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1. Buffalo Hill Golf Course LeaseCharles A. xarball Office of City Attorney City Attorney 312 First Avenue East P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59903-1997 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: MEETING DATE: Mayor Pamela B. Kennedy and Kalispell City Council Charles Harball, City Attorney Jane Howington, City Manager Tel 406.758.7708 Fax 406.758.7771 charball@kalispell.com Buffalo Hills Golf Course — Renegotiation of Lease August 10, 2009 — Council Work Session Two weeks ago, Steve Dunfee, the executive director of the Kalispell Golf Association, met with Council at a work session and discussed the KGXs capital improvement plans for the municipal golf course and its desire to renegotiate its lease of that property with the City. Council directed staff to negotiate such a lease with the KGA and return to Council at the next workshop. KGA is interested in renewing the lease for at least another 20 years from this current year. The reason for this is that the KGA desires to make some substantial capital improvements to the course which will require financing. This financing will not be available to the KGA without considerably more than 8 years remaining on the lease. Mike Baker submitted the existing lease and current financials of the course operations to various experts in the field of golf course facilities, maintenance and leasing. He received and utilized their comments and expertise in his negotiations with the KGA. He will address the Council regarding the details of the comments he received. The proposed lease incorporates the negotiations of the parties and some additional requirements of the City regarding the management of the property to remain in compliance with MS4 stormwater requirements as well as a plan for the parties to address a capital preservation plan for the property. A memorandum of legal opinion is also attached regarding the issue of whether or not the lease needs or should go to the electorate for its approval. Respectfully submitted, Charles rball, C' y Attorney Ane Howington, City Mana r City of Kalispell Charles A. Harball Office of City Attorney Tel 406.758.7708 City Attorney 312 First Avenue East Fax 406.758.7771 P.O. Box 1997 charball@kalispell.com Kalispell, MT 59903-1997 MEMORANDUM OF LEGAL OPINION DATE: July 31, 2009 TO: Mayor Pamela B. Kennedy and Kalispell City Council Myrt Webb, Interim City Manager FROM: Charles Harball, City Attorney SUBJECT: Kalispell Municipal Golf Course Lease ISSUE: Whether any of the property held by the City and subject to the Kalispell Municipal Golf Course Lease can be deemed to he nronerty held in trmgt for a specific purpose and if so, whether an election must be held for a renewal or change in the terms of the lease? APPLICABLE LAW: Montana law at MCA 7-8-4201 regarding the lease of municipal property in pertinent part states: 7-8-4201. Disposal or lease of municipal property. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2), the city or town council may sell, dispose of, or lease any property belonging to the city or town. (2) (a) Except for property described in subsection (3), the lease or trans fe must be made by an ordinance or resolution passed by a two-thirds vote of all the members of the council. (b) Except for property acquired by tax deed or property described in subsection (3), if the property is held in trust for a specific purpose, the sale or lease must be approved by a majority vote of the electors of the municipality voting at an election called for that purpose. The election must be held in conjunction with a regular or primary election. (3) If a city or town owns property containing a historically significant building or monument, the city or town may sell or give the property to nonprofit organizations or groups that agree to restore or preserve the property. The contract for the transfer of the property must contain a provision that: (a) requires the property to be preserved in its present or restored state upon any subsequent transfer; and (b) provides for the reversion of the property to the city or town for noncompliance with conditions attached to the transfer. Legal Opinion on Golf Course Lease July 31, 2009 Page - 2 This particular statute has been interpreted by an Attorney General Opinion in 1986. 41 Op.Atty Gen. Mont. 42. In that matter the Attorney General was asked to give his opinion on whether or not park dedication language within the formation documents of a subdivision created a public trust for a specific purpose. The City of Missoula wished to sell the property that had been given to the City as parkland. No trust documents had been created but the property was granted to the City for "use of the public forever." The Attorney General issued his opinion that this restrictive language in the deed created a property held in trust by the City for a specific purpose and was therefore trust property as contemplated by the statute. Therefore, before the City of Missoula could sell the property and take it out of the specific use for which it was intended, the matter had to go before the electorate. Only one case before the Montana Supreme Court has examined this issue. In Prezeau