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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGolf Board - Minutes - 01/18/1995CITY 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 January 18, 1995 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Board President Henry Fry. Armon Johannsen had called to say he 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 Cindy Roper that the minutes of the regular meeting of the Golf Board of November 16, 1994 be approved as submitted. The motion was approved (8:0). CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: There was no citizen participation. DISCUSSION: JUNIOR GOLF ISSUES Henry Fry commented that Junior Golf is a thorny issue. We want to introduce kids to the game of golf and we need to find out how to accomplish this. Our three golf pros are in attendance to share Junior Golfer programs offered through their pro shop. Jim Greer started by saying that Junior Golf at City Park Nine is more like a Junior instruction program. The PGA is always encouraging the promotion of Junior Golf as a number one priority. The average rate for lessons is $25 and Jim offers a 601 discount to Junior Golfers. Juniors are told that anytime they need help our services will be offered at no charge. Jim also instructs any assistants that he hires to promote Junior Golf. It was further noted that greens fees are waived for the Junior PGA golf tournament, and there is also a city-wide Junior tournament that is held at all three courses where greens fees are significantly reduced. Around 65 kids participated in the most recent tournament. In addition, Jim always hires kids to pick up balls on the driving range. For most kids it was their first job and their first pay check. His major contribution is spending time and talking with Junior Golfers when they come out to the course. Derek Cordova stated that Jim brought up some good points, and reflected that he and Kathy Hodge are products of Jim's efforts. The SouthRidge audience is a little different and different things are offered. Derek feels the most important thing he can do is be active in the Junior program in the city. A list of the Junior Golf Board Minutes January 18, 1995 Page 2 programs offered at SouthRidge was distributed to each Board member. Kathy Hodge offers some programs just for girls, and this year some parent/child clinics are planned to work on the basics of golf. SouthRidge also offers beginning/intermediate sessions, Junior camps, and a professional will play 9 holes with the kids; try to make sure every kid receives something. SouthRidge is the first course to set up Junior tees. In 1995 a discount will be offered to Juniors for range balls, and June through August we will offer Junior range days where they can hit range balls for half price. David Shands asked if these programs are offered in other cities or do we offer more? Derek responded that the Junior Golf programs in Fort Collins are pretty aggressive. Frank Blanco observed that a good Junior program will show up when the kids get to high school; and it definitely shows in the championship Fort Collins high school teams. Mindy Markley has researched Colorado and other states, and found that Fort Collins offers a lot better programs than other areas. Junior Golf was also discussed with people here in town and the feeling is that our pros do a very good job in offering Junior programs. Joe Nance distributed a summary of programs offered at Collindale for Junior Golfers. The two other pros mentioned a lot of ideas that Joe tries. Instruction is very important at Collindale. When Joe first started at Collindale there was around 60 Junior Golfers and this figure has increased to approximately 300 Juniors participating during the season. Joe offers golf lessons in a series, with golfers grouped first by age or ability. Maximum group size is set at an 8-1 ratio. We are trying a competitive format for Northern Colorado Junior Golf. Collindale, as well as SouthRidge, has a team. Junior Golfers qualify and then travel to other courses for competitive play. A substantial discount is offered to Juniors for private lessons. In addition, Joe works with GK Gymnastics as they have a pretty strong program for youngsters in the summer. Younger age groups are also accommodated by having different day care participants bringing kids to the course for a day to expose these kids to golf. Supervisors come from the day care facility. The Colorado State Golf Association is quick to recognize Fort Collins as being very supportive of Junior Golf and appreciate the level of participation in this area. Collindale works with high school and Junior high teams providing tee times and qualification times for teams and coaches, and we try to accommodate regional tournaments. It was stated that all three of the golf pros are independent contractors and not employees of the City of Fort Collins. Each of these individuals provide different Junior programs depending on their course and the facilities