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HomeMy WebLinkAbout79Jul06<. 1 July 6, 1979 1 Mayor Joseph Glaisyer Real Estate Developers Mayor of Meridian P.O.Box1847,98009 City of Meridian 301 116th Ave. S.E. 728 Meridian Street Suite 580 Bellevue, Washington Meridian, Idaho 83642 98004 Te1.206/455-9696 ~; Cherry Lane Golf Course Dear Mr. Mayor: On July 2, 1979, I had the opportunity of meeting with Ms. Lovan and observing first hand, the condition of the Meridian golf course. Although I am far from expert in course maintenance, I did serve as Chairman of the Greens Committee for Glendale Country Club, Bellevue, Washington, for 8 years. During that time I was responsible for the redesign and reconstruction of 11 of the original 18 holes, and further charged with the responsibility of the maintenance of the course. This entailed hiring the greens superintendent and working with him on a regular basis. I mention this only to affirm that my comments are not those of an absolute novice. I believe the greens are in good condition and with the proper care, including abundant watering, fertilizing, plugging, verta- cutting and proper mowing at the appropriate height, they could improve to an excellent condition. The fairways and rough have some obvious problems. I tend to agree with one of the members of the crew who suggested that small pebbles were getting into the irrigation system prohibiting some sprinkler heads from performing at the maximum capacity. The roughs need some attention, since they are an integral part of the golf course. The word "rough" on a flat golf course does not mean letting that area turn into weeds, but instead, it should be mowed at a higher mower setting than the fairways. Without belaboring a long list of incidentals pertaining to the golf course and its maintenance, I believe that it is best to get directly to the points of concern. It is my feeling that Ms. Lovan • Mayor Joseph Glaisyer July 6, 1979 Page 2 has been left with a horrendous task of maintaining the golf course with little or no professional assistance. She is obviously trying to do a first-rate job but unfortunately, because of her lack of experience in this field, she does not have the proper guidance that is necessary to know what items should take priority. It should be recognized that Ms. Lovan's short term experience, coupled with the fact that this is a brand new golf course which will require considerably more care and attention in the early stages than would a more mature course, leads to a situation that could have an extremely adverse effect on the entire project. So that my remarks are not misconstrued, please recognize that be it Ms. Lovan or an experienced greens superintendent, there are still many kinks that must be worked out on a brand new golf course. This cannot be accomplished in its entirety within the first or even the second year, but there should be a steady progression toward that ultimate goal. In my meeting with Ms. Lovan, I explained that my company's responsibilities as far as maintenance, ended when the course was accepted by the City. On the other hand, and from a more practical standpoint, both Leavitt-NuPacific and the City of Meridian are sincerely concerned that the entire Cherry Lane Subdivision and golf course turn out to be a first-class project and a credit to the City. In a spirit of cooperation, I have made the following overture to Ms. Lovan: I will contact Mr. Bob Baldock, the golf course architect immediately, and have him come back to Boise at our company`s expense, in order to: 1. Replace certain sprinkler heads. along the perimeters of the existing fairways that spray water on the houses. 