03/29/1978 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Ernie Drapela, Parks, said that since the February 7 meeting, the staff from the City and Lane County have developed a scope for a study based on economic terms of whether the community can support such a golf course. Mount Pisgah is the primary site at this point. Information had been submitted to the National Golf Foundation and that group has agreed it can provide the study requested. They, in turn, submitted a proposal to conduct the study for $6,000, plus $400 expenses, with the cost to each jurisdiction $3,200. The money would come from City operating contingencies. Mr. Williams wondered how the decision was reached on the 50/50 split for the cost of the study and if that implied the construction costs would be of the same percentage split. Mr. Drapela said it was felt the City should buy into the study because the location of such a golf course might be within the city and, thus, the City should be privileged to have the information from the study. Lane County has discussed the possibility that if the golf course were to be located on Lane County property, the financing would be a general bond issue and possibly then contracted out. He said those details would result from the study. Also, the study would provide information as to whether the course would be a Lane County, City, or a joint venture. Ms. Smith wanted the status of the operating contingeny fund. Assistant Manager said there were $89,000 unobligated. - Mr. Obie said the study spoke directly to Mount Pisgah and wondered if the location had been set. Mr. Drapela said that site was picked simply because it is an available location and Lane County had earmarked that as a prime site. However, after the study, if it is felt it is not a prime site, then other locations would be considered. Mr. Delay noted the expense of the study was $2,000-$4,00U less than if done by an independent firm. He wondered if the National Golf Foundation, being promotional of the golf sport, would give an objective evaluation. Mr. Drapela said other communities who had used this foundation for such a study had been contacted and all reported very good results. The foun- dation has agreed to terminate the study if they find it is not feasible. Mr. Haws said as it looked certain the golf course would be located in the county, he did not see why the City should be paying for the study. Mr. Drapela said it could not be anticipated what the ultimate siting of the golf course will be until the study is completed. Manager noted that by the City buying into the study it will give the City a voice and under- standing in influencing the outcome more to the city's advantage. Mr. Haws felt if the study were going to be objective and open to the public, he did not see any reason for the City to be involved in the funding. Manager replied it would be more realistic for the City to be deeply involved in the study and they would not have that right unless it helped fund the study. - 3/29/78--8 LO,