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Page 1 of 4 Golf Course Committee – 8/27/2026 Meeting *Attended the meeting virtually GOLF COURSE COMMITTEE MINUTES August 27, 2026 Regular Meeting The meeting was called to order by Chair Hoag at 11:02 a.m. on August 27, 2026, at Nemadji Golf Course, Greens View Grille and virtually via Microsoft Teams. 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Barb Hoag, Troy Clark, Lindsey Graskey, Scott Gordon, Robert Hering Advisory Members and Others Present: Kara Czapinski, Bridgit Maruska, Dan Walker, Brian Wallin, Christian Houle, Shawna Anderson, Vince Juarez*, Mary Kate Walsh* 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1. Golf Course Committee (Meeting held June 25, 2026) MOTION by Gordon, second by Clark, and carried to approve the minutes from June 25, 2026. 3. NEW BUSINESS 3.1. Discussion regarding fat tire biking at Nemadji Golf Course Shawna Anderson suggested utilizing golf-cart paths and other appropriate areas for winter fat-tire biking, highlighting its potential to serve as a distinctive regional attraction that could draw families and visitors, thereby enhancing winter patronage of the restaurant and facility. The discussion underscored the importance of protecting greens and tee boxes, defining a route, determining suitable lengths, and establishing markers for curves and low-light conditions. Participants considered loops ranging from one to five miles, noting that the trail would require packed or lightly groomed snow instead of ski-style grooming. Concerns were raised by Dan Walker and the management team regarding maintenance, staffing, monitoring, operating hours, registration, security, and revenue potential, with suggestions for controlling access through registration and allowing riders to use the route outside of operating hours. The committee preferred initiating the program with a single event or a week linked to the Lake Superior Ice Festival, rather than committing it to a full winter season immediately. This approach would yield valuable participation data and operational insights before any decision to expand the program. The proposal was scheduled for discussion in the October meeting, with the team tasked to prepare a mapped route, estimate setup and operating costs, identify necessary materials and volunteer support, and develop both an event-specific plan and a broader seasonal-use strategy. Lindsey Graskey also mentioned opportunities for tourism marketing and sponsorship grants, alongside city recreation grants that could support ongoing programming. Brian Wallin joined the meeting at 11:12 a.m. MOTION by Gordon, second by Hering, to hold item 3.1 until the October 22, 2026, Golf Course Committee Meeting. Page 2 of 4 Golf Course Committee – 8/27/2026 Meeting *Attended the meeting virtually Shawna Anderson left the meeting at 11:41 a.m. 3.2. Discussion regarding credit card processing fees Walker indicated that credit-card processing costs had risen by approximately $40,000 year-to-date through July, attributed to rate increases implemented in November and August. Limited access to previous statements through Global Payments hindered awareness of these changes, which were only communicated through minor notices on statements that the team had not received. Lightspeed the new vendor proposes a fixed processing rate along with integrated reporting, dispute management, and direct support, all managed through the current point-of-sale system. Additionally, it offers free replacement hardware for each licensed terminal and enables staff to adjust settings, such as tip options, directly within the software. The proposed transition would enhance beverage-cart transactions by incorporating swipe, tap, and chip functionality via a module connected to existing iPads, eliminating the need for manual card number entry and thereby improving transaction speed and service for groups on the course. The committee considered the possibility of passing processing costs onto customers, with Vince Juarez clarifying that any fee labeled as a credit-card fee must not exceed the actual processing cost and cannot be applied to debit-card transactions; a different service or convenience fee would have distinct requirements. Lightspeed can facilitate the processing-fee function through its back-end software. Global Payments was approached but could not match Lightspeed's rates, and the current contract has expired without an early termination fee. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1. Update on Irrigation System. Brian Wallin stated that a pre-bid meeting took place on August 12, attended by approximately 17 to 18 participants, which included representatives from at least four potential irrigation contractors and various suppliers. During this meeting, final inquiries were addressed alongside city staff, Client Engineering, EC Design, contractors, and Enbridge representatives, with the last addendum set to be released prior to the bid opening on September 1. The project plans encompass eight crossings of Enbridge pipelines, with bid documents detailing the necessity for hydro-vacuum excavation or boring, particularly at road crossings, allowing contractors to factor these requirements into their bids. The project is structured as a single phase, with construction anticipated to commence in November on the compost and wet-well tasks, progressing in increments of nine holes. The Request for