Golf course superintendent reports greens renovations, asks for targeted equipment funds

Derek, the golf course superintendent, described work to restore the course’s greens, saying crews “had to rotate the entire surface” and apply chemicals to lower the soil pH so grass would grow. He said the course made about $6,000 in February and that his staff completed his superintendent certification this year.

Derek said six of nine greens were redone and the remaining three are scheduled for August. He described longstanding irrigation problems: older heads “just blast into the air,” while newly installed refurbished Rain Bird sprinklers have worked reliably. He told commissioners the course now has about 385 sprinklers and said “if we can get another 45 sprinklers, it will really improve our situation.”

On capital and operating needs, Derek asked for modest equipment purchases — a chainsaw, three weed eaters and a floor jack — and said 15–17 dead trees will need removal. He noted fuel costs will rise as more golfers return and that golf carts currently use gasoline. He also said the course recovered its alcohol permit and completed training for two staff members to sell beer.

Commissioners asked about revenue and subscriptions; Derek said both single‑round walk‑ins and multi‑month subscriptions are increasing and that men’s league play has grown substantially. Mayor Pro Tem and other commissioners said lodging‑tax revenue will support some maintenance and pumps used by the irrigation/effluent system, and stressed redundancy for pump equipment.

The commission did not take a formal vote on additional purchases during this presentation. The item will return as part of the parks/golf capital requests when the commission reviews detailed budget line items later in the session.