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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-11-05-91-Adjourned w CDC & Rec. '4 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING JOINT MEETING WITH RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION NOVEMBER 5, 1991 The City Council of the City of Downey held a joint meeting with the Recreation & Community Services Commission at 4 :00 p.m., November 5, 1991, in the Small Banquet Room at the Rio Hondo Golf Course, Mayor Barbara J. Hayden presiding. PRESENT: Council Members: Barbara J. Hayden Mayor Diane P. Boggs Mayor Pro -Tem Robert G. Cormack Robert S. Brazelton Richard D. Carter Commissioners: Johnette Stickel Chairman Roger Lawrence Vice - Chairman Gloria Heer Jean Brazelton J. Art Johnson ALSO PRESENT: Gerald M. Caton, City Manager Judith McDonnell, City Clerk- Treasurer Ken Farfsing, Assistant City Manager Lee Powell, Assistant City Manager James Jarrett, Director of Community Services Art Rangel, Director of Community Development Joe Arranaga, Superintendent of Physical Services Bonnie Kehoe, Manager of Recreation Division Kevin O'Connor, Theatre Manager Bruce McDonald, Golf Pro/Manager 9 Bert Spivey, Golf Course Superintendent William Sherman, Golf Course Consultant /Appraiser Gerald Pi rkl , Golf Course Architect /Consultant James Campbell, Banquet Facilities Representative STUDY SESSION - RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE MASTER PLAN Mr. Jarrett commented on the history of the golf course, noting there have been very few capital improvements made at the golf course since it was purchased by the City in 1969. He mentioned concerns raised by the golfing community regarding condition of the golf course and need for improvements. This matter has been fully studied by the Recreation & Community Services Commission, and a master plan for golf course improvements has been prepared and submitted to the Council for consideration. Mr. Jarrett discussed problems with maintaining the existing greens, noting that under current conditions they would not be compatible with reclaimed water. He outlined more fully the various areas proposed for improvement under the master plan Council Minutes 11/5/91 (adj.) -1- 1 1 r , such as formal cart paths, new irrigation system, enlarging the tee areas, and improving drainage. He referenced the three options proposed for the $4.5 million renovation of the golf course: First, to phase -in the improvements over six to nine years while keeping the golf course open; second, to close nine holes at a time over a three -year period; and third, to close the entire course and make all of the improvements at one time. He noted these options have been discussed with the men and women's golf clubs for their input. Mr. Jarrett also commented on the financial analysis undertaken regarding the method of funding for this project and whether sufficient revenue would be available to pay for the improvements or repay a bond issue. He mentioned Mr. Bill Sherman, who worked on the original purchase of the golf course, has reviewed feasibility of the improvements and concurs with proceeding at this time. A majority vote of the Recreation & Community Services Commission recommends adoption of the master plan and proceeding with a single phase development program, and funding the improvements by revenue bonds sold to support the project. Mr. Pirkl discussed his involvement in formulating the master plan for the golf course improvements, which included the collection of necessary data and a site analysis. The master plan calls for increasing the size of the tees, which will provide more flexibility in the play. There would be some mounding to provide a country club flavor and cart paths would run the full length of the course. Ponds are projected to store adequate reclaimed water for irrigation. Council Member Cormack questioned whether the basic layout varies from the existing course, and he asked if there is any way the improvements can be done in segments. Mr. Jarrett replied there are some substantial changes primarily in fairways 7, 8, and 9 and confirmed the work can be done in segments. Mr. Pirkl described other changes regarding relocation of the fairways and variation of the green tees and said about half of the holes will be relocated. He was then asked about safety of the golf 'course after the improvements are made, and he replied it would be much safer. Mr. Pirkl and Mr. Jarrett responded to further questions regarding the proposed improvements and criteria for determining how this will affect future play at the course. Also discussed was the fungus disease that infected the greens, which resulted in a slowdown of play on the course. Commissioner Johnson agreed the work needs to be done, but mentioned there are other things that need to be considered. The tees should be enlarged, the drainage problem corrected, and the irrigation system replaced. Commissioner Brazelton said after listening to testimony and talking personally with the golf pro and people who work at the course, she is convinced it would be farsighted to do the entire course rather than in a piecemeal manner. Also, a question of liability does exist. Commissioner Heer concurred the irrigation system needs replacement, but she does not agree with the need for full concrete cart paths which could create a safety hazard with ricocheting balls. Also, the fungus disease of Council Minutes 11/5/91 (adj.) -2- ',..1 the greens was experienced by other courses in the area. She expressed concern about the loss of revenue if the golf course was closed completely, and she does not want to see the golfers priced out because the rates had to be increased as a result of the improvements. Vice- Chairman Lawrence also expressed concern about the rates but feels it would be shortsighted not to take care of all the problems at one time. He does feel, however, that in the long run making the improvements would save the City money. Chairman Stickel said losing 116,000 rounds of golf a year would be a severe impact. She mentioned her opinion on this matter is based on information read from surveys conducted, and she information she has rea y � particularly p referenced a report submitted by the U.S. Golf Association, noting that no where in the report does it recommend closing the entire course. Mayor Pro Tem Boggs said there appears to be a consensus that certain improvements need to to be made at the golf course, but she feels the financial feasibility should be carefully considered along with exploring recommendations in the staff report. Mr. Pirkl responded to questions from Council Member Brazelton regarding the working drawings that would be prepared prior to commencing improvements at the golf course and commented on the time element for construction of the improvements depending on the method selected. Discussion was held regarding making the course adaptable for using reclaimed water. Mr. Sherman mentioned the golf course was constructed approximately 65 -70 years ago, noting that over 100,000 rounds of golf are played annually. He discussed the proposed renovation