pages: CityCouncil/2011-04-12.pdf, 3
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CityCouncil | 2011-04-12 | 3 | David Sams, Golf Consultant, responded the golf business has been on a downward trend since 1999; stated the trend for golf is very stagnant; gross revenue is down almost 45%. Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the City's option for getting an influx of cash would be through some type of bond financing or finding a golf operator who is blessed with cash and would be willing to put cash upfront. Mr. Sams responded having a golf operator invest $5 million in a municipal golf course is non-existent; stated golf will come back, but it will be very slow. Councilmember Johnson stated older golf courses need capital improvements; inquired how improvements would be accomplished. Mr. Sams responded some cities put away money for golf operations; stated the majority of cities are behind; that he does not know how improvements could be accomplished. Councilmember deHaan inquired whether Mr. Sams is impressed with the Golf Course, to which Mr. Sams responded Kemper Sports is doing a very good job. Councilmember deHaan inquired whether Mr. Sams sees another way of tackling the Golf Course without heavy revenue infusion. Mr. Sams responded the greens have a lot of deferred maintenance; stated San Leandro closed down its golf course and spent $5 million building a new course. Councilmember deHaan inquired whether the Golf Course can be competitive now, to which Mr. Sams responded in the negative. Councilmember deHaan inquired what the maximum rounds would be for 18-holes on a weekend, to which Mr. Sams responded on a busy summer day, the golf courses could have 350 players per day. Councilmember deHaan inquired whether Mr. Sams is aware that said maximum was not met five years ago, to which Mr. Sams responded in the affirmative. In response to Councilmember deHaan's inquiry, Mr. Sams stated a lot of rounds are lost on weekdays; in 1997 and 1998, 200,000 rounds were played on the two golf courses. Vice Mayor Bonta encouraged Council to support the idea of exploring the HBIA proposal further; stated the proposal is cautiously intriguing; tonight, legitimate questions and concerns have been raised; suggested that representatives of different stakeholder groups talk through the matter in good faith. Special Meeting 3 Alameda City Council April 12, 2011 | CityCouncil/2011-04-12.pdf |