Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutGolf Board - Minutes - 03/20/1996CITY 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 (work) 226-0799 (home) STAFF SUPPORT TO THE BOARD: Jerry P. Brown, Manager of Golf and Alyce Nierman, Golf Division Administrative Aide. MINUTES: Regular Meeting of March 20, 1996 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Henry Fry. A moment was taken in memory of Bill Metier to reflect on the many contributions he made to golf in Fort Collins. AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes to the printed agenda. ITEMS OF NOTE: Jerry P. Brown mentioned that Bill Metier came to Fort Collins in 1965 when he became the golf pro at City Park Nine. He was extensively involved in development of Collindale and was their first golf pro starting in 1971. He retired in 1991, but since that time has been an advisor to Jerry, and has worked part-time at SouthRidge. Bill Metier will be tremendously missed. It was moved by Tom White and seconded by Tom DeGrand that the Board approve the minutes of the regular meeting held February 12, 1996. The motion was approved (9:0). CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: No citizen participation. Mindy Markley asked if Board members received the update packet on the tournament? She then reported Fort Collins High School auditorium has been reserved for the Firefall concert. The contract with Firefall has been signed and $1,355 has already been raised. We still have the potential to raise at least $5,000 for Junior Golf. DJ Hjelle asked if there was a need for additional prizes? Mindy responded that prizes are still needed for long drive, putt, etc. There are additional types of gifts Golf Board Minutes March 20, 1996 Page 2 being donated that will be used for a silent auction. Mike Sanders suggested that items that are donated and are not "auctionable" could be awarded as door prizes. DJ offered to contact area hotels for gifts. Mike added that Board members should try to solicit restaurants for dinners for two, etc. Mindy noted that tickets will be ready and available for sale this weekend. We can sell 400 to 450 tickets outright to the concert for $12.00 each. Joe Nance asked if there were different levels of participation for the show, tournament, and lunch? Mindy stated that there are two levels of tickets available; one for the whole day which includes golf, the two clinics, the concert, and lunch; and the other will be for the concert only. The cost for all -day participation is $136 per team or $34 for singles. Our goal is 144 players (36 teams) in the tournament. Henry Fry commented that it appears things are moving along well. Mindy stated that if people are interested in volunteering they should contact her. Tom DeGrand asked if Golf Board members should volunteer, play, or both? Mindy noted that it would be fitting if all Board members would be present at some point during the day, either playing in the tournament or volunteering or both. Mindy has gotten a lot of volunteers for the concert; in particular the Windsor Volunteer Police agreed to act as security. David Shnds will ask Dave Lund to emcee the concert. VIEWING OF "THE SOFTSPIKES REVOLUTION" VIDEO AND PUBLIC COMMENT Henry Fry suggested that the video be viewed first and then open up discussion afterward on the issue. Jerry informed the Board that this video was produced by the Softspikes Company and may be a little biased. A list of times when this video will be aired on Channel 27 in April was distributed. It is also planned to purchase newspaper advertising stating the show times of this video. Glen Joachims, citizen golfer, commented that he has spent time on a Golf Board in Iowa and agrees fully with the spikeless policy for the winter; however, he disagrees with enforcement of this policy in the summer. Mr. Joachims stated that he personally prefers spikes, but will go along with the decision. He expressed an additional concern on the possibility of confrontations with golfers from out-of-town who show up to play and they only have metal spikes. Mr. Joachims added that he has been very pleased with the staff at the Fort Collins golf courses; they do a good job. Randy Bonneville, SouthRidge Superintendent, has spoken with a representative from the City of Aurora, and they are watching Fort Collins to see what will happen with the spikeless issue. Jerry stated that Fort Collins is being watched by many cities around the area. DJ Hjelle remarked that during earlier discussions, the golf pros felt we should change to spikeless in stages, and wondered what is their present opinion? Jim Greer commented that he has had a little more opposition than he originally thought. Frank Blanco asked Jim if the concerns on the change to soft spikes was more an issue of timing or enforcement? Jim stated that comments he has received relate to slippage. Byrd Curtis was golfing in Arizona in February and quite a bit of opposition to the spikeless situation was voiced. In talking to the locals in Arizona, comments were along the line of "they are crazy if they I� Golf Board Minutes March 20, 1996 Page 3 make us go to spikeless". However, the best golfer was from the Fort