project, pointing out that some of the improvements would be contingent on other improvements, such as irrigation, drainage, etc. He also commented on the fee structure compared to other facilities and then addressed the financial impact the improvements would have '""% on the pro shop and restaurant concession during the period of the improvements. Mayor Pro Tem Boggs indicated she would like more information on the courses that have been closed during the rehabilitation process. Mr. Tom Ditmar, landscape architect for Los Angeles County, said the policy of the County is to serve the public, to produce revenue, and to maximize play on the courses. Discussion followed regarding the financial impact of the project and proposed replacement of the greens. Mr. Richard M. Jennings, 7435 Stewart & Gray Road, former Mayor and Council Member, mentioned when the golf course was purchased it was considered another park that would break even and not be a drain on City funds. He disputed the comment that the greens are too small. Mr. Jennings raised a question he has had for some time that for many years after the course was purchased it was losing money, so the County and City, to make it look better Council Minutes 11/5/91 (adj.) -3- t ./ i v financially, took the paydown principal for each year and added it to the profit column, and he wondered if this was still being done. He was informed by Mayor Hayden that this would be looked into and he would receive an answer. Mr. Frank Gasdia, 7705 Irwingrove Dr., member of the Golf Course Authority since its inception, stated he has played golf at Rio Hondo for 35 years and the course has good drainage. He questioned the cost versus the benefit. Mr. Joseph Ferris, 8124 Valdina Dr., former Mayor and Council Member, said he was on the Council when the golf course was acquired. He feels its acquisition was good for the City but that the improvements will be a financial burden to the City for many years. He asked the Council to look closely at the finances before making a decision. Mr. Edwin Wood, 9318 True Ave., said he would like to see the current revenue bonds paid off before going forward with the improvements, and he is opposed to any bond issue that would increase the indebtedness of the golf course. Mr. Gary Weatherby, 10236 Mattock Ave., President of the Rio Hondo Men's Club, said they have approximately 550 members and a majority of the membership polled on this matter want the improvements done at one time. Mr. Will Bress, 11309 Buell Str., questioned the method for making the improvements. Mr. Ramon Gonzalez, 11984 Old River School Rd., concurred that something should be done to improve the golf course. Mr. Carl Graffio, 7382 Country Club Dr., questioned the process for making the improvements, noting it could have an impact on his property value. Also, it would create a problem for accessing the golf course area as well as creating an inconvenience for accessing his own property. He was informed careful consideration would be given to the citizenry and properties in the area. Ms. Clare Ittner, 9506 LaReina Ave., President of the Rio Hondo Women's Club, said they have approximately 110 members of which a majority favor closing the course for complete renovation. Speaking as a private citizen, she mentioned that if the improvements are not done, play at the course will eventually decline, and the clientele will change. Mr. Gabriel Cutri, 9191 Florence Ave., said he has played on the Downey course since 1955 and there is a need for renovation. He feels the 18 -hole shutdown would be advantageous to the City. Mr. Lennie Whittington, 8542 Manatee, discussed golf ball damage to his vehicle as well as neighboring residences, and suggested provisions be made to provide protection against future golf ball damage. Mr. Wayne Rector, 8115 Orange Street, implored the Council to make a decision on this matter. Council Minutes 11/5/91 (adj.) -4- r—, 1 \ 1 I 1 ()Iv% 0.450 Mr. Joe Floyd, 7350 Country Club Drive, said the golf course does need to be revamped and he favored closing the complete course during improvements. Mayor Pro Tem Boggs commented on the water reclamation project currently underway which w i l l eventually transport reclaimed water from the Los Coyotes Reclamation Plant in Cerritos to the golf course. She requested information from staff on golf courses in the State that have actually shut down during rehabilitation which will help her make a decision on this matter. Mr. McDonald said as operator of the golf course, either of the proposed programs can be worked out. He commented on the experiences of other golf courses and of the loss of lay that resulted from doing the improvements in a P 9 p piecemeal manner. It was his opinion to close down the course and complete all of the improvements at one time. Mr. Spivey said the greens at the golf course are too small and compacted due to the amount of play. He agreed with everything in the master plan and asked the Council to take his recommendations into consideration when making a decision. Mr. Caton commented on the economic situation in the City, noting this matter was first discussed when the economy was good. It would be his recommendation to produce the plans and necessary drawings and proceed. He was informed by Mr. Pirkl it would take four months to prepare the drawings at an approximate cost of $180,000- $200,000. Commissioner Johnson said something needs to be done to the course, but the question is whether it can be done when the City has control of the elements without a negative impact on the general fund or postpone improvements until absolutely necessary. Commissioner Brazelton said after hearing all of the expert testimony, she feels the decision should be left to the experts. Commissioner Heer requested financial projections on how this would affect the food concessionaire. Chairman Stickel again referred to reports by the U.S. Golf Association and said she favored upgrading Rio Hondo Golf Course while keeping it open, pointing out in her discussions with representatives of two other courses that they did not suffer a loss during their renovation. Mayor Pro Tem Boggs has further information to review on this matter and wants to be sure the work gets done by the best method. She also does not want to do anything that would be detrimental to the banquet facility or negatively impact anyone else if the golf course were closed down. Mayor Hayden said the consensus appears to be that the golf course needs some improvements, but nothing has been mentioned about the clubhouse facility. She believes improvements at the clubhouse would enhance those made to the golf course. She indicated she has not made a decision, but would like to see all of the issues resolved. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None Council Minutes 11/5/91 (adj.) -5- 9 3 3 1 ADJOURNMENT: 6:30 p.m. The meeting was adjourned to 6:30 p.m., November 12, 1991, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall. ( j eAcurL a,0k.-12,7.1-6 , ._., -.;.., dith E. McDonnell, City Clerk 4 B: J.,4den, 'ayor '") Council Minutes 11/5/91 (adj.) -6- r.--