SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Unless some entity or person decides to sue the City of Sioux Falls, citizens will not get to look at the scorecard--or know who the score keepers are--in its review of proposals to run the City's three municipal golf courses.
Parks and Recreation director Don Kearney responded late yesterday afternoon to KELO.com News' questions about the process to either rehire existing golf courses manager Dakota Golf Management or one of three other finalists to manage Elmwood, Kuehn Park and Prairie Green golf courses.
As noted below, Kearney calls the process "tried & true" and that selection committee members' names are not revealed until following an award to "ensure a fair and impartial selection process." He also said the process may be finalized later this month.
Here are excerpts of Kearney's response:
- "We most certainly recognize the importance of this contract for the City and for the golfers who will play on the City courses. As was communicated to the City Council back in April when this effort was ramping up, as with all RFPs, our primary interest is to follow a fair and competitive process so the decision made reflects what’s best, not only for the direct stakeholders, but for the City taxpayers as well."
- "The entire selection process follows a tried & true process that is guided by state law as well as City policies and procedures. As with many other RFPs, a team has been selected to review and evaluate the proposals for the purpose of developing a recommendation to the Parks & Recreation Board and City Council."
- "In this instance, the review team is comprised of two citizen representatives, one City Councilor, one Park Board member and two City Directors. We will release the names of the selection committee members following the publication of the City’s intent to award. The names are not released prior to the intent to award to ensure a fair and impartial selection process".
- "Considerable due diligence work is yet to be done before we’re ready to present a recommendation to City Council; so it’s important for everyone interested in this contract to be patient while we do our best to get this done right – as opposed to fast. We anticipate being able to announce our intent to award to one of the five proposers later this month, but until a contract is executed by City Council this remains an active procurement process."