Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutGolf Board - Minutes - 12/16/1981FORT COLLINS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT' GOLF ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES: Regular Meeting - December 16, 1981 The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. with Chairman Tom Skillman presiding. There were a number of guests in attendance. These people represented the Women's Golf Association and individuals with concerns about various aspects of the golf program. Of particular interest to this group were numerous rumors that had cir- culated concerning the Women's Golf Associations and Ladies' Days. For the benefit of the audience, Board Secretary, Eileen Banks, read a portion of the minutes from the meeting of November 24, 1981, relating to the topic of fee waivers and special privileges. The minutes of the November 24, 1981 meeting were unanimously approved on a motion by Jim Mitchell and seconded by Carl Kansala. Tom Skillman explained that the reason the Board addressed the issue of fee waivers and special privileges at its November meeting was to determine if there is a need for the Board to establish a policy regarding the granting of fee waivers and special privileges. It was the feeling of the Board that such a policy would enable the golf pros at both golf courses to make decisions on a day-to-day basis, if guidelines for these decisions were firmly established. Tom Skillman went on to say that he is not in favor of doing away with the special privileges; but, pointed out that the Assoc- iations do have privileges that other golfers do not have. Jim Mitchell explained that it is the mission of the Golf Advisory Board to raise the money necessary for the operation of the golf courses. There are a number of fee waivers and special privileges and the Board is attempting to determine the extent to which the golf courses are losing revenue as a result of these fee waivers and special privileges. He went on to say that the Board is attempting to establish equitable rates and still run the golf courses. Verna Lamb presented a petition (addressed to the Mayor) to the Board requesting the continuance of Ladies' Days at the Golf courses. Jerry P. Brown was questioned regarding his statement in the November 24th minutes that the Golf Associations have not contributed anything to the golf courses in the past five years. He explained that the basis for this statement was that there is not documentation of any contributions by the Associations. The Following Are Random Comments Concerns And Questions That Were Expressed: - There was a question about the new fee structure. It was noted that this item was not on the agenda and that the purpose of the meeting was not to debate fees, but to discuss policy regarding granting of special privileges. It was pointed out that for the last six (6) years the golf courses have paid 92% of the cost of operation, with 8% coming from Revenue Sharing. Since it is likely that the Revenue Sharing will be lost, the Board is going to have to seriously address the issue of making up that difference through green fees, annual pass charges, regaining revenue lost through special privileges, etc. aim E - There was a feeling that the golf courses benefit from the Ladies' Days because all of the ladies pay either green fees or have annual passes. - Bill Metier said that all days are equally busy and that if there were no Ladies' Days, the golf courses would be just as busy. - The ladies were also concerned that they would have to start paying the fee for use of the kitchen at City Park Nine. They feel that the cleaning they do at the Clubhouse and in the kitchen offsets the need to charge them a fee for kitchen use. - It was also indicated that if there are projects that can be done by the Associa- tions, that the Board and/or staff should let them know; - they are anxious to make contributions to the golf courses. - There were objections raised regarding the increase in the fee to use a private cart on the golf courses. Some felt they should not be charged to use their own golf carts. - There were questions about the new golf course. Jim Mitchell explained that $6,000 was spent on a Feasibility Design and studies of the Pineridge site; but, presently, efforts on the new course are stalled. A new course would cost about $2 million and we do not know where the money would come from. - It was requested that when the Board considers future green fees and annual pass rates, that a special rate be instituted for the handicapped. - It was requested that the Board reconsider its decision to phase -out golf cart storage at City Park Nine. The building used for golf cart storage is needed for storage of golf course equipment. Also, private carts potentially compete with our city -owned rental golf cart program, and golf cart rental revenues are the third largest to the