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