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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGolf Board - Minutes - 05/21/1997i CITY OF FORT COLLINS CULTURAL, LIBRARY, AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES GOLF BOARD MINUTES: Regular Meeting of May 21, 1997 CITY COUNCIL LIAISON TO THE BOARD: Councilman Bill Bertschy. STAFF SUPPORT TO THE BOARD: Jerry P. Brown, Manager of Golf and Alyce Nierman, Golf Division Administrative Aide. BOARD CHAIRPERSON: Mindy Markley at 224-9102 (w) or 226-2700 (h) FALL MEETING TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairperson Mindy Markley. AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes to the printed agenda. ITEMS OF NOTE: Jerry P. Brown reported that he spent last Friday at a design -build seminar. It appears that the Collindale Clubhouse maybe a good project for this type of program, and this program fits with the suggestion made at a previous Board meeting by Mike Sanders. Jerry noted that the City may start next year with the first design -build ... Last night City Council unanimously passed on first reading an ordinance amending the City Liquor Code that affects the SouthRidge concession. The second reading will be presented for a vote on June 3 and if it is approved, the ordinance becomes effective on June 13... Tonight is Steve Garcia's last meeting with the Golf Board. Applications for appointment to upcoming Board vacancies have closed and Jerry read the names of people who have applied for these appointments: Robert L. Bakken, Bob Burt, Byrd C. Cyrtis, J. Michael Ray, William H. Rutledge, Thomas D. White, and Douglas J. Wyfels. Any comments on the applicants should be made to Bill Bertschy who is now the Council Liaison to the Golf Board. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Henry Fry, and seconded by Tom White, that the Golf Board approve the minutes of the regular Golf Board Meeting of April 16, 1997, as presented. The motion was approved (9:0). CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: There was no citizen participation. 0 Golf Board Minutes May 21, 1997 Page 2 "FORT COLLINS FORE KIDS" UPDATE Mike Sanders stated that Sam Froggatt, sales representative for Royal Grip, has donated 450 grips to our program. It was also noted that Henry Fry has found a vendor that will provide labels with our logo that will be affixed to the club shafts and that 1,000 labels have been ordered. The grips are in and the logos should arrive any day. To date Collindale has received 25 registrations; City Park Mine has received 40 registrations; and SouthRidge has 25 registrations in hand. Jerry added that a press release on this program was sent out the other day and that will likely have an impact on the number of registrations received. Mike noted that it appears we will have a full house and added that a couple of volunteers in addition to Board members will help regrip. It was requested that Board members be present at each course for a couple of hours to help the golf pro and help facilitate the clinics on June 9 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Board members volunteered to be present as follows: Collindale - Steve Garcia and David Shards; SouthRidge - Mike Sanders and Mindy Markley; City Park Nine - Byrd Curtis, Tom DeGrand, and Frank Blanco. Henry Fry will be a floater and go where he is needed. Mike then suggested that each participant receives a copy of our "Slow Play Policy". Jerry suggested having the golf pros meet and develop a packet that will be uniform at each course and give these packets to each registrant as they check in. It was suggested that rules of etiquette and pace of play be definite inclusions in this handout. Mike asked if the pros would consider giving a gift certificate to the youth golfer for a small bucket of balls that can be redeemed some time during the summer? Henry volunteered to check with the Colorado Golf Association to see if they have handouts that can be included. Mike would like to see something in the packet that encourages them to come back and play during the summer. Mike also reminded the Board that August 8 is the scheduled tournament date to be held at SouthRidge Golf Course. He challenged the Board to each find two sponsors for the holes at $100 each. Mindy volunteered to work on signs for the sponsors. Mike noted that immediately after the June 9 clinic, a play date will be scheduled for some time in July. After the play date, a mailing will be sent regarding the August tournament. DISCUSSION ON 1998/1999 GOLF FEES AND CHARGES Mindy Markley began this discussion by asking if Board members had an opportunity to review the information prior to tonight's meeting? The City budget structure has been changed in that City staff has to prepare their budget for a two-year