Collins Country Club and was golfing spikeless. While watching the video, Byrd started wondering if there is a video voicing opposition to spikeless golf? Jerry doesn't know at this time. Discussion centered on the different types of soft spikes and turf shoes available. Byrd wondered if in fact there was some grinding action with soft spikes? Henry believes that initially there will be an acceptance problem, but that golfers will be promoting spikeless golf after a short time. Tom White observed that when the Golf Board recommended that the clubhouses be smokeless, there was some initial resistance. Any time there is change, it is initially hard to convert people. Frank asked if this policy would be in force for tournament play? Jerry stated that enforcement of the spikeless policy would be for all golf in Fort Collins. If someone participates in a tournament, they should receive this information when signing up. Also, there will be a one-time forgiveness policy. Henry clarified that this would allow an out-of-town golfer to play the first time with metal spikes if they choose not to change that day. However, the next time it would be required that they play spikeless. Henry further observed that there is a protectiveness towards the condition of our golf courses; and people in town will tell their out-of-town guests to either bring tennis shoes or spikeless golf shoes. Jerry pointed out that this video brought up an aspect not discussed fully and that is the damage by metal spikes to facilities and structures. SLOW PLAY POLICY STATEMENTS Henry Fry commented that the policy presented will be printed on cards and handed out to golfers. Jerry said that all three municipal courses have been CGA rated and a nine hole round of golf should run around two hours. Henry noted that it is easier to explain that a golfer or group is out of position rather than state they are playing too slow. Frank Blanco asked if the golf car that course monitors will be using will be clearly marked? It was stated that this car will be easily identified. Mike Sanders then asked about the signage at our courses. Jerry stated that as each course needs are identified, the golf pro and superintendent will work out signs that work for their particular problem areas. Jerry stated that at this time we have planned more visible markers, and more sprinkler heads will be painted. Byrd Curtis asked for a clarification on what is going to be printed on the card and then suggested adding something to the card which will influence golfers to keep and carry these cards, i.e. putting tips, distances, etc. Henry stated that these cards will be handed to the golfer when they are registering, and hopefully they will read them before teeing off. Frank then stated that a lot of people are talking about the extension of the lake at Collindale. Jerry replied that staff will be reviewing this, and if it turns out to be a bad decision, the lake could be removed. Joe Nance has heard opinions that the lake extension adds a bit of challenge to the course, and course changes keep up interest. Jerry agrees with these comments. Henry also agrees with Joe's comments, but feels this should probably have been presented to the Golf Board for discussion. Golf Board Minutes March 20, 1996 Page 4 WHO1RLCM ra"FUZUROMORI Jerry distributed a memo from Mayor Azari to the Golf Board informing that the 1997 budget process is beginning and requesting input from City Boards and Commissions and any areas of concern which they would like to have brought before City Council. This process is the Board's opportunity to present their budget issues directly to City Council. Byrd Curtis wondered if we should reinforce the benefit of golf issue? Byrd then asked if there was a minimum suggested value of items submitted to Council in this process and was told no, but $50,000 would be generally a minimum request. Tom DeGrand asked if the city golf courses are paying for water? Jerry stated that we are paying for all irrigation water used on the courses at this time. This year (1996) was the final year of a three year implementation. At this point, the Golf Fund pays for all utilities, the same as any other user. Henry Fry reminded the Board members that this request from the Mayor is only for 1997. At this time, the Golf Board will not submit any requests to City Council. APITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP Jerry explained that the item sent in the mail was a process outline, and reflected what City Council expects to happen by specific months. Jerry noted that a preliminary list from all City departments has a $400,000,000 total. The list being submitted from CLRS was quickly reviewed. Jerry is working with the course maintenance staff to complete the program sheets. Most of our items are under $50,000. However, four major capital improvement items were brought up that should probably be addressed over the next few years as a part of this CIP process. A new clubhouse at Collindale was one of the projects noted and Tom White asked if construction would be in a new location or would the old structure be leveled and built on the same site? Jerry stated that we would probably bring trailers on site