04-18-2016 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes April 18, 2016 Page 13 Council should consider the needs of all taxpayers or a professional study completed. He discussed subsidizing the course and options Council could consider. Mayor Dietz stated his choice would be to sell Pinewood, but to someone who would maintain it as a golf course. He stated the city should not be in the golf course business. He stated he is aware of someone with an interest in it. He said he is not in favor of operating the course as it was operated in past. He is concerned for continued financial losses. He indicated he would consider leasing it. Mayor Dietz stated his least favorite option would be housing. He stated if the course was to a developer, the city could designate how many homes would be built. He stated if the city wanted the highest and best use of the land it should sell for housing. He suggested staff research all options and the value to the city in various ways. He noted the land could be considered for a community center site. Councilmember Olsen stated he is not in favor of the city operating a golf course and Elk River Country Club may have an interest in running it. He stated the Country Club is pleased with the current condition of the course. He suggested trying a two-year agreement. Mayor Dietz noted the city would need to go through a request for proposal process. He stated if there is a lease, the contract would need to state that the city is actively marketing the course and the lease discontinues when the land is sold. Councilmember Wagner concurred with the Mayor's comments. She suggested a volunteer group may want to take over running the course. She suggested, in the interim having the course operational this summer, incorporating the big cups. She questioned the city's level of subsidy. Councilmember Olsen stated the course would help provides seasonal employment for younger kids. Councilmember Burandt expressed concerns with selling Pinewood as a golf course because the owner may want to sell it at a later date as something different. She stated the main priority of the city should be maintaining Pinewood as a golf course she stated if it is not working revenue wise the city could consider other options. She noted there are a lot of people hoping it stays a golf course. Mr. Portner noted if Pinewood sold as a golf course there could be a contract provision stating it remains a course for a certain number of years but the cost of the course could be impacted. Councilmember Wagner stated she disagreed with the speaker about their being a lack of a sense of community in Elk River because there is no Pinewood and noted some other examples. She stated she would love to see the course open this summer but she knows there is a lot more work needed to figure out. She questioned what F O V E R[` 1' B Y NATVRE