6.C.(2) Blackthorn Golf Course Capital Improvements

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MEMO To: Don Inks, Beth Leonard CC: Rick Reid, Scott Beasley, Steve Gano, Tyler Minamyer From: John Quickstad Date: September 22, 200t Re: Reallocation of capital funding With the capital money balance of approximately $26,000, the Blackthorn staff is requesting a reallocation of the money to purchase a rough mower and construct cart paths on holes 7 and 8. We have $8,000 budgeted for in house bunker renovation but will not be able to complete this project. The two main reasons are lack of staff to dedicate towards this project while still maintaining the course to golfers' expectations as well as our lack of availability to specialized equipment which is needed to insure a quality result. Blackthorn hopes to complete the bunker project using a contractor in 2011 if the funding is available. We have been considering cart path additions on holes 7/8 since 2006 when quotes were first gathered. The addition on hole 7 includes 230 linear feet of path extending to our championship tees. This will speed up play as well as enhance the turf around the tees. Currently, this is an area where golfers continue to drive even if area is marked with signage and roped off. On hole 8, a path approximately 435 linear feet will follow around the back of 8 green wrapping around the new championship tees on hole 9. This path will also speed up play by allowing the golfer closer access to the green complex. It will also help turf conditions on the green and surrounding area by spreading out the foot traffic. Priority is hole number 8. We first purchased an ll' pull behind rough mower in 2000. It is specifically designed for golf course rolling terrain and works well in our application. This mower typically mows 30 hours/week during the growing season. Life expectancy is 5 to 6 years. Our mower is 9 years old and simply wore out. Putting more money in a timeworn mower no longer makes sense. Quotes have been gathered and the vendor is willing to accept half payment now ($7,950) and the other half in June 2010.