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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGolf Board - Minutes - 03/04/2015Golf Board - Minutes Page 1 of 3 Call Meeting to Order: Johnny Hodges called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Agenda Review & Items of Note: No changes to the Agenda Citizen Participation: No citizen participation Approval of Minutes: Discussion: On a motion by James Snyder, seconded by Ann Cross, the Board unanimously (5:0) approved the Minutes of the October 15, 2014 meeting. Meeting Summary Welcome of new Board Members J.R. and current Board members congratulated and welcomed the new Board members. Ann Cross, Ashley Gruber and James Penland then gave a brief overview of their interest in golf and what they would like to contribute to the Golf Board. 2014 Financial Update J.R. mentioned that 2014 was a good year for the Golf Division. He said the good weather contributed greatly to us having such a great year. J.R. stated that the Water Conservation item, which included the new sprinkler system for SouthRidge Golf Course was removed from the BOB II (Building on Basics) ballot issue. The Board expressed their concern regarding this. Mike mentioned that Council is looking into alternative funding sources for the project so we should remain positive. He said we will continue to update the Board throughout this process. J.R. stated that staff would like to explore those other funding sources before we decide to make any upgrades to the sprinkler system. He explained to the new board members that the Golf Division is an Enterprise Fund which means we are self-funded and do not receive funding from the City’s General Fund. Johnny asked what the cost per course would be and J.R. said it would be around 2.6 million for a new system at SouthRidge and roughly 1.2 million for one at City Park Nine. J.R. mentioned that one of our bonds would be up in 2018.We were hoping to fund SouthRidge with the water conservation package through BOB II; however we are now hoping that we will be able to do so with alternate funding and fund the City Park Nine system through a bond. James feels it would be beneficial to start installing the new system as soon as we can and Golf Board Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 4, 2015 6:00 p.m. Board Chair: Johnny Hodges Council Liaison: Lisa Poppaw 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 suggested we break up the cost by starting with the front nine and then work on the back nine. Mike stated that we can look into options to assist us with the projects, but we would like to review the alternative sources before we start construction. Ann asked J.R. what our primary revenue source was besides good weather. J.R. said that we also receive a portion of C.B. & Pott’s revenue. He stated that we have adjusted our contact with them as well as the Golf Professional’s to better benefit both parties. J.R. also mentioned that the city is now in charge of the ranges so we will receive more funds from that as well. He then reminded the Board that the National Golf Foundation suggested that we implement these changes. Ashley stated that it would be great to be able to determine how many new players we have due to the closing of Link N Greens. Ann stated that she is a bit concerned that the Golf Division’s revenue is so dependent on weather and funds from the Concessionaire’s and Golf Professionals. J.R. explained that golf is very weather dependent; however we feel the new changes we have implemented will be beneficial. James Penland mentioned his concerns regarding the Golf Board didn’t have a Strategic Plan. J.R. sated that we just recently created one. James said he had asked Councilmember Lisa Poppaw and she wasn’t aware of one. J.R. said that we would provide a copy to Lisa as well as the new members. Ashley asked how long the contracts run and J.R. sated that they are 5 year contracts; however we have the ability to review them year to year so if either party doesn’t feel it is working out we have the option to abolish the contract. 2015 Goals J.R. reviewed the 2015 Work Plan and mentioned that the Board can restructure this as needed. Review 2015 Fee Structure J.R reviewed the 2015 Golf Fees and Charges with the Board. He mentioned that we typically alternate increases for fees and carts so there isn’t an increase for both in the same year. James feels we should consider decreasing what we charge Annual Pass holders and not limit their playing time. He said the Board initially recommend not increasing the per play fee for youth. J.R. reminded the Board that we haven’t increased the cost of the youth pass, but they do pay the same per play fee as an adult. We have also included a punch pass with six punches, which with give them the opportunity to bring friends. We hope this helps to introduce new youth players. Capital Project Updates J.R. explained that we have some funds available from reserves that we will be utilizing for Capital Projects in 2015. He explained that staff is preparing a preliminary list that will be submitted to Marty for final review. Mike stated that Collindale will be rebuilding shelters. He said the individual who gave us the initial bid will be honoring the price on that bid and will be repairing two other shelters as well. Mike also said that we would like to fix some drainage issues at City Park Nine. Johnny asked if there was a formula to determine which projects will be funded. JR. stated that staff will put together a priority list for Marty to review and Marty will also take input from staff to assist with his decision. James Snyder asked if staff would receive new equipment this year and J.R. mentioned that equipment would be purchased through Lease Purchase, not with reserves. Ann asked how staff came up with their list and if we received any input from the public. Mike reminded the Board that we conduct a biannual survey and take into regard citizen input while determining course improvements. Ashley asked why the Board isn’t more involved in this process. J.R. mentioned that the Golf Board is an Advisory Board, which means you advise and make recommendations to us that we then take to staff and Marty to assist Golf Board - Minutes Page 3 of 3 in our decision making process. Mike informed the Board that we are finalizing our tee markers. He also mentioned that we are finalizing the tree inventory and Lea Ann will review the Final Plan with the Board. Johnny asked if there was an update regarding the Emerald Ash Borer. Mike stated that it is currently in Boulder, but it could easily come our way. J.R. mentioned that Forestry is very adamant about keeping track of this. He stated that it was thought to have come from the transportation of wood. J.R. said we will continue to update the Board throughout this process. Update on Smoking Ordinance J.R. reminded the Board that initially the Golf Courses were not included in the Smoking Ordinance; however this was changed to include all City facilities. The Board expressed their concern regarding this change and feel this is going to have a negative effect. Ashley asked how this would be monitored. Mike mentioned that we will not have the ability to go around assuring all golfers aren’t smoking. He said that we will need to update all of our information to include the change as well as implementing new signage. Ann asked if we currently check for alcohol that is brought onto the courses. J.R. said that we will approach someone if we feel they have brought in outside beverages, but we will not be checking for cigarettes and such. He said we are still trying to figure out how we are going to address such issues. Financials J.R. reviewed the monthly rounds and mentioned that so far we are having a good year. We hope the weather is good and we feel that the changes we have made for 2015 will be beneficial. Board Member and Staff Comments Mike reminded the Board that we entertained the idea of implementing a cell tower at SouthRidge, but determined it just wasn’t a good fit. We have now received an application for one at Collindale and we will update the Board throughout this process as well. Adjournment: On a motion by James Snyder seconded by James Penland the Board adjourned at 8:30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Dawn Worth Administrative Assistance, Golf Division Board Attendance Board Members: Ann Cross, Ashley Gruber, Johnny Hodges, James Penland, James Snyder Staff: J.R. Schnelzer, Dawn Worth, Mike Calhoon