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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGolf Board - Minutes - 05/20/2015Golf Board - Minutes Page 1 of 3 Call Meeting to Order: James Snyder called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Agenda Review & Items of Note: There were no changes to the Agenda or Items of note. Citizen Participation: No Citizen Participation. Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Kevin Gallagher, seconded by James Penland, the Board unanimously (5:0) approved the Minutes of the March 4, 2015 meeting. Meeting Summary Review of Bylaws with Cyril Vidergar Cyril informed the Board that City Council adopted a Resolution addressing the Rules of Order. He explained that these rules follow Robert’s Rules of Order. Cyril suggested the Golf Board update their Bylaws to include Article IX – Rules of Order. J.R. mentioned the Golf Board has had an issue with maintaining a quorum so we feel it would be in our best interest to amend Article VI – Meeting; Section 4 to state: A quorum of the Golf Board shall consist of a majority of voting members rather than the number of board members. He also pointed out that Article II – Purpose and Function; Section 1 of the Bylaws still references Cultural, Library, and Recreational Services (CLRS) Director and this has since been changed to Community Services Director. Cyril agreed with the additional amendments. James Snyder asked Cyril to explain the Golf Board’s function. He explained that the Golf Board shall act as an Advisory Board and briefly reviewed Article II – Purpose and Function of the Bylaws. James stated that he is concerned that staff doesn’t take into consideration the Golf Board’s suggestions, with regards specifically to Article II – Purpose and Functions; Section 2. Cyril explained that it’s the Golf Board’s purpose and function is to make recommendations regarding agreements as well as maintenance of the courses and it is staff’s responsibility to take these suggestions into consideration. However; staff has the authority to make the final decision. Jason stated that he understands there could be a conflict of interest with regards to agreements due to the possibility of Board Members being friends with said applicants, but he feels it would be beneficial if the Board were more involved in the process. Ann said the way she understands it is that the Golf Board is an advisory board, not a governing board. Cyril stated that Ann was correct. He explained that there are Boards who are more involved in decision making, like the Energy Board. James Snyder stated that the Board is allowed to give input, but not allowed with the development. He mentioned that the Board wasn’t included in the process of determining the list of Capital Projects. Cyril asked how the list was determined and J.R. explained that the Superintendents were given the opportunity to put together a list of their course needs. The Director of Community Services, Director of Parks, Manager of Parks, Parks Supervisors and the Parks Finance Supervisor then met to review the list and available funds and then Golf Board Regular Meeting Wednesday, May 20, 2015 7:00 p.m. Board Vice Chair: James Snyder Council Liaison: Gino Campana Staff Liaisons: J.R. Schnelzer, 970-221-6301 – jrschnelzer@fcgov.com Dawn Worth, 970-416-2265 – dworth@fcgov.com Golf Board - Minutes Page 2 of 3 determined a final list of projects. J.R. stated that the final list was reviewed with staff and then the Golf Board. Cyril said with this in mind, the Board served its function. Jason stated that the members have an advisory role without any decision making. J.R. explained that staff does take the Board’s suggestions into consideration and though it’s not a guarantee that we will go with their suggestions, it doesn’t mean that we do not value their opinions. Cyril stated that this process is within the guidelines; however if at any time the Board feels they’re not being utilized in the way they should be they are welcome to contact their Council Liaison. J.R. informed the Board their new Council Liaison is Gino Campana. They Board agreed that they should extend an invitation for Gino to attend a meeting. On a motion by James Penland, seconded by Jason Patello, the Board voted (5:0) to make the recommended amendments to Article IX – Rules of Order, Article II – Purpose and Functions; Section 1 and Article VI – Meeting; Section 4 of Golf Board Bylaws. Round Table with the Golf Course Superintendents James Snyder suggested we hold the Round Table discussion prior to updates. Jim Higgins, City Park Nine Superintendent, introduced himself and gave a brief overview of his background and experience. He mentioned that after graduation he decided to pursue a career in golf course maintenance. Jim was promoted to Superintendent in 2006. He reviewed the upcoming projects at City Park Nine with the Board. He said Sheldon Lake has enough water for the season. Jim said they are going to move the tee box on #7 forward. He explained that this is currently in the flood plain so moving it requires a permit. He stated that staff reviewed last year’s survey