HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/05/2010, B3 - GOLF COURSE BEST PRACTICE REVIEW council M
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CITY OF SAN LUIS O B I S P O
FROM: Betsy Kiser, Parks & Recreation Director
Prepared By: Linda Fitzgerald, Recreation Manager
Todd Bunte, Golf Course Supervisor
SUBJECT: GOLF COURSE BEST PRACTICE REVIEW
RECOMMENDATION
1. Receive best practice report on golf course revenue initiatives, evaluation of alcohol sales at
Laguna Lake Golf Course and feasibility of establishing a fundraising group for the golf
course.
2. Direct staff to implement by February 1, 2010 the following best practice initiatives:
a. An off peak rate of $10.00/round for regular golfers from 12-3 p.m. Monday through
Thursday.
b. A six month pilot program to offer an unlimited play card valid from 12 p.m.-close
Monday through Thursday at a cost of$109/month.
c. Offer a loyalty reward program to frequent users.
d. Pursue a food and beverage concessionaire through the request for proposal process with
the intent to add alcohol sales at Laguna Lake Golf Course.
e. Work with interested individuals and groups at Laguna Lake Golf Course to form a
"Friends of Laguna Lake Golf Course" fundraising group.
REPORT IN BRIEF
During the 2009 Laguna Lake Golf Course (LLGC) Rate Review, Council directed staff to
conduct further research on the following three revenue enhancement initiatives and return in
January 2010 to report on the findings regarding each:
1. Perform a best practice analysis of the revenue enhancement items listed in the Golf Course
Rate Review.
2. Evaluate the feasibility of alcohol sales at Laguna Lake Golf Course.
3. Look at the possibility of a fundraising group for golf course capital projects.
Staff assessed various best practices at benchmark cities and nearby golf courses to seek options
for enhancing revenues. Results indicated that several initiatives could be implemented by
February 1, 2010, including: offering an off-peak rate from 12-3 p.m. Monday through
Thursday; beginning a pilot program on a monthly unlimited play card with restricted use times;
and initiating a rewards program for regular customers.
Staff found that alcohol sales are feasible provided that a vendor is found who can obtain the
necessary licenses and insurance coverage. Staff would initiate a request for proposal to seek a
possible concessionaire.
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Golf Course Best Practices Review Page 2
There is an interest in the establishment of a "Friends of Laguna Lake Golf Course" group to
assist in fundraising for various capital projects at Laguna Lake Golf Course. Staff will pursue
the development of a"Friends" support group.
DISCUSSION
Background
During the 2008-09 Golf Fund rate review, staff presented Council with a number of best
practice initiatives for potentially generating additional revenue for the LLGC. These ideas
surfaced during the preparation of the 2009-2011 Financial Plan when staff was considering both
revenue enhancements and expenditure reductions for balancing the golf course budget. Staff
contacted agencies within San Luis Obispo County and various benchmark cities to compare
maintenance and operating costs and concurrently looked at fee structures/programs being
implemented by these agencies to help generate revenues.
Council ultimately approved a fee increase of $2.00 per round for 2009-10 and $1.00 per round
in 2010-11, and authorized the Golf Course Supervisor to increase the cost of food and
merchandise items by 10%, and rental charges by $1.00 per use in 2009-10. However, Council
also directed staff to return at a later date with an in-depth analysis of each best practice
presented in the report, along with an analysis of the pros and cons of selling alcohol at the club
house to boost revenues, and the feasibility of initiating a fundraising group (a "Friends of') to
support improvements to the golf course infrastructure (i.e. new clubhouse).
