Fernandina Beach City Commission makes tree decision; urged to address golf course future

A called meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission was held on Tuesday, March 11 to address golf course tree removal and mitigation just one week after commissioners failed to make a decision at last week's regularly scheduled meeting.  Also on the agenda was a discussion item concerning long term plans for the operation and future of the Fernandina Beach Golf Course (FCGB).

City Manager Joe Gerrity began the meeting reminding commissioners that the role of the commission is to set policy.  He also gave a brief review of the efforts of City staff to assess tree cutting at the FBGC.

"We have to have the ability to maintain that golf course in an acceptable play condition.  A year ago we were down on Billy Casper Golf.  They have stepped to the plate and done what they are supposed to do. We need to let them move forward and take the next steps," said Gerrity.

Gerrity informed the commission that golf courses on the south end of the island are exempt from the Nassau County tree ordinance recently enacted for the unincorporated area of Amelia Island.  "They have removed over 250 trees in the last two years to maintain the integrity of those courses.  We are asking for a fraction of that," said Gerrity.

FBGC Superintendent Buddy Tate

Buddy Tate, FBGC superintendent, was called by Commissioner Corbett to address the commission.  Corbett reviewed specific trees on the removal list.  Tate expressed a willingness to give a little on some trees, but stood firm on others.

Tate informed the commission that the greens re-sodded last year will "fall off" as long as  shade and root issues are not addressed.

"You have my full confidence that the decision that the staff makes will be the right one. I recognize you have done your research and you are not taking down trees willy nilly . . ., " said Commission Pat Gass.

Mayor Ed Bonor stated that when the tree discussion began, 76 trees were identified for removal.  Now the number is down to approximately 39.

Vice Mayor Sarah Pelican wished to remind the public that for every tree removed another tree will be planted. The tree removal process has been "very selective . . .," said Pelican.

Prior to public comments Corbett concluded trees must be removed "to maintain the golf course at a decent level."

Commission Johnny Miller, who in the past expressed an interest in an  eco-friendly course, acknowledged he was unable to find an example of a course with trees near a green.  "If we are going to have a golf course, we are going to have to cut trees," concluded Miller.

Public Comments

Tom Gray, frequent local golfer, said as thickly wooded as the golf course is, if 1000 trees were moved "you would not miss them."  He told commissioners that tree removal is a business decision that must be made. There is no choice but to take out the trees to improve the greens. He complimented Billy Casper Golf for the improvements made to the course over the last year.

Beth McQueen asked about the cost of removal and how the trees would be removed. Tate responded removal of the larger trees will be contracted out and the remaining work will be done in house.  The estimate is $15,000 for the removal and stump grinding.  Gerrity said $75,000 is in the capital fund for greens. $15,000 will be used for tree removal and the remainder for green renovation on the south nine holes. McQueen suggested life time memberships to bring in revenue.  When asked by McQueen to rate the condition of the greens, Tate said judging from public comments his rating is  good and they will be better when the trees are removed. Gerrity differed with Tate's rating, noting a few holes are still in poor condition.

Jo-Ann Leimberg told about viewing a golf course north of Phoenix that "worked within the environment to create a distinctive, challenging, interesting, remarkable course that the public could use after [golfers'] play."  She asked that plantings be done to enhance golfers' play and beauty of the FBGC course, and  urged those involved "to produce something that reflects Amelia Island and is a tribute to what we have here."

After public comments, Mayor Boner received consensus from the commission to move forward.  There were no objections.

Boner concluded, this is about how to maintain a course at a reasonable cost that will bring play, and keep as many trees as possible.  Any number of trees cut "is too many for a lot of people but it is better than seventy-six."

Long Term Plan regarding the Operation of the Fernandina Beach Golf Course

Since city staff is beginning budget preparations, Gerrity requested a general discussion of  long term plans for the golf course. He reported the golf course has experienced a $676,000 short fall over the last several years.  Last fiscal year  $200,000 in general fund dollars increased the shortfall to  $876,000.  This year another $200,000 will be used to support debt service at the course, bringing the total shortfall to over one million dollars.

To begin the discussion Gerrity asked questions of the commission.  Is it okay to subsidize the golf course with general fund dollars?  Do commissioners have a different idea? What would commissioners like staff to consider moving forward?  He did not expect answers but wanted the commission to think about long term plans.

Gerrity said comments from the general public are "across the spectrum." Suggestions range from selling the course, selling nine holes of the course, adding a Par 3 course, and it is okay for the general fund to subsidize the course.

In answer to Miller's question regarding selling property, Gerrity said a voter referendum is required if the commission decides to sell any or all golf course property.

Corbett said some debt will be paid off in three and four years. Pelican noted there are still things to be done at the course such as the roof replacement on the  Club House.  According to Gerrity, estimates for a new roof are $60,000 and that payment will come from the general fund.

Boner suggested creative ways to use the course by attracting large events to increase revenue.  This way we can "get out of the hole in a hurry."  "At some point the public will run out of tolerance and we don't want that either," added Boner.

Local resident Beth McQueen again address the commission and asked if removing trees will increase golf revenue?  Dan Zimmer, regional director of golf operations for Billy Casper, used a University of South Florida  course managed by Billy Casper as an example.  It took 9 months to pay back the cost of green renovation at USF.  Zimmer acknowledged the Fernandina market is different, but what happened at USF shows green conditions are a big factor and improvement can  generate increased revenue.  McQueen also suggested life time membership to generate an infusion of revenue and outsourcing food and beverage operations.

Melinda Luedtke complimented the commission for their careful deliberation.  Luedtke said she is  from California and was at one time head of the California Department of Commerce under which tourism was a component.  She suggested thinking about the future and "recognize how much tourism serves the economy and how much more tourism can serve the economy."  It was further suggestions that the Commission should give thought to eco-tourism and offer alternative uses for the course.

Back to the podium was Tom Bray.  If you continue to improve the course, you will "watch the cows come home.  You've got to spend money to make money. The trees are costing the city money."

At the end of the meeting Gerrity presented copies of an article in The Ledger, "Cleveland Heights Golf Course Counts on Renovation Paying Off", regarding the City of Lakeland Florida's municipal course.   Lakeland experienced a drop in revenue due to poor green conditions.

Six members of the Amelia Island Tree Conservancy were in attendance at Tuesday's meeting, and approximately ten from Fernandina's golfing community.

March 12, 2014 1:57