Town of Lake Lure, 

North Carolina

PRESENT: Mayor Jim Proctor

Commissioner Blaine Cox

Commissioner Dick McCallum

Commissioner George Pressley

Commissioner Jack Stanier

Mayor Proctor called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

Commissioner McCallum gave the invocation.

Mayor Proctor asked Jerry Wright, Chairman of the Lake Lure Golf Course Advisory Committee and GCAC members to give a brief overview presentation of their business report of January 12, 2000. (Copy of golf course business report attached). GCAC Chairman Wright explained that their proposal outlined in this business report contained a dramatic new approach towards operating the Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course. He said it was a accumulation of two years of work done by his committee. Also, this report contains historical information on the golf course in an effort to give the reader necessary background to understand and appreciate the overall picture of the golf course operations. In addition, this proposal contains some analysis of the alternative solutions investigated on the way to determining which one would best suit the community. Mr. Wright said his committee agreed by consensus that the approach addressed in their report would lead to an overall increase in economic performance of the golf course. He said the main problem with the golf course is that it simply costs the taxpayers too much money to operate. Also, the losses sustained by the golf course stems mainly from lack of community support among other problems including: no golf programs available for adults or children; no additional activities at the facility; facility is not inviting; poor condition of the greens; poor condition of the fairways; no tournaments or league play; golf course equipment is run down; driving range is inoperable; and others.

GCAC member Don Suttles stated there needs to be more participation from the community. He said their committee sponsored a membership drive cook out in an attempt to get the community involved. Mr. Suttles also reviewed the committee's recommendations for possible solutions addressed in the golf course business report which included: (1) sell the golf course (to be the last resort of Town Council); (2) lease the golf course; and (3) restructuring the golf course operations.

Jack Donovan, a Lake Lure resident, stated he would like to see the golf rates reduced in order to attract more individuals to play the course.

Heard comments from Reimar Steffen, General Manager of the Lake Lure Golf and Beach Resort at Fairfield Mountains. He stated in his opinion, the Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course was not worth the cost of changing the layout of the 9-hole course. He suggested keeping it as a 9-hole course.

Mayor Proctor recessed the meeting for fifteen minutes in order to give individuals attending this meeting an opportunity to review the golf course business report. After reconvening the meeting, he invited citizen comments regarding the golf course business plan.

GCAC member Russell Maze said the Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course 9-hole course was a good layout and the course just needed improvements. Mr. Maze said it was hard to maintain the greens on this course.

GCAC member Rick Coley gave a brief over of the history of the golf course. He emphasized the need for a golf course membership committee. Mr. Coley said the golf rates were not the problem causing the lack of participation. He said the golf course's image was a value issue.

Max Lehner, former Lake Lure Mayor, stated that in his opinion, based on nine years observing the operations of the golf course, the golf course is not going to make a profit. He said the community would benefit more if the golf course property was used for a recreation park.

Mayor Proctor said he would like to see the town consider the option of restructuring the golf course operations and monitor the activities for approximately 1 1/2 years to see if the golf course can make a profit or break even.

Woody Price, former Lake Lure Commissioner, said he disagrees with idea of using the golf course as a recreation park. He believes the golf course can break even. Mr. Price also agreed to serve on a golf course membership committee.

Council members voiced their concerns about the golf course having to be subsidized with taxpayers money.

Commissioner Pressley praised the GCAC for their report. Also, Mr. Pressley said he would like to see an independent study performed by a consultant addressing the issues of what needs to be done about the golf course.

After discussion, Commissioner McCallum moved to accept the Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course business report (dated January 12, 2000) as presented and authorize the implementation of organizational items contained in this report. Further, direct the town manager to develop a plan for implementing needed high priority physical changes and organizational changes, such as additional water supply, including items which can be accomplished within the existing budget which don't require further Town Council authorization. Commissioner Stanier seconded the motion and the vote of approval was unanimous.

With no further items of discussion, Commissioner Cox made a motion to adjourn the Town meeting at 12:45 p.m. Commissioner McCallum seconded the motion and the vote of approval was unanimous.

ATTEST:

Mary A. Flack,Town Clerk MMC              Mayor Jim Proctor

Send mail to  Webmaster@ci.lake-lure.nc.us  with questions or comments about this web site.

The Official Government Site of the Town of Lake Lure.

This Site is dedicated to the memory of former Mayor Jack Powell.

This web site is prepared and maintained by the Town of Lake Lure webmaster.  The information contained in this site was believed to be valid at the time of posting.  The Town of Lake Lure assumes no liability for damages incurred directly or indirectly as a result of errors, omissions or discrepancies.  Moreover, the Town of Lake Lure is not responsible for the content nor endorses any site which has a link from this page.