Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg Golf Advisory Commission met July 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Meeting Called to Order: Meeting was called to order at 4:02 p.m. by Chairman, David Selkirk

Roll Call:

Present: Stan Devlin, Jerry Reynolds, Paul Sandborg, David Selkirk

City of Galesburg: 

Director of Parks and Recreation – Elizabeth Varner, Alderman – Steve Cheesman, Parks Superintendent- Don Miles, Greenkeeper-Matt Miles, Golf Professional – Bryan Luedtke

Absent: Rodney Bunch

Minutes: June 2023 minutes were approved, with the addition of Director of Parks and Recreation being in attendance, with motions from Paul Sandborg and Jerry Reynolds.

Greenskeeper Report: 

Greenkeeper, Matt Miles, reported on maintenance of the golf course. Greens are rolled one to two times per week to maintain smoothness. They were lightly top dressed with sand this month, brushed in, and rolled twice. Staff have been busy with spray applications to the turf in efforts to keep it healthy throughout the hot and humid weather. There has been mid-season equipment service performed to keep them maintained and as reliable as possible. A bare spot-on number six gold tee was patched with turf plugs this month. Some of the ornamental beds have received a fresh layer of mulch cover for aesthetics. Staff have also been cutting the long rough areas to keep the weeds under control. There was a major irrigation leak repair performed in the 18th fairway. This was on the main line which supplies water to the back nine fairways.

Commissioner, Paul Sandborg, inquired about the chemical spray being used on the course, as well as the nearby farm chemicals, and how they might affect golfers. Greenkeeper, Matt Miles, thought golfers were safe but then said he was not sure about the field chemicals. He mentioned the only issue seems to be when grass dies on the edge from the farm chemicals, but it is not an issue. Paul also asked Parks Superintendent, Don Miles, if he was able to take care of the fence for the #7 tee for safety purposes from the range balls. Don has added this to the budget.

Golf Professional Report: 

Golf Professional, Bryan Luedtke, provided the Golf Professional Report. A review of June was provided showing that there was a record number of rounds (5,089) played for another record month. There was $91,200 in total revenue. The weather continues to be beautiful; greens look fabulous and golfing events are great. Merchandise, food and beverage sales were up $3,000 in June.

Bunker Links hosted 104 players for Money-Ball Tournament with $1,040 in credit paid out onto their accounts. Staff did a great job handling the number of players. There were three volunteers including our own Golf Commissioners, David Selkirk and Paul Sandborg. Volunteers help reduce the payroll costs. Additional July outings included the Iowa PGA Galesburg Junior Open (87 players), Peoria Sandtrappers (96 players), and the All City Women’s Tournament (24 players). Some of the leagues are dwindling in numbers such as the Ladies and Men’s Leagues. Sign up is underway for the Club Championship with major golf outings in August to include Elks, Legion, Shooting Stars and J’s. The Legion and Super Seniors are the most popular. However, the Super Seniors are also down a bit. The next event is the Junior All City on August 1, 2023.

Old Business: 

Chairperson, David Selkirk, inquired about the budget. Don explained that the budget is submitted. David wanted to ask for additional carts to be added to the budget. Don explained that we have these carts for one more year. David would like to have two extra cats if they cannot be fixed in time for events to be on standby in the garage due to maintenance. Paul asked if we could rent any extra. Steve reiterated this would be nice to golfers waiting for carts. Commissioner, Jerry Reynolds, stated we have 48 carts and perhaps we should have 52 on the next contract. Discussion included if additional carts would cause issues on the next golf outing. The answer is no. Bryan explained that if we maintain the play in rounds then there is a need for carts. There were a lot of breakdowns this year causing issues. Steve mentioned that there were not many days where the carts were not being utilized. Bryan stated that it would be difficult to get matching color carts. Don will check the cost of the carts and availability, as well as a 3-year vs. a 5-year contract. He will check on additional carts for 2024. Bryan explained that renting is difficult.

New Business: 

David brought up golf prices, which were discussed. A revenue fee increase was suggested. Steve suggested increasing the daily rate only so as not to burden the loyal customers. David disagreed and it was suggested to increase it by 10%. Director of Parks and Recreation, Elizabeth Varner reminded Commissioners that the budget has been submitted, and that it was brought up the past couple of months. She stated that golfers were upset last year with the price increase and that you want to ensure golfers will not leave. There were no increases in 2021 or 2022. Jerry suggested a $1 increase or 10%. David also suggested 5% or $25 increases. Paul made a motion to increase 5% and round off, with Jerry making a second motion. The motion passed. Bunker Links Range Ball rates were not included in the revenue increases. Bryan also mentioned that $25,000 was made at the Driving Range in revenue, and last year it was $28,000 so it should be better. Alderman, Steve Cheesman, said he is working on a bigger driving range plan.

Then David Selkirk brought up the issue of District #205 charging the American Legion to use the ballfields and wanted to charge GHS Golf for use of Bunker Links. Bryan also agreed there should be a fee. Elizabeth informed the Golf Commission that we are nearing completion of our District #205 agreement negotiations, and the American Legion should not be an issue with the Golf Commission. David stated Bryan should have been informed, of which Elizabeth stated he was informed and did have input when the agreement negotiations started. Golf Commissioners expressed concern that District #205 gets too much, with David making a motion to change the District #205 use of Bunker Links to $3,000 vs. $1 per golfer based on how they want to charge the American Legion. Elizabeth explained that District #205 does get a lot out of the agreement but so does the community when the City of Galesburg is working with them. One example is the GHS tennis courts so that the public can play on the courts. Bryan stated he was not aware that there was a $1 per golfer charge, and the City has not received this. Elizabeth read the agreement, which was also provided to Bryan, and stated this should be checked if they have not been paying. It was suggested by Don to have them pay a Jr. Minor Pass.

Elizabeth then stated that the City is trying to finalize negotiations, and this could be an issue, and expressed this frustration. David and Bryan felt strongly about charging GHS Golf more. Jerry motioned to charge District #205 $100 per player during GHS Golf Season. Elizabeth explained the concerns with being in negotiations with District #205 and how this could have a negative effect. She asked to have the motion changed to “ask for consideration” to be included. Jerry then motioned to “Ask (the City) for consideration to charge District #205 $100 per player during the GHS Golf Season, with a Golf Coach present. Stan Devlin made the 2nd motion and it passed 4-0.

Public Comments: None 

Meeting Adjourned: Jerry and Paul made a motion to adjourn at 5:25 p.m.

https://cms7files.revize.com/galesburg/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Golf%20Advisory/2023/Golf%20Commission%20Minutes%20072523.pdf