HomeMy WebLinkAboutChronology of Development of Cherry Lane Golf CourseTABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction .................................................................. 1
2. Brief History of Cherry Lane Golf Course ........................................... 1
3. Growth and Planning in Meridian ................................................. 2
4. USGA Evaluation ............................,................................. 3
5. Inspection Notes and Photographs ................................................ 6
6. Meridian Special Golf Course Committee .......................................... 21
7. Funding Options/ Alternatives ................................................... 23
8. Recommendations ........................................................... 26
Attachments:
Tab 1 Chronology of Development of Cherry Lane Golf Course
Tab 2 USGA Turf Advisory Service Report
Introduction
In September, 2002, Meridian's golf course operator and tenant, Cherry Lane Recreation, Inc., met with
Mayor Robert Corrie to discuss the continuing needs of the municipality's Cherry Lane Golf Course.
Although construction on the City's Golf Course began in the 1970s, and continued in the '80s and '90s, a
baseline report on exactly what infrastructure makes up the City's Golf Course had never been done.
With portions of that infrastructure nearing 30 years in age-in some instances, past its useful life-it
became imperative that the City understand what infrastructure physically exists and the condition of that
infrastructure in order to plan for replacement and modifications at the Golf Course.
As described further below, the Mayor and City Council, recognizing the City's valuable asset in Cherry
Lane, authorized a baseline study conducted by the United States Golf Association. After receiving the
results of that study, Mayor Corrie called a special City Council workshop. Members of the Meridian
community were invited that have, over the years, been associated in one way or another with the Golf
Course. The purpose of the Council's special workshop was to briefly review the baseline study, receive
comments from those familiar with the history of the Golf Course development, and to establish a Special
Committee whose purpose would be to identify: 1) the existing needs of the City's Golf Course; 2)
estimate the replacement or repair costs; and 3) propose possible funding strategies the City can explore
to meet those needs.
This report of that Special Committee attempts to familiarize the community with the history of Cherry
Lane Golf Course, report on the findings of the USGA baseline study, report on the findings of the Special
Committee, and make recommendations on further efforts by the City and its Golf Course operator to
ensure that Cherry Lane Golf Course becomes the asset Meridian envisioned in the 1970s and desires
today.
2. Brief History of Cherry Lane Golf Course
Cherry Lane Golf Course has been an ongoing project of Meridian since the late 1970s. The volunteer
spirit of those Meridian citizens that joined together with developers to construct Meridian's largest
recreational asset represents all the best of Meridian's community spirit. As a comparable example,
Meridian Speedway is a recreational facility that was developed decades ago through volunteer efforts that
brought both recreation and recreation dollars to a then much smaller Meridian. Back in the 1970s, the
Western Ada Recreation District was formed. The District, too, was manned by many volunteers who were
instrumental in completing the Meridian swimming pool and who worked to upgrade Meridian's fledgling
parks. Cherry Lane Golf Course recently hosted a tournament for the many Friends of Meridian Parks
sponsored by a continuing volunteer committee for the improvement of Meridian parks. Over the years
some of the money raised has gone to help the local boys and girls club, the local baseball fields, soccer
fields, and the skateboard park. This year, funds were provided to Adventure Playground, which serves
the physically handicapped and youth baseball.
Likewise, Cherry Lane Golf Course was an early endeavor by the City, service clubs, the Chamber of
Commerce, and residents to provide recreation and recreation programs to attract additional recreation
dollars into the City. Cherry Lane was conceived at a time when municipal resources were small and
volunteer efforts were large. Directors of Cherry Lane Recreation and employees at the Golf Course
continue to serve on volunteer parks committees as well as serve the Course. Cherry Lane Golf Course
and its people are a testament to the "can-do" volunteer spirit of Meridian.
The City's ambition and volunteer efforts did not see easy gains. A combination of hard economic times
and unfulfilled promises made the Golf Course development very slow going. This chronology of the Golf
Course development history is compiled from the City's files and is found in Tab 1. What is apparent from
the chronology of the Golf Course history, is that Golf Course property changed hands several times
resulting in little continuity in development.
PAGE-1
The continuity found with the City Councils and volunteers, however, continued unabated. When the City
Council met for its special workshop in January, 2003, several former City Council Members and former
golf course committee volunteers elaborated on the history of those times. This testimony is found as well
in Tab 1.
Concisely, in 1978, Meridian entered into an agreement with the developer of the proposed "Cherry Lane
Village" for the construction of the first nine holes of the Golf Course. The installation was to be at no cost
to the City, with the transfer of these nine holes to Meridian after written acknowledgment from the
developer's engineering consultant that construction specifications were met. Any defects in construction
were to be corrected by the developer prior to transfer to Meridian. No written engineering
acknowledgment has ever been found. As stated at the City's special workshop in January, 2003, it is
common knowledge that the first nine holes of Cherry Lane Golf Course were not properly constructed.
Under this same agreement with the original developer, an additional nine holes was to be designed and
installed, again, at no cost to the City, and then transferred to the City following appropriate development.
Unfortunately, the property that was to be the second nine holes of the Golf Course reverted to the original
owners, and the property was then sold to other developers. Those developers assisted (along with the
continuing volunteer efforts and infusion of cash by the City and the Golf Course operator) with the
installation of the Golf Course's second nine holes. During 2000, Cherry Lane Recreation completed
construction of a new clubhouse at a cost of approximately $800,000.
Once the first nine and the second nine holes were transferred to Meridian, management and
maintenance responsibilities also transferred to Meridian. Unfortunately for Meridian, neither the original
nine holes nor the second nine holes met any recognized standards. Under the original agreements,
Meridian has the ability to contract with a third party to manage the Golf Course and the City remains
solely responsible. Management and maintenance by the City are to be "at a standard of quality
consistent with similar public municipal golf courses throughout the country." To begin to develop our
community's standards, the City committed to an inspection of the Golf Course in cooperation with the
USGA.
3. Growth and Planning in Meridian
The development of Cherry Lane Golf Course is best viewed in the context of Meridian's growth. In 1978,
when Cherry Lane Golf Course was a gleam in the City's eye, Meridian's population was less than 5,000,
individuals. In 1978, the City published its first Comprehensive Plan. In the 25 years since, Meridian has
seen its population increase to approximately 40,000 individuals (with an expanded City boundary, the City
has estimated a possible population of 92,500 people by 2010), two new Comprehensive Plans have
been adopted, and much of the infrastructure at Cherry Lane Golf Course has reached the end of its
useful life.
