From Nikki Wheetly RE Golf Course

Good Morning all! I hope this e-mail finds everyone doing well. Last night at the BOC worksession we had some major progress on the purchase of Stonebridge Golf Course. Mr. Wherry and the Golf Course Exploratory Committee reported to the BOC that they have reviewed LinkCorps actual Financials for Stonebridge Golf Course from 2001-2006. With that information and the following assumptions: a 2.5% increase in rounds, new greens, new air conditioner in the Clubhouse, and other interior improvements that the Golf Course should breakeven with the debt service in 3 years. Now not included in the analysis were Capitol Improvements. Commissioner Hartz spoke about how he thought this would be a good purchase for the city as did Commissioner Vershuur. Not to leave him out, but we all now that Commissioner Plunk is for the purchase and he spoke in favor of it as well. So, I believe that we have at least 3 votes for the purchase. I'm not sure where Mayor Carmichael stands-he holds his cards close and is therefore hard to read. Commissioner Nicholson is adamentaly against this purchase. I spoke to the Commissioners and asked them to consider all the residents who came in February to ask that the City purchase the Golf Course. I also mentioned that at the Parks Master Plan meetings the last 2 weeks, the biggest desire for the residents of Lakeland is for a Community Center, of which the Stonebridge Clubhouse with the IH Clubhouse would be a good beginning. We would at least have facilites for classes, meetings, ect that the city currently does not have. After I spoke, Commissioner Nicholson asked how the residents would feel if the land were not a Golf Course but instead a Park with bright lights etc. I answered that I did not know, but discussion has been had about it just being a park but nothing about lights. After the meeting I learned that there is a Lakeland ordinance against this, so I'm not really sure what to make of that. I did mention that we could also discuss memberships with the residents to help in the first years of city ownership with the capital improvements needed. In the discussion, the City Attorney pointed out that it would behoove the city to set up a purchasing committee with some latitude to bargain. The city attorney pointed out that it is akward for a city to purchase something of this large amount and have everything in public. The BOC agreed and a 5 person committee will be set up at the BOC regular meeting. The purchasing committee will consist of a commissioner, Jesse Weeks (a golfer who has been helping the city), the city manager, a stakeholder-a resident of Stonebridge and the City Attorney. Any offer will be contingent upon approval by the BOC. Commissioner Hartz recommended that we put forth an all cash offer and we have the cash in reserves. Commissioner Hartz also nominated Commissioner Nicholson to be on the purchasing Committee. Commissioner Hartz thought he would be a good person to get a good price given his opposition. Commissioner Plunk was concerned with this and asked that he be put on the Purchasing Committee. The commitee with be appointed at the next BOC meeting, Thursday September 4. Commissioner Plunk believes that a good turnout by the residents in support of the purchase would be in order. I'm not sure given that we did that in February. I do think representation from the Voluntary HOA would be in order. So anyway, wanted to pass on the information and I will be there Thursday. If you have any questions or need anything clarified please let me know, I have all my notes at home. Thanks Nikki