Best Practice Process
While performing the revenue enhancement study for the 2009-2011 Financial Plan, staff queried
several of the City's benchmark agencies (as shown in the table below) to assess golf course
operations and practices:
Table 1 -Benchmark Agencies
County-wide Agencies and Comparable Berichmark Cities
Competitors
San Luis Obispo Count (SLO Count ) City of Davis
State of California Cit of Na a
Sea Pines Golf Course, Los Osos City of Palm Springs
Monarch Dunes Golf Course, Ni omo City of Santa Barbara
Cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover City of Santa Cruz
Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, and Pismo
Beach
City of Ventura
Cities of Monterey and Santa Maria
Using only those agencies with golf courses (Monterey and Santa Maria having none), staff then
researched the types of revenue enhancement programs offered by these agencies and found
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Golf Course Best Practices Review Page 3
several fee types that were not offered at LLGC. The list of options was provided in the Rate
Review presented to Council in June 2009 and included the-following:
1. An"Off Peak"Rate
2. Non-Resident Golf Fee or Resident Discount Rate/Non-Resident Discount Card
3. Unlimited Play or Frequent Player Card
4. Annual Play Cards
5. Frequent User Plan
Staff had contacted all of the benchmark cities and local courses regarding golf course
operations, incentive programs, and fee structures during the revenue enhancement study. Input
was received from several courses but because many are being operated privately, there was a
reluctance to supply responses to some of the questions. Much of the best practice information
was gleaned from the agency or its golf course website which had up-to-date information on the
type of fees being offered. Attachment 1 is an amenities chart comparing the various revenue
enhancement practices that were indicated in the June 2009 rate review from the benchmark
agencies and local competitors.
Further discussion of each practice, data from rounds played at LLGC, and an analysis of whether
the practice could be applied successfully at the golf course follows. The Parks & Recreation
Commission (PRC) received the best practice report at its December .2, 2009 meeting.
Comments from the Commission's review are also incorporated in the following narrative.
Best Practice Review
1. Off-Peak/Twilight Rate
Currently, Laguna Lake Golf Course offers a twilight rate for rounds played after 3 p.m. daily.
The rate is $2.75-$3.75/round less than the weekday/weekend regular rate and has been in effect
since 2003. All benchmark cities and SLO County offer a twilight rate that can begin as early as
10 a.m. (Palm Springs) to as late as 4 p.m. where it is known as a"super twilight"rate.
Staff evaluated a 27-week period,(April 25-October 30) to assess peak and slow use times at
LLGC as shown in Table 2. Typically, tee times are scheduled every 10 minutes; golfers can be
squeezed in every 5 minutes if the course is busy.
Table 2 - Average Rounds/Use Time by Day
Sunday Monday Tuesda WMnesda Thursda Frida Saturday
lam-
12pm -10.13 10.50.:, _21,10.91 9.96':. 1,1:14 : _ 8.92
12pm-
3pm 1-8.75 9:94 10.28
3pm-
7pm • • 8.70
A mid-range between 8.35-9.34 rounds/hour was determined from the data; hours under that
range show slower use times while those above were determined to be busier than average.
Goff Course Best Practices Review Page 4
As shown in the table, the slowest times (darkest boxes) are from 12-6 p.m. Monday through
Thursday. The current practice is to charge regular green fee rates from 12-3 p.m. with the
twilight rate beginning at 3 p.m. Contributing to the lower levels of play is the First Tee
program, which is generally held on Tuesdays and Thursdays; the course can be closed to golfers
until the program has finished at 4 p.m. Additionally, golf play declines during the warmer early
afternoon times during the summer months and throughout the year, early afternoon coastal
breezes can also have a negative effect on play.
Staff believes adding a second off-peak rate would encourage more golfers to use the course in
:.:the afternoons; this practice is consistent with the benchmark courses. Staff saw an increase in
rounds played when the twilight rate was offered and the hope is that a secondary off-peak rate
would attract more golfers during the slower times.
PRC Comments:. The PRC endorsed the off-peak rate but had concerns about the tiered system
proposed in the staff recommendation. Staff believes that the practice is understood by golfers
and having a tiered system is consistent with practices in place at County golf courses where
there is a regular, off-peak and sundown rate.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends the following option to be implemented: Offer an off-
peak rate for regular golfers by reducing the green fees $1.00/round from 12-3 p.m. Monday
through Thursday. The reduction would apply to the regular green fee, currently set at
$11.00/round on weekdays. No change would be made for youth, seniors or students who are
charged $9.00/round, however a $1.00 discount on a cart rental could be offered instead of a
reduction in the green fee. The twilight rate would still begin at 3 p.m. and remain at $8.25/round
throughout the evening. This practice is consistent with other benchmark courses of offering a
tiered rate system for green fees and can be easily implemented-with the current software that is
in place.
Staff plans to implement this option by February 1, 2010 with the hope that more golfers will be
attracted to play during the 12-3 p.m. time period Monday through Friday; staff will follow up
with a progress report at the May 2010 rate review.
