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2000/11/20 City Council MinutesCITY OF ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL GOLF COURSE MEETING MINUTES November 20, 2000 Monday The Rohnert Park City Council met this date for a special meeting to discuss golf course matters, commencing at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Vidak- Martinez presiding. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Vidak- Martinez called the special meeting to order at approximately 6:30 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present: (5) Councilmembers Flores, Reilly and Spiro; Vice Mayor Mackenzie, and Mayor Vidak- Martinez Absent: ( 0 ) None Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Netter and City Attorney Strauss. 1. MAYOR'S REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION: Mayor Vidak- Martinez indicated that there was nothing to report on the closed session which commenced at approximately 6:00 p.m. to discuss matters listed on the agenda attachment, representing an update. Mayor Vidak- Martinez reminded the audience that this evening's special meeting would be for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, and City Manager Netter briefly summarized the agenda. 2. REVIEW RECONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS OF THE REDWOOD & WILLOW COURSES (SHERMAN REPORT): City Manager Netter gave a slide presentation covering each of the options for the north and the south courses. Rohnert Park City Council SPECIAL MEETING - GOLF COURSE November 20, 2000 Page(2 ) 3. REVIEW FINANCING PROGRAM FOR COURSE IMPROVEMENTS: A. AMERICAN GOLF PROPOSALS - A.G. REPRESENTATIVE PRESENTATION: Paul Major, executive vice president in the American Golf group of companies, and other representatives from American Golf shared information about the infrastructure problems at the local courses, rates, competition, and resort- concept golf courses vs. signature golf courses. They then responded to Council inquiries. B. OTHER PROPOSAL - CITY: Mr. Major from American Golf noted that the proposal for a more incremental approach was not well received by the City. City Manager Netter then reviewed the financing options for the City. FOR THE RECORD, Mayor Vidak- Martinez noted that Councilmember Reilly had to leave immediately for a family emergency. 4. RATE STRUCTURE (SHERMAN REPORT): City Manager Netter gave brief comments on the current and the potential rate structures for the golf courses. 5. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mayor Vidak- Martinez stated that in compliance with State law (The Brown Act), citizens wishing to make a comment may do so at this time (limited to 3 -5 minutes per appearance with a 30- minute limit). 1. Walter Lynch, 961 Hacienda Circle, was recognized and SUGGESTED that the renovations first be done on the ­41-e due to the terrlhl e nr-mAj trine of H-is= Y7 V L Vii V V vL i V V fairways and greens. He noted that the north course holds up better in the winter and that the City will lose business if the north course is started first as play is already affected due to the condition of the south course. He also SUGGESTED that the City come up with its own proposal if American Golf's proposals are not approved. 2. Bill Comstock, 267 Fauna Avenue, General Manager, Doubletree Hotel, was recognized and urged the Council to go forward with the renovations to the golf courses Rohnert Park City Council SPECIAL MEETING - GOLF COURSE November 20, 2000 Page(3 ) so as to create a complex at the Doubletree Hotel that can rival any hotel - resort in the area. He noted that increased revenues at the hotel mean increased tax revenues for the City. He discussed the millions of dollars Hilton has invested in the Doubletree, and he indicated that they are prepared to market it as a hotel and to put in a spa. He stated that the golf course improvements and competitive pricing would allow the Doubletree to market to a different clientele. 3. Danny Kiick, 1441 Montana Place, was recognized and indicated that he has been a longtime resident of Rohnert Park. He urged the Council to move forward with the renovations as soon as possible. As a financial advisor, he noted that immediate action on this matter will save money in the long run as waiting will only ensure that the renovations will cost more in the future. He said that the north course was supposed to be a P.G.A. -type facility when it was built, and that someday he hopes to bring his clients to the newly renovated Mountain Shadows Golf Courses. 4. Nancy Hauff, 787 Hudis Street, was recognized and stated that she is a 13 -year resident of Rohnert Park, as well as a wife, mother, professional woman, and employee of American Golf. She said she has always been treated fairly by American Golf and that they have dealt with complaints and adversity with grace. She expressed her support for the management of the renovations to be handled by American Golf, as well as her support of the signature -style golf course. 