period. In addition, the date for submittal of proposed fees and charges was advanced to May 20, 1997. Jerry added that he has notified the Budget Office staff that the Golf Division has already set up a process and held public meetings last year regarding tentative fee structures. The City Manager wants all budget information presented to City Council (proposed revenue, fees and charges, and proposed expenditures) at the same time rather than having two review and approval processes. Jerry believes this is a good idea, but feels uncomfortable that he was not able to discuss this issue at a regular meeting of the Golf Board prior to submittal to the City Manager. However, the Budget Office staff stated that if Boards and Commissions have a Golf Board Minutes May 21, 1997 Page 3 problem with what was submitted by staff, their thoughts need to be submitted to the City Manager and these comments will then be presented to City Council during the budget review and approval process. This puts us in a position on how we want to get input from the golfing citizenry. Ultimately City Council is the final voice and everyone has the opportunity to make comments directly to Council during the review and discussion of the budget. However, prior to that Jerry would like to get Board feelings and ideas on three areas: fee structure, fee plans, and surcharge. A. STRUCTURE OF FEES AND CHARGES Mindy stated that basically the fee structure that is in place was agreed to by the Board and citizens last year. Further that the green fees were raised 7% between 1996 and 1997. Jerry noted that this averages a 3.5% increase for each year. When fee increases were discussed, it was felt that we should stay with even dollar increments and all green fees were raised $1.00 across the board. It was also decided there would be no increase in annual passes from 1996 to 1997, but these fees would increase for 1998. In reference to the two year budget, Jerry figured this was coming and began the two year budget process last year, with the exception of capital improvement costs. The increase in fees is very close to the CPI rate following budget limitation guidelines. Jerry stated that it did not appear to him that with regard to annual passes there had been any significant impact or changes. However, one thing he did note is that the sale of annual passes has been dropping over the years but there will probably be just a slight increase in the number sold during 1997 compared to 1996. Jerry also added that he does want to change the 10-play punch card fees at SouthRidge as he believes there is too much of a discount. Jerry has discussed the punch card issue with Derek Cordova, and a different structure for SouthRidge punch cards was presented indicating a $20.00 higher cost for an 18-hole punch card and a $10.00 higher cost for a 9-hole punch card. Frank Blanco asked when these fees would take effect? If everything is approved through the City Manager and then through City Council, these proposed fees will take effect on January 1, 1998. Mindy noted that since the Board held public input meetings last year, and received approval of the two year plan, we could hold public meetings at the end of this year to discuss fine tuning the upcoming 1998 fees. Jerry stated that minor tweaking of the fees is not a big issue. Henry Fry agreed that the discounts given on punch cards should be similar at all three courses. Jerry asked if any Board member had objections to the basic structure, and added that the public appears to be satisfied? Jerry stated that at this time the Board needs to accept the basic fee structure and that implementation and tweaking could be done later. The Golf Board members concurred that the structure presented is acceptable. 9 Golf Board Minutes May 21, 1997 Page 4 B. REAFFIRM FEES INCREASE PLAN Jerry stated that this fee plan seemed like a reasonable, logical approach and it was approved by the Golf Board last year. In addition, this plan had general acceptance by the citizens who commented at public input meetings. At this time Jerry is looking to receive concurrence by the Board to proceed with the plan as approved last year. Mike Sanders noted that we have basically promised fees through 1998, and if costs are more than originally projected we can ask Council to modify our fees. It was further noted that no guarantees were given that there would only be a $1.00 increase in 1999. Jerry pointed out that the third section of the chart shows that pass fees were not increased in 1997 and indicates the suggested 7% increase for 1998. Also, when the golf car rental rates were reviewed it was found that the 18-hole rate was really short and the 9- hole rate was on the high end. So, it is being recommended that the 9 hole rate remain the same and the 18-hole rate be