Concession disagreement at Rochelle Ranch draws public support for outgoing operator

A public commenter asked council to reconsider its decision to discontinue the concession contract at Rochelle Ranch Golf Course and described the former concessionaire as a hardworking operator who kept the course's kitchen and gathering space open for events.

Jim Kelson, a retired teacher and longtime local resident, told the council he had seen the concessionaire host funerals, reunions and community events and described him as "a hard worker" who had kept the facility usable. Kelson said the community values the food service at the course and urged the council to explore repairing the relationship if possible.

Mayor Jacqueline Wells and other council members said they could not discuss the specific contractual breaches in detail in open session. Council members said the termination followed multiple breaches of the concession contract; the mayor and council said the decision was not taken lightly but declined to release more detail during the public meeting.

What happened next: Council members emphasized the importance of maintaining a restaurant or concession function at the golf course and said staff would seek a replacement operator. No formal action to reinstate the concessionaire or to reopen the contract was taken during the meeting.

Context: The Rochelle Ranch concession has been through a sequence of operators since the course opened, the public commenter noted. While the council's discussion about the contract was limited because of the nature of the breaches and privacy considerations, the issue highlights the council's role in balancing contract compliance, community expectations and the practical difficulty of operating a restaurant at a golf facility.

Sources: Public comment by Jim Kelson; mayor and council remarks recorded during the Jan. 21 meeting.