2. Non-Resident Golf Fee or Resident Discount Rate/Non-Resident Discount Card
As shown in Attachment 1, those courses operated by municipal agencies all offer a non-resident
green fee rate. Several cities, such as Santa Barbara, Ventura and Palm Springs extend the
resident boundaries to county or region residents (i.e. Coachella Valley). Napa and Ventura
offer a resident discount off of their regular rates with proof of residency. Palm Springs, Santa
Barbara and Santa Cruz have a program where a non-resident can purchase a discount card to
play at a resident rate and receive privileges that are extended to residents such as priority tee
time reservations.
According to data collected through the new computer program at LLGC, since April 2009 over
47% of the rounds played at LLGC are by San Luis Obispo residents, and County residents
comprise about 39% of the rounds played. Several years ago, LLGC did offer a non-resident
green fee rate but it was discontinued because it reduced revenues and rounds played.
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Golf Course Best Practices Review Page 5
PRC Comments: The PRC supports maintaining the status quo and not implementing a non-
resident fee at this time. The tourism value that LLGC brings to the community with affordable
rates for a well-kept course is high and the rates are comparable to our competition courses.
Staff Recommendation: Staff is not recommending offering a non-resident rate at this time.
.Given that a large percentage of rounds played at LLGC are by golfers who are residents and the
golf course has a tourism aspect that draws customers from outside the city and county, it is
staff's recommendation to continue the practice of not offering a non-resident fee. It is staff's
opinion that attendance may fall even further (currently down 11% from a year ago) if another
fee increase is introduced to the regular non-resident customers of the golf course, so it would be
preferable to maintain the status quo for now. Offering a resident discount rate would likely
cause revenues to decline as a high percentage of golfers utilizing the course live within the city
limits. Staff will be expanding its marketing of LLGC to local hotels in the effort to draw more
golfers to a short course that can be played in a short amount of time (1 '/z hours on average).
3. Unlimited Play or Frequent Player Card
Two courses (Pismo State Beach and Napa) offer an unlimited play program. Napa offers a
weekday unlimited play card that is renewed monthly. Pismo State Beach offers an unlimited
golf rate for rounds played after 1:00 p.m. daily at a rate that is $1.00/round higher than the
regular green fee rate (golfers could play the course multiple times in a day by paying a flat fee.)
Currently at LLGC, golfers pay the appropriate green fee and if they wish to play the course a
second time an additional fee of$6.75 is charged.
LLGC offered an unlimited play card several years ago. The number of rounds played was
significantly higher but in turn, maintenance of the course increased.
PRC Comments: There was support for offering a pilot program for a monthly unlimited play
card with an evaluation to take place after 6 months to determine impacts on rounds played,
revenues generated and course conditions. A question to keep in mind during the pilot program
is whether offering an unlimited play card is worth the extra maintenance that could be
experienced with more frequent play.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends offering a pilot program beginning February 1, 2010
for a monthly unlimited play card to see if it will attract more golfers to the course. The card
would be valid during the slower times on Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to close. The
pilot program would be implemented for a six month period, at which time staff would evaluate
the impacts to course conditions and maintenance load to determine if the program should
continue. A fee of$109/month is being proposed for the unlimited play card.
4. Annual Play Cards
None of the benchmark or local courses offers an annual play card but it is available at other
courses in the state. An annual pass would allow a golfer to play an unlimited amount of rounds
for a single fee; the fee would be significant as a regular 10-play card is currently going for
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Golf Course Best Practices Review Page 6
$97.50. An annual pass could cost around $900-$1200/year. Staff would track the uses to
determine number of rounds played and frequency for each customer who has the card.
PRC Comments: PRC did not support offering an annual pass program.
Staff Recommendation: With the weak economy and wishing to be able to monitor course
conditions with a monthly unlimited play card pilot program, the staff recommendation is not to
offer an annual play card program at this time.
5. Frequent User Reward Plan
The cities of Davis and Santa Barbara have implemented a frequent user reward plan, which is a
loyalty marketing program designed to offer perks, such as discounted food, beverage or
merchandise, free rounds or free cart rentals. Some courses even offer a birthday club where
golfers receive a free round of play on their birthday. The new software purchased by the City
has the ability to track golfers who frequently play the course.