2. Correct or replace any of the clocks-that are not working properly. 3. Inspect the screening device for the pump in the reservoir, since one of the major problems seems to be small particles or pebbles getting through the screen and into the pump, either clogging the pump or some of the sprinkler heads further down the -line. If Mr. Baldock finds that the screening device is inadequate, I will have him design an appropriate screening device which our company will pay for and install. It should be noted, however, that the pump and screening device now installed in the reservoir, is the same being used in many other golf courses throughout the country and that this type of system requires constant, daily maintenance. • Mayor Joseph Glaisyer July 6, 1979 Page 3 4. And finally, to create a thorough check-list for Ms. Lovan, outlining an appropriate continual golf course maintenance program. Let me emphasize, as I did with Ms. Lovan, that what I have proposed is technically not-the responsibility of Leavitt- NuPacific, but is in fact, the responsibility of those people who are now maintaining the golf course. In order to help assure a better finished product and recognizing that Ms. Lovan is working on a limited budget, we are willing to expend the additional costs involved in helping to correct the above mentioned items. On the other hand, it should be noted by both the City and Ms. Lovan, that the original concept for deeding the golf course over to the City was in part, to alleviate our company from future responsibility as to the operation costs of the golf course. Since we derive no income from-it's revenue, I do-not feel it either fair or appropriate that we make additional contributions to either capital improvements or golf course maintenance. I have suggested to Ms. Lovan that she make an immediate effort to hire a knowledgeable golf course superintendent who could in turn, hire an adequate maintenance crew. It should be recognized that the land that has been deeded to the City for a municipal golf course, encompasses not only the fairways, but the roughs and perimeters up to the property lines of the surrounding lots and that total amount of property is the responsibility of both the City and those that are maintaining it. There are 3 groups that are concerned and involved in the ultimate outcome and appearance of the golf course, the-City of Meridian,. Leavitt-NuPacific as the Developer, and Ms. Lovan and her associates. I hope by our involvement at this time, some of the .existing problems can be resolved. It is my intent to be in Meridian within the next 3 weeks for the specific purpose of reviewing the condition of the golf course and meeting with Ms. Lovan as to the progress that is being made. I will certainly keep you informed and will hope- fully be able to give you a report at that time. Respectfully yours, LEAVITT/NUPAC IC al H. Lea itt cc: JUB Engineers Mr. Paul White Mr. Bob Baldock City Council Members: Bi11 Brewer Marvin Bodine Grant Kingsford Richard Williams DHL/pb _. _ ,~• . " '``"~f ' RECEIVEp ~,~~. ~'` ~pUIIQE A N' - ~~' ~' ~~ o~~ ac rE~r J ;, ~ '; ~.~ ~ uPJ 1 ~ lgrg ~ ~~ a, ~, ~' R.EAVITT ~~~ . _ ' `~..~,. " - ~ ~-~ ;,~~____~a n d SON _._ : y..= - „ ,=~ "Fine CourJfl at Srntib~e Cott" 3001 REDMILL AVE.. BLDG. 4, SUITE 204 ~ COSTA M[SA, CALIF. 