Golf Board of Governors

Golf Committee Meeting May 1, 2018 at 4pm City Hall, 11th floor Park Department Conference Room 455 N. Main Wichita, KS 67202 Present: Hoyt Hillman, President, Chair, Greg Ferris, At-Large, Dr. Michael Williams, District I, Thomas West, District II, Cindy Renard, District III, Richard Schodorf, District V Absent: Cory Rainwater, District IV, Debbie Burch, District VI Hillman called the meeting to order at 4:01pm. Public Agenda Regular Agenda Items Approval of Minutes from 3/27/2018 Hillman asked that the vice chair lead any future meetings in the absence of the president. He asked if there were any changes needed to the prior minutes. Renard made the motion to accept as is. West second. Rounds/Expenditures Hendricks stated that we do not have finalized numbers yet, since the month just closed yesterday. He stated that based on our rounds report for the month, this April has been the worst of the past six years. We will email out the report once the revenue information is available. First Tee Update Hendricks stated that the First Tee Kick-Off Ladies Luncheon was held last week. There were approximately 80 women in attendance. Annual Pass – Monthly Payment Plan – How to Address Council Hendricks reviewed the pass sales information with the committee. Hillman asked how this information will help us to determine a good monthly pass plan rate. West asked if we have looked at trying to structure our passes like the country clubs. Hendricks stated that this monthly pass structure would be similar to what the country clubs are doing. West asked if he was looking at the data correctly, that the new plan would increase revenue by $120k. Hendricks stated that was correct. Hillman asked how we would sell this plan. Ferris recommended an email blast to determine interest and possibly host a combined meeting with the Park Board. Schodorf stated that the committee needs to state the case and present it. MacDonald could be a destination course. We need to work on improving it. Ferris asked why some of the courses are in so much better condition than others. Hendricks stated that there is a difference in the way the superintendents treat their courses. Schodorf would like for the committee to have a vision for the courses. Hendricks stated that the Bermuda grass needs heat. Schodorf asked about overseeding with rye. Hendricks stated that the cost would still be over $100k. Financially we cannot look into doing much to improve the courses at this time. Ferris stated that we are looking for what we can market to increase revenue $200-$400k/per year. Hendricks stated that he has been working on projections for the sustainability committee. It has been agreed that closing a golf course won’t solve our financial problems. Renard asked why we would close courses if we are trying to grow golf. Hillman responded that there are not enough golfers playing. Hendricks stated that even when Auburn Hills was built capacity of the system was at 85%. West suggested possibly closing two courses to pay for major improvements and upgrades to the remaining three courses with an added percentage of sales tax. Ferris stated that we are a bit off topic and need to look at what we need to do to move forward with the monthly pass. The family and adult pricing is too cheap. We need to calculate the loss of daily fee players that are going to move to the monthly pass. Schodorf stated that we will also see an increase in the number of golfers. Ferris stated that we will be selling prime time at a discounted rate on the weekends. Appelhanz suggested making the family pass a couples pass and add individuals by x amount. Hillman stated we should move forward with this. Ferris stated we need to get it to the Park Board. He asked about getting part of a sales tax increase and recommended that Hillman start talking about it to the Park Board members. Ferris made the motion to share the pass information and rates with the Park Board and staff send out a survey to the community. Williams second. Renard wanted to share that LW Clapp is a beginner’s course and a family course that is important to that part of the City. She asked if we have programs for players with disabilities. Hendricks stated not currently but we are looking into the PGA Hope program. Renard asked if there has been any thought to move LW Clapp to the Recreation Division. Hendricks asked in what regards. Renard stated as a family course and multiuse course. Hendricks stated that there were other plans presented for Clapp before, but the Park Board did not approve them. Hillman suggesting moving any future meetings that occur before financials are available. Next Meeting June 12, 2018