Bartlett approves purchase of Quail Ridge Golf Course and 10-year management deal
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Summary
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved the city’s purchase of Quail Ridge Golf Course using an IDB TIF nonrecourse loan and selected Mallard Point Golf Management to operate the course under a proposed 10‑year agreement; officials said the move will preserve the property as a community golf facility.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously to approve Resolution O6‑26 authorizing the city’s purchase of Quail Ridge Golf Course and a first amendment to the development agreement, funding the acquisition through an Industrial Development Board TIF nonrecourse loan.
Miss Trisha Adrian, attorney for the IDB, presented the resolution, saying the purchase would be executed via an assumption and amendment of the existing purchase and sale agreement and that the amendment and the development agreement provide the funds for the acquisition. "This is a resolution before you to approve the purchase of the golf course," Adrian said, summarizing the structure of the transaction. The board then moved and approved the resolution on a unanimous vote.
Alderman McQuinn, while noting personal reservations about the financing tool, supported the purchase: "I still don't like the TIF, but I am supportive of purchasing Quail Ridge and I hope that we can...make the best of it," he said. Several other members praised the long effort to preserve the course and said it will remain a community asset and the home course for Bartlett High School's golf team.
The board also approved a separate administration recommendation to select Mallard Point Golf Management to operate and renovate the facility under a proposed 10‑year service agreement. Chief Administrative Officer Steve Sones said three locally based firms submitted proposals and that Mallard Point demonstrated experience renovating and operating a similar municipal course and financial capacity to fund improvements "at no cost to the city." The agreement outlines an initial term of 10 years and includes target dates: clubhouse and driving range opening April 1 and a full course opening on Labor Day, pending implementation of the agreement.
Chris Sparks, representing Mallard Point, introduced himself to the community and said the firm intends to prioritize local engagement and course improvements. The board approved the management selection by unanimous consent.
Next steps: the mayor asked the Mallard Point representatives to meet with city staff to finalize terms; the resolution and selection now move to the administrative steps needed to close the purchase and implement the management agreement.