Meridian's July, 2002 Comprehensive Plan recreation goals are to provide a broad range of parks,
recreational programs and recreational facilities in Meridian.' Actions cited in the Comprehensive Plan to
accomplish this include:
• Assess the existing park and recreation facilities based on current regulatory, safety, and quality
standards.
• Update and maintain existing parks and facilities to meet all regulatory, safety, and quality
standards.
• Support funding of Comprehensive Parks & Recreation System ("CPRSP") projects and
programs.
• Support joint use agreements with the Meridian Joint School District, Western Ada Recreation
District, ACHD, and other private and non-profit entities.
PAGE-2
To formulate the City's recreation goal during the most recent Comprehensive Plan process, Meridian
asked its citizens to identify the community's recreation needs. With this information Meridian prioritized
actions to implement these needs. Meridian then categorized these actions as "immediate" (0 to 1 years);
"intermediate" (1 to 3 years); and "long-term" (3 to 5+ years). These actions include:
• Support funding of the CPRSP projects and programs. (Intermediate)
• Assess the existing park and recreation facilities based on current regulatory, safety, and quality
standards. (Ongoing)
• Identify recreation needs of the citizens of Meridian. (Ongoing)
• Review the CPRSP annually to evaluate and set goals. (Ongoing)
• Support acquisition and development of new park land to meet the growing open space needs of
the community. (Ongoing)
• Support joint use agreements with Meridian Joint School District, Western Ada Recreation District,
ACHD, and other private and non-profit entities. (Ongoing)
Although assessment of existing City facilities is listed as an "ongoing" activity, assessment of the Cherry
Lane Golf Course has not occurred on a regular basis over the last 25 years.
Both the Comprehensive Plan of Meridian and the Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Systems Plan
provide the basis for Meridian to manage its existing recreation facilities and programs, and to develop
future recreation facilities and programs. The Comprehensive Plan contains an inventory of existing park
facilities and asix-year capital improvement plan to address needed improvements and programs at those
facilities. The CPRSP Action Plan was developed by the City to: 1) provide specific recommendations on
recreational facilities; and 2) present a funding and implementation strategy.
Yet the Comprehensive Plan and the CPRSP fail to mention, even once, the largest recreational asset of
Meridian: Cherry Lane Golf Course. The Golf Course was not addressed by the Parks Commission which
was both focused on other park needs of the City and did not realize the depth of the Golf Course needs.
Now that the needs are better understood, the Comprehensive Plan and the CPRSP must be amended to
rectify this omission. With these additions, Meridian's main planning documents, the City, its citizens, and
Cherry Lane Golf Course are given an advantage when attempting to raise funds and make improvements
at the Golf Course. This oversight in omitting the Golf Course from the planning documents should no
longer be acceptable to the City given the known infrastructure needs of the municipality's Golf Course.
The fact that there are major infrastructure deficiencies at Cherry Lane Golf Course is so clear that the
City authorized the Course evaluation by the USGA, the Mayor and Council held a special workshop
(January, 2003), and the City established a Special Golf Course Committee to specifically identify the golf
course deficiencies and to propose recommendations for the City to remedy those deficiencies.
4. USGA Evaluation
Following the September 2002 meeting between Cherry Lane Recreation and Mayor Corrie, the Mayor
and Cherry Lane brought a request before the City Council (September 17, 2002) asking that Matt Nelson
of the United States Golf Association ("USGA") provide the City with a baseline evaluation of the
infrastructure at Cherry Lane Golf Course.
The Idaho Golf Association had provided Cherry Lane Recreation with a strong recommendation that
Meridian contact the USGA's Turf Advisory Service, which has served several other courses in Southern
Idaho and Eastern Oregon including: Banbury; Scotch Pines; and Spurwing.
Not only would the USGA Turf Advisory Service provide a baseline evaluation for the City's Golf Course,
by subscribing to this Service Meridian would also obtain: a written report of the USGA's findings and
PAGE - 3
recommendations for continued course development; year-round consultation by telephone; and the ability
to attend seminars with agronomists at regional meetings.
Hiring the Turf Advisory Service for this baseline study was also seen as a way for Meridian to solidify its
relationship with the Idaho Golf Association and the USGA. Viewing all of this as very positive results for
the nominal fee paid to the USGA, the City Council authorized the one-day intensive inspection of Cherry
Lane Golf Course by the USGA.
The USGA inspection of Cherry Lane Golf Course occurred on the fine fall day of October 21, 2002.
Council Members, Meridian staff, the Golf Course operator and members of the public were all invited to
participate with the USGA agronomist. The review was designed to provide a broad overview of the Golf
Course, but was also designed to address very specific items. For example, there was to be a detailed
look at trees, grass, soils, infrastructure and equipment. As Mr. Matt Nelson, the agronomist, described it,
the review was to go from "soup to nuts." A full copy of the Turf Advisory Service Report is found in Tab
2, and is summarized below. Notes and pictures taken during the inspection are found in Section 5
immediately below.
First and foremost, the infrastructure at Cherry Lane Golf Course was discussed during the inspection. As
noted by the USGA, serious infrastructure deficiencies limit the ability of Meridian and Cherry Lane to
provide the golf environment the City desires. These serious deficiencies include: an inadequate and
failing irrigation system; poor construction techniques throughout the newest nine holes; the lack of a
centrally-located maintenance facility; and the need for more maintenance equipment.
Although agronomic (that is, turfgrass and tree) improvement programs were discussed during the
inspection, the USGA agronomist pointed out that no significant agronomic improvements could
be expected at the Golf Course until the irrigation system -the life blood of the Golf Course - is
addressed.
Deficiencies
• The separate front and back nine irrigation systems are separate and poorly designed and
constructed. The system serving the older nine holes is due for replacement (the useful life span
is approximately 25 years).
• The irrigation system installed on the new nine uses components better suited for residential use.
• The sprinkler heads (Falcon) have not been observed at any other golf course visited around the
country. Golf course sprinkler head models should have been used for the front nine.
