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South Bend Redevelopment Commission <br />Regular Meeting –November 20, 2009 <br /> <br />proposal for Strategic Planning Services. <br /> <br />Mr. Varner noted that in the interviews he <br />asked each applicant whether Blackthorn <br />Golf Course could stand on its own, without <br />public support. None of the applicants <br />thought it could. Therefore, the prospect of a <br />strategic planning effort to consider private <br />ownership some time in the future appealed <br />to him, all other qualifications being equal. <br /> <br />Mr. Downes commended Mr. Inks for the <br />due diligence he did prior to the interviews. <br />He agreed all of the firms interviewed were <br />well qualified. He wanted everyone to be <br />assured that the recommendation of Kitson & <br />Partners was not a criticism of the past <br />performance of Meadowbrook in managing <br />the golf course. He, too, agreed that we need <br />to take a step back and assess what we are <br />going to do in the future. We aren’t going to <br />market out way out of the oversupply of golf <br />courses. Fortunately 2009 was a good year, <br />weather-wise, for golf. That was reflected in <br />the improved financial condition of the <br />course. He feels that Kitson & Partners is <br />well qualified to do the strategic planning <br />proposed. <br /> <br />Ms. Jones noted that the Commissioners who <br />participated in the interviews represented <br />appointments by the Common Council and <br />the Mayor’s office. They both have strong <br />financial analysis abilities. With the loss of <br />tax revenues over the last couple of years, the <br />city has looked for ways to be more efficient. <br />The proposal for strategic planning from <br />Kitson & Partners gives us an opportunity to <br />investigate whether we could use public <br />funds more wisely. <br /> <br />Ms. King and Mr. Alford agreed that the <br /> 7 <br /> <br />