“The parks conservancy management allows the city’s continued ownership of the properties,” Vanderhorst said. “The parks conservancy has a proven track record. They’ve been managing the parks system since 2015. They’re a (non-profit), and they’re able to secure private donations.”
Because of their non-profit status, they have “a nimble business model,” in operating Potter’s Park and Twin Run courses, he said.
The move will allow city government to redeploy staff “to focus on other strategic initiatives,” Vanderhorst said.
City Council will have to approve an amendment to the city’s management agreement with the conservancy. There will also have to be a new agreement involving existing golf course equipment and an “employee-lease agreement,” for three golf-course staff: the golf superintendent, the maintenance supervisor and the concessions and tournament manager.
“Those employees will continue to be employed by the city of Hamilton, and the parks conservancy will reimburse us monthly for their employment costs,” Vanderhorst said.
Under discussions that have happened, the city has agreed to give the approximately $250,000 that’s in the golf fund to the conservancy as a “management fee.” Another $300,000 will be given to the conservancy for two new fleets of golf carts.
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Hamilton will continue to own and insure the courses, but the alcohol permits for both courses will transfer to the conservancy.
Vanderhorst praised Adam Helms, the city official who has been running the courses.
“He’s made them sustainable, and this is something that because of that, we’re able to transition to this new model,” he said.
Officials have ordered 140 new golf carts for $650,000. The conservancy will lease $269,000 in new golf equipment “that will help with the efficiency of maintaining the golf courses,” Vanderhorst said. About $80,000 in repairs to a damaged course irrigation system were completed last week.
Already, the conservancy’s director, Steve Timmer, “has deforested over eight acres, with more to come,” Vanderhorst said. “So in 2020, the improvements will exceed $1 million.”
“From what I’ve seen on the golf courses, there’s been a significant improvement, appearance-wise, along Columbia Road,” said Mayor Pat Moeller.
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