v. City of Whitefish, 198 Mont.416 (1982), the City decided to change a part of a park's use to a quasi -public rifle range although restrictive language within the conveying deed directed that the property was "to be used exclusively for public park purposes." The Supreme Court determined that because such a change may be deemed an abrogation of the restrictions of the conveyance, a public election was required by the statute. BACKGROUND: The City of Kalispell is currently in a lease, executed in 1997, for a term of 20 years with the Kalispell Golf Association [KGA] for the property comprising the municipal golf course. When the lease was executed the City Council approved the lease with the requisite 2/3 approval vote and the matter was sent to the electors who also approved the lease. No previous lease, including the lease executed in 1988 was ever taken to election. Apparently, in 1997, an analysis was made creating some opinion, either that some portion of the golf course property was held in trust or that it would be otherwise prudent to put the matter to election. The existing records are unclear about the actual reasoning for this course of action. The KGA is now interested in renegotiating the lease for the purpose of extending the lease termination date for the reason that the association has formulated a capital improvement plan that calls for it to borrow funds. The commercial institutions that would lend such funds will, for reasons of security, require more time on the lease term. ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING EVIDENCE: The property comprising the municipal golf course has come to the City in portions over the course of time and from different donors. The initial property was gifted to the City in the early 1930's by deed containing the deed restrictions that the property be utilized by the City for golf course purposes. Office of City Attorney City of Kalispell Legal Opinion on Golf Course Lease July 31, 2009 Page - 3 In 1975 the Bitney Trust was created which donated 70 acres to the City for the specific purpose of expanding the existing municipal course. This trust was developed in conjunction with a federal grant which provided the funding for the construction of additional golf facilities. The Conrad National Bank was named Trustee and it administered the trust corpus. At the point in time that the grant monies were expended and the construction of the additional facilities were completed, the deed conveying the property to the City was recorded and the trust was terminated. This deed also contains certain deed restrictions regarding the use of the property as a golf course, although the deed itself, like the earlier deeds, does not create a formal continuing trust arrangement. Other minor parcels were also received over time and incorporated into the municipal golf course but, after scrutiny, contain none of the same deed restrictions. OPINION: Based upon the documents examined and the restrictions contained therein, a trust does exist within the granting documents as that term would be construed by the controlling statute. However, such a determination does not necessarily lead to the conclusion that merely entering into a lease or renegotiating a lease must require an election for its ultimate approval. The purpose of the statute is to ensure that the taxpayers, who own the public property, have a say whenever public property that is especially held in trust for the public enjoyment is to be sold or its specific use abrogated by the terms of a sale or lease. The question therefore becomes whether or not the terms of the golf course lease abrogate the specific purpose of the deed restrictions. Those existing restrictions can be succinctly stated that the property must be used for golf course purposes. The purpose of the lease with the Kalispell Golf Association is that the property be managed and maintained as a municipal golf course with those appurtenant uses customary to a golf course, such as a club house with food and beverage services. All of the terms of the lease lend themselves to accomplishing this purpose. It is the opinion of this office that there are currently no terms in the lease that abrogate that specific purpose. Therefore the City is not required to put the matter to election. The Council, however, always has the option of doing so if it finds such election would be in the best interests of the City and its residents. Respectfully submitted, Charles Har all, City Attorney Office of City Attorney City of Kalispell Return to: City Clerk P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59903 THIS LEASE, made and entered into as of the day of , 2009, by and between the City of Kalispell, Montana, a Municipal Corporation, hereinafter referred to as LESSOR, and the Kalispell Golf Association, a Montana Corporation, hereinafter referred to as LESSEE, WITNESSETH: For and in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows: 1. PROPERTY: LESSOR hereby leases to LESSEE and LESSEE hereby leases and hires from LESSOR those certain premises and all appurtenances thereto situated in Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana, as follows: All of that property owned by LESSOR and commonly known, referred to and utilized as the Kalispell City Golf Course. Attached as Exhibit "A" is a map with the subject premises outlined. Attached is Exhibit `B" which identifies the boundary and fence line between the golf course and the north portion of the old Lawrence Park. The total area consists of approximately 240 acres. 