Atoka Municipal Golf Authority accepts superintendent report after discussion of vendor problems, storm damage and deposit questions

Atoka Municipal Golf Authority trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to accept the superintendent's report after discussing course maintenance, vendor supply problems and questions about membership deposits.

The superintendent outlined maintenance issues after recent storms, saying some oaks near the fourth fairway had died and a large pine near the sixth hole showed lightning damage. "That big pine tree...that was causing all the shade and making the heartache," the superintendent said while describing the tree's decline and ongoing shade concerns. Trustees discussed removing hazardous or dead trees and the timing of any removals.

The superintendent also reported ongoing problems with a longstanding vendor identified in the meeting as Straxon, which supplies golf balls and other inventory. "We had a terrible time dealing with Straxon, getting anybody to respond to me," the superintendent said, describing repeated preorders and unexpected items that staff returned. Trustees said the authority is reviewing whether to renew or replace the vendor relationship later this year; no formal contract decision was made at the meeting.

On storm damage and insurance, staff member Susan reported contact from the authority's insurer, identified in the meeting as OMA. "OMA had finally reached back out, and they said that the total damage was $55,002.65; after the $10,000 deductible we would receive $45,002.65," Susan said. Trustees discussed estimates to replace or repair a clubhouse outbuilding; staff said a new all-steel building had been estimated and that visibility from the road would determine any required facade treatment.

Trustees pressed staff about finances and deposit reporting. The superintendent and staff said membership receipts of about $6,800 had been transferred directly to the authority's account, and staff committed to reconciling why membership dollars did not yet appear on the May financial comparative report. Staffer Kelly was asked to provide a breakdown of deposits; trustees agreed to follow up after the meeting.

Trustees also discussed staffing and seasonal hires. The superintendent said part-time help remains limited to two named employees, and trustees encouraged continued recruitment to support heavy course use following wet weather and higher play.

Action: Trustee Burridge moved and the motion was seconded to accept the superintendent's report; roll call was unanimous (Trustee Burridge: aye; Trustee Henderson: aye; Trustee Armstrong: aye; Trustee Thomas: aye; Trustee Kathy: aye). The motion passed.

Trustees closed the item by asking staff to provide a printed breakdown of recent deposits and a list of inventory returned to the vendor so the authority can reconcile outstanding charges and returns.

The authority moved on to the next agenda item after trustees agreed to get the requested financial and inventory details from staff.