92628 T[LEF'MON[~ A/C 714, 557.2097 GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE DIVISION AMONG THE OVER 300 GOLF COURSES DESIGNED BY OUR FIRM. Atirneene GeN Club, lepeele, Tohitt oaanil Frep.rti„'1 Mnnb~t Ge„ clYb. June 6 , 19 7 9 NOMIYIY, NOMOIt larwin's FOfadIN FiM1 GOIr CeVrN, FO/adtN, COI„. wat Glait.r G.u clYb, w..l Glact.r, Ment. Mr. Don Leavitt OHi Atr F.r1. RaN, Moswdsusetts Leavitt Nupacific Mllgwt's Nerie Thief Country Club, P • 0 • BOX 18 4 7 Telwchapl, cal:r. Bellevue Washin ton 98009 ~ g Mid Feciflt Counhy Club, Koilua, Nowoii (Ndestgn) lewluen Country Club, lewilten, Idaho Dear Don Sherweed Fore11 Golr Ceuro, Sanger, Caltl. ` Janss's l01 Rebles Gnem Gelf Club, After making an on-site inspection of ,heYSand oak/, caIIF. ol.mena Gelr c.YrN, NenelYlY, Nowati Cherry Lane Golf Course in Meridean, Idaho Hangmen Vall.y MYnI, SpekoM, wain. yesterday, I would like to pass on the lackwn Nab w„ clYb,,ack.en Nel., wye. following facts and suggestions . Chimney Rock GoN CeurN, Nopa, Colir. Four Mllls Ceuntry CIYb, Albuquerque, N.M. We activated the automatic irrigation Jewry Alr Fero 6aN, Cebrode .Y„. u..k ceYetry clYb, chlie, callr. system in July of 1978, and of course used Cec.nln. ceYnhy clYb, Flegitofr, Arl=. it to develop the turf on the greens, tees c..M Creek Gantry clYb, ReIN, Idaho and fairways. Nickom Alr FerN Rme, Nawoti Cerrol de Tierra Country Club, Salinas, Co. The coverage was good, the system K. I. Sewy.r Air F.rc. Ras., Michigan Swallewi N..t G.„ ceYn., worked fine and we were mowing grass in clerk.t.n, Woshingron (Ind v1 August, 1978 e leeward Gelr Ceerw, NOMIVIV, Newali - - les Altai MYnt, Albugwrgw, New Mer. When we turned the course over to c.dy can clYb, cedy, wy.ming sh... ceY..., M.nt.r.y F.nin.Yla ceYntry Rick Stanwood, the Cherry Lane Pro, in clYb, F.bbl...«h, caltr. September, 1978, the system was operating Naci.rrda N.t.l G.n GYfN, fine and according to him continued to do lot Vegai, Nevada so until he closed it down for the winter. Tyndall AI. Fern .aN, Florida Reamer GeN Club, KlemaM Fells, Oregen Falco MYnt, Fasce, wmhtngten Unfortunately, all of the water was San ,eagYin c.Yntry uYb, FNw., Gnr. not blown out of the pipe lines, resulting _ Dovli.Menthon Atr F..t. .aN, Ariiena in a small amount of frozen water in the A:Yia G...n1 Gen c.Yri., A,YIa, ceitr. i i main lines and a greater amount in the ..eY. Richard.-wbeYr Air F.n. Rai., M r lateral lines . l.w Golb.eith MYnt, oekland, Gn . MaCherd Air hrce tow, Welhingren Reed G.Ir clYb, R.ed, or.gen (Ind 91 The majority of the frozen water Tiron'i r.Nmit. lek.1 Gelr COVrie, lines have now been replaced, but the CoerNgeld, Coln. d N . concentration of labor on the project has eva a .s., :»ad Atr F.r1. G.... Vall.y c.Ynlry clYb, left the general condition of the course very G.e.. Vell.y, cecr. poor. k A' ~ J 1 Mr. Don Leavitt Page 2 June 6, 1979 • In repairing the frozen water lines the golf course crew has apparently damaged the wiring of the automatic system. I would like to suggest the following: 1. Any remaining leaks due to water pipes freezing be repaired. (I noticed one leak at #4 tee.) 2. The electrical system be checked out and made operable. 3. The system be put on automatic watering at night, to eliminate the present over- and underwatering in some areas. 4. The entire maintenance crew be put on essential work, filling in ditches and holes, mowing foot-high weeps in some fairways, mowing fairways, banks of greens, tees and the banks of the tees and rough, cleaning sand traps and edges around tees, cleaning up debris etc. 5. A good many of the fairways need fertilizing desperately, also some of the tees and banks of tees and greens. I observed three young fellows top dressing greens and agree that this is beneficial; but in my opinion, improving the general playing condition and appearance of the course rates a much higher priority at this time. As you may know, I have been a member of the Southern California, Northern Caifornia and