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Residents press council about municipal golf course staffing; city staff say contract reporting occurs quarterly
Summary
Residents asked the Andover City Council to intervene after changes at the municipal golf course led to staff turnover; city staff said the course management contractor provides quarterly financial reports to council.
Several residents used the public forum to raise operational concerns about the Andover Municipal Golf Course and to seek clarity on city billing for recycling.
Residents voiced support for John, the greenskeeper (referred to by speakers by first name), saying he has done “stellar” work on course maintenance and that recent staff changes under the golf management contractor (referred to in the record as Oaks Golf LLC) have led to turnover. Darren Spitzenberger said residents had started a petition to raise the issue and asked the council how hiring and firing are handled under the city's contract with the golf management company. “We're here for John, the greenskeeper, and his position with the Andover Municipal Golf Course,” Spitzenberger said. Several speakers who said they live on or near the course emphasized the condition of the turf and their desire to retain the superintendent.
Council members thanked residents for coming and advised that the public forum is for comments; council members noted they could not take action from the bench. Councilmembers and staff advised residents to contact city staff and the management company as a next step. Assistant city administrator Joanne Graham said the management contractor presents financials quarterly at council and that those quarterly reports are available online. Graham said the contract requirement to submit quarterly accounting is being met.
A separate public comment from Donnie Moore asked the council why a recycling charge had been on his utility bill for 15 years despite him not receiving curbside recycling. Interim planning and zoning administrator Julie Boyd (speaking in staff capacity) told the council that the city adopted an ordinance in 2010 making recycling a mandatory pay fee; the policy is “mandatory pay, optional participate,” meaning customers pay the fee whether they use the service or not. Boyd told the speaker that the ordinance has been in effect for 15 years.
Residents said they would pursue follow-up with city staff, collect petition signatures and provide more specifics to staff for investigation; councilmembers encouraged that approach. Staff offered to provide contact information and receive details so staff could investigate employment or contractual compliance issues at the golf course.
