THE GREATER COLUMBUS GOLF AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF MEETING
January 17, 2006
The Greater Columbus Golf Authority held the scheduled monthly meeting at Bull
Creek Golf Course. Members present were Chairman Richard Hagler, Earl Bagley,
Floyd Washington, Rhudine Nelson, Nancy Wilkeson, Willie Hill, Donald Clack,
Michael Silverstein and June Holder. Staff members present were John Milam and
Steve Brown.
Minutes of the November 22, 2005 meeting were approved as presented. Motion
made by Donald Clack and seconded by Rhudine Nelson. After consulting with the
authority members, December?s 2005, regularly scheduled meeting was cancelled
since no new business needed to be addressed and it conflicted with the
Christmas holiday.
New Business
Mr. Cecil Calhoun, on behalf of the naming committee, addressed the Authority
to consider renaming Oxbow Creek. Mr. Calhoun gave a brief history of Mr.
Howard Pitts and how he influenced young men and the history of our local golf
community.
Mr. Pitts? career highlights included work as a caddy master, club maker,
assistant professional as well as being the first African-American to be
trained by Mr. Fred Haskins. Mr. Hagler suggested having the clubhouse or the
driving range at Oxbow Creek named after Mr. Pitts. Alternately, a plaque
honoring him could be placed at Oxbow Creek. Mr. Hagler told Mr. Calhoun that
he would speak with him in the very near future to discuss the authority?s
proposal.
Honoring her late husband?s outstanding contributions to the game of golf for
the public community, the Authority recognized Mrs. Al Riesenberg and her
daughters. Due to inclement weather, the viewing of the bronze plaque near the
first hole of the east course was suspended.
Mr. Chris Parker, Columbus High School Boys Golf Coach, Mr. John Drew, Columbus
High School Girls Golf Coach and Mr. Ken Illges, representative from Columbus
Sports Council addressed the authority. They requested that Bull Creek be the
host course for the upcoming High School State Golf Tournament to be held on
May 8, 2006. The facility will be used for a practice round on Sunday, May 7th
; beginning at noon and the tournament will be conducted the following day.
Range balls will be complimentary for both days and a fee will be charged for
the use of golf carts by coaches and parents on Sunday. A motion was made by
Rev. Hill and seconded by Rhudine Nelson to approve this venue for the state
tournament. The motion passed unanimously. Bull Creek realizes this state
tournament brings approximately 200 players, family members and coaches to this
area and is proud to host this event however, the closing of both courses on
Sunday afternoon and all day Monday Bull Creek will lose approximately $6,000+.
Superintendent Report by Steve Brown
The greens will be painted in the next two weeks at Bull Creek and Oxbow Creek.
The fairways are two-third completed on the application of herbicide to control
the winter weed. Wood line clearing has been done on the West Course on the
right side of the 13th fairway, right side of 14th green, right side of the 7th
fairway and behind the 15th green.
The new driving range building is almost completed, just lacking the painting
and awaiting the new equipment. Repair work will begin on the cart barn.
Oxbow Creek had some vandalism over the Christmas Holiday. One truck and a
tractor were damaged. It was suggested that Mr. Milam look into the cost of
installing an alarm system for the vehicles that cannot be locked inside the
maintenance building.
Employees will begin the annual twenty hours of in-service training.
Nancy Wilkeson had several concerns for the Superintendent. The sand bunker on
13 and 16 East Course had many pebbles. They will be redone. The need for
mats for the driving range will be ordered; will be paid with SPLOST funds.
Flat rock needs to be installed around the cart paths; will be done in the
future. Lastly, the outcome from the Pension Board?s decision regarding the
retirement plan for our three correctional officers was not finalized. Mr.
Milam stated that the pension board had made their decision not to include our
correctional officers with the Office of Public Safety.
Godwin Creek
Spraying of the course will be completed in the next ten days. The greens have
been painted twice. The practice facility has been installed and looks great.
Director of Golf
Bull Creek?s revenues are higher than compared to that of December 2004. The
books were closed early and approximately $33,000 in revenues will be added to
January 2006 revenues. The expenses are below last year?s due to decrease in
labor costs. The rates have increased 5% for daily green fees and membership
fees. Cart fees remain the same.
Nancy Wilkeson asked Mr. Milam if it was possible for Bull Creek to close early
(4 p.m.) on Christmas Eve so the volunteer marshals could spend time with their
families or attend church services. Mr. Milam feels that the volunteers have
adequate time to have someone else cover for them and Bull Creek would stay
open until the last player finishes.
Nancy also requested that the ladies be considered when ordering apparel for
the spring/summer golf shirts. Mr. Milam said when the sales representative is
at Bull Creek; he will invite the ladies to meet with him and place their
orders.
Chairman, Richard Hagler adjourned the meeting at 4:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Wilkeson, Secretary
Attachments
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