5. Carole Cabral, 910 Dorine Avenue, was recognized and discussed her concerns over the drainage problems of the golf course that affect her property and her neighbor's as well. She noted that dying trees and fallen limbs are being taken care of much sooner now. She SUGGESTED that the Spanos Corporation contribute funds for the renovations of the golf course as Mr. Spanos, according to her, is an avid golfer, and as most golfers will not like competing with the traffic which will be generated by the upcoming Spanos project in that area by Fairway Drive. 6. Herb Palmer, 905 School Street, Cotati, was recognized and stated that he owns a rental home on Fairway Drive and that he is an avid golfer. He expressed his support for the renovations to the Mountain Shadows Golf Course and his support for American Golf to see Rohnert Park City Council SPECIAL MEETING - GOLF COURSE November 20, 2000 Page(4 ) the improvements through. He indicated that golf fee structure should be more competitive with other local courses. He also noted his support for a signature -style golf course. 7. Barry Ivers, 5753 Davis Circle, was recognized and SUGGESTED in order to save money that the City try to locate the topography maps, grading and drainage maps. He SUGGESTED that the City talk to the Doubletree Hotel about purchasing the north course so that the City can pull taxes from their sales and gain revenues for the south course. He RECOMMENDED that the new contract with American Golf be drafted by individuals knowledgeable in golf course functions, administrative activities, and follow -up. He further RECOMMENDED that more research and control be put into the golf driving range, and he SHARED PHOTOS with Council of the present condition of the golf courses. 8. Charles Kitchen, 4457 Hollingsworth Circle, was recognized and noted that he had chaired the Steering Committee for the golf courses. He raised several issues about the golf courses: (1) What kind of concessions would the Doubletree Hotel expect ?; (2) Why not consider a competitive bid ?; (3) Preventative maintenance rested with American Golf as well as with the City of Rohnert Park; (4) The golf courses were built as a recreational facility for the residents, and the fee structure should reflect that; (5) American Golf had similar problems with a golf course in Florida. He RECOMMENDED that the City draft a much tighter contract with American Golf in the future. 9. Lois Lindstrom, 4507 Fairway Drive, was recognized and SHARED PHOTOS previously circulated to the Council by Mr. Ivers, an earlier speaker. She urged the Council to get guarantees American � the ftollt r�Ilerll GL11 VV11 111 111C next contract to maintain the lake on the 7th hole. As a golf- course homeowner, she noted that when she bought her property, she paid more for the lake view with the swans. She discussed the gradual deterioration of the view from flooding, the post -flood makeshift creek, and the willow tree. 10. Dick Koehler, 4558 Fairway Drive, was recognized and SUGGESTED, in order to convince the community of the benefits of a signature course, that well detailed projections for cost, income, maintenance, Rohnert Park City Council SPECIAL MEETING - GOLF COURSE November 20, 2000 Page(5 ) and financial impact on the City be made. He said that it is important to have the improvements done right, and he raised questions about the resident rates outlined in the Sherman Report. 6. CONSIDER PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF FINANCING PLAN: and 7. CONSIDER PRELIMINARY APPROVAL - TIME TABLE: and 8. SCHEDULE DATE FOR RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT - FINAL APPROVAL: City Manager Netter shared information with the Council via a slide presentation about the preliminary financing plan and time line for improvements to both courses. He reiterated that the preliminary time line for renovations program has the north course slated to begin reconstruction after all of the necessary approvals in' April of 2001 and to be completed in April of 2002, and the south course to begin in April of 2002 and to be completed in April of 2003. Council CONCURRED to have staff come back with more information and analyses for further review to be AGENDIZED for the November 28th regular session of the Council or in December at a special meeting to be held before the December 12th Council meeting. City Manager Netter REQUESTED that all Councilmembers submit to him any questions they have regarding the bond - financing aspect of the Renovation Program for the golf courses. Councilmember Spiro REQUESTED that staff come back with a chart that outlines the financing program for the next 20 years. 9. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mayor Vidak- Martinez ADJOURNED the meeting at approximately 8:30 p.m. Katy Leonard, Certified Shorthand Reporter CSR No. 11599 Vicki Vidak- Martinez, Mayor City of Rohnert Park