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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2018-12-05 minutesMinutes City of Jefferson Parks and Recreation Commission Oak Hills Advisory Committee Work Session December 5, 2018 Call to Order Committee Co-Chair Stu Murphy called the meeting to order at Noon at the Oak Hills Golf Center Clubhouse, 932 Ellis Boulevard. Attendance Committee members present were Russell Rottmann, Mike Roling, Nathan Cook, Joanne Scheperle, Scott Englund, Leo Ahlers, and Steve Garrison. Commissioners present were Co-Chairs 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. Year End Financial Report (Pre-Audit) Tina Werner stated that revenues look good even though the rounds have been down due to the weather. She reported that the amount of subsidy has also decreased even with rounds being down. She added that staff has done a good job controlling expenditures. In the upcoming budget, Gates noted that funds were allotted for capital expenditures. A number of new pieces of equipment will be ordered this year to replace the old and worn out equipment. Nathan Cook added that he would like the staff and the committee to look at ways to decrease the golf subsidy and look at creative ways to bring golfers to the course to play. Program Surveys Stephanie Bruemmer reported that the surveys were sent by email to all those who participated in adult golf lessons, junior golf lessons, and then all users of the golf course. She stated she only received 45 responses. The committee discussed comments that were made on some of the responses and how the concerns would be addressed. State Cross Country Meet/Capital City Cross Country Recap JJ Gates stated that everything went well. Gates and Bryan Braun stated that the course was wet in many areas due to the rain received the week of the State Meet , but no major damage to the course occurred. Braun stated that due to the rain, some of the course had to be reconfigured to keep the runners out of the fairways. Talk regarding the Capital City Cross County Challenge occurred. Staff stated they were not sure if this would remain in Jefferson City, but Gates added he talked with staff from Columbia, and they said they would not allow TRXC to run a meet on the new course. Any meets held on the course would be conducted by Columbia Parks and Recreation. Course/Maintenance Update Bryan Braun presented a detailed report that was included in the meeting packet. Braun commented that the weather played a major role in the decline of rounds this year. He reported that the greens are in good shape and that all fall/winter chemical applications have been done including fertil izers, wetting agents, and snow mold apps. Braun gave a report on the bacterial wilt and nematodes that presented problems with the greens this year, and then informed the committee on ways to address the problems next season. Braun reported on the fairways, tees, surrounds and rough, and the sand bunker renovation that will occur this winter on #10. In closing, Braun reported that he now has a full staff and a great team to work with. He left his report with work he plans to get done during the winter months. Stu Murphy complimented Bryan Braun for his work at the course and the comprehensive report he provides. Stu Murphy asked about the deer hunt. Braun stated that staff would be bow hunting on December 6 and 7 , and any deer shot would be donated to the Share the Harvest Program. Fee Adjustments JJ Gates reported that staff is recommending the following fee increases : $1 increase in green fees and cart rentals, a $.50 increase on all sizes of range ball buckets, and a $25 dollar increase for adult and senior pass holders. The committee discussed the rate increases in detail expressing concern relative to increasing fees while rounds are at a decrease. Following the in-depth discussion, Scott Englund made a motion to approve the rates as presented, and making the information about the rewards program at the golf course more visible. Russell Rottmann seconded the motion. The motion passed with all voting in favor. Other Business Stu Murphy stated he feels that one area that needs to be worked on is how to better market the golf course. He added that at the next meeting it might be good to have High 5 Communications come and provide ways to better advertise the golf course. Mike Roling commented about Hough Lake. He stated he brought thi s topic up at the last meeting, but he feels the lake is underutilized and feels that maybe it could become a recreational area with a trail around the lake and places for people to sit and enjoy the scenery. Adjournment Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:03 p.m. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 3, 2019 at Noon.