04-03-2006 VC SP WS-MMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
- APRIL 3, 2006
Present: David B. Norris, Mayor
Dr. Edward M. Eissey, Vice Mayor
William Manuel, President Pro Tem
Charles R. O'Meilia, Councilman
Manny Grinn, Councilman
Mark Bates, Village Manager
Melissa Teal, CMC, Village Clerk
R(lT T (''AT T
Mayor Norris called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. All members of Council were present.
All members of staff were present, except the Village Attorney.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the golf course renovation project. Mayor Norris
announced that the Council will hold a joint meeting with the Country Club Advisory Board on
Monday, April 10, 2006 for further discussion on this issue, and it will be placed on the agenda
for the Council's April 13, 2006 Regular Session.
Village Manager Mark Bates gave a history of the project to date. Mr. Bates advised that in
preparation for a decision on the project by the Village Council at its April 13, 2006 Regular
Session, banking institutions have been solicited for loan financing.
Building Official Charles Cangianelli, the Village's golf course renovation project manager,
reviewed the bid proposal received from Quality Grassing, the low bidder. Mr. Cangianelli
discussed optional items and staff recommendations. Discussion ensued on type of grass for the
greens, revised estimate to move FPL line underground, cart paths, cost for turf removal and
burial, irrigation system, and landscape allowance/designer. Discussion was held concerning
cost adjustments to bid proposals. Discussion ensued on the purchasing rules and regulations.
Chris Cochran, Senior Design Associate with Nicklaus Design, reviewed cost adjustments to the
bid proposal of Quality Grass. Mr. Cochran noted savings with regard to spraying and roto-
tilling the existing turf, rather than removing and burying it. Mr. Cochran reported on the
procedure followed by golf course contractors in preparing bids. Mr. Cochran discussed cart
paths, yardage, tees, construction crew, and maintenance costs. Discussion took place
concerning the number of qualified bidders and bid packages received.
Mr. Bates reviewed the financing of the project. Mr. Bates discussed the total cost of the project,
which includes burying of the power line and increased contingency. Mr. Bates reported that the
total project cost is $4.75 million. Mr. Bates advised there may be further cost savings during
construction for work that could be accomplished using Village personnel, such as demolition.
Mr. Bates reported that loan payments will be between $380,000 and $420,000 per year. Mr. Bates
distributed a comparison of current fiscal year golf revenues with fiscal year 2004-2005.
MINUTES OF SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION HELD APRIL 3, 2006
Discussion ensued on the projected reduction in revenue while the course is closed. Discussion
-- took place on the financial advisor's report that pledging Country Club revenues is not sufficient
to obtain the best loan rate, so that a covenant to budget and appropriate funds by the Village is
necessary. Mr. Bates explained that the primary repayment source for the loan would be
Country Club revenues, and the Village would make up the difference, if Country Club revenues
adequate for the loan payment were not available.
Discussion took place concerning the impact of a hurricane during construction, and whether the
Village has, or needs to obtain, business interruption insurance. Mr. Bates will check on
insurance coverage.
Discussion was held on plans and options for course employees during construction, the
projected increases in revenue, time allotted for completion of the project, and water availability
for irrigation of the course.
Mr. Bates advised that in order meet the schedule for construction and reopening the course, if
the renovation is approved, there is a need to apply chemicals to kill the grass. Mr. Bates
reported that two applications, done three weeks apart, are necessary. Mr. Bates advised that if
construction is to start at the end of April, the first application should be this week. Mr. Bates
noted that if the renovation project is not approved on 4/13/06, the consequence of the first
application is that the grass will be browned but not dead. There was not a consensus of Council
in favor of going forward with the first application of chemicals at this time.
.... ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Melissa Teal, CMC ~
Village Clerk
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