Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution approves the City of Madison Golf Program Code of Conduct for the City of Madison Golf Courses. Beginning in 2023, all Loyalty Cards and Season Passes will be sold subject to the player’s agreement to comply with this Code of Conduct, including full or partial revocation of season passes for violations as defined in the Code of Conduct. Season passes account for approximately $250,000 in revenue each year for the Golf Enterprise Program. The impacts of the proposed resolution on the Golf Enterprise’s Operating Budget are anticipated to be minimal. No appropriation is required.
Title
Approving the City of Madison Golf Program Code of Conduct for the City of Madison Golf Courses.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison Parks Division, through the Golf Enterprise Program, currently owns and operates a municipal golf program at Yahara (36 holes on 451.08 acres); Odana (18 holes on 171.27 acres); Monona (9 holes on 85.45 acres); and Glenway (9 holes on 41.98 acres). The courses have all been in operation since at least 1968 and have been under complete City management since 2013; and,
WHEREAS, the Task Force on Municipal Golf in Madison Parks was established by Common Council on June 18, 2019 (Leg File #56004, RES-19-00456) for the following purposes:
• Solicit input from local stakeholders,
• Prioritize equity, public health, financial sustainability, and environmental sustainability,
• Review available research, best practices, and operational models related to municipal golf,
• Dicuss and evaluate all options for the use of the land currently occuped by Madison's public golf courses,
• Consider how to balance the allocation of resources among various parks uses,
• Recommend if the City of Madison ought to provide municipal golf to the public; if so recommend how much, where, and how,
• Develop recommendations to the Mayor, Common Council, Committees or Commissions, on the future of Madison’s Municipal Golf Courses that provide for both Golf and the City of Madison to be in a long-term financially sustainable position. At least one recommendation should not require an annual general fund operating subsidy and no tax levy supported debt; and
WHEREAS, the Final Report of the Task Force on Municipal Golf in Madison Parks was accepted by Common Council on January 5, 2021 (Leg File #61936, RES-21-00007) and proposed ten recommendations, including: #7. The City should work with stakeholders and staff to develop a specific action plan to promote equity and inclusion at all courses; and,
WHEREAS, in recognition that the sport of golf across the United States has historically had a reputation of being exclusive and unwelcoming, the Golf Enterprise Program is committed to tearing down damaging stereotypes of exclusivity and repair relationships within the community, ensuring that the City’s municipal golf courses are available for everyone, and that they are a safe and welcoming environment for users and employees alike; and,
WHEREAS, in order provide City employees with sufficient tools to address negative behavior occurring at the City’s golf facilities, it is necessary to enact a Golf Course Code of Conduct of the City’s municipal golf courses.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Madison Common Council, the Parks Division and the Golf Enterprise Program are committed to ensuring an enjoyable experience for all who play, visit and work at the City’s four municipal golf courses.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Madison Common Council, Parks Division and Golf Enterprise Program recognize a need for an established Code of Conduct for all golf courses operated by the City; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Common Council approves the City of Madison Golf Program Code of Conduct, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, as recommended by the Board of Park Commissioners, and hereby authorizes staff to enforce said Code of Conduct, including full or partial revocation of season passes as defined within the Code of Conduct.