A loyalty program would reward regular users at the course. Free rounds could be offered after a
set number of paid rounds, somewhere around 20-25 rounds. Other discounts on merchandise or
cart rentals could be offered as well. A punch card system could be implemented fairly easily
and would be the responsibility of the golfer to submit their punch card when paying for a round
of golf.
PRC Comments: The PRC wholeheartedly endorsed a reward program for frequent users.
Rewarding customers who utilize the course could encourage more play by golfers who use the
course infrequently as well as regular golfers. The cost to implement would be low and the free
rounds that would be offered may have a minimal impact on revenues if more golfers utilize the
course to get a free round.
Staff Recommendation: Staff is recommending that a loyalty reward program be offered as soon
as possible. Implementation would be easy with use of punch cards, which will take a short
amount of time to develop. A more elaborate tracking system utilizing the existing software
could be added if there is success with the punch card program.
Alcohol Sales at Laguna Lake Golf Course
Council directed staff to investigate the feasibility of alcohol sales at the golf course.
Discussions with other golf courses have indicated that alcohol sales are an attraction that keeps
golfers at the site after play and larger courses offer a beverage cart service where alcohol and
soft drinks can be purchased while playing. All of the alcohol sales at those courses are operated
by private vendors who have the appropriate licensing and insurance coverage.
The current clubhouse has some space limitations. If alcohol sales were permitted, there would
be a need for refrigeration, storage of product and a serving area. There would be costs for an
outside vendor to obtain the Alcohol Beverage Control license and liquor liability insurance,
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Golf Course Best Practices Review Page 7
along with possible renovations to accommodate a secure location for dispensing and storing
alcoholic beverages within the clubhouse.
For such.an operation to occur, a request for proposal (RFP) would need to be developed (one
was distributed a little over a year ago, however there was no interest). Should there be success
and a vendor found, the City would negotiate for a percentage of the sales and rent for the space,
along with any improvements that would need to be made. This past summer, staff implemented
a pilot program at the course, whereby a vendor operated a small concession area three days a
week that served food and non-alcoholic beverages. This relationship has now ended and staff
has had an opportunity to assess how an outside concessionaire would fit within the clubhouse.
PRC Comments: The PRC supports pursuing a food and beverage concessionaire (to include
alcohol sales) through the RFP process.
Staff Recommendation: Because of the possibility for increased use of the golf course if
alcoholic beverages and food are available to the golfers, staff will begin the RFP process to seek
another concessionaire with the hopes that a food and beverage vendor with the ability to sell
alcohol on site, can be found.
Fundraising Group
Council asked staff to look into organizing a fundraising group for the golf course. The purpose
of this group would be to raise funds for major projects at the golf course, which could range
from a small project such as upgrades to the barbecue area to a major capital project such as a
new clubhouse with restaurant facilities. Councilmember Marx also offered the suggestion of
fundraising for items such as mowers and other equipment.
Staff has talked to the two groups who utilize the course most often — the Men's and Ladies'
Clubs, to get their feedback on what is needed at the golf course and see if there is any interest in
raising funds towards a legacy project, such as a new clubhouse. There is interest in working
towards major projects that would benefit the course but both parties agreed that they would not
be interested in fundraising for equipment required to maintain the course.
PRC Comments: Support for a "Friends of Laguna Lake Golf Course" was very strong from the
PRC. They asked staff to reach beyond the two groups and ask other regular golfers to
participate in fund raising for a capital project that would enhance the golf course.
Staff Recommendation:The staff recommendation is to continue talks with both groups as well
as other golfers at the course. Steps to develop a "friends" group can begin right away if there is
enough interest. Once the group is organized, discussions can range from projects, fundraising,
and possibly non-profit status.
Note: Ideally, a golf course master plan would exist to identify and prioritize amenities for
improving the operations of the golf course. For instance, Santa Cruz completed a
comprehensive master plan for their golf course in 2002 which took into account all aspects of
the golf course operations. An assessment of the infrastructure at LLGC by a consultant would
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Golf Course Best Practices Review Page 8
look at the overall effectiveness of the course and clubhouse in meeting customer needs, address
safety concerns for golfers and neighboring residents, provide a strategy for long-term
maintenance and operations, and a cost analysis on implementing the master plan components.
Staff has submitted a capital improvement request for a master plan for LLGC for the last two
financial plans. However the request has been deferred due to other impending needs. It is
estimated that a master plan would cost around $60,000 based upon an estimate from the
architect who designed the Hole N. 3 relocation project. The course infrastructure is over 40
years old and a plan to keep the operations viable and successful is needed.