available. The pro is allowed leeway in providing programs suitable for their course. In addition the 50% discount for Junior passes was kept in setting 1995 annual pass fees. The City also does not turn away kids for Golf Board Minutes January 18, 1995 Page 3 lack of money. Several local businesses have paid the fees for kids with no money. The three pros we have are very supportive of Junior Golf in Fort Collins. Part of reason for this presentation tonight is to make people aware of all the things that are currently being offered for Junior Golfers. Cindy Roper commented that she had no idea of the different Junior programs being offered. Maybe the only thing that needs to be done is to make what is offered a little more known. She was further surprised that there wasn't near as many programs offered outside the Fort Collins area and number of programs our golf pros offer compared to other areas. Henry Fry observed that it appears that we do a real good job for any Junior who expresses an interest in golf. Jerry said the important point made was our lack of publicity, and historically we have relied on the pros to take information to the press. Parks and Recreation has a publicity person who we will recruit to write press releases on the programs being offered. We also might consider purchasing advertising on our Junior programs and what is offered by the pros. Tom White asked if the courses were at capacity with the number of rounds played? Jim Greer stated City Park Nine could handle more, Joe Nance and Derek Cordova stated they are fairly busy, but they could accommodate more rounds. Henry asked Mindy if anyone had a handle on a outreach program to disadvantaged kids, those not thinking of golf as a sport they might want to try? Mindy replied that a lot of people she called were surprised by her question. Apparently Pueblo has the best outreach program in the state. Jim asked if any of the places Mindy checked had days or times set aside specifically for Junior Golf? Henry likes the fact that Juniors can book any time, any day at the Fort Collins courses. Jerry added that most outreach programs are in larger metro cities such as Chicago, Cincinnati, etc. In those cities there is more involvement by private business, transportation is provided to the courses, kids are recruited in the lower income parts of town, taught the game at a local center, then tee times were set (usually off hours), the kids were transported to the course, pros and staff provide lessons (paid by business), and clubs were available. Henry asked if we, as the Golf Board, are doing all we can to encourage Junior Golf in Fort Collins? Cindy was not sure about an answer to that question; but getting the word out to kids on what is available is a big part of that process. One thing that came to mind is getting into grade schools and junior highs to speak about golf and what is available. Also presentations at youth programs would help. Tom DeGrand wondered that since the PGA is always stressing Junior Golf, do they have suggested programs we could try i.e. outreach? Henry wondered if our current system has enough opportunities to cut a deal if a group of kids showed an interest Golf Board Minutes January 18, 1995 Page 4 in golf? It was responded that there is quite a bid of interest on behalf of the City to encourage youth activities. The hardest part would be the transportation to and from the courses. From Jerry's perspective, the Golf Fund is very interested in encouraging Junior Golf in Fort Collins through the fee structure. Citizen Stan Vyvial stated he was totally unaware of the Junior programs in Fort Collins as he has never seen anything promoting youth golf in this area. Jerry said that there have been a lot of news articles, and in addition, a column on golf is run every Saturday morning. Henry added that if kids are interested in a program, they tend to find what is available. Also kids usually get involved in Junior programs if there is previous interest in the household in respective sports. Jim feels the best way to get people to play golf is by encouraging play in tournaments: more tournaments = more play = being competitive. Henry added that when talking about encouragement of Junior Golf we can teach them and offer discounts, but when it comes to actually playing the game, someone has to pay. Tom White suggested that rather than giving a speech, we could place flyers in the schools, with a paragraph or two of information. Stan added that principals at the schools would be happy to give space. Henry suggested this may be an area we can get help from the Parks and Recreation publicity person. Jerry added that the department publishes a handbook that goes to the schools. The principals are made aware of the handbook and the physical education coaches encourage kids to look at golf. It was also suggested that the golf section in the Recreator be expanded. Mary Hodge observed that through the years if a Junior Golfer showed a great interest, the pros tried