• Broken water lines and component failure is common on the back nine, resulting in poor turfgrass
health, especially in the middle of the fairways.
• There is inconsistent and inadequate spacing between sprinkler heads, i.e., sprinkler heads are
spaced more than 100' apart (typical irrigation designs utilized triangulated spacing of 65' to 75'
between sprinkler heads).
• The irrigation system lacks a centralized controller and sprinkler heads are unable to be isolated
(because of significant differences in water requirements on a course, golf courses strive to
control one or two sprinkler heads from one valve).
• Small pipe sizing throughout the course results in compromised operating pressure and water
distribution.
• Inadequate pumping results in significantly extended run times, reduced flexibility in the system
and greater wear and tear on the components.
• The existing maintenance facility is located too far from the golf course, posing safety concerns
and inefficient use of time.
• There is a lack of maintenance equipment, including dependable aeration equipment.
• Greens 1, 6, 7 and 9 are constructed at an extreme slope (as much as 7 - 8% compared to the
standard of 1.5 - 2% at the potential hole location) posing maintenance challenges, and
compromising playability.
PAGE-4
Greens on the new nine are not constructed to any specifications recognized in the industry,
resulting in dry spots and turfgrass inconsistency.
Topsoil is lacking throughout the new nine, which accentuates deficiencies in the irrigation
system.
The irrigation canal that cuts across No. 3 fairway is not grassed (at the insistence of the canal
company), inviting pedestrians and bicyclists onto the course, and compromising safety.
Recommendations
• Retain the services of a qualified golf course irrigation consultant to audit the existing system and
develop plans for replacement with a proper system. Replacement is likely the only feasible
option.Z
• Retain the services of a qualified golf course architect to design and rebuild the greens on the new
nine to an accepted specification.
• Locate the maintenance facility close to the course and provide areas within the facility for proper
storage of equipment and materials. In 1995, the City, Cherry Lane Recreation and Brighton
Corporation discussed locating the maintenance building in an area west of the practice green
and the then #1 green. Brighton asked that Cherry Lane Recreation have its architect set the
location.
• Lightweight fairway mowers and rotary mowers (for the roughs) should be obtained to improve
cutting quality and turFgrass health. There has been discussion between the City and Cherry Lane
Recreation in connection with the possible Golf Course use of Meridian Parks Department
equipment (and vice versa), which equipment is only used occasionally. This sharing of
equipment (possibly with the payment of a rental fee) would seem to be an effective use of public
equipment at public facilities. Of course, details of how such expensive equipment would be used
and by whom would have to be worked out between the City and Cherry Lane Recreation. As
described below, one recommendation of the Special Golf Course Committee is to encourage the
City and Cherry Lane Recreation to use good-faith efforts to work out such details for the joint,
efficient use of such equipment.
• Greens should be core aerated twice annually with 5/8"diameter hollow tines.
• Greens should be lightly top-dressed at least monthly.
• Continue to core-aerate fairways at least once annually with piston-driven fairway aerator.
• Annually fertilize fairways with 3 - 4 lbs. of actual nitrogen per 1000 S.F.
• Continue to overseed fairways; annually overseed fairways with perennial ryegrass at a rate of
200 - 300 Ibs per acre.
• Negotiate with the canal company to grass the recently-culverted irrigation canal; grassing will not
restrict the canal company's right-of-way.
• Slowly introduce a partial system of cart paths throughout the golf course surrounding greens and
tees.
• Plan the location of the partial system of cart paths so there remains the possibility of a
continuous cart path system at a future date.
On November 12, 2002, Cherry Lane Recreation addressed the Mayor and City Council at apre-Council
hearing and presented the Council with the United States Golf Association Turf Advisory Service Report.
Also presented to the Mayor and Council was a compact disk containing pictures taken during the
inspection some of which are found in the Section below. The Mayor and Council received the report and
discussed the need to set aside time to discuss the report.
At the November 12 hearing and in a November 21, 2002 letter to the Mayor and Council, Cherry Lane
Recreation proposed that the City organize a golf course committee to plan for the needed improvements
at the Golf Course. Cherry Lane also indicated to the City that it might be very beneficial if the City would
dedicate a staff person (and some of that person's time each week or month) to participate with and assist
the committee. For example, the City's Parks Department employee, Elroy Huff, and the City's Parks
Board Commission Member, Creg Steele, both indicated a desire to work further with Cherry Lane
PAGE-5
Recreation and the City to accomplish improvements at the Golf Course. Also, because financing
strategies were likely to be explored by the committee, it was thought that a staff person from the finance
office of the City would be invaluable. The committee did not have someone from the finance office of the
City to assist its work, but the City must ensure that the finance office of the City fully explores further
funding strategies and makes a recommendation to the City.
5. Inspection Notes and Photographs
[SEE NEXT PAGE]
PAGE-6
USGA INSPECTION OF CHERRY LANE GOLF COURSE
OCTOBER 21, 2~2
MINUTES
Attendees:
Matt Nelson, USGA
Creg Steele, Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission
Will Berg, Meridian City Clerk
Jennifer Lovan-Holloway, Cherry Lane Recreation, Inc.
Nancy Link, Cherry Lane Recreation, Inc.
Tom Funkhouser, Cherry Lane Recreation, Inc.
Sharon Gallivan, Spink Butler Clapp, LLP
Matt Nelson with the USGA conducted the inspection.
The inspection began with a Q & A among the attendees regarding the background and history of the
course. Jennifer Lovan-Holloway was the primary source for the responses. The issue of the
maintenance shed and property to be donated for the shed was addressed as well.
Jennifer estimates that 30,000 - 40,000 rounds of golf are played each year at the course. There are five
full time employees. The development of the course in two phases was explained. The goal of the
inspection was defined: 1) work together to see that the City has the golf course the City was promised by
the developers; 2) identify deficiencies in the infrastructure; and 3) propose avenues to improve the
course.
The field inspection started on the practice green. Matt Nelson stated that the practice green is subgrade
and not very well constructed. He also said that the practice green generally takes a lot of abuse, more
than other areas on the course. He
addressed the cart paths and stated that
the paths may be placed to better
distribute traffic and reduce compaction.
