HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-18 Golf Board MinutesCITY OF CALDWELL
Caldwell Golf Board — Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, August 18th, 2021
8:00 AM
Zach Wagoner, Chairman called the meeting to order.
Members Present:
Jeanne Cridebring, Women's Representative
Sue Kushlan
Chuck Bosen, Secretary
Doreen Burnham
Zach Wagoner, Chairman
Staff Present:
Ken Wheeler, Course Superintendent
Carol Mitchell, Deputy Treasurer City of Caldwell
Brett Williams, Purple Sage Golf Course Professional
Members Unable to Attend:
George Scott, Men's Representative
Pete Burton, PGA Associate Director of Instruction
Shirley Akagi, Vice Chairman
Pam Wagoner, Jr. Golf Representative
John McGee, City Council Representative
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Review of Minutes from June 16th, 2021 Meeting:
➢ The board reviewed the minutes from the June 2021 meeting. Doreen Burnham moved to accept the
minutes and Jeanne Cridebring seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Old Business:
New Business:
Staff/Representative Reports:
Golf Professional: Brett Williams reported that the golf course has not been spared from the labor
challenges. He noted that the snack bar at Purple Sage will continue to operate, but at some reduced hours.
Brett also noted the intention to hire a full-time assistant to manage the operations at Fairview Golf Course.
He mentioned that a 5-year loan had been taken out to purchase additional golf carts and some minor
equipment. This will provide a total of 22 carts for rental at Fairview now. Financially, the current trend in
revenue is up about 20% year over year. July was relatively flat with the significant heat. Anticipate
continuing to have open times at Fairview, but will monitor to determine if scheduled tee times may become
necessary. Green fee rates may go down a bit for 9-holes and up a little for 18-holes. Feedback from events
held at Purple Sage have been overwhelmingly positive — especially the OSU event. The Labor Day
Tournament currently has 104 players signed up and is expected to fill up. There are several other events
scheduled for the Fall and it is looking like all major tournaments/events plan to return next year. The board
would like to formally express appreciation to Brett and the staff for doing a terrific job.
City of Caldwell Report: Carol Mitchell reported that the budget proposed passed at the city council meeting on
Monday of this week. The hope is for the golf budget to be self-sustaining going forward after many years of
assistance from the City of Caldwell. Green fees increases are part of the budget and were posted recently in the
paper. They reflect a 5-10% increase. This will include an increase in weekday green fees of $3 and a 10%
increase in season passes. Additional modest increases will be included at Fairview for green fees and cart
rentals.
Superintendent: Ken Wheeler reported that labor is also a tremendous challenge for the grounds cre-,v. He
notes he will be down to one full time staff member and a handful of part time staff by the end of this week.
Inflation of supplies is presenting some challenges too and expected to continue going forward. Items with
significant price increases include fertilizer, sprinklers, fuel, and other items. Ken also reported that the
course came through a very hot summer and continues to have excellent playing conditions. He noted that
there will be 4 temporary greens at Fairview for now and will unfortunately be that way for the Ladies Club
Championship. He noted that the green punches at Purple Sage have healed very quickly. Also of note is the
expectation that the irrigation water will be off by the middle of September, so the focus will turn to greens,
tees and fairways to maintain optimal playing conditions.
Report on Women's Association: Jeanne Cridebring, the Women's Representative reported that the 2-Ball
Lady's event will move to May next year. The CLGA is looking forward to the club championship next week.
They also intend to do raffle baskets again at the Labor Day Tournament with proceeds going to the
Christmas Community Project. They appreciate the participation in the "beat the pro" this week and next.
The membership continues to grow. The travel team has played well again this year. Noted that the website
for Purple Sage has a few items of information that needs to be updated. Brett will address. Some of the
hours on the link to Fairview has caused some confusion. Jeanne will look at updating or removing to avoid
continued confusion. Jeanne and the CLGA would like to express a huge thank you to Brett, Ken and all
who have supported the association. Congratulations to Jeanne, Doreen and for all their work and progress
with the CLGA.
Other Items: There are currently 95 kids that participated in Junior Golf. Access to the courses has been
much appreciated. Anticipate a junior Fall golf opportunity on Wednesday evenings. The score board at
Fairview was repaired.
Report on Men's Association: No report at this meeting.
Junior Golf Report: Junior golf participation continues to very strong. May need to consider limiting the number
of players in the future. The weekly sessions have started and there are a couple of Junior Tournaments that are
coming up next month.
Adjournment:
Jeanne Cridebring moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 AM, Sue Kushlan seconded the motion, motion
carried. The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully- Submitted,
Chuck Bosen
August, 2021