THE GREATER COLUMBUS GOLF AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF MEETING
July 25, 2006
The Greater Columbus Golf Authority held the scheduled monthly meeting at Bull
Creek Golf Course. Members present were Richard Hagler, Floyd Washington,
Nancy Wilkeson, Donald Clack, Michael Silverstein, Willie Hill and June
Holder. Staff members present were John Milam, Steve Brown and Paul Lowery.
Nan Hopkins was an invited guest.
Minutes of the June 27, 2006 meeting were approved as presented. Motion made
by June Holder and seconded by Donald Clack.
Old Business
Mr. Todd Stanfill, Brookstone?s athletic director, addressed the authority
members requesting permission to host the GHSA Regional Tournament Class A boys
and girls at Bull Creek in May 2007. There will be approximately 16 boys and
girls teams from the state playing a practice round Sunday afternoon and the
one-day tournament Monday, May 7th. Bull Creek would be closed to the public
during this tournament. John Milam will ask Mr. Stanfill to seek sponsorships
to help defray the cost of closing the courses; this is a request, not a
stipulation. The authority is aware that hosting this tournament brings
additional revenue to the City along with positive feedback and goodwill from
the City Council. Michael Silverstein made a motion to offer both courses for
tournament play. June Holder seconded the motion. Motion passed.
The brass plaque honoring Mr. Howard Pitts will be dedicated at Oxbow Creek on
September 26, 2006.
Pay raises for all employees of Bull Creek and Oxbow Creek will be according to
the pay plan instituted by the City. Whenever the raises are approved by the
city, they will be retroactive to July 1, 2006. The four ?key employees? will
be brought up to scale. This will be an additional cost of $30,000 for Bull
Creek and approximately $12,500 for Oxbow Creek. Employees with 4-6 years of
service will receive a 5% raise and employees with more than 6 years of service
will receive a 7% raise. One position will be eliminated at Bull Creek.
Mr. Paul Lowery, Oxbow Creek?s correctional guard, addressed the authority
members as to why he and other guards do not fall under Public Safety. Richard
Hagler told Paul Lowery that he and other members of the Authority addressed
this very issue with the mayor and city council members several months ago.
Nothing will change ? one reason was stated that there is not enough money. It
is out of the Authority?s hands.
Superintendent Report by Steve Brown
All 36 greens have been aerated for a second time this season. A 5/8? core was
removed of organic matter. More sand was applied to fill the holes and any
excess sand will be blown off. Maintenance is behind on mowing with all the
aeration and cleaning up from a recent storm. It is difficult to stay on top
of things with only two prison labor crews.
Oxbow Creek will begin aeration next week. The water level in the lake at
Oxbow is at a normal level. Bull Creek has received rain in the last ten days.
The cost to replace the engine on the greens mower was $3300. One mower costs
approximately $20,500. It was suggested that Bull Creek purchase one mower
every year to replace the mowers purchased between 1992-1994. The life
expectancy of a mower is 7 years.
Mr. Pat O?Brien, Southeast Director of Greens Section, will be at both courses
next month to give us our yearly report on conditions of greens, fairways,
equipment, etc. Mr. O?Brien will not be addressing the Authority Board in
person.
New Business
Donald Clack made a motion to retain the same officers on the Authority Board
leaving Richard Hagler as Chairman, Michael Silverstein as Co-Chairman and
Nancy Wilkeson as Secretary. June Holder seconded the motion. Motion passed.
John Milam addressed the Authority Members on the perception of ?free golf?.
The employees, marshals, and city council members do not pay. Mr. Milam
suggested that the above golfers pay $1 for 9 holes of golf and $2 for 18 holes
of golf. Spouses will be charged for cart fee only. Invited guests of the
above-mentioned will pay cart fee only if playing ?does not become abusive?.
One concern was that raised is that everyone must pay. Authority members will
mull this over and report back to Mr. Milam at the next meeting.
Willie Hill made a suggestion that the water coolers on the course need to
lock. The drink machines will be installed around the 1st of August when
Butterfingers vacate.
June Holder asked if the authority members were due travel expense in attending
the monthly meeting. There are no provisions under our bylaws. Other Boards
might offer this reimbursement, but the Golf Authority Board does not.
Godwin Creek
Godwin Creek has a total of 9 gas carts and 8 new pull carts. New York Life
and The Kirven Foundation have recently donated money. Approximately 40 kids
have participated in the weekly clinics. The Middle School Tournament will
relocate to Godwin Creek from Fort Benning. Maple Ridge Men?s League will hold
a tournament in August benefiting the First Tee. The First Tee had to purchase
water from the city to irrigate the course.
Director of Golf
Bull Creek and Oxbow Creek?s revenues versus budget for fiscal year ending June
30, 2006 was presented. Bull Creek made approximately $50,000 to $60,000.
Oxbow Creek lost approximately $150,000. Through the 19th of July, Bull Creek
revenues were $80,000 compared to $68,000 last year.
Richard Hagler adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Wilkeson, Secretary
Attachments
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