to supply a job for them so that they could pay for their golf games. She further feels the Golf Board is providing ample programs to encourage Junior Golf. Since Mary is one of the physical education instructors who is inundated by information, her advice is to keep it plain and clear, and promote it every spring. Mindy commented that Junior Golf in Fort Collins is pretty cheap at $5.00 for 9-holes in non -prime time. A person can't go to the movies for less, and golf is cost effective in comparison to other types of recreation. Henry's observation, after listening to tonight's discussion, is that we offer quite a few enhancements for Junior Golf including a reduction in fees and the knowledge that groups can receive further discounts. We may be just a little under publicized. Mary would be happy to sit down and figure out a flyer that can be distributed, and stated this brochure should be relative to what is available in the full city. Spring is the best time to publicize. Joe stated that Collindale printed a tri-fold brochure which they mail out when someone calls requesting general information. This flyer could possibly be changed a little to represent all three Golf Board Minutes January 18, 1995 Page 5 courses. Henry doesn't believe we can create the desire, but we can supply the information. Jerry would like the three golf pros to meet with the Recreation department's public relations staff to develop a program. With the idea in mind of tournaments, Henry wondered if we could have a Colorado Junior Tournament (possibly two age groups) every year in Fort Collins? Jerry felt this was a good idea, but it depends on revenue and cash flow. We say yes far more than we say no, and in recent years we have gone overboard. If the golf pro builds the tournament from the ground up, it takes a lot of time. The pros time is best used for assistance and advise on how to put a tournament together. Jim Greer commented that he had a good response on the $5 rate: a lot of parents brought their kids, a lot of kids came down on their own. Stan Vyvial relayed that the only thing kids say at the Youth Advisory Board meetings is "there's nothing to do in this town." We need to reach the kids that feel this way. The consensus of the Golf Board is we can get the word out, but we can't force someone to become interested in golf. This could be accomplished by a little more publicity on what is available for Junior Golfers in Fort Collins. RESOLUTION REGARDING AGREEMENTS WITH GOLF PROFESSIONALS Jerry did not get anything in writing to Board members on this item as discussed at the November meeting. It was originally thought bidding all three golf pro contracts at the same time would save a lot of work, so all three contracts are scheduled to expire December 31, 1995. It is now felt that a separation of the bid process for these three contracts would be better. The City Council does not have to approve this plan; however, what is being proposed does need a resolution by City Council because Derek Cordova's annual payment goes over $50,000 per year, and City Code states anything over $50,000 has to have City Council approval. There is agreement to the proposed plan by the City Purchasing Agent, the Interim City Manager, and the City Attorney feel this proposal is acceptable within the purchasing codes. Diane Jones would like to schedule presentation and discussion of this plan at the March 7 Council meeting. The next step is sending a message to City Council asking for their questions and concerns that can be addressed before the Council meeting. Documents will be delivered to the Golf Board before this is presented to City Council. Next, we need to decide which of the two contracts will be extended? Jerry needs to make a decision and really wants Golf Board input and advice. Staff has a strong preference for wanting to bid City Park Nine in 1995 as there have been two addendums to the existing contract which added janitorial services and the snack bar/liquor sales. Purchasing feels we need to have one package which states all the changes. Tom White commented that it appears Golf Board Minutes January 18, 1995 Page 6 for once the Golf Board is not faced with a problem. Jerry would like to have the Board's approval that the golf pro contracts would be bid as follows: City Park Nine in 1995; Collindale in 1996 and SouthRidge in 1997. Henry wanted to be sure it was clear in the contracts that the City reserves the right to retain, or negotiate retention of the golf pro. Cindy questioned when this process would start. Jerry added if the proposal is approved in March, specifications could be put together by June; bids received in August; and awards could be made in September. It was moved by Tom White that the Golf Board recommend approval of the plan to offer a one year extension of the golf pro contract for Collindale and extend the contract for the golf pro at SouthRidge by two years. This would set the expiration dates as follows: The City Park Nine contract would expire December 31, 1995; the Collindale contract would expire December 31, 1996; and the SouthRidge contract would expire December 31, 1997. This motion was seconded by Cindy Roper and approved unanimously by the Golf Board (8:0). 