A Note About Cell Towers
In recent years, the most effective source for raising revenue for the golf course, above and
beyond general operating fees, has been by leasing land to telecommunication companies for cell
site installations. Currently, the City has agreements with two companies which generate
revenues of $54,000 annually for golf course operations. This information is pertinent and
should be considered in light of a recent correspondence from an adjacent property owner
requesting the City to lease golf course land to their organization for a cell tower to benefit their
operations. Their request will be reviewed by Council prior to the January.5 Council meeting,
and could have a bearing on long term revenue potential from this source.
CONCURRENCES
The Parks & Recreation Commission received the report at its December 2, 2009 meeting and
their comments are incorporated in the report(see Attachment 2 for minutes)..
FISCAL IMPACT
It would be difficult at this time to determine the level of fiscal impact for the proposed
recommendations. Some of the practices to be implemented are marketing directed at retaining
customers while others may have an effect on the number of rounds played but may not increase
revenue. Staff regularly tracks rounds played and monthly revenues and will compare statistics
with previous years to see if the enhanced efforts have made an impact on the Golf Fund, once
implemented.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Comparison Chart of Revenue Enhancements to Benchmark Agencies
2. December 2, 2009 Parks &Recreation Commission Minutes
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
December 2,2009
Page 3 of 7
playground experience.
Commissioners Davis and Hensinger commented on variety offered for all age ups, including
tots.
Chair Lemieux commented on the open and unique space of Laguna a Park and that it is a
destination park for many. Discussed Master Plan with Director ' er as far as color themes.
Determined with Fraser there wasn't a way to mix parts of each tion.
Project Engineer Fraser noted Sinsheimer Playground will so be presented fro replacement in
the future.
MOTION: (Regier/Davis) Recommend Counc' approve the Option 3 layout for use on the
Laguna Lake Park Playground Equipment placement project after architectural review and
construction documents prepared.
Approved: 6 yes:0 no: 1 absent(H /t)
MOTION: (Regier/Kincaid) commend Council approve the Earth Tone color theme for use
on the Laguna Lake Park P yground Equipment Replacement project after architectural review
and construction docum is prepared.
Approved:5 yes: 1 no(Havas): I absent(Hatch)
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4. Laguna Lake Golf Course Best Practices Review—Fitzgerald
Recreation Manager Linda Fitzgerald gave Commissioners the best practices report on golf course
revenue initiatives, evaluation of alcohol sales at Laguna Lake Golf Course and feasibility of
establishing a fundraising group for the golf course.
Recreation Manager Fitzgerald explained to Commissioners that benchmark and competitor cities
were included in study.
Revenue Initiatives were discussed:An off peak rate is proposed to begin at 12 pm Monday through
Thursday. Non-Resident Fee: Although demographics show 47% resident use from April through
October with 39%being residents of the County,there is a tourism aspect to the course. Therefore
staff do not recommend a non-resident fee, feeling revenue would decline as a result. Currently
rounds are down 11% although revenue is steady. There is a fear that if fees are raised again there
will be more loss in users and rounds and therefore not recommended at this time.
Other cities were compared regarding Unlimited Play and Frequent Player rates:Monthly Unlimited
Play cards for after 12pm Monday through Thursday were suggested with an evaluation after six
months of use(due to concern for potential impact to course).Golf Course Supervisor Bunte offered
that this was offered in the mid-1990s with higher rounds as a result but there was subsequently
more damage to grounds from heavier use. Willing to try again as conditions may be more
conducive now.
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
December 2,2009
Page 4 of 7
There is no interest in offering Annual Play cards at this time.A Frequent User reward program was
discussed; there is software available to track such a program, but hardware would need to be
purchased. Not feasible at this time although a`Birthday Club"(free round)might be incorporated
and Fitzgerald noted anyone over 90 now receives 50%off green fees.
The current concessionaire is not interested in alcohol sales at this time. Fitzgerald feels it will be
best to wait until concession contract expires and have single vendor that provides food and alcohol
on site. Explained to Commissioners when questioned that no vendors have been interested in the
past,most likely due to obstacles such as licensing and liability insurance.
