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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin 05-04-05 (Special)MINUTES OF THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, May 4, 2005 The Ukiah City Council met at a Special Meeting on May 4, 2005, the notice for which had been legally noticed, at 4:30 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California. Roll was taken and the following Councilmembers were present: Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Ashiku. Staff present: Community Services Director DeKnoblough, City Manager Horsley, Finance Director McCann, City Attorney Rapport, Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo, and Deputy City Clerk Riley. ,, WORKSHOP DISCUSSION OF MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE OPERATIONS AND CONSlDERTION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR GOLF PROFESSIONAL AND CONCESSION SERVICES AT UKIAH MUNICIPAl GOLF COURSE Community Services Director DeKnoblough provided a brief overview of the agenda summary report and introduced Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo. Community Services Supervisor Sangiacomo presented a PowerPoint presentation that included a description of the course, its history, maintenance, golf pro and concession services, management, and budget issues. Councilmember Rodin recalled that the same fee schedule was adjusted by the Council in 2002 and wondered why the budget is still out of balance. Mr. DeKnoblough explained that the approved CPI increases hadn't kept up with the rising expenses. In order to effectively solve the problem, a new fee structure needs to be created. Other circumstances, including the downturn of the economy and the declining popularity of golf have impacted the effectiveness of the current schedule. A brief discussion followed regarding the number of golf rounds played per year and the cooperative relationship between the Golf Pro and the Golf Maintenance Supervisor. Councilmember McCowen asked if the Ukiah Men's Golf Club (UMGC) recognizes the need for increases, particularly in memberships. Mr. DeKnoblough explained that discussions involving possible ways to restructure the memberships have taken place with the UMGC. Councilmember McCowen inquired how long the UMGC would be in a deficit if the proposal to renovate cart shed is approved, and what other projects might be deferred as a result. Paul Schimmin, member of the UMGC, explained that the Club would hope to recover their expenses within approximately five years. The expenses would be amortized, allowing other projects to proceed, which include improvements to the tees and Special Ukiah City Council Meeting May 4, 2005 Page 1 of 3 drainage on the course to improve winter play. He also cautioned against raising the fees so much that play is prohibited. Mayor Ashiku suggested that the Executive Committee work to create a vision for the golf course and develop goals. He asked if the UMGC would be comfortable participating in the process of revising the fee schedule. Mr. Schimmin replied that they would look forward to working with staff on such a project. Councilmember McCowen stated that he would like to see a stronger junior golf program, which might include scholarships. Councilmember Rodin asked about the possibility of refinancing the purchase of the back nine holes. City Manager Horsley explained that it had been refinanced, and the goal of the UMGC was to get it paid off as quickly as possible. Councilmember Rodin inquired about the possible expansion of the concessions. Golf Pro McMillen explained that the current facilities cannot accommodate such an expansion due to health department requirements. On weekends, however, the facility hosts barbeques for additional meal selection and revenue. Mr. DeKnoblough stated that to remodel the building to accommodate expanded concessions might cost approximately $30,000-$40,000. An alternative means of providing these services might include leasing a portion of the building to a concessionaire. City Manager Horsley pointed out that the Todd Grove Room already has a kitchen facility, and there's a possibility that facility could be used toward this goal. Councilmember Baldwin read a portion of a letter from James Connerton, member of the Paths, Open Space and Creeks Commission, who encouraged the Council to adjust the fee schedule so that the golf course continued to cover its own expenses. M/S McCowen/Crane directing City staff to work with the Men's and Women's Golf Clubs to develop a revised fee schedule for Council's review, carried by the following roll call vote' AYES' Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. Tim Baechtel, member of UMGC, explained that the Club has recently presented City staff with its recommendations for the fee schedule. M/S McCowen/Rodin directing staff to bring back to Council the agreement with the UMGC for the cart shed lease, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Special Ukiah City Council Meeting May 4, 20O5 Page 2 of 3 Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin and Mayor Ashiku. NOES' None. ABSTAIN' None. ABSENT: None. Councilmember McCowen asked the UMGC for their opinion on the golf pro's Request For Proposal (RFP). UMGC Member Tim Baechtel voiced his support of the current Golf Pro, and he suggested presenting the RFP to the current pro and giving him the option to fulfill it before it goes to the public. Mr. DeKnoblough explained that the previous Council requested that a new RFP be created, and also noted that additional considerations need to be included in the document to reflect the changing times and complexities. He also explained that the current pro has had an opportunity to review and provide input on the RFP. Councilmember McCowen suggested that the RFP be reviewed by the Men's and Women's Golf Clubs and by the City Attorney, then brought back to Council at their next meeting. Mr. Baechtel stated that the Executive Committee of the Men's and Women's Clubs could review and provide an opinion on the RFP tomorrow night. M/S McCowen/Rodin approving the RFP pending any major objections from the Men's and Women's Golf Clubs, carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Crane, McCowen, Rodin, Baldwin and Mayor Ashiku. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 3. ,,ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. annon' Riley, [l~uty -c~'ierk Special Ukiah City Council Meeting May 4, 2OO5 Page 3 of 3