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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGolf Board - Minutes - 05/15/1996E CITY OF FORT COLLINS CULTURAL, LIBRARY, AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES GOLF BOARD CITY COUNCIL LIAISON TO THE BOARD: Councilman Bob McCluskey, Jr. BOARD CHAIRPERSON: Henry Fry at 482-1158 (w) or 226-0799 (h) STAFF SUPPORT TO THE BOARD: Jerry P. Brown, Manager of Golf and Alyce Nierman, Golf Division Administrative Aide. MINUTES: Regular Meeting of May 15, 1996 The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairperson Henry Fry. AGENDA REVIEW: Jerry P. Brown requested and the Golf Board agreed to the addition of an item regarding a SouthRidge Easement Request. There were no other changes to the printed agenda. ITEMS OF NOTE: DJ Hjelle had a death in her family and was called out-of-town. Also, Mike Sanders is out-of-town and would not be present this evening. WIMUROW20• It was moved by Tom White and seconded by Tom DeGrand that the Board approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 17, 1996, as presented. The motion was approved (7:0). CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: There was no citizen participation at this time. [ • IUVI • ► . 011_ Is_ ' • Henry Fry noted that this is the final meeting before the spikeless policy goes into effect on June 1, and asked if there were any comments that needed to be made at this time. Dan Wilkins, a Fort Collins resident/golfer, stated that he came tonight to voice his opinion against the implementation of the spikeless policy. He further stated that he never had much problem with spike marks and his biggest problem is ball marks on the greens. He added that he is a regular golfer at all three municipal courses. Henry stated that there is quite a bit of evidence that the non use of spikes improves playing conditions of golf courses. Tom White said that he switched over a couple of weeks ago to ceramic spikes, and is thrilled with them. They are softer on his feet, and he has experienced no problem at all. Tom DeGrand said that he changed over last fall and has not slipped yet. Jerry reported that his office received one phone call from a citizen who is vehemently opposed to going spikeless and stated his reasons. This person also felt that because of his status as a disabled veteran if he slipped while playing golf without metal spikes, it would be the City's responsibility. Frank Blanco asked what position the City would take if someone did fall down? Jerry replied that Golf Board Minutes May 15, 1996 Page 2 the response would be the same as with other events, in that the complainant would have to prove negligence on the part of the City. Randy Bonneville mentioned that next week is the first major tournament at SouthRidge that will be played under the spikeless policy. It will be interesting to see what the scores will be. Mindy Markley suggested that we could have people who have been against the spikeless policy, try this for one year, and then come back to the Board with feedback. Jerry asked the Golf Board at this time if there are any members who would like to rescind the spikeless policy? All of the Golf Board members support the spikeless policy so it will go into effect on June 1, 1996. Frank Blanco wondered if Loveland would be going spikeless? Randy Bonneville responded that Loveland is recommending, but not requiring, that golfers play spikeless. Jerry noted that Loveland and Greeley have been having revenue problems and they may decide to give the option to golfers on whether they use spikes for this season. This action could encourage golfers to come to their area if golfers are upset with the spikeless policy in Fort Collins. Henry stated that he has not had a problem since he switched over to soft spikes. In referencing ball marks, Henry stated that has been an issue since the game of golf began, and we will address that issue in the future, as well as following up with ideas on how to get golfers to replace their divots. UPDATE ON "FORT COLLINS FORE KIDS" GOLF TOURNAMENT AND EVENTS Mindy Markley reported that things are really happening, and distributed a list of sponsors. She has also received additional cash, merchandise, and gift certificates to be given as prizes during the tournament. Also included in this packet is the duty list for Board Members. There has been quite a few groups sign up and a ton of calls. Mindy showed an example of one of the sponsorship signs. Discussion then centered around assigned duties and report times the day of the tournament. A review was made of general information on the tournament events and schedule. The Golf Board thanked Mindy for all her efforts. It was felt that holding this tournament every year would tend to overwhelm everyone, and that this event could be held every other year. SOUTHRIDGE EASEMENT REQUEST Jerry introduced Norm Whitehead of JR Engineering who presented information regarding a sewer easement that a developer is hoping to obtain from the City. Because this involves SouthRidge Golf Course, and it may not necessarily be perceived as a routine easement, it was brought before the Golf Board for review and discussion. Norm began his presentation discussing existing sewer lines and what has been investigated on possible upgrades and extensions, including a lift station, but these are normally not allowed in Fort Collins. After all the investigations the idea remaining was to tie in with the large sewer line by the