National Golf Course Supt. Association, a Class A, P.G.A. golf professional and a golf course architect for 35 years with over 300 golf courses behind me and feel quaified to make these suggestions, not tc criticize but to try and be helpful. As soon as the irrigation system is restored to the good working condition it was in last fall, I hope the suggestions I have made can be carried out quickly and efficiently. With proper direction and supervision of the existing crew, the course can be put in reasonably good condition in about three weeks and present and entirely different appearance. Sincerely ' Bob Baldock ,W,~, .. ~ ~ •~ ~' ~~ A ,. ~pURSE ARC `~ ~ ,. ~ ~.~ H t ~j~ - ~ :.-_ -y - - ~~ ~ "_.~.? -~ _-_I n /1 SON "Firm. Corn.rer rtt Sctulble Cost'' - 2 2 \~l 3001 RFDHILL AVE., BLDG., SUITE ~9yQ.~ COSTA MESA CF'.-~s~ '-~ ~F, ,?r1. ' TELEPHONE: A/C 714. 557-2097 ~1u;. 6, ~ 97~ Ah1gNG 1HE UVER 300 ~;r~i F rOt1RSE5 DESIUNED P°1r. DOYI Leavitt K~ ouR FIRM. LeaVltt Nupacific . hr,~,n..,e Tah~~~ I3ollevue, ~~Jashington ., .. ,,,,..,~.,- ~ ~,~,,~.<~.,, ~.,!. ~!~b ,- ~ ,I~ .. Dear .Don, „ . ~..~;~ ~~~ ~~„li = h 1Vnsr Gln<ier, M°n.. On my visit to Boise ,last week, Gene Wright and I ' "' `°"" ~°`e Mn.,nch°~eHs looked over the Cherry Lane Golf Course. lJe tri ~ A ~, ~~ ,. ,,..~,,.-,,,, C.r i,l r """ 'h e` `°"°"y `~"h to vot rich Stanwood to go over the course .with us ,~ ~~~,~.r < Cnur,rry c!ob.' Koilun, Hawaii but he had a meet:.i.ng to attend. l~Je found file course ""'°"`~' in better condition than on my last trip, brit still •~~., ~~,.,~,~;y ~,"h lewisfon, Idnh° along way to go. ~_;,d r..;,n.l Gol( Course, $anyer, Calif. vrss ~. Los Robies Greens Golf CIu6, ,nn~ ~„4, Cnlil The groens are young and .tender and are literally be- <, c~li c°urse Honolulu, Hawoii ing worn out with the heavy triplex putting, green mower. u ~~ Valley Muni. Spokane, Wash. - -- .,,~~ Hale Goh CIu6, Jackson Hole, Wyo. ,~. p~r4 Gull ~°urse, Napa, Calir. The fairways have dry spots; mostl~;~ due to X10 ; ~~-? H: ;. ~_„..„rr, =!„h nlb"yuerque. N.M. sr'~in'~ll:;r nOZZlOS. ..~~ n~- F•,•<n Base, Colorado .' ,,.ry CI„b. Chic°, Calir. Someone has been moving some of the sDrinla,irs around ~~ „~.u C., ~,,.rrs Club. Fiayslaf r, Ariz. ~ without proper .training in fixed outlet irri~-ation. ~. (~.^~ ..n„nii. Club, Roise, Idnho _ _ .~.~~ A.i 1. x,~ @nse Hawaii ,,~! ,,. I n,•a ~~_,~r,l,y cwb. $nlinns, Cn. The hand work on the- Gourso 3s~ not boin~; donF~: ~~~ ! ~„ ,n. n~, Fose Nose, Michiyan weeds around the edes of tees; high grass aroun~:1 post^,, ~!-w; Ne.i ~~II Cburse. ~ trees etc ~ ~. • nlnrL sicn Woshinyron (2nd 91 `._ ~ ~' v,} G Course Honolulu, H°woii ~ ~ ` nl~,:, M .,, nlbuq„erqur, New Me><. The sand traps need , manl~CUring • dr G~I~ C!~.h Cody; Wyoming ~ - .n ~:,,,,. M°r,l~rey Feniasu!n ~°aalry Some tre:~s have d_i_ed and need replacing. Cl.,n +enr, 1. Bench, Calif. ' w~.n N:'e' toll Course, ~ - ~' - - •• ~~,,~a The improved lots around 7 green and 8 tee have block- '. -• ft°,", r!nr~da ed off the drainage in that area and two dr-; wells .. ~. k.!., ,nrh Fa!!,, o,eynn need to be dug _ M, ~.,~ r `.V ~shin~lon ~.. ,. ~ .s Ci; b. Fresno, Calif. ,.~.~ ,~.:n aa,n. Arlsono Several mounds need mulching and special attention. . r Co,.. nxusa, Cnlil. - ° "°' M'"°"'` P1any of the ditches that we~o dui to replace pipe ~,,,,, C„lil , ,. r.-1 91 I,'.. ~. + s, ~. n ~~ • To: Don Leavitt Page 2 ~~u.T. h, 1979 t~iat ~.~as frozen have not been filled in as yet. Irl sumrnar,y, the course needs expert and experienced supervision and ~•~or'_.,ers that spend less tune on power equipment and more time on i~~and labor. i.nc-~rcl r , ice, (_ ~ ~~ .~ ~~~:~h :~~1~ oc1;