Council requested staff look at possible fund raising group.The Men's and Ladies'Clubs have been
active in this donating$400 for yardage markers on sprinkler heads. Will be talking to both groups
to determine interest. A special project to focus on is best. Commissioner Regier recommended
using others not involved in those groups as well to add other voices to the mix. Director Kiser
added that a Master Plan has been requested but not funded.A plan would prioritize and give focus.
Staff will prepare report for January 5 Council review. Once Council has been presented the best
practices report,staff will prepare recommendations for new fees during the May 2010 golf course
rate review. An RFP for a concessionaire will be issued in 2010, will pursue alcohol sales at that
time.The PRC will receive the RFP prior to the Council to provide staff further direction.
Commissioner Davis inquired if there was a way to know breakdown of users during certain time
periods by age group in an attempt to capture more non-golfers.Bunte explained the difficulties of
finding new customers and competing with higher courses although a reduced rate for a second
round is currently offered as well as monthly specials and great customer service. Fitzgerald added
that a Men's Club member is working on a brochure for hotels in town.
Commissioners Hensinger and Kincaid inquired about the driving range, review of positioning,
feeling it is an under-utilized asset. Also discussed yardage markers and Bunte explained the need
for laser measurement and that the focus must be on getting greens back in shape first.
Commissioner Regier discussed concerns that two different Twilight times would be confusing and
supports notion of naming differently, which feels would be easier to retract if doesn't work.
Concerns regarding extra maintenance involved with Unlimited Play card and if would attract
enough additional golfers to make worthwhile.Feels a Discount card to offer free round when reach
certain number of rounds has motivated him elsewhere and that perhaps that would be enough.
Chair Lemieux agreed and added a Discount card forces loyalty in a way, based on personal
experience.Fitzgerald stated the software in use would be able to track.Lemieux also suggested that
when the Frequent Player cards were offered in the 1990s there were no golf carts in use at the time
and that carts and more amenities might make a difference.Would like to try a pilot program with a
loyalty card,the responsibility for managing the card would be placed back on the person if a punch
card is used. Added suggestion for postcard advertising birthday rate on regular user's birthday
(much like a doctor's appointment reminder) as a low cost marketing tool that elicits a good will
feeling and would also be easy to track with software.
Chair Lemieux commended staff on the work that went into the report.
1-4
From: Joe Johnson [mailto.j hnson@att.net]
Sent:Tue 1/5/2010 3:48 PM
To: Council, SloCity
Subject: Alcohol on Laguna Lake Golf Course Is a Weak Idea!
Jan.5,2010 3:48 P.M.
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
I'm sorry I can't make it to tonight's meeting
(Tuesday,Jan 5th). I would like to voice my opinion about the proposal
to consider having alcohol available on the golf course:
1.The left and right turns out of the parking lot
require a clear and sober mind.
2.I've noticed that children from Laguna Middle
School are dropped off at the golf course parking lot in the morning and
at.2 P.M. when school is out. The parking lot could be quite unsafe for
children who are hurrying to get to classes.I don't think alcohol would
make things any safer.
3.Don't we already have too many places where alcohol
is served in this town?
4.Why is alcohol even being considered for sale on a
golf course-is it about money?If it is,it's a weak idea!
Thank You for Listening to Me,
Joseph A. Johnson
200 Lincoln Ave.
San Luis Obispo,CA 93405 5442086
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FROM: Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Manager Y Fe UTIL DIR
Prepared.by: Claire Clark, Economic Development Manager '� T�`'_ u 12 HR DIR
SUBJECT: Economic Development Collaboration Committee Summary and Economic/d/E,zK
Development Program Funding Update
Please find below a summary of the Economic Development Collaboration Committee meetings
for the last quarter of 2009. As you will recall, this committee was formed to encourage
collaboration between the Chamber, City,---County, and Cal Poly on issues related to
entrepreneurship and job growth.. These efforts are aimed at harnessing the potential for start-up
businesses to grow from the research and activities of students and professors at Cal Poly. At the
request of Andrew Carter, also a member of the committee, it is being forwarded to all Council
members.
