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City of Los AngelesDepartment of Recreation and ParksGOLF ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGMONDAY APRIL 20, 2020 AT 1:00 PMGolf Division Headquarters (ONLINE WEBCAST)3900 Chevy Chase DriveLos Angeles, 90039ATTENDING COMMITTEE MEMBERSChair Larry Cloud, Municipal Golf AssociationVice Chair Steven Yablok, Roosevelt Golf ClubRosemary Menard, Harbor Park Women’s ClubAngela Stewart, Women’s Public Links Golf AssociationSteven Bloom, Griffith Park Golf ClubMarcy Valley, Rancho Park Women’s Golf ClubKevin Fitzgerald, SCGABetty Brix, Penmar Women’s Golf ClubBruce Fortune, Sepulveda Men’s Golf ClubRob Garcia, Woodley Lakes Men’s ClubLonnie Kelly, Griffith Park Senior’s ClubAnne Matthews, Sepulveda Women’s ClubGOLF STAFF MEMBERSLaura Bauernfeind, Golf ManagerCalvin White, Principal Grounds Maintenance Supervisor IIPenny Siebrandt, Golf Starter Supervisor IIRick Reinshmidt, Golf Starter Supervisor IIMEETING GUESTSBette Mower, Harbor Park Women’s Club (alternate)Faye Lee, Rancho Park Women’s Club (alternate)Evan Roosevelt, GuestCraig Kessler, SCGA (alternate)MEETING MINUTESThe meeting was called to order at 1:00 PM by Chairperson Larry Cloud with a quorum present. Larry Cloud shared the information about the virtual forum so that members are able to fully participate.PUBLIC COMMENTS Craig Kessler shared that golf is being slowly reintroduced in various counties throughout the state though not yet here in Los Angeles County. Many of our aspirations are on hiatus due to the systemwide closure and eventually what will likely be a minimal reopening. It is important that the GAC take a very cooperative stance in dealing with this crisis, support the the Golf Division, the Department of Recreation and Parks, and the City of Los Angeles. The City has a major budget shortfall and the Mayor released his outline of the City Budget which includes furloughs and Department cuts. APPROVAL OF MINUTESBruce Fortune moved, Angela Stewart seconded, to approve the Minutes from the January 27, 2020 meeting. The motion was unanimously approved.DEPARTMENT REPORTSGOLF MANAGER REPORT – Laura BauernfeindGolf Manager Laura Bauernfeind provided the update:Courses are closed – we have been allowed to keep our maintenance staffing at full levels. Department of Recreation and Parks serves as the shelter and welfare branch as part of the City’s emergency response. Homeless are being housed at the recreation centers throughout the city.Much of operations staff is not working for Golf Division but are getting hours with other departments in support of the emergency response.Maintenance staff is still very busy working on the golf courses.The greens and tees have been aerified, bunkers being resanded, trees are being trimmed.The courses will be in better condition when golfers return than when they were closed.We don’t yet know when golf will reopen, but we have a call planned with the LA County Golf system Director, Jorge Badel to discuss how all of the courses might be reopened safely for golfers and staff. When golf is able to reopen the systems will try to implement best practices.Single carts, 12 minute tee intervals at Griffith and Rancho.Plexiglass is being installed between starters and golfers. Also, we are setting up prepayment.No ball washers, drinking fountains, bunker rakes, pins in the hole.Concessions will be limited to take out only – in other words food to go.Driving ranges will probably be open but with greater separation between stalls.The Mayor’s budget does not look good and it appears to show that the City will be in far worse shape than after the economic crash in 2008.All workers are to be furloughed 1 day for each pay period which equates to 10%. The city also implemented a full hiring freeze.We expect golf will be pressured to squeeze every penny out of the system.Construction has continued at Griffith Park and Penmar.The LA City Men’s Championship is going to be postponed – it could take place in Fall - it was orginally scheduled for Father’s Day. We also hope to reschedule the LA City Junior Championship which was scheduled for April.When golf resumes in the system, it will be open for reservations only – no walk ins. The current concessionaire at Rancho has been given an extension to the end of April to move out due to COVID-19. Golfers have through April 22 to remove items from their lockers.The LA City Women’s Championship is probably going to be rescheduled.We will not be offering group events or any golf that might appear to be a group event.No outings, tournaments, club, or group play will be allowed when courses open initially.Steve Bloom asked about the status