Bristol council authorizes appraisals, RFP for Raber Golf Course after private group pitches $2M plan

The Bristol Town Council voted unanimously on Aug. 19 to authorize Town Manager Mike Yoder to obtain appraisals and begin the steps needed to post a request for proposals for Raber Golf Course, clearing the way for a potential transfer of title to the town’s Redevelopment Commission (RDC) and consideration of a private acquisition proposal.

The vote followed a legal briefing from town attorney Alex Bowman and a presentation by representatives of a private group identifying itself as Albatross. Bowman described two statutory routes for disposing of municipal property — a town-controlled disposal (which generally requires two appraisals and a public offering price) or a transfer to the RDC, which the attorney said has more flexibility to set offering sheets and consider development-oriented proposals. "The RDC on the other hand has more flexibility," Bowman said in explaining the difference in appraisal and offering processes.

Albatross’s presenters, who identified themselves as Hugh and Eric and named several managing partners, told council they had performed preliminary due diligence and proposed a 10-year rehabilitation program that they estimated would cost about $2 million. They described immediate priorities including irrigation and well system upgrades, tree work, equipment renewal and fertilizer program enhancements, and suggested the group could generate efficiencies by operating multiple nearby courses. "The purpose for us being here is talking about this acquisition, not just the acquisition, but the preservation [and] enhancement of Raber," one presenter said.

Albatross provided line-item examples: a full irrigation redo was quoted at about $700,000, total course equipment valued at roughly $350,000 (with additional purchases needed), and recurring course operating investments such as fertilizer estimated at tens of thousands of dollars annually. The group also proposed a tax-abatement structure — five years at 100% followed by five years at 50% for property and equipment — to help direct capital back into the course during the early years.

Council members noted the town currently receives no property tax revenue from the course and that a deed restriction requires continued public green/recreational use. The town also has a Raber fund balance (staff cited roughly $543,000) that could factor into short-term decisions. Several councilors and staff stressed the lease with the current course manager/owner (identified in the record as Jeff) expires Jan. 1, 2026, which creates a compressed timeline for action.

After staff described a potential fast-track schedule — beginning appraisals immediately and having the RDC issue offering sheets in September — Council member Jeff Beach moved to authorize the manager to start appraisals and prepare RFP documentation; Kathy Burke seconded. The roll call vote recorded all members present in favor (Doug Smith: yes; Dean Renfro: yes; Kathy Burke: yes; Greg Dolski: yes; Jeff Beach: yes). The motion directs staff to prepare appraisal work and draft RFP materials; it does not approve any sale, tax abatement or transfer of title.

Next steps identified by staff include obtaining the required appraisals, drafting the council and RDC resolutions needed for any title transfer, and publishing offering sheets once the RDC and council adopt nearly identical transfer resolutions. Councilors and staff emphasized that formal transfer and any sale still require the statutory appraisal, public offering/RFP process and, if applicable, final negotiated deal terms and protections to preserve the deed restriction or other obligations to keep the property as public green space.

Actions

Motion: Authorize Town Manager Mike Yoder to proceed with obtaining appraisals and preparing steps to post a request for proposals to proceed with a potential transfer or disposal of Raber Golf Course.

Mover: Jeff Beach

Second: Kathy Burke

Vote record: Doug Smith — yes; Dean Renfro — yes; Kathy Burke — yes; Greg Dolski — yes; Jeff Beach — yes.

Outcome: approved (motion carries)

What happens next

Staff may begin appraisal procurement and draft the municipal and RDC resolutions needed to transfer title, if council desires that route. If the RDC proceeds with offering sheets and an RFP, interested parties (including Albatross) will be able to submit proposals for consideration; any final sale or transfer would require statutory procedures, additional council action, and documentation to protect deed restrictions on the property.

Sources: Direct briefing and Q&A at the Aug. 19 Bristol Town Council work session; legal overview by Alex Bowman; presentation by Albatross representatives Hugh and Eric.