_04232026-1294
City of Superior · Douglas County · meeting of Apr 23, 2026 · Minutes
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Golf Course Committee – 4/23/2026 Meeting
*Attended the meeting virtually
GOLF COURSE COMMITTEE MINUTES
April 23, 2026 Regular Meeting
The meeting was called to order by Chair Hoag at 11:00 a.m. on April 23, 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
Advisory Members and Others Present: Kara Czapinski, Bridgit Maruska, Dan Walker,
Brian Wallin, Christian Houle, Vince Juarez, Mary Kate Walsh, Greg Olson
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2.1. Golf Course Committee (Meeting held February 19, 2026)
MOTION by Clark, second by Gordon, and carried to approve the minutes from
February 19, 2026.
3. NEW BUSINESS
4. OLD BUSINESS
4.1. Update on Irrigation System.
Dan Walker announced that the irrigation system project, initially planned in two
phases, has now been streamlined into a single phase. The primary objective is to
develop bid documents and specifications for the main irrigation project, while
excluding earlier proposals for dredging and driving range enhancements. The team has
opted to upgrade the existing residential well to a commercial well, significantly
increasing its output from 42 gallons per minute to 700 gallons per minute. This
adjustment replaces the earlier plan to dredge ponds for water storage, with the
intention of achieving self-sufficiency and minimizing dependence on municipal water
sources.
Walker noted that this revised approach is anticipated to be more cost-effective than the
previous plan, which involved expensive and complicated processes such as trucking
spoils and dewatering, particularly due to the proximity of Enbridge lines. Transitioning
to a commercial well necessitates registration with the Department of Natural
Resources, monitoring of water usage, and possibly incurring annual fees, unlike a
residential well. The team aims to have the bid documents finalized by June 1st, with
the intention of securing a contractor and finalizing contracts before the golf season
concludes, allowing for the installation of the new system in the following spring.
4.2. Update on Mission Statement.
The committee evaluated two proposed options for the mission statement, discussing
the advantages of brevity versus elaboration. Members favored a succinct and inviting
statement that steers clear of exclusive language and avoids mentioning the general
fund, prioritizing clarity and inclusivity. Ultimately, the committee decided to adopt
option 2, modifying the term 'inclusive' to 'welcoming.'
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Golf Course Committee – 4/23/2026 Meeting
*Attended the meeting virtually
MOTION by Gordon, second by Graskey, and carried to approve Option 2 of the
Mission Statement modifying the term ‘inclusive’ to ‘welcoming.’
4.3. Update on Golf Course Simulators.
Walker reported that the simulators achieved their revenue targets for February and
March, a notable first for the team. They recognized that November and December
typically experience a downturn in activity due to seasonal factors, prompting
discussions about postponing simulator setups to reduce operational expenses. The
team also acknowledged the challenges posed by increased competition from home
simulators and new local businesses, which have made it difficult to expand league
participation. Additionally, the presence of nearby private facilities and new co-ops
offering similar services was considered in their strategic planning.
The committee reviewed the annual costs associated with software subscriptions and
maintenance for the simulators, emphasizing a business model aimed at minimizing
losses during the winter months rather than focusing on profit generation. A key
advantage identified was the ability to retain core staff throughout the year, which is
essential for maintaining service quality. To address the slow months, particularly in
November, the team discussed enhancing restaurant operations and event hosting, as
well as potentially rescheduling league start dates to December or January to better
match demand. Suggestions included organizing club events for both men and women
using the simulators and revisiting the simulator business pro forma in future meetings
to refine their strategy.
5. RECURRING BUSINESS
5.1 Marketing Report
Christian Houle participated in the Kemper Sports Marketing Summit, where he
concentrated on brand storytelling, social media strategies, and revenue enhancement,
exchanging insights with colleagues from various facilities. The launch of a new
homepage and several redesigned website pages has improved user experience. Unknown
if related, but enrollment in junior programs and clinics has increased. Additionally, the
online store has been optimized to facilitate smoother registration and payment processes.
A revamped monthly marketing report has been introduced, offering comprehensive
financial and engagement metrics, including revenue, rounds played, survey feedback,
and digital campaign effectiveness. The monthly newsletter, distributed to around 20,000
recipients, serves as a vital communication tool for stakeholders, with ongoing initiatives
to enhance email deliverability and maintain an updated contact list. To promote course
openings and events, press releases and media outreach have been employed, garnering
attention from local news and radio outlets, particularly for courses that are among the
first to open in the area. The team is also actively monitoring the upcoming bridge
closure, keeping stakeholders informed through the newsletter and preparing to adapt
communication strategies as the project timeline becomes clearer.
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Golf Course Committee – 4/23/2026 Meeting
*Attended the meeting virtually
5.2 General Manager’s Report with Profit/Loss Statement –
Walker announced the hiring of a new food and beverage manager and an assistant
superintendent, both of whom bring valuable experience to enhance operational
readiness. The course opened earlier than usual, despite lingering snow, enabling local
high school teams to practice and garnering positive community feedback. Payroll saw
an increase due to the retention of an assistant professional over the winter, which
bolstered merchandise sales and indoor lessons. Although simulator rounds decreased
compared to the previous year due to heightened competition, the net operating income
(NOI) remained close to budget. Overall, the financial position for the first quarter was
stronger than in previous years, supported by realistic budgeting and encouraging trends
in merchandise and food and beverage sales.
5.3 Superintendent – Grounds/Maintenance Report –
Brian Wallin announced that several returning staff members have been elevated to roles
as irrigation and spray technicians, benefiting from ongoing training and guidance from
Greg. The team's efforts are concentrated on enhancing tee areas by removing outdated
landscaping and preparing for new projects in collaboration with local contractor Mark
Johnson. They also plan to test the multi-irrigation system, optimistic for better
conditions following last year's setbacks caused by the late installation of pumps.
5.4 Nemadji Women’s and Men’s Club – Concerns/Updates
Troy Clark spoke for the Men’s Club:
The Men's Club has unveiled a new website and logo, developed a welcome packet for
its members, and achieved record attendance at the annual meeting, anticipating further
growth in membership.
Barb Hoag spoke for the Women’s Club:
The Women's Club has reported a rise in both membership and banquet attendance,
crediting this growth to enhancements in food quality and the scheduling of events.
5.5 Public Comment
Walker and Vince Juarez announced that staff are being trained to engage golfers
proactively at the Oasis, aiming to boost sales and enhance the customer experience.
Plans are also in progress to renovate the Pop Shop near the driving range, transforming
it into an additional food and beverage outlet, which will involve coordinating with
contractors for necessary upgrades. The team highlighted the need to increase golfer
throughput and explore new revenue streams to counteract rising operating costs and
ensure continued profitability.
5.6 Future Agenda Items
5.6.1 Update on Irrigation System
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Golf Course Committee – 4/23/2026 Meeting
*Attended the meeting virtually
5.7 Confirm the next meeting date as Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Nemadji
Golf Course, Greens View Grille.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Hoag announced the meeting adjourned at 12:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Kara Czapinski
Source: City of Superior website. First collected Oct 22, 2026.