Council approves new golf-course operator lease and $1 ground lease for college foundation; residents back new operators

The Seminole City Council on April 14 approved two actions intended to support operations and reuse of facilities adjacent to Jimmy Austin Golf Course.

Council approved a proposed lease with BDW Management Group for operation of the city golf course and clubhouse, a 60-month agreement at $150,000 per year payable in monthly installments of $12,500 and subject to annual budget approval. Council added an amendment clarifying that the city, as lessor, will be responsible for replacement of greens while the lessee is responsible for routine maintenance. City staff and council discussed that the current golf-course budget is $132,000 and that the BDW proposal represents an increase that will be considered during the next budget cycle. The motion to approve the lease amendment passed on a roll call vote.

Several residents and stakeholders spoke in favor of the new operators during the public comment period. Tyler Gohagen, who said he lives in the Lakewood addition, described the group seeking to operate the course as "well positioned" to expand play and tournaments and said, "we have a unique opportunity where the management is stepping down, and we have a group that is coming ... these 3 guys are equipped to not only continue what is already happening, but to expand on that." Ronnie Williamson and Brian McElveen, Seminole High School’s boys and girls golf coach, also urged support; McElveen said the proposed operators had expressed interest in junior-golf initiatives and a "first tee" program.

Representatives for the prospective operator described planned capital investments, including a remodeled pro shop, reopening and upgrading the clubhouse kitchen for hot food service, hire of three to five additional staff, and introduction of software for tracking rounds and membership metrics to report to the city. City staff said they will document improvements with before-and-after photos and provide early reporting so council members can monitor progress.

Separately the council approved a ground lease with the Seminole State College Educational Foundation that conveys certain real property in Seminole Municipal Park — a building adjacent to the golf course that had been used for batting cages and has since sat vacant — for $1 per year. The foundation requested a 10-year initial term with a single five-year renewal, and the council voted to approve the longer term. Under terms discussed by city staff, any commercial subtenant would be subject to conditional-use review to ensure uses are compatible with the park and a requirement that a majority of tenant revenue be taxable sales so the city receives sales-tax proceeds. City staff said the lease contains provisions allowing action — including permit revocation — if a tenant departs materially from the park’s recreational purposes.

Both lease votes were passed by roll call. Council members said the proposals will be included in next year’s capital and operating discussions; staff noted some improvements will proceed immediately but that larger remodels will be staged to avoid closing the course during the summer season.

The city manager and planning staff said the council will receive implementation reports and occupancy metrics from the operator and the educational foundation as the leases take effect.