Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg Golf Advisory Commission met March 25

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Meeting was called to order by Dave Selkirk at 4:00 pm

Roll Call: Present: Members: Stan Devlin, Bob Reedy, Dave Selkirk, Rodney Bunch, Jerry Reynolds, Greenkeeper Matt Miles, Golf Professional Bryan Luedtke, Parks and Recreation Director Don Miles, and Council Liaison Steve Cheesman

Absent: none

Minutes: Minutes from the November 2024 meeting were approved, with a motion from Bunch, 2nd by Reedy.

Reports:

Parks and Recreation Director:

Director Miles reported that the drainage project will be substantially completed within the next two weeks. The weather and ground conditions have hampered the contractor’s ability to get the project finished before the designated deadline. Engineering staff have been working on the bridge project for hole #3 and the culvert crossing for hole #1.

Council Liaison:

Steve Cheesman reported that he is looking forward to working with administration to secure funding for future projects at the course. He also appreciated the update on the drainage project.

Greenkeeper:

Greenkeeper Miles reported.

• Aeration of rough areas with the slicing tines was done over the winter months.

• Golf accessories have been painted and refurbished.

• Select oak and cedar trees around the course were trimmed up from the ground.

• Tree stumps on the course were ground up and removed. The holes will be filled in and seeded this season.

• Storm damage resulted in the downing of a cedar tree on the back nine. Several other large limbs have fallen around the course.

• The bushes around the golf shop and six green area were trimmed back.

• Landscape plants and grass clumps were dug out at the golf shop to thin out the overgrowth.

• In December the greens were treated for winter stresses and top-dressed with sand to help protect them.

• The irrigation pump for the greens and tees system was removed and rebuilt.

• The cutting reels and bed knives have been professionally ground and sharpened.

• Repairs and maintenance were performed on the golf equipment over the winter months.

• Waterway areas had the underbrush cut and cleaned up.

• Park Division employees burned some grassy areas on and around the golf course.

• Phase 1 of drainage work is ongoing throughout the course.

Golf Professional:

Golf Professional Luedtke provided a review of the 2024 season. Revenue was up and a new record of rounds played was set at 33,203. Over the winter he has been finalizing merchandise items and securing advertising items. The typical winter maintenance items at the Golf Shop were performed. New equipment is already to go from the new golf carts, pressure washer, tables and chairs, to the new range ball washer. Bryan also mentioned that three new golf outings have been scheduled as well. He has been training new staff members behind the counter as well to make the Bunkers experience enjoyable for all of our players.

Old Business:

Golf Professional Luedtke mentioned that he investigated the possibility of placing an ATM in the Golf Shop over the winter. He found out that there was going to some expense to getting this accomplished which in turn was not going to be worth the hassle for what little usage it would get.

New Business:

Member Bunch raised a concern about the rates getting too high which could make golfers look at other courses if Bunkers is not as affordable as it used to be.

Chairperson Selkirk asked if Citizen Comment could be moved to the beginning of the meeting agenda to mirror the Council meetings. Director Miles stated that it could be done, and that the adjustment would be made for next month’s meeting.

Golf Professional Luedtke updated the commission on the Usage Tax that the State imposed on usage items. Tax will be charged on golf cart, golf club rentals, and range balls.

Citizen Comments:

None.

Meeting adjourned at 4:44 P.M.

https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Golf%20Advisory/2025/Golf%20Commission%20Minutes%20032525.pdf