City plots course for DeBell vendor
Officials plan to recommend that the Burbank City Council put the landscaping vendor for DeBell Golf Club on a month-to-month contract, part of an effort to move the people involved in the daily operations to shorter term contracts to make potential changes in the future easier to execute.
It could also consolidate accountability for a course that was so deep in the red last year, the City Council approved a $2-million rescue package to keep it solvent.
The golf subcommittee is slated to present the recommendation at a joint meeting Thursday of the City Council and Parks and Recreation Board regarding the contract with Valley Crest Golf Course Maintenance, along with a master plan for long-range goals for DeBell, Mayor Jess Talamantes said.
If approved, two of three vendors at the troubled golf course would be moved to monthly contracts.
The recommendations made by the National Golf Foundation in its draft report are also scheduled for discussion, including “grab-and-go” style food from the restaurant, the removal of some trees that affect the condition of the course and a form of covering on the driving range.
Talamantes said the subcommittee is recommending a 22-month extension of Valley Crest’s contract, which is scheduled to expire on Feb. 28.
Scott Scozzola of S.S. Golf runs the golf course and is already on a monthly contract.
The contract with Ray and Shelly Lucero, who operate the Clubhouse Grill, expires December 2013.
At the end of the 22-month period, all three vendors could be on monthly contracts, Talamantes said.
Burbank officials were encouraged to consider consolidating management under one operator — a move that would reduce overhead and improve the economic performance of the club, according to foundation’s draft report.
Also under consideration is a long-range plan with goals to tackle as revenue becomes available, ditching the current way of addressing problems or changes as they arise.
“It’s the first time we’re doing this,” Talamantes said.
The joint meeting begins at 5 p.m. Thursday at Burbank City Hall.