PAGE - ~
At the 200-yard marker Nelson took
a bore sample. He described the
water problems and discussed the
placement of the sprinklers, noting
that there seemed to be no real
pattern of placement and coverage. `''"' x
Jennifer said that this area
originally had very poor coverage `; y `~
and Cherry Lane Recreation had ~ ~ "~
added approximately 8 sprinklers to - -
this area. Nelson pointed out two
issues: 1) the line is undersized
(Tom Funkhouser said the line was
3" from the pumphouse); and 2) the
pressure at the pumphouse is 70
lbs. and only approximately 50 lbs.
in the field. There was some
discussion about whether the line
might actually be 6 inches at the
pumphouse or 4 inches. Nelson
asked if Cherry Lane had tried
doing some overseeding. Nancy
Link and Jennifer stated that overseeding has been done.
The first three holes are the area that the top
soil was scraped off by the developer to move
to subdivision building lots. Nelson said that
the topsoil issue is something that should have
been addressed in the construction contract.
He stated that a golf course architect/designer
would have been valuable in the initial stages of
development.
PAGE - 8
First Green: Nelson remarked that
the slope of the green (7-8%)
should be no more than 1-2% to
keep the greens slower. He said
this green was a "do-over." He
also remarked that the cart paths
should be relocated to the other
side of the green.
Hole No. 2 fairway: No - a ~' ""=
sprinkler heads? Nelson '~~.,~ ~~
described the triangulated
spacing of sprinkler heads '
that should be found in this
area. This prompted a '
discussion of how the course
was originally financed, and
the allocation of expenses for
the necessary
improvements. Will Berg
explained the $6501ot
assessment and mentioned
the $100 lot fee. Jennifer
talked about the slow market
in the 1980s and how the
second nine was put on hold.
The three developers
responsible for the course
were identified: Kent Barney,
Brighton Corporation, and
Steiner Development.
Jennifer mentioned that Brighton had recently brought in more trees, and Steiner had added irrigation
lines.
PAGE - 9
No. 2 Green: Nelson inspected the soil
in this area and said that the clay is
"wicking" the water away from the green.
This is evidenced by the fact that the
course manager has had so much
trouble getting grass to grow where Tom
Funkhouser put in a plug (see picture) to
see if the plug would grow.
- t;,?;
No. 3 Fairway: Nelson ~~~
remarked that the aeration
they have been doing (see
picture of tractor aerating -
later) is good, but what they ~~""=~~~ ` ~ - - _
~:
need to do is look at possibly ~ ~ - `~ ~`
purchasing TORO or John 4~< ° ~ r ' `~ - -~,
Deere equipment. Nelson
said to go down about 3-4" ; Y , ,
and pull a plug. CLR is using
a tractor that has a "slicing" _ ~ ~ ~ ,Q, -~ {~
action rather than tines that a~;~•~
penetrate to a greater depth. ~y"~ ~~
Nelson suggested that CLR '`
should look for someone who
is starting a contract aeration
company and have them
aerate as far down as
possible. He said the soils are
very tight and it probably
wouldn't go very far for the first
few attempts. CLR needs to aerate at least annually, but "irrigation is the huge problem here." Nelson
said that it would take at least $1 M to do the irrigation right, and he figured that only a third of what was
needed was actually done. Matt stated that it wouldn't matter how many holes you punch in the turf,
without an adequate sprinkler system it won't make any difference, you'd just have poor turf with holes.
PAGE - 1 O
Tiled ditch: Nelson said that grass is needed over the ditch. According to Jennifer, Tom and Nancy,
Nampa-Meridian Irrigation District will not allow that. Since the new elementary school opened, children
are riding their bikes down this "path" and {~ „~~ ~ ; r.ti{,,
are coming into the path of play. Nelson ~~°`~;
said CLR should present Nampa- i ~ -
Meridian with the safety issues and the
environmental fact that turf is the best • ~ '" .' , "
filter for possible pollutants. Jennifer
noted that both the canal company and
someone working for a developer are
driving trucks down this "path."
No. 3. Green & No. 4 Tee box: Root growth is good, but the concern is thatch. Nelson demonstrated how
the different layers in the sod accumulate water and how similar they are to "growth rings" of a tree.
Nelson stressed that water
management is crucial, and although
the problems here are not unusual,
the problems are not what you want.
Aeration and top dressing will help
and should be done in the spring and
fall, perhaps mid-May and Labor Day.
This schedule will preserve the play
time as much as possible. Nelson
said that this condition can become a
real problem if the soil gets
compacted. The sample Nelson took
had good density and strong root
development. This condition in this
area requires more difficult water
management as problems with weeds
and moss can result.
PAGE - 11
~' ~;4 _
~,,
No. 4 Green: Jennifer noted that the
course "gained" property here from a
developer when a subdivision was
platted. No irrigation lines are
available to water this area. This is
one location suggested for the new
Maintenance Shed. Jennifer has been
watering some of this area with a
hose.
No. 5. "Core aeration" will have longer lasting benefit here and would be a good tool to use in conjunction
with the blade tool currently being used. Will mentioned that Dave McKinnon is the City staff person
working with the golf course now, since
reorganization after staff members Shari
Stiles and Tom Koontz left. Nelson -~:
questioned whether there was any ~~. ~•~~ ;
professional involved with the design of ~~'- ~' ' ~';~''
the golf course. All said "no." Sharon
Gallivan asked Nancy about Brighton's
plan designed by David Peugh. She
said that plan was never used. Nelson
mentioned again that the irrigation for
the course should have been $1-1.5M
and that the developers really got a
good deal out of the City on this. Again
in this area, Nelson pointed out the poor
spacing of irrigation heads. He said it
should be no more than 60-70 feet, and
that they should employ a "wedge"
pattern. He also noted that the heads
on the sprinklers are "residential"
heads, and that they aren't appropriate for a golf course.
PAGE - 12
5 r
~" ,i
.'
#7 Pond and Hole: This is an
example of the "fluid" property
boundaries around the course
that changed as residential
subdivisions were approved and
built.' A Tee box had to be
moved because it ended up in
the back yard of one of the
residential lots. Sharon asked if
the golf course had .been
surveyed in the last two years;
Jennifer indicated it had been
just "spot surveyed" meaning
that CLR knows what the golf
course is only after the
developers place the
subdivision boundaries.