SouthRidge maintenance shed. The City has also done studies on the erosion of the creek sides and no construction is allowed in designated erosion areas. Norm further stated that the planning of this project includes what construction would have the least intrusive activity at Fossil Creek Park and SouthRidge Golf Course. The proposed extension will service a P Golf Board Minutes May 15, 1996 Page 3 much larger area and will benefit more developments than originally planned. Currently this will benefit several developers and the park buildings at Fossil Creek Park. Randy Bonneville explained that to fill the lake on #10/#18, he pumps water out of Fossil Creek. As this water is very dirty, he spends about $3,500 every year to rebuild the pump. This project would provide SouthRidge with a new water line directly from Portner Reservoir to the course. Jerry stated that the City's concerns are the cost for the easement, potential lost revenue, returning the course to its existing condition, and the water pipe issue. There is still the possibility that construction could come down an existing easement in the first fairway, through #9, 410, and #17, and the driving range, and we would just as soon not see that happen as that could potentially be more lost revenue. We will be looking out to protect the golf interest and Parks and Recreation will try to also get some benefits. Basically we do not have any objections as long as we can negotiate and not lose any money or course quality on this project. Henry Fry asked about the possibility of doing some landscaping and cleaning up along the creek as the trench is being dug by holes #14 and #16? Randy stated that Storm Drainage is very sensitive about us touching their creek. Tom White asked about the water line from the park to the golf course and whether or not that is a project that we would be doing anyway? Jerry stated that we had investigated this project during the budget session, but costs were too high. Randy added that we have water rights, but if a severe drought hits, we would be one of first ones shut off. Tom DeGrand has a real concern on starting this project in August as this will place a mountain of dirt on the fairways and will take up a tremendous portion of the course. Another concern is that the fairways would probably not recover this year. Tom added that he thinks the idea of a water line is a great benefit, but there will be tremendous impacts to the golf course. David Shands observed that if there is a lot of lost play it could be figured into the negotiating price. Norm stated that it has been presented to the developers that the golf course would not lose money as a result of this construction. Board members discussed different options on how play could go around the construction. Mindy Markley asked if this construction would disrupt tournament play, and if there was a way to project the potential revenue loss? Tom White asked what would happen if this project was pushed further back in the year? Jerry stated that we could look at the history of play and make an estimate of tournament play that could be lost. There are a lot of things that will go into deciding on probable revenue loss. The key is that the City will not lose and City Council will not enter into easement agreement without full information. Jerry also agreed that a later start would be better for the City and reduce the potential for excessive revenue loss. Henry commented that it appears we would lose a couple of holes for the remainder of the season and that a lot of fairways would be wasted. Randy noted that when hole #14 is closed, hole #15 could be open and vice versa. Frank Blanco asked what SouthRidge would get out of this project? Henry noted that it appears we get a better source of water, and by negotiating on this project we would eliminate the possibility of losing fairway 91, #9, #10, 917, and the driving range for a period of time in the future. Discussion Golf Board Minutes May 15. 1996 Page 4 then focused on the length of time it would take the grass to grow back. Citizen Dick Ward asked about the possibility of running the sewer line along the west side of Lemay Avenue? Norm commented that this possibility was reviewed, but there is one area where we would have to tunnel 60 feet deep to get across and this increases the expense and project time tremendously. It was moved by David Shands that the Golf Board should not oppose and should further recommend that the City and the Golf Division proceed with negotiations on the easement, stipulating that the Golf Fund receive compensation for the down time on the course, lost revenue, and the easement. Mindy Markley seconded the motion. Mindy commented that if this project does proceed, we need to work with tournaments that call to schedule and try to get them to hold their tournament at one of the other courses. Jerry stated that any additional project start day after Labor Day becomes more to our advantage. It was added that Jerry's initial reaction was to say no. However, after discussing this project with other City staff, the other alternatives worry him more than what is being proposed in this project. Tom DeGrand observed that Norm Whitehead is here tonight to share information and to get Golf Board input on the project, which he has clearly heard. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote (7:0). DETERMINE STRUCTURE OF 1997 GOLF FEES AND CHARGES It was agreed by the Board to review and decide by June if there should be any changes to the fee structure for 1997. Discussion and a decision on the fee structure should be made at this time; however, the actual fees will be established in the fall. At this time, there has not been enough data to see if the new fee structure first implemented in 1996 is positive or negative. Jerry believes that we can live with the current fee structure through 1997. This will allow us to get a really good view of this structure. However, Jerry recommends that there be some minor tweaking of the annual pass fees. Currently there are two different passes that can be purchased for the same price of $400. Jerry feels that changing one fee by $5.00 or so would clarify things at the time of purchase. If the projections hold true, we will need to come up with 3.8% more revenue in 1997. Jerry informed the Board that there is one other concern, and that is losing the $46,500 transfer to the Golf Fund for the community value of golf for capital purchases. If these funds are taken away from us, one alternative would be to raise fees an additional 2.8%, another would be to not spend that money, and a third could be eliminating all junior and senior discounts. The City Council could also look at the $200,000 contribution from the Sales and Use Tax Fund for the SouthRidge debt. We should be aware, but not overly concerned as discussions progress. Jerry's recommendation is that the structure remain the same through 1997. Tom White moved that the Golf Board recommend that the current fees and charges structure remain the same with the minor tweaking as mentioned to distinguish the different pass purchases. David Shands seconded the motion, which was approved (7:0). 1 is Golf Board Minutes May 15, 1996 Page 5 DISCUSSION GOLF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (CIP) Jerry provided information on the four projects that he submitted to the City Manager. These four projects were agreed to by the Golf Board at their last meeting. The Board has a chance in August to make their own recommendations to City Council for CIP. Jerry noted that the projects he has listed are not in stone and things can be changed. David Shands expressed his hopes that during the planning for Fossil Creek Park that there be more attention focused on parking arrangements than there was on the lots at Rolland Moore Park. Jerry replied that this is one of the major issues being addressed on the plans for Fossil Creek Park. Byrd Curtis is still concerned about painting parking stripes at the City Park Nine lot. Jerry stated that the Streets Department has us on the list; however, our parking lot priority is ranked lower than street striping. Randy Bonneville commented that he was told to plan anywhere from March 1 through August 1 for striping the lot at SouthRidge. We could contract this work outside, but it would cost much more money. • Byrd asked about the parking situation at City Park Nine and use of the lot by Parks employees. Jerry stated that the Parks Division can use up to 50% of the parking lot. In trying to free the lot up for golfers, Parks has tried various ways to encourage employees to park in other areas; one of the incentives is a free round of golf. • Byrd then asked when nets will be in place along the driving range at City Park Nine? Jerry was unsure at this time. Staff is currently working on the nets along the 5th fairway, and will be installing the nets on the driving range as soon as possible. (Note: No later than July 1). • Jerry distributed the six-month calendar showing the planned activities of City Council. • A letter to the Colorado State University Athletic Department was shared with the Golf Board relating to the trade -out agreement between CSU and the City Golf Division. The Golf Fund receives a football program one -page ad, men's and women's basketball, and women's volleyball banners, and miscellaneous forms of advertising, and in turn we give CSU 23 punch cards each for 9 and 18 hole rounds. This works basically to an even trade. Jerry received a letter to the Golf Board from Mr. Stanfield in opposition to the spikeless policy. Henry Fry has had discussions with Mr. Stanfield about his letter. Jerry reported that the 1996 numbers to date are encouraging. The five-year revenue average is 23.92% and we are at 24% at the end of April. Golf Board Minutes May 15, 1996 Page 6 Jerry informed the Board that a test was done today on our new ADA golf cars. These cars will be available for use to people who have a medical need golf card. A woman who is disabled from the chest down tried the car, had some trouble with her follow through and hit her left knee, and we are working with the manufacturer to hopefully solve the problem. The City has purchased five cars; City Park Nine has one car, and SouthRidge and Collindale each have two cars. Mindy Markley suggested informing rehabilitation centers of what we have available. It was added that this car was even driven on the greens and it was not noticeable where they were driven on. A motion to adjourn the Golf Board meeting was made by David Shands and seconded by Tom White. The motion was approved (7:0) and the Golf Board meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Meeting Attendance Board Members Henry Fry Frank Blanco Byrd C. Curtis Tom DeGrand Mindy Markley David Shands Tom White Respectfully submitted, Alyce Nierman, Administrative Aide I Golf Division 1. Staff Jerry P. Brown Randy Bonneville Alyce Nierman Guests Norm Whitehead John Schuh Richard Ward Dan Wilkins