Mayor defends council review of Pryor Creek pro‑shop contract as Bowmans and city agree to 90‑day review

Mayor Doyle told the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board that the city acted within its authority when it paused renewal of the Pryor Creek pro‑shop contract and later agreed to a 90‑day extension to negotiate the business’s continued operation.

The dispute began after the council moved to put the contractor’s autorenewal on hold and later voted to extend the agreement for an additional review period. The Bowmans, who operate the pro shop under the existing agreement, requested time to rework terms and provide additional documentation; the council approved a 90‑day window for both sides to complete that work.

“That is not correct,” Doyle said when challenged that the council had violated the city charter in pausing the contract review. He told the board the council had consulted the city attorney and followed ordinance provisions governing contracts and personnel. “We would not have moved forward if we were violating the charter. I promise Mr. McBride would have stopped us dead in our tracks.”

Board members said they felt blindsided by the council’s initial action and asked for better communication. Several members said advisory‑board input had not been sought before the council moved. The mayor acknowledged communication could have been better but said the pause and the extension were part of fulfilling the city’s legal stewardship of contracts.

The mayor also described procedural constraints tied to personnel and contract law and said the city was working to minimize harm to pro‑shop staff during the negotiation period. He said the extension gives both sides time to present financial records, discuss inventory and staffing, and consider contingency plans should the contractor withdraw from operations.

Dennis, who oversees course operations, and Donna Bowman each addressed the board and told members they want an amicable outcome that preserves course operations and staff employment. Dennis recounted an April incident at a high‑school tournament that generated negative social‑media attention; he said staff followed posted rules and that, contrary to the online narrative, “I’ve never denied any child water.”

Next steps: the mayor and council staff will complete their review while the Bowmans prepare requested documentation and proposals; the extension is intended to preserve continuity of operations during negotiations. If negotiations fail, the city said it will develop contingency plans to maintain pro‑shop services, including temporary staffing.

The board did not take a separate formal vote on the pro‑shop contract at the meeting; members were repeatedly told the council reserved final authority on contract renewal and termination.