;t
~.
Jennifer said that they have played
~" ;' with a 6" bump this summer
~ ~ because of the poor condition of
the course in this area. This area
is also where the issue of drainage
swales on the golf course was
raised. Will mentioned that there
was a triangle property here that
Steiner was supposed to swap.
Jennifer said the swap had taken
place.
1 The boundaries only now are somewhat known given that the surrounding
subdivisions have been platted. In effect, the City's golf course was defined by various
developers during the course of development over 30 years. Although an invoice for a
survey was paid by the City, the particular survey has not been located.
PAGE - 13
Well: There is a well near Black Cat that is on the golf course, but no one knows who owns it.
has done some research. There is a wide
expanse of almost flat, featureless ground.
Nelson remarked that they should have been
able to use the fill dirt-for molding the course.
According to Jennifer the contractors used
quite a lot of dirt to build up and level the
residential lots. This area next to the road is
the only area that isn't fenced from the road.
Jennifer said that former Planning Department
Director Shari Stiles didn't want a fence there.
Will suggested that a split rail fence would be
good to separate the area from the road.
PAGE - 14
Jennifer
There was discussion about a
paved access that had been
removed and replaced with
"pavers" through which the grass
would grow. This "grass-Crete"
treatment would allow a truck to
come in and service the "port-a-
potty" at that end of the course.
No. 10 : Nelson said this area has
good root development. "Not
terrible -some sand down there,
and it is distributed." He said the
speed and slope of the greens are
problematic. Jennifer commented
that the lower handicaps don't like
playing their course because it's
too fast.
PAGE - 15
r~
Pumphouse:
Problems with
erosion caused
CLR to make
repairs last
year. Brought
in rocks to
stabilize.
No. 11 Fairway: Jennifer and
Nancy commented that this is
an area where the survey is off
by about 40 feet or so; the
irrigation doesn't go to the
edges and that leaves a "no
man's land" that is just weeds
and not getting watered. Will
mentioned the °piecemeal"
nature of the acquisition of the
course.
Nelson said that his
recommendation would be to
do the course in phases: do
the pump station first; and in
the subsequent years do one
nine at a time. He said they
need a good contractor to do it
though, not someone who is
going to come in and do it and
leave after a couple of weeks.
Nelson also said they need a "master plan."
noted that it's time to redo the original nine).
PAGE- 1G
Also, in this section there was a ditch
that was tiled and grass was grown
over the top (question: why did
Nampa-Meridian Irrigation allow them
to grow grass here but won't allow it in
the newer area?). All that remains
visually (other than a very noticeable
depression) is a gravel "path." This
gravel area tends to funnel the golf
cart traffic to the center. Nelson said
they should remove that area and
plant grass to distribute traffic.
The irrigation system should last about 25 years (Jennifer
No. 12: Compacted soil - difficult to
penetrate sand layer. Again,
Nelson points to irrigation problems.
h , ~
.
The strip of land in this
picture is the one that
Cherry Lane
Recreation was told
they should maintain.
The similar strips along
the sidewalk are
maintained by the
Homeowner's
Association. (Behind
*9 Green.)
PAGE - 1 ~
Current Maintenance sheds:
Across Cherry Lane, next to the
Albertson's. We crossed Cherry
Lane in the golf carts. The golf
carts may be run in the streets
within that square mile, and
outside, only to the maintenance
facility.
~,: -
y c1 ,..,
~~ :•
No. 13. This is where the restrooms
are located. General discussion
about having the Boy Scout troops
come in and paint. This area is
usually the worst on the entire
course, but not too bad this fall.
Problems with a particular kind of
problem grass, and some mold as
well.
PAGE - 18
Ladies Tee: "Size of a
postage stamp."
PAGE - 19
South of the Clubhouse:
This is the area that the City
wants to see the
maintenance shed located.
CLR has informally
discussed with the City that
this would be a good
location for a picnic area
and an outdoor reception
area such as promoted in
Meridian's parks and
recreation plan. CLR is
concerned about mixing
maintenance traffic with
pedestrians.
CLR would like the city to
explore obtaining other
property on which to locate the
maintenance shed.
PAGE - 20
6. Meridian Special Golf Course Committee
Following receipt of the USGA report, Mayor Corrie set the time and place for a Meridian City Council
Special Workshop. This workshop was held on January 27, 2003, with 27 attendees.3 A number of the
attendees who have seen the Golf Course develop over time provided an extensive background for those
who were unaware of the history. See Tab 1. Following the historical review, the attendees had afree-
flowing discussion for almost two hours on the items that needed improvement at the Golf Course stating
their ultimate aim was to discuss solutions and how to move forward to make needed improvements.
At the workshop, City Council Members voiced their desire to have a list of needed improvements, an
understanding of what it would cost to undertake those improvements, and an overview of financial
strategies to fund improvements. With such knowledge the Council Members acknowledged they could
work to prioritize improvements at the Golf Course and get the strong message to the general public that
there is a very real need for funding for Cherry Lane Golf Course.
Attendees agreed that the City and Cherry Lane Recreation are presently working together in a
public/private partnership; the City had not received all that the City had expected to receive from the
original Golf Course developers; the goal is to make a better situation than what exists today; and a
committee should be formed to provide the Council with the information desired.
Walt Morrow and Charlie Roundtree were nominated as co-chairs of a Special Golf Course Committee
with Walt Morrow to call the first meeting. Members of the special committee included:
Will Berg (City Clerk)
Keith Bird (City Council member)
JoAnn Butler (Cherry Lane Recreation)
Tom Funkhouser (Cherry Lane Golf Course Superintendent)
Sharon Gallivan (Cherry Lane Recreation)
Jim Johnson (Meridian businessman and former Meridian official)
Jennifer Lovan-Holloway (Historical Perspective)
David Moe (former Parks Board member)
Walt Morrow (Co-Chairman; former City Council member)
Charlie Rountree (Co-Chairman; former Meridian City Planning & Zoning Commissioner)
Creg Steele (Meridian City Parks Board)
The committee met four times between April 30 and June 25, 2003. At the first and subsequent meeting,
the function of the committee was re-stated by Walt Morrow:
We are a special function committee ... here ... to determine what type of physical improvements
that it would take to [bring] the golf course ... to whatever the standard might be. As Tom
explained, ... the USGA standard is not a standard that's cast in stone for each golf course it's
something that makes a golf course more playable.