of the Griffith Park project – when does the City anticipate that the construction will be finished?Laura Bauernfeind stated that there is no completion date yet, but a lot of work has been done since the courses closed.Steve Yablok asked if there is a timeline for full use of the practice areas?Laura Bauernfeind stated that the plan while not finalized will likely include modest restrictions.Faye Lee asked if the the new businesses (concessions) are all likely to survive this closure period?Laura Bauernfeind explained that there has been consistent communication with concessionaires and that at Rancho, Griffith, and Penmar the projects continue to be moving forward as planned.Marcy Valley asked about the bathroom project for #6 at Rancho Park?Laura Bauernfeind explained that the bathroom project is on hold because that will be completed with staff currently working with other City Departents.CONCESSIONS REPORT – Laura BauernfeindConstruction continues at Harbor Park to upgrade the facility and help attract a new concessionaire. Construction continues at Griffith, Penmar, and Rancho as discussed earlier, and there is no news about the Sepulveda RFP.Bette Mower asked if there is a timeline for club play or events?Laura Bauernfeind explained that once County Public Health allows groups and gatherings then the golf courses will be able to consider allowing events.Craig Kessler shared that the Governor has deferred to County Public Health Administrations to make the most informed decisions for the well being of residents. Newsom has not used a one size fits and the Health Orders are signed by Dr. Barbara Ferrer. Kevin Fitzgerald thanked the Golf Division and stated that it is a great benefit that staff has been able to continue to remain in place – that is not the case for most other municipal systems. He also stated that the social distancing protocols are important for health and safety, but that once it is reopened golf will be under the microscope and poor optics could be quite damaging. It will be important for all golfers to follow the safety measures.SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTSPOLICIES AND PROCEDURES – no report as the Ad hoc Bylaws subcommittee continues to hold regular meetings.FEES AND CHARGES – Chair Larry CloudCapital Improvement Surcharge Chair Larry Cloud explained that the golf system needs to establish a capital project trust fund that sets money aside for the purpose of capital reinvestment. The subcommittee recommendation is that the GAC approve the concept outlined in the draft elements to create a Surcharge Trust Fund. Should the subcommittee continue based on these elements?Steve Yablok moved to table the item for 1 year due to the COVID-19 crisis and the City’s financial hardship.Steve Bloom stated that this might not be the appropriate time to consider a surcharge fund, even if it is necessary because it may not be a good idea to consider raising greens fees in a crisis. It probably makes sense to table for some period of time.Kevin Fitzgerald stated that while he does not disagree with what Steve Yablok and Steve Bloom said about the next few months being a bad time period to present a surcharge trust fund to the RAP Board as it would likely include raising greens fees, but the subcommittee is only recommending that GAC continue to develop the concept.Bruce Fortune stated that what Kevin tried to say is that he does not know why the subcommittee wouldn’t have the conversation, and he agreed that discussions should continue. Marcy Valley agreed that we should continue to develop a plan even if the GAC does not want to approve it until we return to a normal period.Steve Yablok explained that the GAC will need to consider how it might present a surcharge. We should explain clearly how the money from the capital surcharge accounts is used to improve the golf system and ensure that the rounds and revenue continue because of capital investment. He stated that the surcharge fund item should be returned to the subcommittee to be developed.Steve Bloom agreed that the subcommittee might continue the conversation, but that the GAC should consider that asking the RAP Board to increase fees in such a difficult period.Chair Larry Cloud stated that the item will be sent back to the subcommittee unless there is any opposition. No opposition was offered. AD HOC WOMEN’S GOLF – Marcy ValleyMarcy Valley explained that the subcommittee held a very positive meeting and the group was very thankful that Geri Gonzalez attended the meeting.We were on track to hold and support a great championship this year. Now we will have to continue to the discussion at the next GAC meeting once we have a better