Golf Course Committee (Meets 4th Thursday as needed, at 11:00 a.m.)
Regular MeetingSuperior, WI · October 24, 2022
Minutes
GOLF COURSE COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS
Monday, October 24, 2022
Noon at Nemadji Greens View Grille and Remotely via ZOOM*
Members Present: Barb Hoag (Chair), Troy Clark (ViceChair), Lindsey Graskey, William Anderson,
Jack Sweeney (City Council Rep), Tylor Elm (Alt City Council Rep)*
Advisory Members and Others Present: Linda Cadotte, Vince Dodge, Jon Cheshire*, Deb Kamumen*
Golf course meeting called to order at 12:00 p.m.
1. Roll call was done.
2. Approval of the August 29th, 2022 Golf Course Committee Meeting Minutes
Motion by Anderson, seconded by Graskey and carried, to approve the August 29th, 2022
meeting minutes.
3. Old Business
3.1 Golf Simulator
Simulator is scheduled for installation the week of November 7th, a document was created to show the
impact of the simulator financially. $40,000 in the first year. The simulator is planned to be open
Monday-Sunday, with leagues almost full and open to the public for after scheduled leagues are met. 11
hours a day of availability is Kemper’s goal. The discussion of a second simulator was asked and it is
Kemper’s desire to see how the first one excels in its first year before deciding on a second. It was also
discussed the additional usage of the simulator like warming up before tee times during the golf season
and for specific occasions.
3.1.1 Revenue Estimates (separate out food and beverage)
Beaudry expressed the projection of $15,000 a month in food and beverage sales. Menu will be scaled
back to fit the capacity of staff and performance.
3.2 KemperSports Management Contract Extension
Update was provided by Cadotte. An internal meeting was held to being discussion related to the contract
extension. A proposal was submitted by Kemper staff and is now in the decision of the finance
committee. The goal is to come to an agreement by the end of the year for the length of the contract and
other terms. As of now, the contract sits at either 3 or 5 year, not the 10 year contract originally
recommended by this committee. Sweeney requested the break down of management costs. Sweeney
questioned the current insurance possibilities held by Kemper. Cheshire added Kemper could use the list
of the city’s current insurances or vis versa where they can supply what Kemper uses to the city. It’s
concluded in this dual relationship it’s a series of documentation provided to prove no duplication.
Kamumen offered to connect with Cheshire. Sweeney had additional questions and Cadotte suggested to
send before the Finanace Committee discussion to be answered thoroughly. Cadotte asked Kauman when
the budget will be presented. Kamumen clarified it could be November 10th’s finance meeting thought a
possibility of a special meeting may be needed to discuss said contract. No deadline of acceptance will
need to be met by Kemper and the next contract.
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3.3 Irrigation Design
Dodge described the irrigation system is in design level with the work of using GPS, plus the design of
the pond on hole on 18 West is also a part of the work being done. It’s ongoing, but the timing is perfect
stated Dodge, claiming the process is being done correctly.
4. NEW BUSINESS
4.1 Tourism Opportunities Off-Season – Marketing Grants
Graskey introduced the guidelines of the newly released grant option through the Tourism Development
Commission to be applied to the course in conjunction of events where marketing dollars could be used to
bring outside individuals to the course and in return drive overnight stays in Superior. The direction of
where to find the application was explained by Graskey. Link included below:
https://www.ci.superior.wi.us/DocumentCenter/View/14269/Tourism-Development-Commission-Grant-
Application
4.2 YTD (6 months) of expenses/payroll report analysis by department for review
Beaudry introduced the report as broken down by department to show details of month-to-date to year-to-
date to the committee. The numbers did not provided the ideal goal of the projected budget, due to
unexpected costs i.e. payroll and upkeep of the clubhouse. Beaudry expressed the niche needed to work at
the golf course and competitive local corporate wages affecting retention at Nemadji. The committee
continued with conversation of the trends of retention and wage, along with its challenges. Sweeney asked
if other incentives are offered with wage by Kemper. Hoag complimented the positivity of the staff and
how this reflects the type of environment Kemper is to work for.