and operate out of trailers for a year while construction took place on the same site. Discussion turned briefly on whether the existing clubhouse could be workable for a car barn. Jerry stated that the City always looks at possible reuse of any parts from existing structures. A new clubhouse at Collindale could be a great project for presenting the Golf Board idea on matching money. David Shands asked if we would be submitting this idea? It was generally agreed this be submitted for consideration. Tom DeGrand asked if any of the items being submitted are located at City Park Nine? Jerry stated that projects at City Park Nine did not fall into the CIP category. The memo that was distributed indicates how Jerry is approaching this from the staff level, but the Golf Board can make its own recommendations. The improvement projects could have validity especially with the suggested matching monies. David Shands moved that the Golf Board recommend support and approval of the ideas being submitted in a memo from staff. DJ Hjelle seconded the motion and it was approved (9:0). Golf Board Minutes March 20, 1996 Page 5 OTHER BUSINESS -- Jerry stated that at the Golf Board meeting in February, information was presented on a development project close to the seventh fairway at Collindale. The only concern at this point in time is the drainage that may come from the development onto the course. Jerry will make sure that studies on the water drainage/run off are completed and plan for drainage in a direction that does not cross the course. We have until March 29 to comment on these plans, and Jerry asked the Board to get with him directly on any other concerns they want relayed. -- Frank Blanco asked if there would be parking lot striping at City Park Nine this year? Jim Greer stated that we are looking into doing that during spring. Jerry added that there should also be some pot hole repair and we are working with Park Maintenance on this project. -- Byrd Curtis wondered if there are too many handicap parking spaces set aside at the courses? Jerry stated that the number of spaces set aside is the number that is required. We would like to start filling these parking spaces rather than consider removing them. Henry Fry noted that the large pot hole at Collindale is created by trash trucks in the parking lot. Randy Bonneville stated that the same thing is happening at SouthRidge. Both of these will be repaired soon. -- Joe Nance mentioned that in memory of Bill Metier there will be a memorial garden planted between the first and tenth tees. There are plans to have a bunch of rose bushes, dwarf type trees and a plaque. People are doing some things at cost, and donations to help defray any expenses. Donations are being collected at the Collindale pro shop. Jerry observed that there has been some talk about placing a nice rules and regulations board, and after discussing this with Bill Metier's wife Liz and their daughter Amy, it was felt that might be a good location. -- Jerry stated that he has the annual reports from other City Boards and Commissions for 1995. These reports are available for review by those who are interested. -- Jerry distributed information relating to an update report being provided to the City Manager. The copies distributed were page 3 and 4 (relating to golf issues) of the memo. Of note was the issue of privatization. Jerry reviewed the history of this issue and how it relates to the Golf Division. At this time it is unsure what will happen with this issue, but Jerry felt the Board should be aware this topic is being discussed. Mike Sanders questioned if the City chooses this avenue would there be some type of bid process? Jerry stated that would be how we would approach this. In addition, there are other cities looking into privatization due to some revenue shortfalls. David Shands asked if the company awarded a bid through this process could set the fees? Jerry stated that would more than likely be the way it would work, but the city would retain ownership of the land, and City Council would have final approval on fees. Mike stated for the record that he is aware of other companies that would be very interested in submitting Golf Board Minutes March 20, 1996 Page 6 a management proposal for the golf courses. Frank Blanco asked who would have final approval on going to privatization? Jerry said City Council, however, there would have to be some sort of proposal process first. Frank then observed that if the CIP taxes are not passed, the idea of privatization might look pretty good to Council. Jerry then stated that information would be sent to Board members if this did occur. • • • Jam! I A motion to adjourn the Golf Board meeting was made by DJ Hjelle and seconded by David Shands. The motion was approved (9:0) and the Golf Board meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Alyce Nierman, Administrative Aide I Golf Division Meeting Attendance Board Members Staff Guests Henry Fry Jerry P. Brown Glen Joachims Frank Blanco Randy Bonneville Joan Joachims Byrd C. Curtis Dan Bruntz Dee Watson Tom DeGrand Derek Cordova Stacy Neal DJ Hjelle Jim Greer Mindy Markley Joe Nance Mike Sanders Alyce Nierman David Shands Tom White