pages: GolfCommission/2007-09-19.pdf, 5
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GolfCommission | 2007-09-19 | 5 | General Fund will be subsidizing the Golf Complex if nothing changes. The second scenario is continued self-operation with implementation of NGF's operational recommendations such as dealing with the pace of play problem, marketing business plan, customer service issues and a stand-alone banquet facility. Under this scenario, the bottom line will improve although the City will have to continue depleting the operating reserve, and major facility improvements will be deferred. The third scenario is to bring in an outside private management company, in which case the burden of risk is transferred from the City. Mr. Getherall stated that ending the transfers from the Golf Complex to the General Fund would help, although it is ultimately a short-term fix and the need for physical improvements is more than those funds could provide. Mr. Getherall said that the golf market is not going back to what it was and it is unrealistic to expect rounds to ever return to the high levels reach in the early 1990s; this is the market that golf facilities have to operate in. For a long- term solution, NFG's suggestion is to shift the burden of risk to private management. Many cities in the Bay Area are experiencing the same problems with revenue loss and depleting golf funds. Mr. Getherall pointed out that there are factors in the golf market that cannot be controlled, such as the number of courses in the area, the economy, and the overall state of the golf industry. Ultimately the key question for the City of Alameda is whether it is prepared to fund some of the improvements. Chair Wood stated that the Operational Review Report is available on line at the City of Alameda web site and there is a copy at the Alameda Main Library. The discussion was opened to the floor and the comment was made that the City of Alameda has always been known for its wonderful junior Golf Program and it would be wrong to raise the junior fees as the report suggested. Another comment was that the over-abundance of full-time management in the Pro Shop is a large part of the problem. In reference to the NGF recommendation to close the Mif Albright Course, several audience members commented that (1) it is the perfect place for parents to take their children to learn the game of golf, although (2) the course was ruined when the practice area took two of the holes away and reconfigured the layout, and (3) that the Mif Albright Course is ideal for older golfers who can no longer play on the big courses. The question was asked if the Mif Albright Course was renovated would it have potential to become a moneymaker. Mr. Getherall stated that if the course was used as a learning course to cultivate new players it could possibly be more successful in the long term. Secretary Sullwold stated that she believes there is a fourth scenario not analyzed by NGF, where the Mif Albright Course is closed and the land leased out, the City of Alameda cuts back the paybacks to the General Fund substantially, and other recommendations in the report regarding staffing, operational improvements, a stand-alone banquet facility, and improvements to the Driving Range were implemented. She asked if these were done what would the potential revenue stream be over the next five years. Mr. Singer stated that the unknown is what amount could be generated by a lease of the Mif Albright property. If it is a substantial amount then the answer is probably yes, you might be able to make it work. The comment was made that a rumor is going around Chuck Corica Golf Complex Page 5 10/11/07 Golf Commission Minutes | GolfCommission/2007-09-19.pdf |