2. TERM: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above rented premises during the full term of twenty (20) years, which term shall begin upon the date above written [or the date on which the agreement is approved by the electors] and shall terminate upon the expiration of said full twenty year term, unless terminated sooner as hereinafter provided. 3. GROSS RECEIPTS: For purposes of this Lease, "Gross Receipts" shall be defined as all gross receipts obtained by LESSEE from the operation of the driving range (golf bail rentals), membership fees (season passes), the sale of green fee punch cards and other green fees. All other receipts shall not be defined as gross receipts under the provisions of this lease and shall be and remain the sole income of LESSEE. Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 4. RENT: LESSEE shall pay to LESSOR, as rent, a sum to be determined annually as herein provided, payable for the preceding year, on or before the 30th day of June, commencing with June 30, 2010 and continuing on the 30th day of June throughout the term of this Lease. The annual rent for the full term of this lease shall be based upon Gross Receipts, as defined in Section 3, hereof, and be calculated as set forth in "Exhibit C", attached hereto and for purposes of this Agreement made a part hereof. Said rent payment shall be mailed or delivered to LESSOR at the Kalispell City Hall. All prior rents due by LESSEE to LESSOR under that certain lease dated April 1, 1997 are hereby deemed and agreed to be paid in full and let it be known and agreed that upon approval of this agreement as provided in section 2, hereof, this lease shall supersede any and all Leases between the Kalispell Golf Association and the City of Kalispell. 5. USE OF LEASED PREMISES: LESSEE shall use the leased premises for the primary purpose of operating a municipal golf course. In addition, on March 6, 2006, the City of Kalispell City Council passed a motion to approve a Multiple -Use Policy for Buffalo Hill Golf Course, attached hereto as Exhibit "B", which Policy is hereby fully incorporated herein by this reference. LESSEE agrees to observe all Federal, State and municipal laws and regulations including those related to human and equal rights and in particular Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, or its successors, regulations. LESSEE shall not sublease or assign any portion of the leased premises without prior written permission of the LESSOR. LESSOR shall not agree to any such sublease or use agreement unless such lease or use is accessory to the management of a typical golf course. For example, a restaurant or golf cart concession would be considered such a typical accessory use. 6. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF PREMISES: LESSEE agrees to maintain the above described premises in as good a condition as the same are in at this time, or as good as they may be put by LESSOR during the term hereof in case of a casualty loss causing repair or reconstruction by LESSOR; and to return said property to LESSOR at the expiration of said lease in said condition, reasonable wear and tear and damage by the elements alone excepted. In the event LESSEE refuses or neglects to keep the above -mentioned premises in such order and condition hereinabove mentioned, LESSOR shall have, after first giving ninety (90) days written notice to repair, the right to declare this lease null and void and of no further force and effect. In this case the annual payments of rent shall terminate and LESSEE shall not in any way be responsible for any future rent payments. LESSEE agrees to maintain and keep in repair all water lines and pumps on said golf course, and to attend to the shutting off of the water supply and draining of all pipe lines in the fall, and to turn the water in to said system in the spring. a). Stormwater Regulations: The City of Kalispell, the LESSOR, is mandated by the federal and state governments to monitor and enforce the Stormwater MS4 Standards within the city limits of Kalispell. Because of the topography, watercourses and frequent, somewhat extensive landscaping projects on the Kalispell City Golf Course, it is essential that the KGA Superintendent or his designee closely cooperate with the Kalispell Public Works Department to assure that the MS4 Standards are maintained. For this reason the KGA Superintendent or his Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 2 representative shall meet with a representative of the Kalispell Public Works Department for a training session on an annual basis so that compliance may be maintained. The KGA shall submit its project stormwater compliance plans to the Kalispell Public Works Department prior to commencement of such projects. The KGA agrees to remain in full compliance with the MS4 Storm water standards. b.) Representatives from the KGA and the City's Parks Department and Department of Public Works shall meet prior to December 31, 2009 to draft a capital protection program for the property covered by this lease. Items of deferred maintenance shall be identified as well as any other assets suffering or threatened with damage or devaluation. Estimated costs, revenue sources and priorities will be developed as a part of a plan to protect and preserve the assets. In the event that the KGA determines to expend its funds for infrastructure improvements that are on the capital protection program prior to that time scheduled and that are otherwise scheduled to be funded by the City of Kalispell, it may apply for a credit of those funds against its lease payments. 