Economic Development Collaboration Committee
Summary: Meetings of September—December 2009
(August and December meetings cancelled)
Committee Members: Robert Koob, Provost and VP for Academic Affairs at Cal Poly, Chip
Visci, Assistant VP for Advancement at Cal Poly; Susan Opava, Dean of Research and
Graduate Programs at Cal Poly;Jon York, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Orfalea College, Cal
Poly; Jim Dunning, C3RP Project Administrator at Cal Poly; Adam Hill, Third District
Supervisor, County of SLO; Andrew Carter; Ken Hampian; Claire Clark; Tom Lebens,
Chamber Chair and partner at Sinsheimer, Juhnke, Lebens and McIvor; Erik Justesen, CEO,
RRM Design Group-,Beth Marino, partner, Andre, Morris and Buttery;Russ Levanway, CEO,
T&Tegrity; Dave Garth and Ermina Karim.
Since the last report, the San Luis Obispo Economic Development Collaboration
Committee continues to meet monthly. Representatives from the Chamber, Cal Poly, the County
Board of Supervisors and the City have been present. The group's mission continues to be as
follows:
• To formalize the relationship between Chamber, Cal Poly, and the City/County of San
Luis Obispo through:
o understanding stakeholder needs,
o multilateral partnership,
o leveraging strengths and insights of the group, and
o mutually beneficial coordination of efforts;
CADocumenis and Setungs\arichard\Local SettingsVemporary Internet Res\0LKC7\Counci1Merno1
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Council Memorandum
January 4, 2010
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• To reach for outcomes that enhance the quality of life in San Luis Obispo and the
County; and,
• To clearly communicate with the community at large.
The meetings of September, October and November resulted in large, collaborative steps forward
toward creation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports job creation by leveraging the
strengths of Cal Poly and the community. A review of technology transfer activities in other
communities/universities and business incubation was outlined by CalPoly. City staff provided
research on a variety of programs across the nation. Findings were discussed and
commonalities/differences between our community/university and those examined were
identified. The City's Economic Development Goal* was highlighted sending the message to
the group that the City is interested and serious about the collaboration efforts. Of particular
note was that this raised awareness of the City's goal, particularly on the part of CalPoly
participants;having a positive effect on the collaboration.
Given the similarities and stark differences between our community/CalPoly and all others on
the researched list, the group realized that this endeavor would require a champion. The purpose
of the champion is to give the project the intense focus it requires to get to the implementation
stage as soon as possible. A potential champion was identified and interviewed regarding her
background and her proposal which included:
• Assessing SLO's entrepreneurial strengths and missing elements,
• Creating a Business Plan for the way our community should go about
building/enhancing its entrepreneurial ecosystem to yield sustainable job growth,
and
• Developing an Implementation Plan to achieve results.
A commitment to fund this work was made by Cal Poly, the Chamber, and the City
representatives, each committing an equal amount for the initial effort. The County
representative offered financial support as well as efforts to coordinate with the EVC and the
County's Economic Strategy consultants to assure that our group's efforts were included and
compatible with the County Strategy.
The funding for the City's $10,000 portion of this effort is available via the $37.500 allocated to
the Economic Development Program for the 2009-10 fiscal year. In July 2009, the Council
approved targeted initiatives for business retention and expansion that included web upgrades
and a study to determine why businesses locate here.
Because technology transfer programs and business incubation activities play a key role in job
creation, this effort offers an opportunity to use these City funds to their best advantage.
* "In collaboration with Cal Poly, Cuesta,and the business community,develop strategies to increase economic development
including emphasis on head of household jobs and environmentally sustainable businesses."
t
Paula and Stephen Dooley
2330 Johnson.Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 RECEIVED
JAN 0 ^ 291
SLO CITY CLERK
December 30, 2009 RED FILE
MEETING AGENDA
City Council Members, San Luis Obispo DA I 1b ITEM # �A
RE: 2410 Johnson appeal regarding the creation of three lots from one existing lot.
Dear Members of the Council:
We are the owners and residents of 2330 Johnson Avenue. We share a property line
with 2410 Johnson. We are opposed to the creation of a new lot and subsequent
construction of a residence at the back of 2410 Johnson, which we believe is being
called Lot 3. We bought our property for its privacy, views and visual space,
appreciating that the neighboring lots were large and airy. Any type of residence
constructed back there will erode our property value by reducing the privacy, views and
visual space. We appreciate that the Spevaks have attempted to mitigate the impact by
agreeing to a one story limitation, but with the slope of that property, it is not good
enough to preserve the significant investment we made in buying this home. We have
no opposition to the creation of the front lot.
Thank your for your time. 11ARb APV
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