Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg Golf Advisory Commission met Aug. 26

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, Jerry Reynolds, Rodney Bunch, Golf Professional Bryan Luedtke, Greenkeeper Matt Miles Parks and Recreation Director Don Miles, and Council Liaison Steve Cheesman

Absent: none

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

Citizen Comments:

None.

Reports:

Parks and Recreation Director:

Director Miles reported that the budget has been turned in and waiting for the first draft to be released. Budgets are going to be tight for next year, so there may have to be some reductions throughout the entire department as the process moves forward. Finalizing the specifications for both the cart path and drainage projects, so that approval can be made at the first council meeting in October. The parking lot sealing project is currently ongoing with a few delays but should be finished next week. The new bridge on #3 will be installed in October, Parks staff will be installing the culvert on #1 soon, before the cart path project begins.

Council Liaison:

Steve Cheesman reported that he is still working through the process of getting grant information. He explained that it is not a simple task, and it takes speaking to the correct people to get farther along with the process. He stated that any State grants will go through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and then there are federal grants which are extremely difficult to get ahold of. He hopes to get something moving so that a huge project can be completed at the course for our players to enjoy.

He also stated that he has heard some concerns about the height of the rough in some areas.

People are stating that it is hard to their ball in some areas due to the long thick grass.

Parks and Recreation Department

Greenkeeper:

Greenkeeper Miles reported.

• A great deal of sand was added to the sand bunkers. The depth and consistency of sand has been improved.

• Sand is being applied in low sod areas to build them up.

• It’s been a busy month preparing the course for all the golf events.

• Products were applied to help the course stay healthy as can be throughout the extreme heat and humidity. Some areas have thinned out from extreme exposure. Cooler temperatures will help in these areas to fill back in.

• On Saturday August 2nd a utility vehicle was stolen from outside the maintenance building while crew members were doing maintenance on the golf course. We as maintenance workers are hoping it gets replaced soon as it’s a vital piece of equipment for course set up and greens aerification. It is my recommendation that bright lighting and security cameras be installed around the maintenance building to deter any future theft and vandalism.

• Greens were verti cut in one direction this month.

• Greens were gone over with mini tines on a triplex and then sand top dressed. The sand was brushed in two directions and then rolled several times.

• A big water leak was repaired by two green and another in the middle of eleven fairway. The system is really showing its age.

• A fresh coat of paint has been applied to the metal work for the staircase at ten tee.

Golf Professional:

Golf Professional Luedtke provided a review of the numbers for July. Rounds were still down compared to last year, but still above average. Revenue is down, food and beverage are flat, but outing rounds are up. Hosted the Club Championship with 72 players participating in 5 different divisions. Four out of five of the divisions had new winners this year, including the Club Champion. Ladies league hosted a guest day with 52 players. The course also hosted four other outings, including the two largest outings of the season. The Elk’s Club and Abingdon  Parks and Recreation Department American Legion which had 29 and 36 teams respectively. Great revenue days for the course.

There was a small gain with passes sold with the special which started in July.

Old Business:

None.

New Business:

Rodney Bunch asked about possibly having a meeting in December. The reasoning would be to get the final numbers sooner rather than waiting until late March at the first scheduled meeting of the new year. After a short discussion, Bunch made a motion, seconded by Reynolds, to have a Golf Commission meeting on Tuesday December 16, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. The motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 4:46 P.M.

https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Golf%20Advisory/2025/Golf%20Commission%20Minutes%20082625.pdf?t=202509251050090