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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Council 092498• CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 1998 The September 24, 1998, Special Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was called to order at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Complex located at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ROLL CALL The City Clerk called the roll and the following elected officials were found to be in attendance: Mayor Joseph R. Russo, Councilman Eric Jablin, Councilman David Clark, and Councilman Carl Sabatello. Vice Mayor Lauren Furtado was absent from the meeting. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Russo stated the announcements were as posted. • RESOLUTIONS Resolution 106, 1998 Councilman Clark made a motion to approve Resolution 106, 1998, Consideration of Approval to Declare State of Local Emergency. Councilman Jablin seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous 4 -0 vote. PRESENTATIONS Dubin & Associates Brad Dubin introduced others present on behalf of Dubin & Associates. Mr. Dubin explained why they did not accept a 9- month extended contract, and expressed their desire to stay with the City. Mr. Dubin explained that Dubin & Associates was a local company which had increased sales and profits each year, and proposed refinancing the golf course debt at current low rates to save over $100,000 annually which could be spent towards building a much - needed clubhouse. Mr. Dubin reviewed a customer survey which had given the golf course high ratings, stated his company wished to stay as manager of the golf course, stressed the need for a new clubhouse, and explained the difficulty with hiring new personnel near the end of a contract term. A new clubhouse would enable the golf course to attract tournaments, which would generate more rounds and more money. Mr. Dubin stated the golf course • needed a manager, who should be the person best - qualified for the job. CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL REGULAR MEETING, 9/24/98 2 Granite Golf Course Management M. G. Orender, President of Granite Golf Course Management, expressed his opinion that the present building was dirty, that additional personnel were needed to provide better service, that the golf course needed to be in better shape, and that beverage carts were needed to generate extra dollars. Mr. Orender explained that residents of the community could pay lower rates and other players could pay more to cover the extra costs. The facility should be marketed in such a way that people would feel they were getting a very good value for their money. Mr. Orender expressed his opinion that the golf course was doing well at present but believed his recommended changes and management could generate additional funds. Brian Jackson explained marketing procedures and how their company could immediately improve the level of service and therefore generate more profits. Mr. Orender suggested marketing which would target children and wives of golfers, changing the quality of the turf, cleaning and painting the buildings, improving the food, providing additional services, and expressed • his opinion that these changes could be made with only small additions to the budget. Mr. Orender explained there was a cap on travel expenses not to exceed $500 per month. Mr. Orender estimated in a year under normal weather conditions the course could handle 90,000 rounds annually, with a minimum of 75,000 +. Mr. Orender explained it would take two seasons to improve the turf, and recommended a manager with golf pro experience and a golf pro as separate positions for 12 -18 months, after which a business decision should be made whether to keep the golf pro. Meadowbrook Golf Management Michael Rippey, Executive Vice President, reported they had been successful in similar situations; were the largest golf management company in Florida, managing 40 courses; and were experienced in municipal golf courses. Goals would be to improve the golf course conditions, improve customer service, and improve the bottom line. David Miller explained operating procedures for accomplishing the goals. A 120 -day plan which would focus on proper training of personnel, weed and insect control, proper edging every two weeks, cleaning palmetto areas, increasing mowing frequency, adding flower beds, and resodding. A total quality management program for course superintendents was described. The company also had a distributor for supplies. Mr. Rippey discussed the high standards expected of municipal courses in today's market. Improving • CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL REGULAR MEETING, 9/24/98 3 customer service, training personnel, upgrading the snack bar and pro shop, and expanding customer feedback were recommended. Mr. Rippey described how the company would train and involve personnel, upgrade facilities and service, upgrade food and beverage service, hold town hall meetings for golfers for their input, and survey golfers on the 18th green. The bottom line would be improved by taking care of the customer and providing exceptional service, and applying proper business strategies. Mr. Rippey reported their company had never not had a golf course management contract renewed. Personnel and cleaning up the golf course, adding flowers, etc., as discussed earlier would not require additional funds to be budgeted. Mr. Rippey reported a 5% gain in rounds the first year and an additional 5% the second year, and then steady gains in years 3, 4, and 5 in other similar situations. A goal of 70,000 rounds would be set as a 5 -year objective. The clubhouse would need upgrading which would require funds, however, they favored a 5 -year upgrade plan to be covered by increased income. This company recommended one person to fill the position of manager /golf pro, who would be chosen from existing personnel, people within the management company, or others, and would be approved by the City. No reimbursements for out -of- pocket expenses were included in the contract. AWARDING OF BID Awarding Bid for Management of the City's Golf Course All three proposers indicated they did not wish to be present at the discussion between the City Council and staff. Following the discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to select Meadowbrook Golf Management Councilman Clark made a motion to authorize the City Manager to negotiate a contract for management of the municipal golf course with Meadowbrook Golf Management. Councilman Jablin seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous 4 -0 vote. Staff was thanked for their efforts in this matter. It was the consensus of the City Council to require reports regarding operation of the golf course twice a year. The three proposers rejoined the meeting and were thanked by Mayor Russo for their participation. Mayor Russo announced that the City Council had authorized the City Manager to negotiate a • CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL REGULAR MEETING, 9/24/98 4 ADJOURNMENT APPROVAL: ATTEST: contract with Meadowbrook Golf Management. Mayor Russo commented that if negotiations did not work out with Meadowbrook that the City would feel comfortable negotiating with Granite Golf Management. There being no adj ourned at l Oy R. RUSSO VICLOR LA N FURTADO discuss the meeting was C�N PVO TE RIC JABLIN UNCILMAN A CLARK aj COUNCILMAI� CARL SABATELLO �,/rV. KOSIER, CMC, CITY CLERK 0