raised by $2.00. The Golf Board members concurred with the fee increase plan. C. CONSIDER ADDING A "SURCHARGE" TO BE USED FOR GOLF CAPITAL OUTLAY ONLY The previously approved fee increases did not include funds to cover additional capital expenditures such as irrigation, clubhouse, etc. Frank Blanco stated that we all pay taxes, and he does not see why the Golf Fund has to pay for everything and other divisions receive subsidies. Henry commented that we may not like it, but it is the way things are set up and we can't change it. Henry added that until golfers get the City Manager, City Council, etc. to change their opinions on golf, we can't do anything about the policies that are set. Further, it was stated that discussion of this during the Board meeting will not change things and maybe we should move to the topic at hand. Mindy commented that the bottom line tonight is whether we are going to pursue collection of a surcharge to pay for these items, and if so, how much and when? Jerry suggested and submitted budget amounts that will pay for operating and maintenance costs in addition to some minor improvements. However, if we want to include some of the big ticket items, we need to go to the next level and implement a surcharge to collect funds for these costs. Mindy suggested having a June meeting for citizen comments on the surcharge, and asked if that would allow enough time for the Golf Board to make a recommendation to City Council? Jerry believes there would be enough time, and if we choose not to go forward with the surcharge it does not have to be implemented in 1998. Jerry added that if the surcharge is adopted and set at $1.00 per round it could generate an additional $140,000 in revenue for capital projects. Mike stated again that the Board is talking policy tonight, and no decision needs to be made on the actual fee or how collection will be implemented. Citizen Dick Ward stated that most golfers are aware of the difference, but not sure they have the proper ammunition to present their arguments to City Council. Jerry noted that most adult recreation activities and programs fall into the category where they pay for all operational costs, Golf Board Minutes May 21, 1997 Page 5 and the more subsidized programs are youth, seniors and developmentally disabled. Regular adults may be paying a little more to help defray the cost of the other programs. Golf is 100% self supporting except for the SouthRidge Golf Course debt and the "Community Value of Golf." Mike asked if the softball fields irrigation system breaks down does the City pay for the repair of that system? The City does repair the system in this instance as that is part of the operating and maintenance budget of that department. Henry noted that Mr. Fischbach stated that facilities for recreation should be paid for by the citizen tax base and operating and maintenance costs are paid by the program. Jerry noted for the Board that other municipalities are either at or moving toward 100% self sufficiency of their golf programs. Frank restated he believes that the City should maintain and repair the Collindale Clubhouse, etc. Steve Garcia commented that $140,000 may not be enough if you start adding up all the needed capital improvements. Jerry noted that in the year 2002, the SouthRidge debt expires and in 2003 we will also have available approximately $150,000 that will no longer be used toward debt payments. Steve suggested that more golfers call City Council members, and we should raise the surcharge more than $1.00 per round. Mindy asked for the Board's thoughts on collecting $2.00 for 18-hole rounds and $1.00 for 9-hole rounds? Jerry pointed out that he has not heard green fee players complaining about fees. Steve suggested that we may be looking at things backward and that we should first establish the cost and then set revenue recommendations. Jerry stated that he will have that information by June 2. It was added that Jerry has misgivings as to stating this as absolutes, as the Council or the City Manager could change priorities. Mindy asked when the final recommendation would be available for review? Jerry responded that his requests will be submitted to the City Manager on June 2, but does not think we will receive any indications until after the work sessions with City Council. There are no absolutes at this time. Jerry suggested using the August or September Board meetings for public input as we should know by then what is being considered by City Council. It is preferred to receive public input up front, but we will probably need to get input on the back -end and public sessions will probably be held simultaneously with budget discussions by City Council. Henry submitted that if daily green fee players are going to pay a set price per round to be placed in a