Our charge [from] the City Council ... is simply to determine what type of physical improvements
can be made to the golf course, the approximate costs of those improvements, then recommend
ways of maybe financing those costs and ... the City Council and the Mayor and the Council can
determine what standard they want that golf course to be and how to pay for that standard.
Immediately following is the special committee's list of Golf Course needs. The committee made good
faith estimates of the costs to meet these needs based on the practical experience of several committee
members. The special committee acknowledged that these costs could vary in either direction by 10%.
PAGE - 21
LIST OF GOLF COURSE NEEDS
PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES OF COSTS
(in order of priority)
Improvement Projected Cost' Source of Funds
Irrigation system $1-1.5 M Meridian
Maintenance Building
Metal building? No paint/no maintenance 40x80 $45 per sq. ft.
$150,000 Meridian
New Greens: 1, 6, 7 & 92 $8,000 each Meridian
Re-build bunkers on new nine $2,000/bunker x 10 = $20,000 Meridian
Lightweight Fairway mower $60,000 ($30,000 each)3 Cherry Lane Recreation
Dedicated rotary mowers $24,000 each (1 necessary) Cherry Lane Recreation
Aerating equipment or contract" $12,000 Cherry Lane Recreation
Plant grass over irrigation canal $1,000 (No. 3 Fairway) Meridian
Cart paths throughout systems $50,000 Cherry Lane Recreation
Trees about 100 trees initial planting
($50 - $100/tree)
$10,000 (immediate need) Meridian/Cherry Lane
Recreation
Carts $30,000 Cherry Lane Recreation
Picnic Area: Tables, Gazebo, BBQ, Scoreboard areas $50,000 Meridian/Cherry Lane
Recreation
New Restroom' $75,000 + sewer and waters Meridian
Clubhouse Maintenance (ongoing annual) $3,000 Cherry Lane Recreation
Miscellaneous Equipment $50,000 Cherry Lane Recreation
Equipment Rental $25,000 Cherry Lane Recreation
Identifying and then bringing the Golf Course within a certain standard has been a major focus of the
Special Golf Course Committee. The Committee acknowledged that no standard can truly be reached
until the irrigation system is addressed. As Matt Nelson, USGA, stated in his report, "Significantly
t All costs are +/- 10%
2 Others could be rebuilt but not necessary now; not due to bad slope.
3 Cherry Lane Recreation rents 2light-weight mowers today.
a Lease now which may be the way to go. Secondary issue.
5 Throughout greens & tees on front 9 only -gravel or cinder; non-priority.
6 Cannot complete until location identified.
~ Non-priority.
s Non-priority.
PAGE - 22
improving the quality of the golf course will depend entirely upon improving the irrigation system."
[Emphasis added.] In an attempt to start the process to identify a standard, the Special Golf Course
Committee identified the four most comparable golf courses around the Treasure Valley (all surrounded
by residential subdivisions) that, if emulated, might bring Cherry Lane Golf Course up to a standard
desired by Meridian and the golfers that patronize the Course. These four courses include: Eagle Hills;
Indian Lakes; Plantation; and Warm Springs.
7. Funding Options/ Alternatives
Meridian's desire in the 1970s, to develop a community golf course to attract business to locate in the
community, remains an appropriate goal for one of the fastest growing cities in Idaho. In the 1970s, the
desire of the City was to have a quality golf course. There is certainly strong doubt that the City received
what it was promised. Now, more than 30 years later, the City recognizes the municipal goal to refurbish
Cherry Lane Golf Course so that it becomes what the City desired -- a quality golf course recognized as
such in the Treasure Valley.
For this admirable goal to be met, funding options must be identified, sought out, received, and applied to
refurbish the infrastructure at Cherry Lane Golf Course.
Of course, all of this is easier said than done. The charge of the Special Golf Course Committee was to
identify deficiencies at the Golf Course, make a broad brush guesstimate of costs to remedy these
deficiencies, and identify possible funding solutions. With this identification, the City and its staff can rank
the various options and make decisions as to which options the City will pursue.
A few members of the committee met with attorneys and bankers who have worked with the City in the
recent past in connection with bond financing (in connection with the City's police station), and also met
with an attorney that has assisted the City in connection with its urban renewal efforts. These meetings
were done to familiarize the committee with some of the nuances of financing strategies. What became
clear to the committee is that financing efforts must be undertaken with strong assistance from the City
staff with authorization from the Council. Without this authorization it will be difficult for the City to
complete its actions.
The most immediate action to the undertaken by the City in its funding strategy is to place the
improvements in the City's Capital Improvement Plan. The necessary Golf Course improvements
identified here should be transferred from this special committee report directly to the draft
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Action Plan and adopted along with that Action Plan.
Generally, there has been sustained pressure on all local governments to finance public facilities;
recreational facilities are typically low on a city's priority scale. Property taxes together with special users'
fees have generally proved insufficient to make up the shortfall of revenues needed to fund necessary
infrastructure. Against these pressures, municipalities have increasingly expected private developers to
build, donate or pay for infrastructure projects either in whole in part as a condition of development.
Meridian is certainly no exception here and is familiar with the legal issues in connection with the propriety
of such conditions or payments required with any development approval and the point at which the line
should be drawn between legitimate and illegitimate conditions.
Specifically in connection with Cherry Lane Golf Course, developers over the years were required to build,
donate or pay for the Golf Course's infrastructure. The clear pattern that emerges from the City's files is
that the area surrounding Cherry Lane Golf Course was developed in a piecemeal fashion over 30 years,
and the development of the Golf Course was conducted in a manner far short of typical golf course
development standards and far short of the City's expectations.
The area surrounding Cherry Lane Golf Course is now all but residentially-developed. With this
development completed, the City no longer has the opportunity to exact, as a condition of development,
improvements at the Golf Course, and no longer has the opportunity to require that developers pay special
PAGE - 23
assessments to facilitate golf course improvements. The donations and construction of the Golf Course
over the past 30 years have been described. The City has also authorized special fees in connection with
residential lots surrounding the golf course.