Golf Fund. H. R. Phillips was asked what the purpose was of Parks and Recreation and the Golf Board. He responded by saying that the Board is appointed by City Council, and is Advisory to them on issues related to golf in Fort Collins. Parks and Recreation is charged with providing the Parks and Recreation needs to the citizens of our City, through Golf, Cemeteries, Parks and Maintenance, Planning, Open Space and Trails, Forestry and Recreation. It was suggested and agreed that the minutes of all Golf Advisory Board meetings be sent to the Presidents of the Men's and Women's Golf Associations, and Chairman Skillman suggested that the Associations send a representative to the Golf Board meetings in the future. Generally, there were positive feelings about this meeting. It was felt that a line of communication had been opened between the Board and the Golf Associations. It is hoped that there will be a continuous exchange of ideas between the two groups. It was noted that the Board meetings are open to the public. Many of the guests then left the meeting at this point. There was a short break. When the meeting resumed, H. R. Phillips explained the recent City Council backing of Industrial Revenue Bonds could result in a private 18-hole golf course that could be available for public use by City residents. He went on to explain that this will probably have some bearing on whether the City considers another course. It is pro- jected that this course will be opened in 1983 with green fees of $8-10. The Board will probably be involved on a limited basis. EPA! FEE WAIVERS AND SPECIAL PRIVILEGES Schools - There was a discussion of fee discounts given to the CSU golf teams. Bill Metier said the men do not use Collindale very much and that it might be cheaper for them to pay as they go. There was a general agreement that they should continue to receive discounted passes. Eileen Banksagreedthat giving discounted passes helps promote golf among the young. However, she wanted the Board to keep in perspective the fact that golf fund-raisers in the past have gone into an account at CSU to pay off the general Athletic Department deficit, and that if the City is going to promote golf at CSU by giving discounts, then we should see some support from CSU, as well. Tom Skillman feels we should establish the rate for CSU as a percent of the regular rate. It was agreed that the present policy for Junior and Senior High Schools should continue. Jim Mitchell moved that we continue the present policy for Junior High Schools, High Schools and CSU for the 1982 year. Sandy Bickel seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Men's/Women's Associations - There was a discussion of the various privileges granted these groups (Ladies' Days, shot -gun starts, men's tournaments, etc.). It was noted that these privileges result in a loss of revenue. Tom Skillman entertained a motion to continue current privileges to the Men's and Women's Associations until the Board can address these issues individually and in more detail. Sandy Bickel then moved that we continue with Ladies' Days, Twilight and Men's Association tournaments and that staff write-up the current policy on fee waivers for kitchen use, clubhouse use, shot -gun starts at City Park Nine and current fees for Twilight and that we continue with these. Kathy Bohmont seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Jim Mitchell would like the record to show that he is opposed to the shot -gun starts for any reason. Tournament Policy - Bill Metier would like some guidance regarding how many days he can tie up the course with tournaments. Jim Mitchell moved that staff come up with a written policy on frequency of tournaments. Kathy Bohmont seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Other Business - - Sandy Bickel felt that the issue of golf cart storage needed to be addressed again. Jerry P. Brown explained that it is a space problem and that there is also a liability problem, if negligence could be proven in the event of a fire, etc. - November Financial and Statistical Reports were distributed, as well as some miscellaneous correspondence. The meeting adjourned at 10:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, -3- EILEEN BANKS, Secretary 0 MEETING ATTENDANCE Board Staff Guests Eileen Banks Jerry P. Brown Randy Conard Sandy Bickel Jim Greer Paul Meuwissen Kathy Bohmont Neil Johnson Gladys Johnson Carl Kansala Bill Metier Pat Forney Jim Mitchell H. R. Phillips Rae Forney Tom Skillman Mary Woodruff Bill Zech Albert Woodruff R. Hidden W. E. Huggard Jean Huggard Mary Jo Hidden L. B. Crandall James C. Keese Maxine Fechner Mary Lou Hughes Miriam Hulbert Marvin Hulbert Harold Carroll Bonnie Carroll A. J. Proffitt Lineta Proffitt Jean Keines Alene Scott Warren Scott Helen Hughes William Hughes Katherine Dean Robert Moore Betty Moore Lillian Bickel Nell Davis Dorothy Bourque Verna Lamb -4-