results and determined which projects could be completed this season. Ann asked if #8 is out of bounds and Jim said to the best of his knowledge it is not out of bounds, but he will take a look at it to assure that this is the case. He said they continue to struggle with the old irrigation system and hope to have that issue resolved in the near future, but until then they are doing the best they can with what they’ve got. Jim mentioned they have upgraded the control system sensors. James Snyder suggested they add more netting at the course. Jim said the course came out of winter well. Kevin mentioned the importance of addressing the issues that are apparent to the golfers. He also mentioned being on the course prior to a tournament and noticed it wasn’t mowed. Jim said he will have to discuss this with Doug Perry, Golf Professional at City Park Nine, to determine when that would have taken place. He thanked to Board for their time. Randy Bonneville, SouthRidge Superintendent, informed the Board that he has been at SouthRidge since 1983. He said he and his staff take great pride in the course. He stated that like City Park Nine, SouthRidge desperately needs an updated irrigation system so if you see a wet area it is likely because of a glue failure. Randy mentioned that staff spends a great deal of time making repairs to the current system. He reminded the Board that the water quality as SouthRidge is very poor. Randy stated that we need to repair cart paths and could use restrooms on the course. Kevin stated that this is exactly why it is necessary for us to have our Council Liaison present at a meeting, so he can have a better understanding of our needs. Randy said with the number of rounds SouthRidge has a year the course takes a beating. Kevin thanked Randy and his staff for their course etiquette. He said he appreciates it when staff stops weed-whipping when you’re getting ready to tee off. Randy said we try to get out a head of the players, but sometimes it doesn’t work that way so we feel it’s important to be respectful to the players. Randy explained that they have a good relationship with the homeowners around SouthRidge so they are able to typically get on the course earlier. Kevin stated that the course feels vibrant. Randy then thanked to Board for their time. Doug Evans, Collindale Superintendent, introduced himself and mentioned he has worked at Collindale since the beginning, helping to install the irrigation system. Once Doug moved back to Fort Collins in 1976 he started working at Collindale. He reiterated the importance of both City Park Nine and SouthRidge having a properly operating irrigation system and said he feels lucky not to have the issues they do. He mentioned that Collindale Golf Board - Minutes Page 3 of 3 doesn’t have a lot of large needs. Doug said they are fortunate to have a good water source, it’s a bit expensive, but a good source. Doug said they made #3, 10, 5 and 9 forward tees. He reminded the Board that a shelter was vandalized and with the insurance funds we were able to rebuild that shelter. Doug mentioned that sometimes it’s difficult to work within the seasonal budget, but we do our best. He stated that his Seasonal employee budget is $80,000 and at The Olde Course theirs is $120,000. Kevin asked if seasonal employees get a cost of living raise. J.R. explained that we have to work within our budget since we are an Enterprise Fund. Doug thanked the Board for their time. Capital Projects Mike explained that we have a Contingency Fund of $100,000 and the Cleanup Ordinance is $94,000. He said we understand that there are competing needs at each course and we are doing the best we can to meet these needs. He then reviewed the list of Capital Projects. Ann mentioned that the majority of these items are items the public will never see. She suggested that staff take a look at items that will mean something to the public. Mike said he understands her concern and staff is doing the best with what we’ve got. Ann stated that it’s important to have the right mix. Doug said that staff tries to address all areas of need, but sometimes it’s difficult to do so with the available funds. Smoking Ordinance Update J.R. informed the Board that the Smoking Ordinance goes into effect on September 1, 2015. He said we are still working through all of the details, but he will keep the Board informed. Other Business J.R. informed the Board that he will be retiring in September and he has enjoyed working with the Board. Financials J.R. said we were ahead 23% from last year. Hopefully we won’t have much rain through May. Board Member and Staff Comments Mike informed the Board that as a little project, we have bee hives at both City Park Nine and SouthRidge. Adjournment: On a motion by James Penland, seconded by Kevin Gallagher, the Board adjourned at 9:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, Dawn Worth Administrative Assistance, Golf Division Board Attendance Board Members: Ann Cross, Jason Patello, James Penland, Kevin Gallagher, James Snyder Staff: Randy Bonneville, Mike Calhoon, Doug Evans, Jim Higgins, J.R. Schnelzer, Cyril Vidergar, Dawn Worth