Agenda Packets - 2003/11/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Unanticipated Projects. The impact on the personnel expenditures and projects that were performed in 2003 that had not been anticipated. See Photos. 1. The repairs to the ninth green. Winter of 2002-2003 and the harsh condition it created had devastating effects on the new sod on number nine green. The extreme cold temperatures and the lack of snow cover were cause for the turf to suffer the occurrence of winter desiccation. The new sod on nine was not well enough established to live through last winter while other greens benefited by the covers placed to protect them. Hundreds of staff hours have been invested in establishment of the ninth green. The process, which began in early spring, initially attempted propagate the green by reseeding. Seeding was done on May 5, and repeated on May 23, May 26, June 6, and June16. The golf traffic would not allow the seeding to effectively grow. Staff began the arduous attempt to rejuvenate the green by the use of turf plugs. The source for the plugs was the chipping green. On June 30, this painstaking project of daily plugging continued through July 25. The drought conditions offered additional challenges. 2. One half of the turf on the chipping green was required to replace the turf on the ninth green. Repair to the chipping green began in early August. The process of replacement of the USGA greens mix began with leveling, watering, tamping and settling the soil. The process was repeated until the maximum level of the green was achieved. The green was seeded August 15, and several additional times until the turf filled in the entire green. 3. The turf maintenance equipment wash area required improvements. The wash area drained directly into the Judicial Ditch #1 on the golf course and into the watershed. By state statute this is not permitted. This practice increased fertility in the watershed by the excess phosphorous from turf clippings washed off equipment. Staff replaced the antiquated drainage with a catch basin and a 12’ PVC pipe for unobstructed flow. The catch basin can be cleaned by the use of the city’s vac. 4. The drought this season was the worst experienced since 1988. This insufficiency of rain created a demand for irrigation that began in June. With ½” of rain in early July a trace one day in August and in September. This lack of moisture was complicated by out fine sand soils at The Bridges. Additional irrigation was mandatory to maintain the quality of the course. The quality of the golf course is essential in the present market place to attract and maintain loyal customers. It is expensive to run the irrigation to this extent. The additional utility expenditure for the electricity to run the irrigation pump is $900 above 2003. The labor to hand water throughout the golf course season topped 1000 hours. Group Events. The Bridges was host to 59 Group Events in the 2003 season. Group events ranged in groups of sixteen to over one hundred and twenty-six patrons. The average group being approximately thirty-two patrons. Group patrons are especially valued. Revenues during group events are generally enhanced by an eagerness to purchase from the range, beverage cart and golf car rentals. We are pleased to announce to date there are four Group events scheduled for the 2004 season.