7. (a) City of Kalispell's Access to Golf Course: For the purpose of maintaining public utilities, the City of Kalispell may from time to time require access to the golf course. In the event such maintenance is required, the City of Kalispell shall provide adequate written notice to Kalispell Golf Association by providing the KGA with the bid documents upon advertisement. In no event shall this information be provided less than 60 days prior to scheduled work. The written notice shall outline the nature, purpose, access dates, and areas affected on the golf course. In the event that emergency maintenance is required for the purpose of providing city utilities, the City of Kalispell shall, upon discovery of need for access/maintenance, provide immediate written and verbal notice to the Kalispell Golf Association. Upon notice thereof, Kalispell Golf Association will grant access for emergency maintenance as requested. 8. ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS: LESSEE shall not make any alterations or improvements to the premises or the appurtenances located thereon in excess of Twenty -Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) at any one time without having first received approval from the LESSOR of the intended alteration or improvement. LESSEE shall report to LESSOR annually on alterations and improvements costing less than $25,000.00. 8. UTILITIES: During the entire term of this lease LESSEE shall pay when due for required utilities serving the leased premises, including but not limited to, electrical, gas, telephone, water, sewer and garbage services. LESSEE shall also be entitled to continue use of LESSOR's appropriated water right of the Stillwater River adjacent to the golf course premises without charge. LESSEE in using the water from the Stillwater River under said water rights shall operate and maintain the system and pump for such purposes. 9. PERSONAL PROPERTY AND FIXTURES: All personal property hereinbefore or hereinafter obtained in connection with the operation and maintenance of the Kalispell City Golf Course shall be the property of LESSEE; provided, however, that all fixtures that have been or may be installed on the premises and attached thereto have or will become part of the premises and are the property of LESSOR. 10. COST OF OPERATION: All costs of operation including the cost or providing Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 3 supplies, equipment, tools, labor and other such items and the entire cost of maintaining and operating the golf course, the club house and other appurtenances shall be the sole responsibility of LESSEE. 11. USE OF CLUBHOUSE BY LESSOR: Although LESSEE shall have the exclusive use and supervision of all buildings on said premises including that structure known as the clubhouse, it is agreed that LESSOR shall be entitled to use of the clubhouse at any convenient time to LESSEE upon adequate notice with LESSOR reimbursing LESSEE for all actual expenses incurred by LESSEE for the reason of any such use by LESSOR. 12. GOLF COURSE FEES: A schedule of membership fees (season passes), green fees punch cards and other green fees shall be presented by LESSEE to LESSOR prior to the first day of April of each year of this Lease. The schedule for such fees for the 2009 golfing season is attached hereto as Exhibit D, and by this reference made a part hereof. LESSEE, at its discretion, may from year to year, during the term of this Lease, increase or decrease its Schedule of Fees, then in effect, up to ten percent (10%) without prior approval of such an increase from LESSOR. LESSOR shall not unreasonably withhold its approval of any proposed Fee Schedule for which its approval may be required under this Lease. 13. LESSEE'S FINANCIAL REPORTS: Annually, on or before the 30th day of June, in conjunction with the payment of the annual rent, LESSEE shall present to LESSOR for review a copy of LESSEE's annual financial report completed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Association's financial records will be subject to an audit conducted by, and at the option of, the City (internal staff or contract auditor). The cost of such audit shall be paid by the City. 14. LESSEE'S LIABILITY INSURANCE: LESSEE shall obtain and keep in full force and effect during the term of this lease, full general liability insurance in the amount of One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000.00) with a company licensed to do business in the State of Montana; and said policy of insurance shall name LESSOR as additional named insured. In the event the Montana legislature increases the limitations on government liability for damages in tort LESSEE agrees to increase its liability coverage appropriately. LESSOR shall be furnished with a certificate that such insurance is in force and the same shall provide for reasonable notification to LESSOR prior to the same being canceled. LESSEE agrees to hold LESSOR harmless from any and all liability of any nature, whatsoever, arising from or out of LESSEE's possession, use, maintenance, improvement or occupancy of the property herein described; LESSEE further agrees to defend, at LESSEE's expense, any action brought against LESSOR arising out of LESSEE's possession, use, maintenance, improvement or occupancy of said property. 