The City authorized golf course development fees of $650 per residential lot (paid upon application for a
building permit), from lots in Ashford Greens, The Lake at Cherry Lane Subdivisions, and others. These
$650 special assessments were first discussed in 1995 between Meridian (Mayor Kingsford), Brighton
Corporation and Cherry Lane Recreation and later authorized by the City Council. The City committed
$350,000 from the City's Enterprise (sewer) Fund for installation of improvements to the Golf Course.
Around this same time, there was an ongoing fund-raising effort to raise private funds to supplement the
City funds. The goal was to raise $500,000 with the expectation of raising at least $200,000. In addition,
the City was soliciting volunteer labor and suppliers to augment the Enterprise Fund dollars and the
private dollars.4 The total fees to be assessed, and the collection by the City to date, are indicated in the
table below:
CITY OF MERIDIAN
GOLF COURSE EXPANSION FEES
REVENUE & EXPENSES
($650 per lot -approx. 555 lots)
Beginning: November 1995 through September 30, 2003
Fiscal Year # Lots Fees Received Expenditures
(October-September)
1995-1996 24 $15,600.00 $339,185.87
1996-1997 27 $17,550.00 $52,682.08
1997-1998 54 $35,100.00 $0.00
1998-1999 71 $46,150.00 $0.00
1999-2000 41 $26,650.00 $0.00
2000-2001 62 $40,300.00 $0.00
2001-2002 65 $42,250.00 $0.00
2002-2003 52 $33,800.00 $0.00
(ending Sept. 30, 2003)
Totals 396 $257,400.00 $391,867.95
10/1/03: 42 lots left remaining per Building Department
Total Fees Received
at $100 per lot
Oct. 1991 -Sept. 1997 $7,900.00
Estimated interest earned:
at 5% 2 yrs 1996-1997 $1,170.00
($23,500.00)
Totals: $266,470.00 $391,867.95
Balance: ($125,397.95)
According to the table immediately above, provided by the City Treasurer's office, special assessments
totaling $266,470.00 have been received by the City to offset expenditures of $391,867.95. The table
PAGE - 24
above indicates that approximately 159 residential lots are left from which to collect this special
assessment. If that is the case, the City will eventually collect approximately $369,820 to offset
expenditures. The reader should note that, because of development modifications around the Golf
Course, there is some confusion as to how many lots are actually available from which to collect this
special assessment. The numbers range from 44 lots to 159 lots. A number in the lower portion of this
range appears to be more likely to be correct.
No one source is likely to fund all of the identified Golf Course needs. It may be possible for the City "mix
and match" the possible funding sources to facilitate the identified Golf Course needs. As stated in the
CPRSP:
[C]ost and revenue "balance" may be achieved by establishing funding objectives which require
that a portion of revenue be generated from the tax base while the balance of funds are generated
through discretionary sources, interlocal agreements, and enterprise opportunities. The City
should advance specific financing opportunities within present statutory capability and then
combine new funding alternatives it determines appropriate for acquisition, development,
operations and maintenance of park and recreation facilities.
Also as stated in the CPRSP, the Parks & Recreation Department policy of economic performance is
stated as follows:
The Department will identify and utilize a combination of revenue centers with emphasis on
formation of public/private joint ventures, partnerships or concession agreements. Such revenue
centers shall be organized to create funds to create a capital trust fund, and to create a revenue
share to support qualified public service (non-revenue) programs that are for the well being of the
community.
Possible funding alternatives include:
• General Obligation Bonds: With these bonds, the City borrows money for public facility
development to be repaid with funds generated by an increase in property taxes. These voter-
approved (two-thirds of all voters required) bonds establish an increase in property taxes for a
period of time (typically 20 - 30 years) necessary to repay the bonds. The money raised can only
be used for capital improvements and not maintenance.
• Revenue Bonds: Revenue bonds may be issued based on leasehold values of land, facilities and
operating entities that create a cash flow. Voter approval is required. Revenue and general
obligation bonds should possibly be considered for use as a function of enterprise activity where
public/private partnership recreation opportunities-such as Cherry Lane Golf Course-are found.
• General Fund: The City's general fund takes in revenues and makes expenditures for the
ongoing operation of City functions. As noted in the CPRSP Action Plan, funding of
improvements at Cherry Lane Golf Course is an ongoing activity of the City. Some general funds
may be available to assist with refurbishing the Golf Course.
• Certificates of Participation: this option would have the City sell COPs to lending institution and
use the loan from the lender to make improvements at the facility. The lender would secure ties
the loan by taking title to be facility prior to the repayment of the COPS. The loan is repaid from
revenue generated by the facility or from the City's general operating budget. This option is
subject to judicial approval.
Grants: Grants are available from a variety of sources, including the USGA Foundation and
Community Development Block Grants. The City can also obtain grants to assist with park and
recreation facilities other than Cherry Lane Golf Course thereby freeing up municipal funds for use
at the Golf Course.
PAGE - 25
Joint Public/ Private Partnership: The City's CPRSP Action Plan discusses this approach
whereby the City enters into a working agreement with aquasi-public or private corporation to help
fund, build, and/or operate a public facility. Once the City has entered into such an arrangement,
operation of the facility is conducted by the Corporation and the City benefits by receiving rent.
Today this represents the very situation between Meridian and Cherry Lane Recreation, Inc.
Cherry Lane helped facilitate the construction of the golf course by various developers, the
coordination of donations and volunteer efforts over the years. The City receives rent from the
Golf Course operator.
Other funding mechanisms are necessary at this time to further the joint public/private partnership
between Meridian and Cherry Lane Recreation because the facility has been hampered by poor
construction as well as many components reaching the end of their expected life.
8. Recommendations
• Amend the Comprehensive Parks & Recreation System Plan and the corollary "Action Plan" to
establish a goal to improve Cherry Lane Golf Course to the standard desired by the community
• Amend the City Capital Improvements Plan to list the infrastructure needs at Cherry Lane Golf
Course along with a time frame for making those improvements.
• Develop a direct liaison relationship between the Parks & Recreation Director and/or Recreation
Program Manager and Cherry Lane Recreation.
