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Despite wariness by some council members, Zephyrhills will forgive lease payments in hopes of improved conditions and more use of the course in the next year.
By BRADY DENNIS
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 11, 2001
ZEPHYRHILLS -- Maynard Evenson bought himself some time Monday night, but it didn't come easy.
Evenson, the city golf course manager, convinced City Council members to forgive the money he already owes and not charge lease payments again until December.
After some grumbling, they agreed by a 4-1 vote, with Jim Bailey the lone dissenter.
Council members were skeptical about granting an extension, probably because they've been burned before.
The city gave the course's previous manager, Nancy Lester, chance after chance to make promised improvements to the course and turn a profit.
She never came through, and the city eventually forced her out for breach of contract.
Some council members seemed to think Monday was a case of deja vu. They were wary of treading the same road again.
"I'm nervous about making alterations to this lease," said Councilwoman Cathi Compton. "The contract has already been breached. At some point, I think the city has to consider getting out of the golf course business altogether. This might have to be a last-ditch effort."
Others agreed. But they said what separates Evenson from Lester is that he has shown effort in improving the course.
"Nancy never seemed to care whether she could improve the course," said city attorney Tom McAlvanah. "She was too concerned with giving discounts and putting money in her pocket. The difference here is good faith."
Councilwoman Elizabeth Geiger agreed.
"I think there have been efforts to improve the golf course," she said. "I hope this can work."
The course, which closed May 15 and reopened Nov. 1 under lease to Bill Krusen, owner of Valley Oaks Golf Club, has proved more of a challenge than the new tenants first thought, Evenson said.
"All the money we make goes right back into the golf course," Evenson said. "I understand what the city has been through in the past. But if you get that golf course in good shape, there will be a lot of play, and you will have revenue coming in."
Evenson said a new irrigation system will be installed this summer, costing at least $50,000.
Since May, the new managers have spent more than $100,000, improving the pro shop and the course and opening a full-service restaurant.
Still, the course has yet to turn a profit, in large part because of a harsh winter and a lack of league play, Evenson said. But he said 11 leagues already are slated to play next year.
Under the new agreement, the managers will have the $40,000 in rent payments rolled over the next five years of the 20-year lease.
In other council news, members unanimously approved a $10,000 city grant to help match a potential $20,000 grant from the University of South Florida to help develop a comprehensive plan for downtown redevelopment.
Zephyrhills Spring Water Co., the Chamber of Commerce and Zephyrhills Main Street will chip in to provide the other $10,000.
USF officials said they expect to hear from the university officials if they got the grant within the year.
Council members also discussed their priorities for the site of the future police station. The main discussion centered on whether to buy a large piece of property to accommodate future development, or stick only to what land is needed for the police station.
Council members instructed city staff to inquire about the prize of certain pieces of land, and the issue will be revisited at future meetings.
- Brady Dennis covers the city of Zephyrhills and police news in east Pasco. His phone number is (352) 521-5757, ext. 23. His e-mail address is dennis@sptimes.com.
-- Discuss this and other issues at our Web-based discussion forum at http://www.sptimes.com/pascoforum.