Shoreline Golf Links Advisory Greens Committee

Minutes of Meeting held on OCTOBER 19, 2010

In Attendance: Harry Emerzian, Jim Cottrell, Dan Hauer, John Marchant and Jack Smith

Absent: Mona Nakamura and Steve Crane

1. Goose and Coot Management Update

The meeting that Jack had mentioned to be held on 10/25 regarding the grading plan for the drainage that is being developed using the ponds to take water off the course was canceled and will be rescheduled.

2. Overview of Golf Course Issues and Financials

Jack gave a review and update of the process to the Committee. Jack mentioned that along with looking into the feasibility of the golf course being operated by an outside golf management firm an analysis of the current City operation is being done to determine appropriate cost reductions and possible revenue enhancements.

Jack also stated that a report to the City Council will be presented by early February with a comparison of keeping the current model (City operated) or entering into an agreement with an outside golf management firm. Jack told the committee that he will have another update at the next committee meeting in November.

3. Superintendent’s Update

Jack mentioned that aerating of greens took place September 28 and 29 and the greens are not in good shape. Sierra Pacific Turf Supply came out and examine the greens on Wednesday and it was determined that the hot weather during and after the aerification had burnt the greens (the greens are clean from any diseases). The hot sand and the sweeping of the sand on the greens caused the turf to burn. The maintenance crews will be doing small tine aeration and seeding on the burnt areas to try and restore the turf before the winter months. The amount of sand applied on the greens and the process of sweeping in the sand during aeration over the past few years has stayed consistent.  The major differences during this aeration of the greens compared to the past years was the extremely hot weather (mid to high 90’s all week), the build up of thatch from the spring aeration (using the DryJect process), and the use of recycled water which had caused many thin areas on the greens during the summer months making the turf more stressed and thin. Staff will continue to reach out to others in the golf profession to gather strategies to counteract the effects recycled water on the greens.

4. Advisory Greens Committee

Jack also discussed the Shoreline Golf Links Advisory Greens Committee which is comprised of one representative each from the Shoreline Seniors, Shoreline Women's and Shoreline Golf Clubs and two Members at Large. The Club representative is selected by each club and the two Members at Large are appointed by the Mountain View City Council. The committee currently does not have any members at large due to the passing of Vic Calvo. The Advisory Greens Committee facilitates two-way communication between golfers and city staff. Dan Hauer was introduced has the replacement for Harry Emerzian the Senior Clubs representative.

5. Questions from Committee Members

Jim asked about the striping of the parking lot and gave his opinion that he likes the fairway bunkers on 12. Jack mentioned that the parking lot is scheduled to be resurfaced and striped in the fall. Dan mentioned that some cups have had a crown recently. Jack said that he would mention the problem to Steve. It was also discussed about the possibility of using volunteers to drive the goose poop remover and have the course swept more often. Jack told the committee that he would look into for the spring.

The next Advisory Greens Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 16.