08/16/2005 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 8/16/2005 showed what projections were made, and the committee was able to compare the numbers to see Springvale's ability to be able to make budget and not come to Council for money towards the end of the year. In June, they reduced anticipated revenue by $50,000 and then reduced appropriations by the same amount. Revenue is projected to be $1.4 million for the rest of the year, and Mr. Young feels that Springvale will not have to come back to Council before the end of the year for funds. The ballroom is projected to do $350,000 for the rest of the year, which is easy to project because of reservations already on the books. The golf side is projected to do $1,050,000; and, as of the end of July, Springvale was down about $33,000 on the golf side but up about $27,500 on the ballroom side. In total, the facility is down at about $1,565 through July. The golf projection was discussed, and it was agreed that golf and weather are synonymous. Bad weather, low golf. Mr. Gareau asked if this is as good as it gets for Cleveland weather as far as golf projections go, and we probably could not do any better. The answer was yes. Marty Young pointed out that last year we had one 90 degree day. This year so far we have had 22 days in the 90's. The bookings for leagues is solid, and golf is up when it isn't hot. A good percentage of our morning golf during the week is senior citizens and, if it is too hot, they will not come out to play. Mr. Young said, in comparison with Metroparks Big Met course, that course is down 3,000 rounds this year so far. Course conditions were discussed and, for the weather we are having, the course is in pretty good shape. Golf cart usage and at what time they are supposed to be back in the evening was discussed. The time carts are due back is 8 p.m.. In answer to a question by Mr. Tallon, it was explained the carts are due back before dark for liability and safety reasons. Marketing was discussed in very great detail for a lengthy time. Committee members, Council and guests made many suggestions. Mr. Limpert and Mr. Young said they would take all of those into consideration. There was some disappointment that more marketing hadn't been done this year. Mr. Kennedy had offered his time at no charge to help start up a data base to get the message out to current golfers. He also made some other good suggestions that would help fill the empty slots of golf. Mr. Gareau suggested discounts to get golfers to the course-discounted golf is better than no golf. Mr. Tallon suggested golf magazines and newspapers for advertising. Mr. Miller asked if anyone from the outside with golf marketing experience had been consulted for ideas. The answer was yes, and the person also helped with wedding programs and the loyalty program, and Marty Young felt that it had been successful. It was suggested that the northern piece of property could be used for tennis courts, or Mr. McKay thought that miniature golf would be a good draw. Basically, the consensus of all Council was marketing, marketing and more marketing to get the word out about one of North Olmsted's great assets, the Springvale Golf Course. The committee suggested it meet again in October for further evaluation of Springvale. 2) The committee also discussed Resolution 2005-102, a resolution to authorize the Safety Director to go out to bid for replacement of the HVAC system over the tennis courts at the Recreation Center. This was appropriated at the budget hearings in March for $41,000. The question to Mr. Limpert from Mr. Gareau and Mr. Barker was why this wasn't done sooner. Because of administration changes, director changes, it just got lost in the paperwork. Since it had been discussed previously, the committee unanimously recommended approval by Council. 3) Mr. Barker thanked Mr. McKay for his service, and most of all for his friendship. He has only been a Councilman since June 7, and Mr. McKay has been a great help to him. Mr. McKay will be greatly missed. 14