Proposals (RFP) stipulates a final completion date of November 27, 2027. At least two contractors have inspected the site, with up to four potentially qualified bidders. The city’s selection process will prioritize the lowest bid from those who meet all RFP criteria, as the city is both the owner and funder of the project. Page 3 of 4 Golf Course Committee – 8/27/2026 Meeting *Attended the meeting virtually 5. RECURRING BUSINESS 5.1 Marketing Report Christian Houle announced that a comprehensive 360-degree virtual tour is nearing completion with Lake Country 360, encompassing the golf holes, practice areas, clubhouse, and golf shop. This tour will be integrated into the website and business profile, providing still images for marketing purposes, aiding in staff training, and facilitating the promotion of outings and tournaments. The newsletter currently reaches around 17,000 recipients, achieving a 25% open rate and a 16% click rate. Social media engagement has also seen significant growth, with Facebook impressions increasing by 63% year-to-date, over 3,000 followers, and Instagram generating more than 60,000 impressions. The redesigned website boasts a 64% engagement rate and an 18% rise in total users. The weekly grill specials have positively impacted food and beverage performance, surpassing budget expectations in July. June outings exceeded the budget by approximately $12,000, with larger events and additional features contributing to year- to-date revenue growth. The winter simulators are available from noon to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends.. Houle indicated that the winter website version will include simulator details, and a new roadside sign will highlight simulators and other winter offerings. The 2027 marketing plan will focus on communication during irrigation construction, detailing which holes will be open and how outings and season-pass products can be managed during the construction period. Further discussions on simulator operations and the winter plan are set for October. 5.2 General Manager’s Report with Profit/Loss Statement – Walker reported that through June, total revenue was approximately $13,000 higher than the previous year, though it fell slightly short of budget expectations. Merchandise sales exceeded the prior year by about $21,000 and surpassed the budget by $20,000. In contrast, food and beverage revenue was $4,500 above last year but did not meet budget targets. Net Operating Income (NOI) was approximately $66,000 lower than the previous year and $40,000 below budget. In July, revenue improved, surpassing the previous year and nearing budget figures, with merchandise sales up by around $13,000 and food and beverage revenue increasing by about $14,000, exceeding the budget by $4,000. However, NOI continued to lag, remaining approximately $75,000 below the prior year and $68,000 under budget. The operation faced challenges due to wildfire smoke and poor air quality, which led to reduced afternoon play, the cancellation of junior tournaments, and the rescheduling of women's clinics, ultimately resulting in the cancellation of golf leagues. Additionally, the season started later than usual, and weather-related disruptions occurred earlier than expected. Payroll costs rose as staff were required to perform extra overnight irrigation, manually operate equipment, maintain course conditions, and replace employees due to turnover. Operating expenses also increased, with credit card processing fees identified as a significant factor. Walker and Juarez have initiated the 2027 budget process, which includes assessing the financial impact of closing nine holes during irrigation Page 4 of 4 Golf Course Committee – 8/27/2026 Meeting *Attended the meeting virtually construction. The budget and simulator operating plan are anticipated to be presented to the committee in October. 5.3 Superintendent – Grounds/Maintenance Report – Lindsey Graskey left the meeting at 12:32 p.m. 5.4 Nemadji Women’s and Men’s Club – Concerns/Updates Troy Clark spoke for the Men’s Club: The Men's Club reported a membership of 393, reflecting an increase of three members from the previous year. The championship event is set to coincide with the upcoming meeting weekend, and the club intends to enhance its online presence to boost fundraising efforts and foster greater member engagement. Barb Hoag spoke for the Women’s Club: The Women's Club has announced a membership of 126, reflecting an increase of four members. The recent invitational saw a rise in participation, attributed to the introduction of a two-lady senior scramble format, while the regular division maintained its traditional format in response to member preferences. Additionally, the club intends to donate $1,500 to the high school girls’ golf team, complemented by a separate contribution of $1,000 from a member. Despite adverse weather conditions, including rain, wind, cold, and smoke, the summer clinic attracted 51 participants, and the fall banquet is set to take place on September 15. 5.5 Public Comment 5.6 Future Agenda Items 5.6.1 Update on Irrigation System 5.6.2 Golf Simulator Discussion 5.6.3 Discussion regarding fat tire biking at Nemadji Golf Course 5.7 Confirm the next meeting date as Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Nemadji Golf Course, Greens View Grille. 6. ADJOURNMENT Chair Hoag announced the meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kara Czapinski