1982-07-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Session 1312, Minutes Page 2 July 26, 1982 Mr. Levy said it was not unusual for a municipal course to have a reservation sys- tem, and asked for Mr. Ollendorff's views on the proposal. Mr. Ollendorff said he felt the system created i=..1 will because reserjEticns were desired at the busiest times, and golfers without reservations had to wait 'Longer to get on the course. Mr. Levy said most golfers were already familiar with the reservation system. How- ever, he had another concern, which had to do with auxiliary facilities. He thought that operation of the snack bar was a gross insult to University City, since there was often no one there at times when the course was busiest, and that this reflected very adversely on what was otherwise an excellent facility. He asked about the City's criteria for awarding a franchise, noting that the group operating the snack bar seemed very irresponsible, and that he had heard this complaint from many golf- ers. Mr. Ollendorff said he would report on the franchise at the next meeting. Mr. Levy said he would recommend that reservations be taken between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, charging non-residents 50c, and residents nothing. The reservations could be taken at City Hall prior to Wednesday, for the following week- end. He thought the reservation system would enhance the professionalism of the City's golf course and also increase play, adding that improvement of the auxiliary services would make it a first-class facility of which the City could be proud. Mayor Mooney asked that Mr. Ollendorff provide Mr. Levy and the rest of the Council with background information on the facilities and the changes which have occurred in the last few years. In response to Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Ollendorff said a number of University City resi- dents had requested the rese,-vat`,Dn system. She said it seemed to her that the system should work quite well. Mr. Ollendorff though. that -:hose who had to wait would become angry when those with reservations got right on the course, but Mr. Levy pointed out that a resident had the prerogative of making a reservation, Mr. Ollendorff said that the majority of people playing at the course were non-residents. He also called attention to the fact that there was about half again as much play at the course as when the re- servation system was formerly in effect. He did not attribute that specifically to not having a reservation system, but said more pressure would be created if a re- servation system was in effect., Mr. Levy asked that the Council consider trying the reservation system for this season to find out whether it is workable and desirable. Mrs. Metcalfe said she thought the strongest argument to justify having a reserva- tion system was that it favored University City residents. However, it would mean slightly more work administratively even if it was handled as efficiently as possi- ble. She noted that those who take reservations must be enthusiastic about it, as they are the key to making the system work. Mr. Schoomer said the key issue was how to maximize use of the course while still benefiting those who paid for it, the City's taxpayers. Mr. Rubin Schlafman, 747 Yale, asked to address the Council. After discussing the reservation system proposal with several golfers, Mr. Schlafman said it seemed to him that the only reason a reservation system was desired was that golfers did not want to get up early enough to get on the course before there was a waiting line. He also felt a reservation system would create ill will.