Golf pro outlines spring plans and equipment needs; fire chief reports training, controlled burns

City staff provided operational reports that detailed recreational programming at the municipal golf course and public-safety training from the fire department.

Golf course update: Casey Edgehouse, the golf pro, told the council the course is currently closed because cart traffic on cold turf damages greens. "So we're currently shut down just because the course just takes a beating of carts around cold grass, tears it up," he said on the record. Edgehouse said staff have monitored moisture levels, plan to begin watering on Monday, and expect to plug-and-sand greens in June. He reported plans for roughly 21 tournaments this season, continued night-golf events, and steady out-of-area play that has boosted revenue. Edgehouse listed equipment priorities — a fairway mower, a roller and a top dresser — and estimated a new bridge would cost about $12,000–$15,000 with volunteer labor helping reduce total expense.

Fire department report: Fire Chief Randy Kenny summarized a training calendar that includes county-wide and regional sessions and said a recent live-fire training provided valuable experience. Regarding controlled burns used for training and emergency debris removal, Kenny explained the department’s permitting and liability process: the city issues a burn permit, conducts the initial suppression work and asks property owners to sign a waiver; after the department reduces the hot active flames the property owner may assume responsibility. "You will sign a waiver when we arrive," he said, describing the practice the department uses to manage liability and safety during burns.

Why it matters: The golf course’s equipment and maintenance choices affect local recreation and revenue from tournaments; the fire department’s training and controlled-burn procedures affect public-safety readiness and how the city manages risk when burns occur on private property.

Next steps: Staff will return with budgetary figures for capital equipment requests; the fire department will continue coordination with county partners for training and will secure property-owner permission and waivers when burns are used for mitigation or training.