HomeMy Public PortalAbout2018-04-04 minutesMinutes
City of Jefferson
Parks and Recreation Commission
Oak Hills Advisory Committee Work Session
April 4, 2018
Call to Order
Committee Chair Andre Grinston called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. at the Oak Hills Golf Center
Clubhouse, 932 Ellis Boulevard.
Attendance
Committee members present were Nathan Cook, Leo Ahlers, Russell Rottman, Mike Roling, Joanne Scheperle,
Steve Duncan, Bill Case, Scott Englund, and Linda McAnany. Commissioners present were Chairman Andre
Grinston and Stu Murphy. Staff present included, Senior Management Analyst Tina Werner, Park Resources
Division Director J.J. Gates, Program Manager Stephanie Bruemmer, Administrative Assistant Amy Shaw, and
Golf Course Superintendent Bryan Braun.
Review Golf Course Master Plan Elements
Committee Chair Andre Grinston called attention to the large scale drawing of the draft of the Oak Hills Master
Plan. He added it is estimated to be a $15 million project when all elements are complete. JJ Gates described
the planned improvements that included moving, eliminating and resurrecting some current holes and making the
current clubhouse into an event center. The plan also calls for the parking lot to be relocated and a smaller
clubhouse for the day to day operation. The committee discussed the plan in detail and prioritized reworking the
current #11, building a cart storage barn, building the new #18, and building the new 9 -hole course for junior golf
and other venues.
Committee member Mike Roling also commented on use of Hough Park Lake. He added it would be nice to have
picnic tables around the lake to enhance recreational opportunities.
Financial Report
JJ Gates reviewed the financial reports included in the meeting packet. He stated the spring is off to a slow start
due to the weather. Rounds and revenue are down for the month and the year, but he is hopeful that the weather
will change soon allowing for rounds to be played.
Committee member Russell Rottmann asked about the advertisements on the tee si gns. Stephanie Bruemmer
responded they are part of a three year agreement and she will be sending out bills later this year.
Programming and Tournament 2018 Update
Stephanie Bruemmer handed out a list of tournaments scheduled at Oak Hills for 2018. There are thirty
tournaments currently scheduled and there could possibly be a few more. Bruemmer stated that most of the
tournament dates, golfers can usually still play early in the morning or after the tournament ends.
Bruemmer highlighted May 12. She stated this will the 100-year anniversary for Oak Hills and she is putting
together all the details. She will be working with High 5 Communications to help publicize the event.
Stephanie Bruemmer stated that adult golf lessons were due to start on Ap ril 3, but were cancelled due to the
weather.
Course/Maintenance Update
Superintendent Bryan Braun stated that on January 2, Hayden Eichelberger and Aaron Murphy began working at
the golf course. Braun reported that they are both very knowledgeable and off to a great start. He informed the
committee that golf crews did tree removal and planting, did brush and tree trimming work to increase the airflow
and sunlight.
Bryan Braun stated that he participated in a site visit with Dena Stucker (Mo Conserv ation) and Mervin Wallace
(MO Wilfdflowers) and with their advice, all native areas were burnt off in Late February and early March. Braun
plans to make some herbicide applications and broadcast a variety of wildflower seeds to help with the native
areas at the course.
Golf staff built a new roof over the wash pit/chemical loading area. The roof was needed to keep the storm water
out of the wastewater system.
Braun informed the committee that Aaron Murphy, one of the golf maintenance employees, marke d the golf
course to USGA standards. Staff felt this was important to help with the high school matches and junior MGA and
Junior Amateur events held at the golf course.
Braun reported on the chemical applications and informed the committee that they a re currently caught up, but
still have a lot of spring apps to get down when the weather allows.
All seasonal employees have been hired for the summer and are ready to start when the weather breaks.
Aerification of the course is tentatively scheduled for April 16.
Bryan Braun addressed the committee on a Late Opening Policy/Time for the course. He reported they would like
to open the course at 9 a.m. on Tuesday’s April 1 thru October 1. This would allow the maintenance crew
perform turf management practices on the greens with minimal inferences to golfers. The committee discussed if
this was enough time or would they still be rushed to get maintenance done. Bryan and Stephanie stated this
would still push them but is probably the best scenario to still meet the needs of the golfers.
Committee member Russell Rottmann made a motion to allow staff to pick the day best day and time for a
late opening. Committee member Steve Duncan seconded the motion The motion passed with all voting
in favor.
Golfer/Public Feedback
Committee member Linda McAnany suggested that staff work with Rod Smith who could help promote the late
openings of the golf course and allow for positive publicity.
Other Business
None.
Adjournment
Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:44 p.m.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for August 22, 2018.