Loading...
Minutes 03-11-04 Minutes of the Golf Course Advisory Board Meeting Held Thursday, March 11th, 2004 on the deck of The Links' clubhouse. Board Members Present: Art Matthews, Chairman, County Member Jim Smith, Vice Chairman, County Member Herb Suss, City Member Corrado Giangreco, City Alternate Diana Johnson, City Member Kurt Bressner, Ex-officio Member Board Members Absent: Dan Winters, County Member Robert Lee, City Alternate Bill McCarty, City Member Others Present: Joe Sciortino, Golf Director Dan Hager, Director of Golf Operations Dale Sugerman, Assistant City Manager Bob Ensler, City Commissioner Freda DeFosse, Assistant to the Golf Director Scoff Wahlin, Golf Course Superintendent Chairman Matthews called the meeting to order at 3:10 pm. Chairman Matthews called the roll by pointing out who was in attendance and he noted that Robert Lee was not present. Chairman Matthews made sure that everyone had a copy of the agenda and asked if there were any additions or deletions that needed to be made. Mr. Suss moved to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Smith and passed 5-0. Mr. Hager made an announcement concerning upcoming tournaments at The Links. He stated that the four tournaments held annually were aimed at specific groups. The "Playing for Time" tournament would be held on April 17th and was held to raise money for breast cancer research. He stated that last year's event raised over $7,500. The City Amateur would be held on April 24th and 25th and would include a senior division this year. He also added that the South Florida section, the largest PGA section in the United States, would be kicking off their summer tournament schedule with the South Florida Section PGA Junior Pro/Senior Pro Championship. It would be held at The Links on April 26t~. He pointed out what great exposure this was for the golf course. Mr. Hager concluded his announcements by stating that on May 8t~ The Links would be hosting the 3rd Annual Adult/Child Championship. This event raises money for The Links junior golf program. Ms. Johnson asked when the Concert on the Green would be held. It was reported that it would be held here on May 22"d and it would feature Eric Burden of Animals fame. Mr. Suss made a motion to accept the minutes of the regular Golf Course Advisory Board meeting held on January 22, 2004. The motion, seconded by Jim Smith, motion carried 5- 0. Mr. Sciortino pointed out that Mr. Giangreco was actually a city alternate and that he should be appointed to be a voting member for this meeting in the absence of Mr. McCarty. The board agreed and did so. Chairman Matthews asked for reports according to the agenda. Mr. Hager, Director of Golf Operations, began by distributing copies of the recent GAP survey. He went on to explain what a GAP survey is. Mr. Hager explained that trying to find a tee time reservation system that meets the needs of all our customers has been an ongoing process for the past 20 years. He pointed out some recent improvements implemented by his team and the success of last summer's weekend lottery card box system. He stated that this system will be in use this summer when demand does not exceed supply. Mr. Sciortino added that most people, especially seniors, appreciate speaking to a live voice. Mr. Wahlin, Director of Maintenance Operations, responded to Mr. Suss's questions regarding the disruption of play when the tees are leveled and the progress regarding the wet spots on the golf course. He informed him that the disruption of play would be minimal and that the wet spots were improving. He explained briefly the chemical nuances that were causing the wet spots and the program now in place to correct the problem. Mr. Sciortino applauded Mr. Wahlin for his pro-active approach to this problem. Mr. Smith asked Mr. Wahlin about the bunkers on the Championship Course. The GAP surveys indicated a concern by our customers. Mr. Wahlin told of some of the work that had been done already and that he would look to Mr. Hager for feedback concerning what level of sand might be maintained. Mr. Sciortino interjected that it is difficult to maintain bunkers due to the common fact that golfers do a poor job of raking the bunkers. Commissioner Ensler agreed that this is a problem at all golf courses. Mr. Sciortino said that better players prefer firmer bunkers and that players of lesser abilities usually prefer bunkers containing more sand and a softer appearance. Mr. Hager pointed out the fact that the customers greatest concerns in the GAP survey was already being addressed and that we were ahead of the curve. Mr. Hager commented on the quarterly report by stating that revenue was up over last year at the same time, 9 hole rounds on the Championship Course were significantly down due to the riding only policy, and 18 hole rounds on the Championship Course were significantly up over last year. He pointed out that the Links Club Card play was much higher and that daily fee play was high. He felt that this was extremely positive due to the fact that we depend so much on word of mouth advertising. He also noted the potential growth available for nine hole rounds on the Championship Course. Chairman Matthews then directed the board's attention to new business. He thanked Mr. Smith for his well-written letter to the City Commission. The board's comments on the letter were all positive. Ms. Johnson asked where the suggestion originated that the board become a hearing board for