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Commissioners approve $400,000‑scale equipment purchase to ready Ottawa Golf Course for season
Summary
Ottawa commissioners voted unanimously to approve the purchase of multiple pieces of turf equipment — including three autonomous fairway mowers — and to fund the upfront cost from the general fund undesignated balance.
The Ottawa City Commission approved the purchase of major maintenance equipment for the Ottawa Golf Course during the meeting, voting unanimously to fund the initial, upfront purchases from the general fund undesignated/stability outlay balance.
City staff told commissioners the order includes larger, specialized tractors and attachments, a 96‑inch zero‑turn rough mower, a set of utility vehicles (Gator) with top‑dresser and sprayer attachments, an aerification unit, and three GPS‑guided autonomous fairway mowers. Superintendent Drew Murphy, who led the equipment research, said the three robotic units are recommended for fairways because each mower covers roughly six acres and together can mow the course more uniformly and on a faster schedule than a single large fairway mower. “They mow the fairways, and you can save up to 8 to 10 hours a week on seasonal labor by using these,” Murphy said.
Why it matters: Commissioners were told the course’s existing fleet came with the property purchase and was retained by the previous management company, leaving the city with one older Kubota tractor (manufactured circa 1998–2002) that staff say has mechanical and safety issues. Staff recommended replacing that equipment promptly because the growing season begins in about 30–45 days and typical delivery lead times are three to four weeks.
Funding and procurement: Director Landis told the commission the recommendation is to pay the upfront cost from the general fund undesignated/stability outlay line, which had a balance “just over $400,000 in 2025.” Landis said the general fund rolled over more than $1 million from 2024 to 2025 and that some smaller purchases will come from the golf course fund. The city considered lease financing but decided against it because lease purchases add ongoing interest costs and are impractical for some used units.
Discussion highlights: Commissioners questioned life expectancy, maintenance, and operational details for the autonomous mowers. Murphy said battery life is running in observed fleets at about seven to 10 years, with a typical duty cycle of roughly 90 minutes of run time followed by a 30‑minute charge (allowing up to ~18 hours of operation per 24‑hour period). He also said the machines have onboard sensors and GPS geofencing; staff would receive alerts if a unit left the property, and units shut off if lifted or tipped. Landis said some smaller accessories and consumables will be purchased from the golf course fund.
Vote: Commissioner [motion mover not specified in the record] moved to approve the purchase as presented; the motion was seconded [second not specified]. Roll call votes recorded in the minutes were Mayor Pro Tem Clayton: Yes; Commissioner Stidmore: Yes; Commissioner Taylor: Yes; Mr. Crowley: Yes; Mayor Allen: Yes. The motion carried.
Next steps: Staff will place equipment orders to meet seasonal timing, pursue resale of the old Kubota tractor to offset costs (sale amount not specified), and proceed with complementary smaller purchases from the golf course fund. Staff acknowledged irrigation remains a separate, larger capital issue and will continue evaluating water availability for turf improvements.
Ending: The approved purchases are intended to allow course staff to implement the commission’s maintenance plan for the coming season and to establish a longer replacement schedule for course equipment.
