2001/05/01 City Council MinutesCITY OF ROHNERT PARK
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING:
GOLF COURSE MATTERS
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
May 1, 2001
Tuesday
The Rohnert Park City Council met this date for a special
meeting open to the public to discuss the Golf Course
matters, commencing at approximately 6:45 p.m. in the City
Offices, Conference Room, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert
Park, with Mayor Mackenzie presiding.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Mackenzie called the special meeting to order at
approximately 6:52 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: (5) Councilmembers Reilly, Spiro, and
Vidak- Martinez; Vice Mayor Flores;
Mayor Mackenzie
Absent: (0) None
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City
Manager Netter, City Attorney Strauss, and Interim
Assistant City Manager Stephens.
1. MAYOR'S REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION:
REAL ESTATE NEGOTIATIONS:
1. Rohnert Park Golf Course Property: Mayor Mackenzie
reported on five matters: (1) By the May 8, 2001,
City Council meeting, it is expected that unresolved
business issues with CourseCo will be resolved; (2)
By the May 22, 2001, City Council meeting, it is
anticipated that a full written lease by CourseCo
will be returned to the City of Rohnert Park; (3)
If the concept of business terms in the lease
agreement between CourseCo and Rohnert Park are not
ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING: GOLF COURSES
May 1, 2001 Page(2 )
accepted by the May 8, 2001, City Council meeting,
the City Manager will be directed to pursue other
options; (4) There will be NO ACTION ITEM this
evening as outlined in Item 4 on the Special
Meeting Agenda; and (5) The meeting will end at
9:00 P.M.
2. ACKNOWLEDGING THE CITY MANAGER /CLERK'S REPORT ON THE
POSTING OF THE MEETING'S AGENDA:
The Council acknowledged the City Manager /Clerk's report
on the posting of the meeting's agenda.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES:
Mayor Mackenzie 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. Members of the public desiring to
speak AGREED to do so after the reports from the Golf
Course Sub - Committee, staff., and CourseCo.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND /OR ACTION:
4. GOLF COURSE MATTERS - CONSIDERATION OF MOUNTAIN SHADOWS
GOLF COURSES LONG -TERM LEASE /TRANSFER OF LEASE FROM
AMERICAN GOLF CORPORATION TO COURSECO:
a. Council Sub - Committee /Staff Reports:
*Status /Update on Lease Agreement
*Proposed Schedule of Improvements and Timeline
*Proposed Schedule of Rates, Course Comparisons, and
Resident Discount Polic
Councilmember Reilly gave a brief recap of the Sub - Committee
Report, touching on the following matters: (1) The
relationship with American Golf; (2) Infrastructure
improvements; (3) City operation of the golf courses;
(4) Revenues generated from the golf courses; and (5)
Resident rates, discounts, and a formula.
At this time, Vice Mayor Flores expressed his concerns
over CourseCo's proposed resident rates, particularly for
seniors. The Vice Mayor DISTRIBUTED a Revised Rate
Proposal for the Redwoods Course to the Sub - Committee, the
City Manager, Councilmembers, Consultant Bill Sherman,
Tom Isaak from CourseCo, and members of the public. Said
proposal is ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL SET OF MINUTES.
ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING: GOLF COURSES
May 1, 2001 Page ( 3 )
Vice Mayor Flores REQUESTED that the Golf Course
Sub - Committee consider his proposal as they work with
Mr. Isaak from CourseCo on the lease agreement.
City Manager Netter shared the contents of the Staff
Report provided to the Council in their Special Meeting
packets. He discussed the following items: (1) The
status of the lease, including establishing a cap, rent
to the City, insurance, revenues; (2) The construction
and improvement timeline, including the nature of the
improvements; and (3) The revised Mountain Shadows
Schedule of Projected Basic Green Fees, provided to the
Council in their packets.
b. CourseCo Representatives - Comments /responses to
Council questions:
Members of the public began to raise questions about the
Revised Rate Schedule proposed by CourseCo. Mr. Tom
Isaak from CourseCo briefly outlined the revisions in the
Schedule of Projected Basic Green Fees. Mayor Mackenzie
then called for Council inquiries of CourseCo on any
matters, and Mr. Isaak responded to questions ranging from
Junior Golf, junior rates, and junior programs to "Black
Access" and flexibility in the lease with the City.
Vice Mayor Flores elaborated on his Revised Redwoods Rate
Schedule and RECOMMENDED said proposal to the
Sub - Committee, City Manager Netter, and Consultant Sherman
as they continue their deliberations with Mr. Isaak and
CourseCo over the terms of the lease agreement.
c. Public Comments:
At this time, Mayor Mackenzie called forward those
citizens desiring to speak on this matter.
1. B Pietropaolo 6351 Country Club Drive, No. 201, was
recognized and expressed his concerns for senior
residents on fixed incomes. He noted that he likes to
play golf three times a week, and he urged the Council
to give serious consideration to the senior rates.
ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING: GOLF COURSES
May 1, 2001 Page(4 )
2. Sara Dawn Shafer, 820 Hughes Street, was recognized and
noted her support for CourseCo's management of the golf
courses. She disagreed with the proposed discount
schedule for residents and suggested that the same
discount apply for both courses. She also suggested
that the annual fee continue to be offered for both
courses, and she raised the issue of the impact on the
personal recreational budget of golfers as a means to
pay for other deficits in the City's budget created by
other programs, recreational and non - recreational.
3. Wayne Thush, 4400 Hollingsworth Court, was recognized
and DISTRIBUTED DOCUMENTS to the Councilmembers and
staff of Municipal Course Fee Comparisons. He compared
the resident fees with the proposed Redwoods Course
resident fees. He expressed his support for CourseCo's
management of the golf courses, and he warned against
turning the Willows Course into a resort -style course.
He also HANDED OUT other golf course comparison
documents and he discussed comparing our golf courses
to other courses that are not municipally owned. He
addressed conflicting statements he had heard about
infrastructure improvements, and he noted that if the
proposed fees approved, he will no longer play the
Redwoods Course.
4. Jim Pekkain, 1600 Holly Avenue, was recognized and
thanked the City Council for their efforts in
terminating the lease with American Golf. He expressed
his support for CourseCo's management of the courses
and the improvements they will make. He noted his
support for Vice Mayor Flores' proposed rates, with the
exception of the construction rates. He encouraged the
Council to support private carts and a variety of
discounts for non - residents.
5. Rob Harrigan, 5781 Dolores, was recognized and noted
that one of the reasons he moved to Rohnert Park was
for the golf courses. He discussed the City Council's
responsibility for the mismanagement of the golf
courses with American Golf, and he asked why rates
were not gradually raised five years ago. He also
asked if the Councilmembers have gone out to the golf
courses and talked with the golfers, especially the
seniors, about the condition of the courses. Finally,
he expressed his support for yearly memberships and
private carts, noting that if those were not
available, he would golf somewhere else.
ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING: GOLF COURSES
May 1, 2001 Page ( 5 )
6. Len Carlson Rancho Grande resident, was recognized and
expressed his support for CourseCo's management of the
golf courses. However, he noted that it will be
important to get clear language on golf cart annual
fees and annual membership fees into the lease with
CourseCo. He pointed out that he needs his golf cart,
and that he has made a major investment in it.
7. Walter Lynch, 961 Hacienda Circle, was recognized and
acknowledged all of the work CourseCo has done in
putting together a sound business plan. He expressed
his support for Vice Mayor Flores' proposed rates for
the Redwoods Course, and he indicated that he does
not believe that he should have to pay more to play
one of the courses.
8. John Dundas 467 Alta Avenue, was recognized and noted
that he came to Rohnert Park after retiring for the
very affordable golf. He raised three questions:
(1) Can.golfers walk or is a cart required ?; (2)
Why are there no annual green fees in the proposal ?;
and (3) Why are there no trail passes in the
proposal?
9. Mike Burgess 1488 Georgia Court, was recognized and
indicated that as a frequent weekend golfer with a son
that also is an avid golfer, the proposed rates from
CourseCo will force him to play somewhere else. He
expressed his support for junior golf, annual fees,
and non - mandatory carts.
10. Mike Harrow, 5748 Dexter Circle, was recognized and
noted that he is the President of the Men's Club. He
expressed his concerns that CourseCo's proposed
Redwoods weekend rate would adversely affect the
amount of golf the nearly 300 Men's Club members play.
He indicated his support for Vice Mayor Flores'
proposed Redwoods rates. He also noted that several
members enjoy walking the courses, and he suggested
putting walking bridges over the creeks and waterways
to speed up play, as opposed to mandatory carts.
11. Charles Kitchen, 4457 Hollingsworth Circle, was
recognized and noted his support of the comments from
Mr. Thush, Mr. Burgess, and Mr. Harrow.
ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING: GOLF COURSES
May 1, 2001 Page(6 )
12. Dick Koehler, 4458 Fairway Drive, was recognized and
shared comments on the positive attitudes of City
City staff, Golf Course Sub - Committee members, and
CourseCo in trying to work out a lease agreement.
He expressed his support for the City to move ahead
with the completed lease agreement at the proper
time. He discussed CourseCo's proven track record,
as well as their financial resources, personnel,
willingness to talk with the golfers, Petaluma
headquarters, and regular reporting of the
construction process, and he expressed his
confidence in CourseCo to help elevate the City's golf
courses to a high level of quality. He also noted
that the very low rates of the past were only
hurting the City and the golf courses.
13. Jim Cronin, 205 Alma Avenue, was recognized and noted
his agreement with most of the speakers this evening.