15. FIRE INSURANCE: During the full term of this lease, LESSOR shall maintain its own fire insurance adequate to cover replacement costs on the improvements on said premises. Should the premises during the term of this lease suffer damages which are covered by said fire insurance policy, LESSOR agrees to utilize all insurance reimbursements therefore, toward rebuilding or repairing the damaged premises, or toward providing adequate replacement facilities. The contents of buildings and fixtures located on the premises shall be insured by Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 4 LESSEE and shall be in such amounts as to assure replacement. The parties mutually agree as to waiver of subrogation rights each with the other. 16. DEFAULT AND BANKRUPTCY: In the event that: (a) LESSEE shall default in the payment of any installment of rent or other sum herein specified and such default shall continue for thirty (30) days after written notice thereof; or (b) LESSEE shall default in the observance or performance of any other of LESSEE's covenants, agreements, or obligations hereunder and such default shall not be corrected within ninety (90) days after written notice thereof; or (c) LESSEE shall be declared bankrupt or insolvent according to law, or, if any assignment shall be made of LESSEE's property for the benefit of creditors; LESSOR shall have the right thereafter, when such default continues, to re-enter and take complete possession of the leased premises, according to law, and to declare the term of this lease ended, and to remove LESSEE's effects, without prejudice. In doing so no additional rent _1__ _lt_ 1C.__ TT(Y !^ITT t •(`T payments maybe collected morn Lh-JJEE; nowever, A LESSEE shaii default, after reasonable notice thereof, in observance or performance of any conditions or covenants on LESSEE's part to be observed or performed by virtue of any of the provisions in any article of this lease, LESSOR, without being under any obligation to do so and without thereby waiving such default, may remedy such default for the account and at the expense of LESSEE. 17. NOTICE: No notice from LESSOR to LESSEE relating to the leased premises or the occupancy thereof, shall be deemed duly served unless personally served upon or mailed to LESSEE, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and addressed to LESSEE at its address as follows: Manager, Kalispell City Golf Course Post Office Box 1116 Kalispell, Montana 59903 Any notice from LESSEE to LESSOR relating to the leased premises or the occupancy thereof, shall be deemed duly served, if personally served upon or if mailed to LESSOR by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and addressed to LESSOR at the address as follows: Manager City of Kalispell 201 First Avenue East Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 18. EXISTING LEASE: It is mutually understood and agreed between the parties hereto that no actions taken or not taken by either party in the negotiation or execution of this agreement shall constitute a waiver of any rights that either party may now have or hereafter have relating to or arising out of the existing Lease between the City of Kalispell and the Kalispell Golf Association dated April 1, 1997; and, and each party specifically reserves the right to Kalispell City Golf Course Lease present any claim or defense to any claim relating to or arising out of said Lease. 19. TIME OF ESSENCE AND BINDING EFFECT: It is mutually agreed by and between the parties hereto that the time of payment shall be an essential part of this lease agreement, and that all of the covenants and agreements herein contained shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto, and their successors and assigns. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this lease as of the date first above written. ATTEST: Theresa White City Clerk ATTEST: Terry Williams Association Secretary CITY OF KALISPELL Jane Howington City Manager KALISPELL GOLF ASSOCIATION Doug Kauffman President Kalispell City Golf Course Lease STATE OF MONTANA ) ) ss. County of Flathead ) On this day of , 2009, before me, a Notary Public for the State of Montana, personally appeared Jane M. Howington and Theresa White, respectively, proved to me to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that they each executed the same in their respective authorized capacities as City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Kalispell. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day and year hereinabove first written. Printed Name: NOTARY PUBLIC for the State of Montana SEAL Residing at: My Commission expires: STATE OF MONTANA ) ) ss. County of Flathead ) On this day of , 2009, before me, a Notary Public for the State of Montana, personally appeared Doug Kauffman and Terry Williams and proved to me to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that they each executed the same in their respective authorized capacities as President and Secretary of the Kalispell Golf Association, a Montana not for profit corporation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day and year hereinabove first written. Printed Name: NOTARY PUBLIC for the State of Montana SEAL Residing at: My Commission expires: Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 7 Exhibit "A" MAP WITH THE SUBJECT PREMISES OUTLINED � f I 7 i I s Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 8 Exhibit `B" BOUNDARY BETWEEN THE GOLF COURSE AND THE NORTH PORTION OF THE OLD LAWRENCE PARK FENCE LINE 1tELOCATIU..s KALISPELL }fUNICIPAL COLD COURSE LAWRENCE PARK Commencing at the KE comer of the Water Dept. Maintenance Building in Lawrence Park, thent* N ii' E, 56 feat ,to the MR fence corner of the Wator Dept. Sit* in Lawrence Fork, thence M 68' W, on and along the existing fence line SO foot to a point, thence B 10' S on and along the existing fence line 263 feet to the point of beginning of the test* line relocation, thence along the following courses. X 20' 9, 290 feet, ff 3' W. 190 feet, M a V V, 41 fort, M 20' V. 103 foot to a point on the Low Rater Line of the Stillwater livar, said point on the Low Water Line of the Stillwater liver being the and of the fence line relocation. Low Water Line Of Stillwater River NOUt All bearings were obtained through the use of a hand compass. All information hereon was obtained on November 18, 1987. �4 u w � N z a Point Of Beginning Of Fence Line Relocation Is Section Of Fence No Removed W r^_ N.E. Fence Corner Water i Dept. Site In Lawrence Park Point On Fence Lined, N.B. Corner Water Dept. Maintenance Building Id F�i Lawrence Park Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 9 EXHIBIT "C" Formula for Calculating Annual Lease Payments 1. In determining lease payments the parties shall utilize a rolling average of "Gross Receipts" over the previous three years in calculating the lease payment for a particular year. 2. A minimum base lease payment $13,000 shall be payable so long as the rolling average of "Gross Receipts" as defined under section 3 of the Agreement do not exceed $750,000.00. 3. In the event the rolling average of "Gross Receipts" exceed $750,000.00 but do not exceed $850,000.00, the Lease Payment shall be two percent (2%) of said AGross Receipts@. 4. In the event the rolling average of "Gross Receipts" exceeds $850,000.00 the Lease Payment shall be two and one-half percent (2 1/2%) of said "Gross Receipts". Example: Rolling Average Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Gross Revenue Base Lease $0 — $750,000 $13,000 $750,001 — $850,000 $850,000 + 2.5 Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 10 Exhibit "D" Buffalo Hill Golf Course 2009 Schedule of Fees *Membership (Season Pass) 2009 2008 Adult — All 27 holes $659 $599 Adult — Cameron 9 $499 N/A Student (Full -Time College) $225 $225 Junior (High school Senior and below) $150 $140 **Green Fees 18 Hole Championship Course $ 53 $ 50 9 Hole Cameron Course $ 22 $ 20 *Above adult season pass rates reflect "regular season" prices. An "early bird" discount rate was offered in 2008 of $499, and $549 in 2009. In addition, a separate "capital fee" of $125 was assessed to each adult member **Above Green fees reflect peak season rates. Discounted rates offered to allow for non -peak conditions, promotions, and package rates. In addition, (not reflected in the fees above) a $5 capital fee is charged for each 18 hole green fee on the Championship 18, and a $3 capital fee is charged for each 9 hole green fee. Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 11 Exhibit "E" Kalispell Golf Course Multiple Use Policy The Kalispell Golf Association (KGA) leases the golf course from the City of Kalispell for the purpose of providing the best possible golfing conditions for its paying members and guests. As a result, the KGA and the City of Kalispell must be responsible for controlling access to the golf course for both golfers and non -golfers. Personal safety is highest priority. Golfer Access• 1. Golfers are allowed on the course only during "open tee time" periods as posted in the Clubhouse Rational: There are predictable periods of time when the course is closed for maintenance; consequently, there are no "open tee times" during these periods of time. 2. Golfers are allowed on the course when the course is safe and ready to play as determined by the Golf Course Maintenance Staff. Rational: There are environmental conditions that occasionally occur that result in the closure of the course. For example, heavy rains can cause dangerous soil conditions for golfers and traffic during saturated soil conditions, resulting in soil compaction, which is detrimental to the playability of the turf. Frost covered turf can die if traffic is allowed; consequently, the course is