Council grants short extension on American Golf lease as staff finalizes multi‑year agreement

Council voted unanimously Aug. 12 to approve a short extension of the operating agreement with American Golf to allow staff and company representatives time to finalize a longer lease amendment and a capital plan for the National City Golf Course. Representatives from American Golf told the council the course serves more than 68,000 annual visitors and an estimated 9,000 National City residents; the company described recent investments following storm damage and said it plans further facilities work, beginning with a bridge reconstruction project.

Joyce Shelton, American Golf’s communications manager, and General Manager Jose Gomez described the course as an accessible, low‑cost public facility that hosts youth clinics, senior programming and community events. “Each year, we see more than 68,000 visitors,” Shelton said. Jose Gomez described the company’s storm recovery and capital work and asked for time to finish an agreement that responds to both parties’ concerns.

Public comment included golfers of all ages who said the course is a community institution and an affordable recreation resource; several speakers urged a longer partnership. Council members said they wanted to ensure the city secured appropriate rent, capital commitments and protections after recent storm costs, and asked staff to return with a complete multi‑year agreement.

Action taken: Council approved a short extension (through late October) to give staff and American Golf time to finalize a longer term agreement and implementation plan; the vote was unanimous.

Ending: Staff will return with a recommended multi‑year lease amendment, details on capital responsibilities (including the bridge repair) and any required budgetary approvals.