THE GREATER COLUMBUS GOLF AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF MEETING
April 25, 2006
The Greater Columbus Golf Authority held the scheduled monthly meeting at Oxbow
Creek Golf Course. Members present were Chairman Richard Hagler, Willie Hill,
Floyd Washington, Nancy Wilkeson, Donald Clack, Michael Silverstein, Rhudine
Nelson and June Holder. Earl Bagley had an excused absence. Staff members
present were John Milam and Steve Brown.
Minutes of the March 28, 2006 meeting were approved as presented. Motion made
by June Holder and seconded by Michael Silverstein.
Old Business
Mr. Cecil Calhoun and the Columbus Country Club petitioned the Golf Authority
Members to reconsider naming Oxbow Creek Golf Course to the Howard Pitts Golf
Course. Chairman, Richard Hagler will respond to Isaiah Hugley on our position
concerning this matter.
Superintendent Report by Steve Brown
The greens growth is slow due to cool morning temperatures. As the conditions
improve, lower heights of cuts will ensue. This holds true for Oxbow Creek
too. Fertilizing the fairways has not been applied. The lease equipment
should arrive this coming week and fertilizer will be applied when equipment is
in place. Approximately half of the wood lines have been sprayed with
herbicide. The sand bunkers still have work pending.
The cement for the vending machine past 11th West green will be poured this
coming Thursday. The City will do the wiring and pull the power from the house
instead from a meter.
A 5-horse power pressure maintenance pump has been installed at Oxbow Creek at
a cost of $1500. It was costly to prime the 30-horse power pump. This
additional pump will pay for itself within four years.
The irrigation system at Godwin Creek will be automated at a cost of $1500.
The weeds and mole crickets have been controlled. Fertilizer has been
purchased.
Steve Brown brought to the Authority?s attention of the recent increase in
health insurance. Pending council?s approval, employees with spousal coverage
would pay an additional $28 per month and tobacco users would pay an additional
$18 per month effective July 1, 2006. The Authority Members expressed their
concern and are aware of the additional burden put upon its employees.
Godwin Creek
The finances are looking good for The First Tee Program. They have opened up a
money-market account with a deposit of $5000 and plan to add an additional
$1000 each month to get them through the lean months in the winter. The
current programs are in full swing with 84 participants and seven weeks of
summer programs are planned as well. A Middle School Golf Tournament is
scheduled for this coming Thursday. The Optimist Club Tournament is scheduled
for June 10th. The Optimist Club has committed $2500 per year for three
years.
The First Tee is looking into purchasing an additional four carts. They have
also purchased a lap top computer. For the first time, Godwin Creek netted
$1000 on March 15th from green fees, carts and range balls. The First Tee will
be the official charity at the Southeastern Amateur to be held at Columbus
Country Club from June 16th -18th, 2006. They are looking to bring in about
$2500.
Approximately one-half of the background checks for the employees, coaches and
volunteers are complete.
New Business
No new business.
Director of Golf
Bull Creek?s revenues are slightly lower than compared to the year-to-date of
2005. However, the expenses are down as well. Oxbow Creek?s loss figures do not
include cost allocations or debt depreciation. When added, it should be in
line with that of last years. Easter weekend was a financial boost for both
Bull Creek and Oxbow Creek due to Fort Benning hosting the Hardaway
Invitational High School Golf Tournament.
Beginning July 1st, 2006, golf cart rental fee will increase $1.00. Nancy
Wilkeson suggested to the authority why don?t we increase green fees 5%
beginning in July 2006 instead of waiting till January 2007. It was agreed
that all increases would begin July 1st. The insurance burden could be eased
somewhat with this additional revenue.
New signage will be posted notating that trespassing will not be allowed on the
course. People are slipping in from the ball field to fish.
Mr. Milan is trying to reclassify ?key? employees so that their job
classifications coincide with their duties.
Chairman, Richard Hagler adjourned the meeting at 4:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Wilkeson, Secretary
Attachments
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