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Page 1 of 3 Golf Course Committee – 6/25/2026 Meeting *Attended the meeting virtually GOLF COURSE COMMITTEE MINUTES June 25, 2026 Regular Meeting The meeting was called to order by Chair Hoag at 11:00 a.m. on June 25, 2026, at Nemadji Golf Course, Greens View Grille and virtually via Microsoft Teams. 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Barb Hoag, Lindsey Graskey, Scott Gordon, Robert Hering Advisory Members and Others Present: Kara Czapinski, Bridgit Maruska, Dan Walker, Brian Wallin, Christian Houle, Vince Juarez*, Mary Kate Walsh* 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1. Golf Course Committee (Meeting held April 23, 2026) MOTION by Gordon, second by Graskey, and carried to approve the minutes from April 23, 2026. 3. NEW BUSINESS 3.1. Election of Officers 3.1.1. Election of Chair MOTION by Graskey, second by Gordon and carried to nominate Barb Hoag as Chair. 3.1.2. Election of Vice-Chair MOTION by Hoag, second by Gordon and carried to nominate Troy Clark as Vice-Chair. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1. Update on Irrigation System. Dan Walker indicated that the Irrigation System is nearing the completion of its refinement process for the Request for Proposal (RFP) regarding technical specifications and language. The specifications from EC Designs, along with the city- generated RFP, are currently under review, with Eric Christensen tasked with updating the language before it undergoes a final assessment by Kemper Sports and the city. The objective is to release the RFP by July 15, aiming for a contract signing by late September or early October, with project completion anticipated in 2027, and potential preparatory work on the pump station in 2026, contingent on contractor mobilization. The committee emphasized the necessity of including start and completion dates in the RFP, along with provisions for liquidated damages in case of delays. To facilitate the project and reduce disruptions, they are contemplating closing nine holes simultaneously and are preparing to inform golf leagues and event coordinators about the changes. Vince Juarez and Walker are strategizing on budgeting and merchandise procurement for the construction year, while site visits with contractors will aid in Page 2 of 3 Golf Course Committee – 6/25/2026 Meeting *Attended the meeting virtually determining practical routing and scheduling. Site visits and bid evaluations will be critical in assessing contractor qualifications and finalizing operational strategies. 5. RECURRING BUSINESS 5.1 Marketing Report Christian Houle reported that a golf survey was distributed to all golfers earlier in the season, with results anticipated by mid-July. The organization's Facebook following has grown by 75 in a month, and year-to-date impressions have surged by 212%. Additionally, Houle and Mary Kate Walsh completed a website audit that enhanced SEO, AI optimization, FAQs, and mobile responsiveness, leading to a 17% increase in website engagement for May. River Valley Media's paid campaigns and digital display advertisements are yielding positive results. The newsletter is being circulated, and collaborations with 95 KQDS, Duluth FC, and local businesses are effectively promoting both golf and dining options. Houle is preparing for the bridge project, focusing on signage and communication routes to reach Minnesota customers, while also considering billboard placements with Lamar to ensure visibility during construction. The team is exploring special offers to retain Minnesota golfers during the bridge closure, although Walsh recommended against three-year passes due to potential annual rate changes, advocating instead for targeted specials and geofenced advertising. Councilor Hering and Houle addressed challenges related to newsletter sign-up and email delivery, discussing necessary website updates, database segmentation, and user instructions to enhance accessibility. The goal is to ensure that important communications effectively reach recipients, thereby improving overall engagement and participation in the initiatives being promoted. 5.2 General Manager’s Report with Profit/Loss Statement – Walker noted a revenue shortfall from January to April due to delayed openings, although merchandise sales increased thanks to fitting days and an enhanced pro shop layout. While food and beverage and driving range revenues lagged slightly, operational expenses remained below budget. Despite rounds played being down by 1,057 through April and 963 through May compared to last year, the course was still $32,000 ahead of budget, with May's revenue surpassing expectations. Payroll exceeded budget due to the training of new staff and turnover, particularly among cart attendants and bartenders, yet it remained close to budget for April and May. Walker highlighted robust participation in junior golf programs, with 114 participants supported by Christian and Grady through online sign-ups. The upcoming junior league and increased usage of the Par 3 course are part of ongoing marketing efforts to promote it as a free resource for the community, aiming to attract new customers and ensure long-term engagement. Page 3 of 3 Golf Course Committee – 6/25/2026 Meeting *Attended the meeting virtually 5.3 Superintendent – Grounds/Maintenance Report – Repairs and enhancements to the pop shop building are currently in progress, including the relocation of water lines and the installation of a new sink prep area. Additionally, concrete work at the entrances of the clubhouse and pro shop has been completed to enhance both safety and visual appeal. The installation of black rubber matting on bridges aims to facilitate smoother transportation for carts and equipment. Ongoing efforts in tee box repairs, seeding, and tree removal are being prioritized, particularly in areas that suffer from inadequate sunlight and airflow. The grounds crew has successfully implemented broadleaf control spraying, resulting in a significant reduction of dandelions and clover. They are also focused on aligning the quality of the tee boxes and fairways with that of the greens, which have received favorable feedback during recent events. Walker has sought assistance from the city for major tree removal, given the limitations of the current crew and equipment. The aging golf cart fleet necessitates ongoing repairs, prompting Walker to consider expediting the acquisition of a new fleet to align with the completion of the irrigation system, thereby ensuring operational efficiency for the 36-hole course. 5.4 Nemadji Women’s and Men’s Club – Concerns/Updates Barb Hoag spoke for the Women’s Club: • Women's club membership increased to 124, with 20 new members. Clinics and guest days were well attended, and changes to the invitational format were made to accommodate senior members and support the girls' golf team. 5.5 Public Comment 5.6 Future Agenda Items 5.6.1 Update on Irrigation System 5.7 Confirm the next meeting date as Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Nemadji Golf Course, Greens View Grille. 6. ADJOURNMENT Chair Hoag announced the meeting adjourned at 12:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kara Czapinski