1994 GOLF BOARD ANNUAL REPORT A draft copy of the 1994 Annual Report was distributed to Golf Board members. The format was changed from previous years. Each issue was listed with the Board consensus and where we are headed. This final report approved by the Golf Board goes to City Council, and copies are sent to all City Boards and Commissions. Jerry has available copies of work plans from all the other boards and commissions. Cindy Roper stated that she would like to see something in the report that our golf pros are doing a great job and commend them for their efforts. Mary Hodge observed that our report just deals with the issues the Golf Board has faced and discussed. Jerry stated that the other boards have pretty much just dealt with the issues. Mary said she wouldn't mind breaking out of the stereotype of other commission's reports. Henry suggested adding a paragraph thanking the staff and pros for doing such a great job. Tom White agrees with the comments that Board issues are related with the activities of the pros and maintenance staff. What we do on the Board does influence what is done at the golf courses. It was moved by Tom DeGrand that the draft of the 1994 Golf Board Annual Report be approved with the addition of a paragraph thanking the golf professionals and staff. Mary Hodge seconded the motion which was approved unanimously (8:0). OTHER BUSINESS -- Frank Blanco requested an update on the status of the pump at Collindale. Doug Evans, superintendent, is working with the Golf Board Minutes January 18, 1995 Page 7 Purchasing Division in putting together the final specifications for the pump that will be sent out to bid. We will sub -contract pieces of this project with Doug acting as the contractor. Doug is planning to have the pump operational by May 15. -- Frank asked why, after a snow storm, some courses open for play and others do not? Shortly after a recent storm he played at Ptarmigan and saw they had shoveled the snow off their course. It was then speculated why this was not practiced in Fort Collins, since we have people on an annual salary who work all year. Maybe the snow could be shovelled off greens to allow for some extra play. Randy Bonneville stated that SouthRidge would not attempt to clear greens that have ice as the greens could be damaged. If the weather reports predict a cold snap we use guess judgement and try to look at the long range forecast. Frank asked who makes the final decision on whether a course opens? Jerry stated that the superintendent at each course has the call at their course. He added that he has the choice to override. we have, however, chosen to follow the decision of the superintendent. -- Henry asked about the status on updating the Golf Division Operation and Policy Manual. Jerry responded this is still in the works and his hope is to have it completed this year. -- Henry stated that the City of Fort Collins is in the process of holding open meetings called "City Dialogue". These meetings are public meetings to get citizen input on their perception of Fort Collins' future. It seems that we, as Golf Board members, should be waving a flag that we will be needing another golf course in five or ten years. David Shands is participating on the Master Plan Committee for Parks and Recreation. This is different from City Dialogue. It would seem that letters could be addressed to the people running this program, or one letter on behalf of the Golf Board referencing the issue of golf. It was also suggested that we encourage our acquaintances to attend this opportunity for public input. Jerry stated that "City Dialogue" is strongly supported by City Council. -- At this point Henry brought up his idea of a committee to look down the road at the future of golf in Fort Collins. He is asking for guidance on how to select people to serve on this panel. At this point Henry doesn't know how many meetings this would entail or how often they would meet. It was suggested that Mark Crabtree from CSU would participate on this committee. Bob McCluskey might be a good candidate for this group, and possibly someone from the Golf Board. Henry would Golf Board Minutes January 18, 1995 Page 8 like a little input from the Board, and asked if one of the golf pros would like to participate. Cindy Roper agreed to participate with Henry on this committee. David Shands suggested contacting the men's and women's associations at the courses. Also to get seniors and others to participate, maybe a notice could be posted at the clubhouses requesting volunteers. Henry would like to have this committee up and running within three months. BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF COMMENTS/REPORTS -- Jim Greer announced that VISA and Master Card will be fully accepted at all courses in 