SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- It was the locals versus the field according to the golf odds makers in who would get the new concession to run the City of Sioux Falls' three public golf courses.
Either current concessionaire Dakota Golf Management--which has had the concession for the past two decades--or the upstart juggernaut GreatLife with its packaged membership of golf, bowling, movies, and health club memberships--were considered the odds on favorites.
But instead, a secret evaluation committee that was only revealed this morning at the City's news conference announced the selected of a company from "the field"--Landscapes Unlimited of Lincoln, Nebraska--as the winner.
But Landscapes Unlimited was the proverbial fox in the hen house/tee box. Over two decades ago, they helped build Prairie Green. More recently, they were assisting current concession holder Dakota Golf with improvements at Elmwood. But the junior member of that "club" became the "senior" member of the relationship a little after 10 a.m. today.
But no one saw a "partnership" or "two-some" coming. Or at least the in the know golfers hanging around the 19th hole in the club house didn't see it coming.
While there was some confusion about whether the City's Request for Proposal allowed or disallowed a "partnership" or other arrangement, the City's RFP appears to allow such an arrangement as may now or will exist between Landscapes Unlimited and Dakota Golf Management.
Sub-section 3.01(E) noted:
"The successful Proposer shall clearly state if it is proposing to subcontract any of the work herein. List any subcontracting disciplines needed to provide any and all requirements of this RFP and identify all subcontractors and describe what portions of the requirements they would perform along with their experience, qualifications, and capabilities to provide the specified services. The successful Proposer assumes full liability for the performance of all subcontractors."
Mentioned almost as an aside by the City's Scott Rust during the news conference, Dakota Golf will likely continue some sort of role with the management of the three courses. Only they'll be the ones caddying for Landscapes instead of the other way around as it's been the past year or so.
About 15 minutes following the announcement, on It's Your Business, GreatLife's Tom Walsh--the former owner of Dakota King Burger King franchises and now the fast growing GreatLife, declared war on the City through various means.
He alluded to placing increasing competition on the City through his GreatLife golf courses, affiliated courses, health clubs and assorted perks. He also hinted at possibly appealing the City's decision.
The RFP does provide for such an appeal process, under sub-section 5.09(2)
"Right to Protest: Any bidder who is aggrieved in connection with the award of a contract may contact the Purchasing Manager to discuss the basis for an award. Venue and jurisdiction for any appeals from the award decision are in the South Dakota Circuit Court in Minnehaha County. Such protests and appeals regarding the request for bids and bid proposals are governed by and must be construed in accordance with South Dakota law."
Perhaps as interesting as the selection of the concessionaire was who was on the until now secret evaluation committee making the recommendation. Today, the City revealed who was on the evaluation committee:
- City Director of Finance Tracy Turbak
- City Parks Director Don Kearney
- Park Board Member Lorrae Lindquist
- City Councilor Marshall Selberg
- Citizen Golfer J.R. Thompson
- Citizen Golfer Jim Lowe.
Kearney mentioned at the start of the news conference the "tried and true" method the City used in the selection of Landscapes Unlimited. However, Kearney and Mayor Mike Huether had been under fire from City Councilor Theresa Stehly and others for not revealing who was making the decision. Stehly attended today's news conference and said that she wanted to see all of the proposals before the park board and Council votes on formally awarding the concession to Landscapes Unlimited.
While citizens got some answers today about who will manage the City's public links, there's still a few more rounds to be played before Landscapes Unlimited--and their new caddy, Dakota Golf Management--get to put on the champion's "green jacket" from the City of Sioux Falls.