idea about a new date for the LA City Women’s Championship considering that it will probably need to be postponed.AD HOC STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION – no report.AD HOC BY-LAWS REVIEW – Chair Larry CloudThe subcommittee held two meetings. Several items discussed were small procedural issues. One main item that needs GAC approval for the subcommittee to continue the conversation is for the concept of representation of the GAC itself. Can the total number of Club seats be reduced while still representing all of the clubs and courses? The subcommittee discussed several ways that the clubs could continue to be represented with 10 of the GAC seats. The seats would be filled through two regions with no more than 3 members of the same sex in each region, not more than 3 members from the same course, and not more than 2 from the same Club. Is there discussion about whether these suggestions that the subcommittee outlined ought be sent back to the subcommittee for revison, developed, and then presented to the GAC?Steve Bloom stated that Hansen Dam Women’s Club died and that Griffith Park Women’s Club has been invited over and over again but does not seem to be interested in participating in the GAC meetings. Chair Larry Cloud stated that we can get rid of those Clubs that are no longer in existence, but all MGA clubs have had a seat on the GAC. The subcommittee outline is still just an outline of the concept.Bette Mower asked if there is a requirement that the clubs participate in the GAC to be a sanctioned club with the City?Marcy Valley asked if clubs should be required to send a representative to the GAC? What exactly is the subcommittee being called to do?Chair Larry Cloud explained whether the concepts outlined by the subcommittee have GAC support and that the subcommittee continue to develop to and the subcommittee be sanctioned to develop a full recommendation. He also explained that a Club does not have to send a representative to the GAC to be a City Club.Bruce Fortune stated that he agrees with the subcommittee framework.Steve Bloom stated his understanding of this proposal is to have the GAC composed of about 17 members of which 10 would be from the Clubs, 5 from each of the two geographic areas, and each of the 5 subject to the concept of no more than 3 of the same sex and so on. We would hope that we can entice more of the stakeholders that are not currently involved to become involved. Have I stated that fairly? Chair Larry Cloud agreed with Steves depiction of the subcommitee’s concept. Marcy Valley asked how will we decide which of the at large organizations can be included or should participate?Chair Larry Cloud stated that the subcommittee would need to find which organizations might be interested in participating and also to develop criteria that for eligibility. Marcy Valley asked about the guest Evan Roosevelt on the call today. Is he from an organization that is a potential member and is that why he is on the call?Chair Larry Cloud stated that Evan Roosevelt has ideas about LA City golf and wanted to attend a GAC meeting. He is not participating to look for membership today, but as a guest to learn about the GAC’s ongoing work.Craig Kessler stated that this item is the first real review since the creation of this body 25 years ago. The specifics have not been worked out, but it sounds as though the GAC generally agrees with the principles. There isn’t a deadline and it is important to examine throughouly and get it right. I know that the GAC advises the City, but I don’t think that GAC should shy away from having the Golf Division provide input for the membership seats open under the proposed framework.Laura Bauernfeind stated that she supports the effort to ensure that the GAC is inclusive and representative of all of the golfers that play the courses. I will leave that to the committee to determine how best to evaluate Committee membership.Larry Cloud asked if the Committee is in favor of the subcommittee working along the lines indicated in this document and presenting a more complete version of this idea back to the GAC at a subsequent meeting.The subcommittee recommendation is a motion before the GAC. The motion carried with Steve Yablok opposed. Steve Bloom abstained. UNFINISHED BUSINESSMarcy Valley stated that Women’s Golf Day has been postponed until September.NEW BUSINESSNo new business.FUTURE AGENDALarry Cloud explained that the GAC will schedule another online meeting for May 18 at our regularly scheduled time.ANNOUNCEMENTSWith no additional announcements offered the Meeting was adjourned at 2:488 PM. ................
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