closed until the frost melts. High winds can result in dangerous debris and hazardous trees on the course; consequently, the course maybe closed until the dangerous conditions have been corrected. The Goff Course Maintenance Staff is responsible for making the course playable, and as a result, making the determination when the course is safe to play, 3. Golfers are not allowed on the course when lightning is in the area, as determined by the Pro Shop Staff. Rational: Lightning kills golfers every year. The Pro Shop Staff will do it best to close and clear the golf course when lightning is threatening. The Pro Shop Staff will also determine when the lightning appears to have left the area, and then re -open the golf course for play. 4. Golfers are not allowed on the course during the nighttime hours when the course is "open for the season." Rational. The golf course is irrigated during the nighttime hours. The golf course irrigations system operates at high pressure (up to 120 PSI). Anyone hit by this high-pressure. high -velocity water can sustain significant injury and possibly even death, consequently, the course is closed to non -golfers during the nighttime hours when the course is "open for the season. " Buffalo Hill Golf Course has significant elevation changes throughout its grounds, and the limited light during the nighttime hours can impair one's ability to accurately judge the terrain, consequently, the course is closed to non -golfers during the nighttime hours and when the course is "open for the season. " Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 12 5. Golfers are not allowed on the course when the course is "closed for the season" as determined by the General Manager. Rational: Once the course is "closed for the season, " other non -golfer activities begin such as jogging, sledding and skiing. These non -golfers are not aware of the risks golf balls pose and will not be prepared to look -out for flying golf balls; consequently, when the course is closed for the season, golfers may not play on the course. Non -Golfer Access: 1. Non -Golfers activities such as jogging and walking are encouraged when the golf course is "closed for the season," subject to hours governing city parks, generally open at 6:00 a.m. and closed at 11:00 p.m. Rational: Non -golfing activities such as walking and jogging are encouraged when the golf course is closed for the season, and during hours consistent with other City of Kalispell parks, 2. Skiing and sledding is encouraged when adequate snow cover exists as determined by the Golf Course Maintenance Staff. 3. Non -Golfers are not allowed on the course during the daylight hours when the course is "open for the season." Rational: Golf balls have been clocked at over 150 mph, and typically land with a velocity of over 50 mph, consequently, flying golf balls pose a significant danger to non -golfers who may stray into landing zones. 4. Non -Golfers are not allowed on the course during the nighttime hours when the course is "open for the season." Rational: The golf course is irrigated during the nighttime hours. The golf course irrigations system operates at high pressure (up to 120 PSI). Anyone hit by this high-pressure, high -velocity water can sustain significant injury and possibly even death; consequently, the course is closed to non -golfers during the nighttime hours when the course is "open for the season. " Buffalo Hill Golf Course has significant elevation changes throughout its grounds, and the limited light during the nighttime hours can impair ones ability to accurately judge the terrain, consequently, the course is closed to non -golfers during the nighttime hours and when the course is "open for the season, " 5. Non -Golfers are not allowed on the course when frost covered turf conditions exist even when the course is "closed for the season." Rational: Frost covered turf can die if traffic is allowed; consequently, the grounds are closed to all traffic until the frost melts as determined by the Golf Course Maintenance Staff. Rational: Skiing and sledding can cause damage to the turf when there is inadequate snow cover, consequently, the course will be closed to skiing and sledding during periods of limited snow cover as determined by the Golf Course Maintenance Staff. Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 13 6. Consistent with other public golf courses in the area, dogs are not allowed on the grounds at any time, whether with golfers or non -golfers. Rational: For purposes of liability and safety of pedestrians, dogs are not allowed on the golf course at any time, Additionally, fecal deposits pose significant health risks to skiers and sledders as well as for the Golf Course Maintenance Staff during the turf maintenance seasons, Damage to turf is also a common result of dog waste. Finally, like a baseball field or football field, golf course turf is intended for a specific use, as such, dogs and their waste do not belong on the golf course because both can negatively impact the competition. This policy is for the benefit and welfare of both the golfing and non -golfing community. Violations are subject to public ordinance, which may result in fines or other penalties. Kalispell City Golf Course Lease 14