City Council
259 N. Wilma Avenue
Ripon, CA 95366
MEMO
To: Honorable City Council
From: Kevin Werner, City Administrator
Date: 02/11/2025
Subject: Jack Tone Golf Capital Expenditures
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve the Sierra Golf Management reimbursement request for Jack Tone Golf Course capital improvements in the not to exceed amount of $135,302.57 (funding source: Jack Tone Golf Capital Fund).
BACKGROUND
On January 1, 2025, Sierra Golf Management (SGM) took over operations of the Jack Tone Golf Course. Under the terms of the lease, SGM is responsible for operating the golf course, including making capital improvements to the property.
A Golf Course Capital Improvement Account has been established and a portion of the golf course lease payments are deposited in this fund in order to financially assist the operator in making upgrades to the golf course so that it does not fall into disrepair.
As described in the Lease Agreement, SGM could use the funds in this account to fund 50% of the cost for “Long-term Capital Improvements” of the golf course that are permanent in nature, such as new holes, replacement or improvement of greens, fairways, tee boxes, water features, or other capital improvement expenditures approved by the Golf Course Capital Improvement Committee.
DISCUSSION
On February 5, 2025, the Golf Course Capital Improvement Committee met with the SGM golf course manager at Jack Tone Golf Course. The golf course manager gave a tour of the golf course and described the proposed improvements, as summarized below:
Pave Practice Area - $90,000
The area around the driving range and practice area has been dirt and rocks since the golf course was first constructed. SGM has completed the paving of this area with asphalt to eliminate the mud during the winter season.
Improve Irrigation System - $116,980.14
Replace the irrigation control system that is currently not working as intended. The new system will allow both local control of the irrigation system as well as remote control so golf course staff can re-program from any location.
Replace Irrigation Heads - $27,630
Purchase 100 irrigation heads to replace those that are no longer operating that results in the inconsistent watering of the golf course.
Privacy Fence - $35,995
Installation of a privacy fence around the maintenance area to improve the look of the golf course.
The total cost of the proposed improvements is estimated to be $270,605.14, of which the City of Ripon would be responsible for half of these costs.
The Golf Course Capital Improvement Committee recommends the City Council approve SGM moving forwarding with the proposed capital improvements and the City of Ripon provide reimbursement for half of the actual expense, not to exceed $135,302.57.
The payment would be made to SGM once the work has been completed and invoices submitted for review.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Jack Tone Golf Capital Fund was established in 2008. The previous lessee did not take advantage of this fund, therefore, the current balance is $645,000. The City’s share of the capital improvements ($135,302.57) is proposed to be funded from the Jack Tone Golf Capital Fund.