capital improvements fund, that the annual pass player should also pay for each round played and not use an average number of rounds played to determine a fee. Dick Ward stated that the agreement made last year was that annual pass players would not pay the $1.00 per round fee and believes the principle is the same and any surcharge should fall under the same agreement. Henry emphasized his belief that the annual pass holder who plays the most number of rounds should not get the biggest break. Jerry stated that there are two options and they would be to either use the average number of rounds played or pay for each round played. Tom White asked in relation to either raising the set fees or implementing a surcharge if this is affected by the revenue limitations? Jerry stated that increases in our fees should not be affected if the City as a whole falls within the cap set by the State Limitations as all revenues from the City of Fort Collins except Utilities are included in this cap. Golf Board Minutes May 21, 1997 Page 6 Jerry summarized the comments that the Board agreed to implement the surcharge, and discussion in the future will be to determine if it will be $1.00 per round on annual passes or use an average of rounds played. Steve commented that if the surcharge is eliminated by a certain period of time, it will probably be more acceptable to the golfing community. Mike pointed out that in the public comment period we need to find out what other ways citizens would suggest to raise the capital needed for these projects. Tom White asked what would happen if the irrigation system totally breaks down? Jerry responded that there are some emergency reserves to cover unexpected problems, but any funds used need to be repaid. It was further stated that the City of Fort Collins will not let the courses deteriorate and will give assistance money up front, but these funds would probably need to be paid back. Jerry noted that we will discuss the budget side of this issue at next month's Golf Board meeting. OTHER BUSINESS • Jerry reported that the Fossil Creek Community Park which will be across from SouthRidge is tentatively scheduled to begin construction in 1999. This is good for us as it straightens out Lemay Avenue by hole #14, and construction of this park will include a parking lot across Lemay that can be used for overflow parking at SouthRidge without the Golf Fund spending money directly. Jerry further reported that the Natural Resources Board likes the concept of a partnership with the Golf Board. Randy Bonneville noted that there are two parcels close to the 1 Ith fairway, and we are very flexible when receiving money or land. One parcel being considered is due east of the llth fairway and the second parcel is southeast of the championship tee on #12. Jerry brought to the attention of the Board that access to the land is to tunnel under the Union Pacific tracks. The railroad company is willing to let us tunnel under the tracks if we generally replicate the Vermont Street tunnel. Our tunnel can be 8' and will cost an estimated $125,000 to build. It is also possible that this cost could be split with Natural Resources. Randy and Jerry have found the railroad to be very cooperative. If things work out, this land will be used for development of two new holes replacing the existing #17 and #18 holes. Then the current driving range can be expanded. Mike Sanders expressed thanks on behalf of the Golf Board for the time Steve Garcia has contributed. Even though his tenure has been short, it has been very pleasant. Jerry P. Brown asked for a motion from the Golf Board and it was moved by Steve Garcia and seconded by Tom White that the Golf Board adjourn into executive session. The motion was approved and the Golf Board went into executive session at 9:10 p.m. The Golf Board came out of executive session and reconvened the regular meeting at 9:30 p.m. Henry Fry moved that in regards to the completion of the Bill Metier Garden and Fountain, that if we have not received a response from Joe Nance by June 1 relating to monies collected for this project that the matter 0 Golf Board Minutes May 21, 1997 Page 7 should be turned over to the City Attorney's office. The motion was seconded by David Shands and was approved unanimously (9-0). ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the Golf Board meeting was made by Frank Blanco and seconded by Henry Fry. The motion was approved (9:0) and the Golf Board meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Alyce Nierman, Administrative Aide I Golf Division Meeting Attendance BOARD MEMBERS STAFF GUESTS . Mindy Markley Jerry P. Brown Dick Ward Frank Blanco Randy Bonneville Byrd C. Curtis Jim Greer Tom DeGrand Dale Smigelsky Henry Fry Alyce Nierman Steve Garcia Mike Sanders David Shands Tom White