4.3 Proposed 2023 Rates
Beaudry explained the process to how Kemper determined the 2023 rates, with the key element being
comparing and reflecting on what other local courses are offering and where Kemper’s numbers can meet
their bottom line. Sweeney asked how popular choices vary and how current golfers use/prefer when
deciding Kemper’s pricing strategy. Beaudry explained location and affordability being the balance to the
driving force behind these decisions. When examining the season price rate, it will show and small
increase to reflect costs of the course. Sweeney asked the age considered to be a senior when playing at
Kemper, it was determined 60. Hoag asked for clarification on prices at Kemper compared to a two-year
pass at some other courses in the area. Beaudry explained the use of historical data driving the choices of
prices by dates. Beaudry explained how tournament rates are to meet the needs of past and present, yet the
current process is purely a business decision on behalf of Kemper’s management and goals.
Motion by Anderson, seconded by Vice-Chair Clark to recommend the set rates by Kemper to be
sent to finance for further discussion.
5. RECURRING BUSINESS
5.1 General Manager’s Report with Profit/Loss statement
Beaudry reiterated the investment made into the clubhouse reflects the improvements needed to be met in
order to sustain the continued efforts for the food and beverage goals within Kemper’s projections.
Beaudry expressed ending the year on a good note, despite the ongoing challenges listed in the YTD
breakdown. The ending of the year left opportunity with the prediction of good weather resulted in more
play. Survey participation was a successful training tool to improve the work of employees.
This information helped bring insight to needs and wants for customers and employees while enjoying
Nemadji.
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Top 3 Manager’s Concerns:
1. Staff/Personnel
2. Prep for the simulator/delivery of materials for set up
3. Communication on how to use the simulator
5.2 Superintendent
Dodge discussed the current tree removal and inventory at the time of the course. Dodge explained the
idea behind replanting and vision he has for the course’s future. Dodge shared winterizing has started on
the course. Dodge also reported the weather over the past three years have been kind to the course, with
drier conditions than expected. Irrigation will help with improving where needs to be over the years.
Sweeney asked if Dodge had seen electric options to help with maintenance. Dodge said it may be the
waive the future, but not as cost effective at the moment. As winter nears, Beaudry mentioned the
anticipation of the success of being open in the winter for the first time. Cadotte mentioned the city’s
plow doing the same removal requirements as the past and detail plowing falls on the Kemper
management.
Top 3 Superintendent Concerns
1. Staff retention
2. Equipment / supply chains
3. Spike in costs
5.3 Nemadji Women’ and Men’s Club – Concerns/Updates
Men’s Club Update:
Vice Chair Clark shared the closing of the season and shared insight on 2023 annual event dates in
discussion.
Women’s Club Update:
Women’s Club report 2022 was a great year between the Club and Kemper Sports! 2023 will be the 75th
invite invitational. 2024 will be the Women’s Club’s 90th Anniversary.
5.4 Agenda Items for Future Meeting
Meeting times for the future were discussed. Hoag addressed quarterly might not be lucrative for the type
of needs/ timeline the golf season needs and club member’s needs. Hoag feels the representation of the
committee helps with communication and landing points to see how the city is involved in the decisions
for the course. Cadotte explained a recommendation to the Mayor may be in order and suggested a
February meeting to follow up with Winter activities and prepare for the beginning of the golf season in
the Spring.
Hoag made a motion to set Feb, April, June, August, and October on the 4th Monday of the month
for future golf committee meetings. Graskey seconded. Motion passed.
Sweeney asked what Kemper’s policy is when someone has been over served. Beaudry acknowledged the
possibility, yet doesn’t find Nemadji to have current issues. Kemper takes this possibility seriously as
employees are trained to recognize the signs of intoxication. The discussion of the Safe Ride Program
within the Wisconsin Tavern League was mentioned by Cadotte. It's purpose could be an extra option in
supporting staff on how to provide safety to customers.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 1:17pm.
Minutes submitted by Lindsey Graskey.
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