grievances. Mr. Smith replied that the suggestion was made by the Mayor at the same commission meeting that the Ferraros came forward during public audience. Ms. Johnson questioned whether this subject had come up before the commission meeting. Mr. Sciortino reminded everyone present that at the last Golf Advisory Board meeting that he had suggested a due process change to the rules and regulations and that Mr. McCarty made a motion to leave everything as it was. At that meeting, the board decided to think about it and discuss it at the next meeting. Mr. Bressner, the City Manager, said he had not seen the letter and asked for a copy. Ms. Johnson asked if the City Commission had asked the Golf Advisory Board to serve as a grievance committee. Mr. Smith said he thought it was only a suggestion of the Mayor. Ms. Johnson made a motion that the letter be submitted to the Mayor and City Commission. Mr. Suss seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. Mr. Bressner said that he felt that the City Commission agreed with the fact that the "Keep Pace Program" was good and that the overwhelming majority of golfers were in favor of it. He felt that what was missed by the majority of the commission was that the issue was not so much about pace of play but about rude behavior and bad conduct. He felt that the Mayor was looking for more of an established process to deal with these situations. Mr. Bressner said he wanted the board to consider four points: 1. Communicate criteria for conduct to the players 2. Develop some criteria for discipline if it is warranted 3. Develop a rationale to guide staff on the severity and length of the discipline 4. Prepare and administer an appeal process Mr. Bressner suggested that these points be formalized. Chairman Matthews questioned if we already had criteria established. Mr. Smith pointed out that there have been instances when people who had been banned for life from the golf course had come in, talked to staff and understood the policies and agreed to abide by them that they were allowed to return. He pointed out that this policy has worked for 20 years so why change it? Mr. Hager expressed that establishing criteria could lead to blind law that would not be aided by a sincere apology. Mr. Bressner stated that until 30 seconds prior he did not know that people who had been banned for life had any chance for redemption. He asked how we communicate that fact to golfers. Mr. Hager and Mr. Sciortino pointed out that they didn't want to let a customer think that if they just say they are sorry that they can come back. What is required is a change of behavior to assure that the situation does not occur again. Mr. Sciortino stated that if the customer does not agree with the way the golf course is run that they will never be happy here and always be a problem when they play here. Mr. Suss stated that there were two issues that couldn't be tolerated: 1. Physical violence 2. If someone took the issue as far as the Ferraros did Mr. Smith stated that the handling of disciplinary issues by staff on a case by case basis allowed an opportunity to read the sincerity of the offender and constructing a hard and fast procedure would not be a good idea. Mr. Hager pointed out that if a golfer liked only part of what we offer and decided to ignore the policies that they didn't like, that they would not be welcome. If later they had a change of heart and agreed to all our policies that he would be inclined to welcome them back. Mr. Sugerman, Asst. City Manager, pointed out that the Ferraros had not been banned for life but that their playing privileges had been revoked. Mr. Bressner and Mr. Sugerman had a discussion about the semantics of the terms "banned for life" and "playing privileges revoked". Mr. Hager pointed out that the name of the list is the "Not welcomed to play here list", not the "Not welcomed to play here for life list". He also stated that the media were the ones responsible for the term "Banned for life". The "Not welcome to play here list" isn't necessarily a lifetime list. Chairman Matthews complimented the staff on their outstanding efforts to communicate with customers and their needs. Mr. Suss complimented on the continued improvement and service concerning the Player Assistants. Mr. Hager informed all present that each complaint/incident gets a thorough review at weekly team meetings. Mr. Sciortino said that our course has a minimum standard of decorum and if the customer doesn't agree they should make an appointment with those in power to talk about changing the policy. Commission Ensler explained that at his course, Hunter's Run, that they had similar problems but the fact that it is a private course owned by the members, it is handled differently. They do have criteria formalized that deals with administering disciplinary action. They do have a grievance committee and if the offenders don't find satisfaction there, then they can appeal to the Board of Directors. He stated that the issue of abusing an employee should not be tolerated. Chairman Matthews asked if there was any old business. There was none. Mr. Suss made a motion that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Mr. Smith. The meeting was adjourned at 4:12 pm. {_Respectfully submitted, Dab Hager, Head Golf Professional Orig: Central File Cc: Kurt Bressner, City Manager Golf Course Advisory Board Members P.B.C. Commissioners Dennis Eschelman, P.B.C. Parks & Rec. Director Dept. File