HomeMy WebLinkAboutGolf Board - Minutes - 01/17/1990CITY OF FORT COLLINS
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
GOLF BOARD
MINUTES: Regular Meeting - January 17, 1990
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by President Roger Sample. All
Board members were in attendance. Also attending were Assistant Mayor Chuck
Mabry and Michael Powers, Director of Cultural, Library, and Recreational
Services.
Agenda Review: No changes to the printed agenda.
Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of December 13, 1989, were approved
unanimously, as submitted, on a motion by Iry Wilson, seconded by Cathy Fromme.
(Alternate Member Al Bednarz voted on the minutes, after which Terry Gilmore
arrived and Al became a non -voting member).
Citizen Participation:
Several citizens attended and asked questions concerning golf fees and
SouthRidge. Jim Willging is concerned about fees for senior citizens as being
too high and about what might happen. Al Fendler asked when new fees would be
considered, and Roger Sample responded 1991, also noting that 1990 fees were
raised a small 'inflationary' amount. Jerry P. Brown explained the fees. Jim
Willging then asked where he should voice his concerns. Jerry said here with
the Golf Board or with City Council. Mr. Willging said he has surveyed other
golf courses for their fees, and Boulder Flatiron only charges seniors $100 per
year plus $1.00 per 9-holes of play. He said the evidence shows Fort Collins
is high for seniors. Dick Zubradt noted that one difference that might justify
higher rates is that Fort Collins golf is not subsidized, but is self-supporting.
Don Wilkerson asked if funds raised by golf fees stay in golf operations. Jerry
said yes and briefly explained the Enterprise Fund. Roger Sample suggested that
citizen input may best be directed to the Golf Fee Structure Committee (next
meeting on Tuesday, January 23, at 6:30 p.m.) Al Fendler asked about SouthRidge
and how are its fees established. Jerry briefly explained. Cathy Fromme then
asked Jim Willging what he thought a fair price for seniors would be? He said
he didn't know. George Stager then asked about what could be done about
SouthRidge fees? Jerry explained the historical approval process, and that the
Golf Board was becoming more involved than in the past. Don Wilkerson said if
SouthRidge is in default, the City should take a more active involvement. Dick
Zubradt indicated that the parameter with regard to setting SouthRidge fees is
governed by contract that says the base rate must be within 15 percent of
Collindale. President Sample then thanked all those present for their comments
and input.
Election of Officers for 1990
Golf Boald by-laws state that election of officers occurs at the January meeting.
Dan Preble nominated Roger Sample be re-elected Board President. Dick Zubradt
seconded,__dd Roger Sample was unanimously re-elected President. Cathy Fromme
nominated Dan Preble be re-elected Vice President. Terry Gilmore seconded and
Dan Preble was unanimously re-elected Vice President. Dan Preble then nominated
Golf Board Minutes
January 17, 1990
Page Two
Steve Jouard be re-elected Board Secretary. Terry Gilmore seconded, and Steve
Jouard was unanimously re-elected Board Secretary.
Discussion with Councilman Mabry
Mike Powers began the discussion with an overview of the Golf Board's position
in the City organization. The City Council appointed a City Manager, and the
City Manager selects a Director of Cultural; Library, and Recreational Services.
Golf is a division of the CLRS Service Area. The City Manager is in charge of
day-to-day operations, and City Council is the policy making body. Council has
established many boards and commissions, some being autonomous, some quasi -
autonomous, and the majority of which are advisory. The advisory boards utilize
the expertise of citizens. Staff provides information and support for the
Boards.
Chuck Mabry said that the typical system described by Mike Powers works well.
There has been some difficulty when staff and advisory boards may differ in terms
of direction. Staff is to provide support to boards to facilitate its function
and provide a focus. Staff acts as a funnel to pass on Council's concerns about
various matters. Cathy Fromme asked Chuck what Council wants the Golf Board to
do with SouthRidge. Chuck says Council wants the Board to be involved in
addressing the problem. Chuck further explained the background of the SouthRidge
problem and the issues involved with the financing. Chuck noted that a
management contract is in effect and the course is being operated pursuant to
the contract. He said he doesn't have all the answers to this very difficult
issue.
Cathy then asked if golfers will be asked to pick-up the $300,000 to $350,000
per year subsidy to SouthRidge debt from the General Fund? Chuck does not know
that answer at this time, but some Council members are thinking about that.
Terry Gilmore asked about future golf courses and if the Golf Board should be
involved? Chuck said the Board should be involved in both the operation of
courses and the need for future courses. Al Bednarz asked what Council's
perception is about whether the City should run the golf courses. Chuck said
Council is looking at privatization issue in almost every aspect, but not
specifically about golf. After a fees question from Don Wilkerson, Chuck talked
about the balance of the general rule that golf should pay its own way. There
was some discussion about Recreation budgets being subsidized by the General
Fund.
There were no further questions and the Board took a brief break while the
citizens and Councilman Mabry left the meeting.
Golf Pro Agreements
Jerry discussed the changes that were made to the agreements for Bill Metier and
Jim Greer for 1990, changing from an employment contract format back to an
independent contractor format. The 'original' agreement meets the spirit of the
City Code provisions. Golf Pro Agreements Committee Members Dan Preble and Steve
Jouard shared their opinions. Steve feels that the independent contractor
Golf Board Minutes
January 17, 1990
Page Three
agreements better address several concerns and provide clearer protection for
both parties. Jerry asked the Board to approve the new agreements, which include
all of the previously agreed to provisions for 1990. Dick Zubradt made a motion
for approval, subject to final City Attorney approval, seconded by Iry Wilson.
The vote was unanimous (7:0).
1989 Golf Board Annual Report
Staff previously distributed the annual report for Board members to review.
Terry Gilmore made a motion, seconded by Dick Zubradt, to approve the 1989 Golf
Board Annual Report. The vote was unanimous (7:0).
Other Business
- Al Bednarz wants it understood that the Fee Structure Committee won't be
looking at SouthRidge fees or expenses.
- Terry Gilmore and Roger Sample said they recently met with City Controller
Dave Agee to discuss the upcoming SouthRidge audit. Roger expanded on the
nature of the audit. Terry had concerns about the expense of an audit, which
could be done by either City staff or a private firm.
- Cathy Fromme said she is recruiting coaches for Special Olympics track and
field.
- Jerry discussed the Board members' attendance report for 1989, the Capital
Improvements Committee, and Statistical and Financial reports.
Iry Wilson made a motion to adjourn at 9:20 p.m., seconded by Dick Zubradt.
Passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Jouard, Board Secretary
Meeting Attendance
Board Members Staff Guests
Roger Sample
Dan Preble
Steve Jouard
Al Bednarz
Cathy Fromme
Terry Gilmore
Iry Wilson
Dick Zubradt
Jerry P. Brown
Mike Powers
Jim Greer
Joe Nance
Councilman Chuck Mabry
Jim Willging
Al Fendler
Chris Fendler
Don Wilkerson
Fran Howard
George Stager
Henry Fry