put together a package on intramural level activities. The opportunity to compete brings more interest. Henry suggested the possibility of the Golf Division promoting junior golf by matching the expense of the golf pros at the different courses. This would allow them to expand what they offer. Derek commented that he is receiving more calls regarding junior golf and that there appears to be more interest in the community. Henry added that if we reach some of the parents, they in turn may direct their children. Tom DeGrand asked Derek if there was some type of pattern developing in golf play? Derek replied that golf is more popular and people are viewing this as a family activity. As to the proposal presented by Dave Warner, Derek would like to have a chance to review it and come back at a later date to the Board after he has had a chance to meet with Jim Greer and Joe Nance to discuss their recommendations. -- Mary Hodge asked about the status of the development of the community park on the east side of Lemay Avenue, and the possible expansion of SouthRidge by two holes? Jerry reported that we are pretty much stuck with what is currently set up. We have been trying to find land that could be used for expansion of the course, but have had no luck so far. -- Mary asked about the status of the computerized tee time reservation system? Jerry replied that Board discussion on this topic is scheduled for the fall of this year. -- Mindy Markley asked about ADA and where we stand? Jerry stated that we are getting closer. Henry urges that we get things going on the Collindale Clubhouse restrooms to be ready by April 1. .Jerry stated that schedules are set by the City Facilities Department, and the $25,000 budgeted will probably be used in full. A set of proposed plans can be found at the E \, Golf Board Minutes March 1, 1995 Page 5 Collindale Pro Shop. -- Henry had a chat regarding City Dialogue with Steve Vandermeer and found there is another round of open discussions planned for citizen input. It is felt that the more times the need for a fourth golf course is expressed will benefit golf in the community. BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF COMMENTS/REPORTS -- Jerry has all the annual reports from other City Boards and Commissions. If Golf Board members have an interest in seeing these reports, they are available for checking out. -- The City Clerk is requesting that informationbe shared regarding the April 4 mail ballot election. There will be no precinct polling places; this will be a total mail in election. A video is planned for showing on Channel 27. -- Frank Blanco expressed his displeasure of the Coloradoan article by Sean Duff on February 18th. In particular he felt it was wrong to state that Mr. Scharf and annual pass holders that didn't like the fees in Fort Collins should go somewhere else to golf. -- Mary Hodge sometimes feels the Golf Board needs to hold meetings just for business, in addition to other meetings to discuss various non -business issues. Further, Mary remembered that Henry had the idea of holding a meeting where citizens can present the Board with their ideas. This would help to address the comments that the Board doesn't listen. -- Henry observed that today is the first day that 1995 Annual Pass fees are in place. This past few weeks have been very difficult. We have learned things and will be viewing things from a different perspective when discussing and setting 1996 fees and charges. Mr. Scharf has taken the time to give us additional feedback. However, at this time Henry would like to bring a little closure to the fee issue and get on with other 1995 business. Jerry and Frank Blanco have had several conversations with Frank suggesting that committee reports be submitted by August or September 1. In addition, it was suggested that there could be two or three Golf Board meetings during that time frame to discuss the reports and get additional input from citizens. The opportunity window for these discussion runs from the end of August to the middle of October. The Board may have to spend a little more time with meetings, forums, open houses, etc. Finally, Mayor Ann Azari wrote a memo that requested the Finance Department staff be r1 r� Golf Board Minutes March 1, 1995 Page 6 assigned to review the Golf fee numbers submitted. Finance Director Alan Krcmarik will start this process as soon as possible, and copies of the report findings will be distributed. Addresses of Golf Board members were given to Mr. Krcmarik, who may be contacting them during the review process. It was felt that at this point, we should proceed with 1995 and have more discussion and review regarding the 1996 fees and charges. -- The Collindale pump system bids came in on target. We are still working with the same time table. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Alyce Nierman, Secretary III Golf Division Meeting Attendance BOARD MEMBERS STAFF GUESTS Henry Fry Frank Blanco Tom DeGrand Mary Hodge Armon Johannsen Mindy Markley David Shands Tom White Jerry P. Brown Randy Bonneville Derek Cordova Dan Bruntz Alyce Nierman Kelly McIntyre Louis Scharf Alvin M. Pettine Gary Hall