• City personnel (finance and legal) should review all possible sources of funds to capitalize the Golf
Course infrastructure.
• The Special Golf Course Committee report should be shared with the representatives of the
homeowner's associations that are in the vicinity of the Golf Course. Further input should be
provided by these associations.s
• .The Special Golf Course Committee report should be shared with season pass holders and the
men's and women's golf associations at Cherry Lane Golf Course. Further input should be
provided by these golfers.
• The City should retain the services of a qualified golf course irrigation consultant to audit the
existing system and develop plans for replacement with a proper system.
• The City should retain the services of a qualified golf course architect to design and then have
rebuilt the greens on the new 9 to an accepted specification. The City and Cherry Lane
Recreation should identify and locate the maintenance facility close to the Golf Course.
• The City and Cherry Lane Recreation should use good faith efforts to jointly purchase and use golf
course/park equipment. The City should advise Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District that the City
requires Cherry Lane Recreation to grass all tiled irrigation canals running through the Golf
Course.
• Meridian and Cherry Lane Recreation should strengthen their public/private partnership as a
positive step in advancing park and recreation services for Meridian citizens.
• Cherry Lane Recreation should maintain the junior golf programs at the Golf Course at the
present level with a goal to increase such programs.
Cherry Lane Recreation should maintain its new class for 5-8 year olds, playing three holes.
PAGE - 26
Monitor, maintain and improve Golf Course infrastructure pursuant to identified needs and
amendments to the Meridian Comprehensive Parks & Recreation System Plan and Capital
Improvement Plan. (ongoing)
ENDNOTES:
1. Cherry Lane Recreational Programs/Events:
Cherry Lane Golf Course has expanded its recreational programs as Meridian's population has
dramatically increased. In addition to working with Meridian's Parks and Recreation Department, Cherry
Lane Recreation assists the City by providing its own extensive golf programs at the City's municipal golf
course. In a recent letter to be City, Cherry Lane Recreation took the opportunity to let the City know
about the exciting events that have taken place at the golf course recently. These include:
• For the third year in a row, Meridian High School golfers (boys), using Cherry Lane as
their home course, have taken the 5-A District State Championship.
• Meridian High School golfers (girls), using Cherry Lane as their home course, qualified
this year to go to the State Tournament.
• Cherry Lane added another summer session of golf classes in July (taught by the Men's
Association) in cooperation with the City's Parks and Recreation Department. These
classes serve students attending school year-round.
• Cherry Lane has a new class for children ages 5 - 8 who play 3 holes during the class.
• Cherry Lane is offering a $10.00 card for Mt. View high school students.
• For the second year, Cherry Lane offered golf lessons as a part of the City's Parks and
Recreation programs. Pupils who have completed grades 3 - 7 had the opportunity this
summer to learn the basic golf techniques of driving, chipping and putting. Four two-week
sessions were offered for $10.
• Golf lessons are also offered through the City's Parks and Recreation program for
beginning and intermediate golfers aged 13 years and older. Classes cover the proper
grip, stance, and swing, along with the basics of chipping and putting.
• Professional golfers volunteer to teach adults through the City recreation program.
• Cherry Lane annually holds the Wally Lovan Foundation Memorial Scholarship
Tournament (founded in 1995). Twenty teams played in the tournament. The Foundation
generates college scholarships to assist Meridian and Mountain View High School golfers.
• Meridian High School uses the golf course driving range for its physical education
classes.
• Cherry Lane hosts one or two Idaho Junior Golf Program tournaments each summer.
• Cherry Lane started its own junior league in 1988. Fifty to 60 players from the age of 5
through 17 play on Wednesday mornings throughout the summer.
• PGA Magazine and the President of the PGA of America (June, 2003) made special
mention of the work accomplished by Cherry Lane Golf Course to encourage juniors and
families to play golf.
On September 13, 2003, Cherry Lane Recreation held an anniversary celebration at the
Golf Course with some of the original City Council members, members of the original golf
course committee, and those "old-timers" still with us who regularly come to play at
Cherry Lane Golf Course.
2. The USGA suggested the following irrigation experts:
Carl Thuesen
1925 Grand Avenue, Suite 105
Billings, MT
406/252-5545
Dale Winchester
Dale Winchester & Associates, Inc.
2215 East Pinecrest Lane
Sandy, UT
801 /571-6060
Bob Bryant
Bryant & Gordon
P.O. Box 17539
Irvine, CA
949/724-8998
3. Attendees at the January 27, 2003 Meridian City Council Special Workshop:
Will Berg Tad Holloway Walt Morrow
Keith Bird Elroy Huff Bert Myers
JoAnn Butler Jim Johnson Bill Nary
Mayor Robert Corrie Grant Kingsford Bill Nichols
Tammy de Weerd Nancy & Tom Link Charlie Rountree
John Ewing Jennifer Lovan-Holloway Gary Smith
Tom Funkhouser Laree & Rick Lovan Creg Steele
Sharon Gallivan Cherie McCandless Ron Tolsma
Bob Giesler David Moe Brad Watson
Joe Glaisyer Max Yerrington
4. See, July 18, 1995 correspondence between Brighton Corporation and Meridian.
Association Representative Registered Agent
Ashford Greens Owners David Turnbull, President Association Management, Inc.
Association, Inc. 12426 W. Explorer Dr., #220 1521 E. Boise Avenue
Boise, Idaho 83713 Boise Idaho 83706
James Place at Ashford David Turnbull, President Association Management, Inc.
Greens Owners 12426 W. Explorer Dr., #220 1521 E. Boise Avenue
Association, Inc. Boise, Idaho 83713 Boise Idaho 83706
Cherry Lane Village No. 3 Lonnie Morgan, President Jacqueline B. Call
Homeowners Association, P.O. Box 655 3645 Woodmont Dr.
Inc. Meridian, Idaho 83680 Meridian, Idaho 83642
Cherry Lane Village No. 3, 4 Lonnie Morgan, President (DBA)
and 5 Homeowners P.O. Box 655
Association Meridian, Idaho 83680
Lake at Cherry Lane No. 6 Dick Cude, co-chairman Charles F. Brickley
Homeowner's Association 2430 N. Alto Lane 3354 W. Montrose Lane
Meridian, Idaho 83642 Meridian, Idaho 83642