1995. An agreement was finally reached with the bank. -- Cindy, referencing the letters that have been received regarding fees and charges, expressed her appreciation to Jerry for the work he has put in answering these letters and the way they have been answered. It was added by Mary that we can't force somebody to change their concept and how these are viewed. Henry commented that it boils down to the golf fund not getting enough money to pay for the services provided. Jerry stated the worst case scenario would be annual pass holders paying $2.00 more per round. -- David Shands would like to see the punch cards be valid for the same time period as an annual pass; March through February. -- Tom White thanked the pros for coming tonight and sharing information on Junior Golf and the programs they offer. He was not aware of all the things pros offer. Tom DeGrand seconded the thanks as he also was not aware of everything offered for Junior Golfers. Mindy Markley further complimented the pros. -- Referring to one of the letters that was received by staff, Mary Hodge is not sure what was their purpose for writing; they think the Golf Board has no purpose. In addition Mary expressed her disappointment that golfers think we can run the golf courses without funds, and is sorry that groups think the Golf Board doesn't listen to them. The Golf Board entered into a discussion on how we can deal with and communicate with the people dissenting the fee structure. David Shands observed that people probably feel they are not brought into the decision process soon enough. Tom White stated the only way would be their attendance at every meeting. Jerry stated that staff doesn't get the opportunity to finalize preparing the fees until around August. The City Council receives the City budget on September 1 (date is set by the City Charter). Tom asked if the public has access to the Golf Golf Board Minutes January 18, 1995 Page 9 Board minutes? Jerry responded that the City Clerk's office has copies, and they can also get copies through Jerry. Mary wondered if a citizen open night for input to the Golf Board could prevent this happening every year? Cindy observed that most people come with one thing in mind - they don't want to pay more money and it doesn't matter that the Golf Fund needs more money to operate. The Board agreed and consensus was golfers want the other guy to pay, not me. These people also seem to be the first to complain about the course conditions. Mindy added that Board members are also public golfers and we don't like to see our fees go up either. She views her role as a Golf Board member to bring ideas presented to her up for discussion by the Board and staff. Tom DeGrand added that most people don't see us as golfers. We are the "Golf Board" and not part of the general public. Frank felt if the public was involved from the start, we could respond to criticism by stating these people were at or invited to the meetings when this topic was first discussed. Jerry suggested starting with a public meeting in June, stating that specific fees can't be decided until September or October. After the fee structure is in place, then we could discuss fees. Jim Greer reminded the Golf Board members that they should realize it is a very small percentage of people who are upset with the fee structure. Most of our golfers know what a great deal they have. However, Tom DeGrand stated it wouldn't hurt to take that extra step. -- Jerry distributed the entire expenditure print-out for 1994 to the Board. The bottom line in revenue ended $57,000 more than what we expected; the expenditure side has a $39,000 balance. This means the Golf Fund will carry approximately $100,000 in reserves which will give us more flexibility when establishing fees and charges for 1996. -- 1994 was nearly a record year for play at both Collindale and SouthRidge. City Park Nine, however, remained down. We may plan some promotions at City Park Nine to bring up the number of rounds played in 1995. Frank wondered why we charge the same fee at City Park Nine, a 9-hole course, that we charge at our 18-hole courses? -- The revenue from golf car rentals exceeded all projections and records; not just in Fort Collins, but this appears to be a trend across the country. The bids for purchasing golf cars in 1995 for Collindale will be opened on January 20. It is planned to purchase 15 cars, and lease an additional 10 cars each for Collindale and SouthRidge. Tom White moved that the meeting be adjourned and Cindy Roper Golf Board Minutes January 18, 1995 Page 10 seconded the motion. adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Meeting Attendance Motion Approved (8:0) and the meeting Respectfully submitted, Alyce Nierman, Secretary III Golf Division BOARD MEMBERS STAFF GUESTS Henry Fry Frank Blanco Tom DeGrand Mary Hodge Mindy Markley Cindy Roper David Shands Tom White Jerry P. Brown Randy Bonneville Derek Cordova Jim Greer Joe Nance Alyce Nierman Sean Duff Charlie Musgrave Jon Stimac Stan Vyvial