He expressed support for Vice Mayor Flores's proposed
Redwoods rates.
d. Council Discussion /Action:
At this time, Councilmembers asked questions of Mr. Tom
Isaak from CourseCo. Mr. Isaak addressed issues ranging
from mandatory carts, private carts, and trail fees to
annual cards and structured discounts. Council discussion
ensued, and City Attorney Strauss and City Manager Netter
responded to Council inquiries.
Upon MOTION by Councilmember Vidak- Martinez, seconded by
Vice Mayor Flores, a motion to adopt the rate schedule
percentages proposed by Vice Mayor Flores as the
parameters for negotiations of the business issues in the
lease agreement with CourseCo, was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
City Manager Netter and Consultant Sherman indicated that
said motion provides sufficient direction for staff.
*Resolution for Consideration: [No action taken
this evening.]
2001 -_ APPROVAL OF MOUNTAIN SHADOWS GOLF COURSES
LONG -TERM LEASE /TRANSFER OF LEASE AGREEMENT FROM
AMERICAN GOLF CORPORATION TO COURSECO
As Mayor Mackenzie ANNOUNCED earlier, there will be no
action taken this evening on this Resolution for
Consideration.
ROHNERT PARK CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING: GOLF COURSES
May 1, 2001 Page(7 )
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Mayor Mackenzie
ADJOURNED the work session at approximately 8:44 p.m.
4
Katy Leonard,
Certified Shorthand Reporter
CSR No. 11599
J ke Mackenzie,
Mayor
y of Rohnert Park
IOM CITY OF ROHNERT PARK FAX NO. :
May. 03 2001 08:37AM P1 /2
For tonight's meeting: This
revised schedule of Fates
w
proposed by qoursecoand
MOUNTAIN SHADOWS
Fees
reviewed by Council
Schedule of Projected Basic Green
REVISED
Committee.
G �% Jt.,
REDWOODS
Peak Oft- Peak(4)
WILLOWS
Peak Off- Peak(4} i �t or "_
v t
d 1
T� i l (
C�•,,tf
oonstructlon P r►
l� j ;
,C
Neekday
25.00 $ 20.00
$ 20.00
$ 1200 .
Non - Resident
Resident
$ 21.25 $ 17.00 -15%
$ 15.00 -25%
$ 9.00 .25%
Resident Senlor(5)
Sarre as Residents
$ 13,40 -33%
$ 5.00 -33%
Weekend/Holiday(2)
dp
Non-Resident
Non-Resident
$ 25.00
5 30.00
S 20.00
Resident(3)
$ 25.50 -15% $ 21.25 -15%
$ 22.50 -25%
$ 15.00 -25%
Resident Senior
Sartre as Residents
$ 20.00 -33%
$ 1340 -33%
Post Do _strucoon Pero U1
Weekday
Non - Resident
Resident
Resident Senior
Weekend /Holiday(2)
Non-Resident
Residenl(3)
Resident Senior
$ 30.00 $ 25.00
$ 25.50 -15% S 21.25 -15%
Same as Residents
S 45.00 $ 35.00
$ 46.00 , 0 29.75
same as Residents L 15,1
25.00 $ 17.50
$ 18.75 -25% S 13,13 -25%
S 16.75 -33°% S 11.73 -33
$ 35.00 $ 25.00
15% � $ 26.25 -25 % $ 18.75 -25°x:
,4�� p^ S 23.50 -33% $ 16,75 -33%
,�r'Ilc u•^ J
Notes;
(1) Construction Period: Estimated at up to two years. Market rate fees will be introduced at conclusion of construction.
(2) On Redwoods only Weekend Includes FrUSaVSun
(3) Discounts
Willows - Residents recoiva a 25% discount from Market Rata at all times
Senior Residents receive a 33% discount from Market Rate at all times
Redwoods - Residents receive a 15% discount from Market Rate at all times except Peak Time Weekends and Holidays
Note: During Weekend Peak times 15% Resident Discount applies to `walk -on players' only
(4) Off -Peak -- Generally mid - to late attemoon Nmn 4 0 2 o"
(5) Senior defined as 62 years or older
Annual Cards and Other Discount Programs' Not part of fee schedule but may be utilized to address market need
Discounted fees founded upward to nearest $.25
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Redwoods LN_ort—llC-0—urS--lll
Resident Sr, $16 $13 ,
Weekend / Holidsy
<� Non Re3ldent $35 115�
Resident $25 M
Resident Sr. $20 lepl 6
Weekend / HollAaA
den Resident $45
$35
Resident $30 $23
Resident Sr. $25 $20
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May. 03 2001 08:38AM P2/2
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$13 N' $7 Yl
$30 0
$22.50 $15
$20.50 $13
$18.75 $13
$10,75 $11-50
$35 $25
$26.25 $18.75
$23.50 $16,76