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Mayor outlines staffing, purchases and plans at Pryor Creek Golf Course
Summary
Mayor told the park board the city has taken ownership of pro-shop inventory, hired one pro-shop employee to city payroll, prioritized repairing the main irrigation pump and made emergency purchases to cool staff areas; board agreed to send a purchase request for course equipment to council.
Mayor (speaker 4) opened by apologizing for raising his voice at a prior meeting and gave the park board a detailed operational update on Pryor Creek Golf Course. He said the city has drafted a separation agreement with the former pro-shop operator and the Bowmans and intends to pay about $51,000 to acquire existing pro-shop inventory once attorney questions are resolved and the agreement is signed. "That agreement basically... giving right and legal separation between course management systems... and the city," the mayor said.
The mayor described immediate staffing steps: several pro-shop and course workers were moved onto city payroll or remain on temporary staffing services while the city assesses long-term hires. He said Boomer (identified by the mayor as a pro-shop lead) is a city employee earning about $15 per hour and is eligible for benefits. The city is prioritizing cross-training and certification for pesticide and irrigation work so multiple employees can manage key tasks.
Irrigation and equipment needs were a central focus. The mayor said Collins Electric has inspected the main pump that draws water from the river and ordered replacement parts expected imminently; restoring the pump is the week's top priority. He also described emergency purchases made under authority the council granted to protect staff health and continuity of play: an air conditioner and refrigerator for the maintenance break room and two mini-split units installed in the pro shop.
On retail and branding, the mayor said the board previously approved rebranding the property and that staff are exploring polos, signage and a refreshed retail mix. He said the city will examine local vendors for apparel and try to avoid overstocking older inventory held by the prior operator. "If we can get the right combination... we spare ourselves this crazy overhead," the mayor said.
On concessions and alcohol, the mayor said the city cannot hold a liquor license as a government entity and is exploring compliant alternatives (charitable permits, private license-holders or third-party managers) because the mayor sits ex officio on the EDTA board. He emphasized that any arrangement must avoid conflicts and legal exposure.
The mayor concluded that, despite public complaints and online criticism, customer activity at the course has continued and the staff morale is high. He asked the board to continue reviewing operational and financial reports and said he would bring recommended purchases and brand proposals back for the board's review before council consideration.
