While the Cook County-Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) works to determine what the duties of the recently established Superior National at Lutsen golf course committee will be, the committee itself has set to work. Committee Member Jim King reported to the EDA board on Tuesday, January 11 on committee-level discussion, which led to a special follow-up meeting of the EDA on January 25.
King said the golf course committee was especially concerned about some immediate needs, such as the repair of the clubhouse roof. He said the committee had met with golf course staff to discuss the 2011 budget and he said, “We have a pretty good handle on it and we’ll be able to give you a final budget copy for approval at your next meeting.”
King said he hoped the EDA would support the golf course committee’s recommendation to seek an “advance” of 1% sales tax money for the roof and for necessary equipment—“rolling stock”—from the county as soon as possible.
King also asked that financial statements be modified to a more understandable profit and loss format. EDA Board Member and County Commissioner Bruce Martinson said EDA financial documents are confusing because they must adhere to GASB accounting standards. King replied, “I’m not blaming anyone. I just think it’s time to look at this, to create something that better reflects grant income, loans due, etc.”
EDA Director Matt Geretschlaeger reminded the board that it had considered asking the county to assume its accounting. “I would suggest you revisit that,” he said. The board agreed and a motion passed to authorize Martinson to approach Cook County for assistance in accounting.
King said the final suggestion of the golf course committee was to immediately advertise for a golf course general manager. King said, “As the EDA housing program requires a minimum of direct oversight and the business park, due to current economic conditions, is on a temporary hold, this is the time to direct more resources to Superior National.
“With the capital infusion from the county 1% sales tax, the management and leadership of Superior National needs to aggressively and thoroughly position Superior National for the next decades. We’ve been coasting along for a number of years. We need to get out of this coasting mode,” he said, adding that a manager could do things like get the bids for roof repair, freeing the golf course staff to the work they would otherwise be doing.
Board Member Martinson said he agreed in concept. EDA Chair Mike Littfin said, “I think your suggestion to establish a general manager position is a good one. You can’t manage through a committee.”
Board Member Jan Sivertson also agreed. “I really support having a professional run the golf course. It’s a valuable asset and we really need to manage it that way.”
The board agreed to hold a special meeting at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25 with several agenda items: roof repair, a draft request for 1% funding for rolling stock needs; consideration of a golf course general manager; and review of the 2011 golf course budget.
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