Council approves clubhouse security and access contracts, updates golf-course policies and asks staff to continue clubhouse negotiations

The Little Falls City Council on March 3 approved a package of contracts and policy changes tied to the municipal golf course and clubhouse, and directed staff to continue negotiations with an operating partner while also preparing information on a city-run option.

Contracts: the council awarded three contracts to Absolute Electric for camera and card-access work at the golf clubhouse and related buildings. Staff described the camera proposal as adding coverage at the cart storage area and the No. 1 and No. 10 tee boxes; staff said the vendor quoted $6,300 plus $12 per month (the staff presentation later referenced a $7,041 figure when charged to the golf club project). Greg, the staff presenter, said the company has installed the city’s other cameras and that “there’s really not another vendor that has the same digital watch card that would be able to integrate with this,” which staff said justified a single bid. The council approved the camera award by roll call.

The council also approved card access to the clubhouse main entrance and pro-shop doors for $5,900 plus $12 per month, and a separate card-access system for the cart and maintenance sheds at the golf course for $6,300 plus $12 per month; staff explained the locations are on different networks and require separate servers. Greg said the maintenance and cart-shed access was charged to the Golf Improvement Fund.

Policy and fees: council adopted an update to Policy 57 (Little Falls Municipal Golf Course — Clubhouse and Events Center rules, regulations, policies and procedures) with a narrowly passed amendment to remove the word “municipal” from the policy text as discussed in the work session. The council also approved a personnel policy change to comply with legal guidance on employee benefits: city staff said employees may still receive free golf, but the benefit must be made available to all employees through the city’s wellness program (cart use would be charged). The council adopted Resolution 2025-57, the 2025 golf-fee schedule, which includes changes such as a new seasonal large-bucket range pass and a youth policy that keeps youth play free only when accompanied by a paying adult (membership exemptions apply to the Little Falls High School golf team membership listed in the fee schedule).

Clubhouse operations: in new business the council voted to give staff direction to continue negotiations with Carrie (the private operator) while also moving forward with city efforts to prepare a staff-managed operating plan. Staff told the council they expect to bring comparative information back at a future meeting. One council member recommended considering a shorter lease term if the council negotiates lease terms with the private operator.

Security and enforcement context: supporters of the card-access work pointed to past thefts and course damage. Josh, the course superintendent, said staff have seen damage including divots taken from greens and that the city’s ability to catch offenders is limited without rangers on staff. Greg and others said card access would allow the city to control who enters maintenance areas and to disable lost cards.

Funding and procurement notes: staff said the camera and access work will be charged to the clubhouse or golf improvement project funds and that the recurring $12 monthly charges are ongoing service fees; councilmembers asked staff to probe whether a more efficient configuration was possible before contracts are finalized.

Votes at a glance: camera award (Absolute Electric) — adopted; card-access main entrance/pro shop — adopted; cart/maintenance shed access — adopted; Policy 57 update — adopted (amendment removing "municipal" passed); Personnel policy 12 (employee benefits) update — adopted; Resolution 2025-57 (2025 golf fee schedule) — adopted; direction to continue clubhouse negotiations and pursue city option — adopted.