SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- City Councilor Theresa Stehly, who has been a critic of the process to select a new city golf course concessionaire, says she'd like to see the city take a step back.
The City Council is supposed to vote on accepting the Landscapes Unlimited proposal to run the courses tomorrow evening. However, that decision appears to be in doubt as Dakota Golf Management, the current vendor who was supposed to be a part of the new agreement with Landscapes Unlimited, says they want no part of it.
At issue is the value of equipment that Dakota Golf has bought over the years for the management of the golf courses, items ranging from mowers to golf carts.
Stehly says it's a matter of fairness to Dakota Golf.
"Tom (Jansa of Dakota Golf) had to purchase his own equipment that he used for the past 20-some years," Stehly said. "But the new company will have their equipment purchased by the City for them. That is a little concerning to me."
Click above to listen to the full interview with Councilor Stehlyl conducted by KELO.com News news director Todd Epp and It's Your Business' Bill Zortman.
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- KELO.com News has obtained a copy of an email detailing Dakota Golf Management's disagreement with the City over the valuation of their equipment at the three city courses they manage.
View the full email here.
"Unless there is a Hail Mary and negotiations resume and are successful, our intent is to speak against the City/LU contract at Tuesday night's City Council meeting," wrote Dakota Golf's Tom Jansa. "All members of the Council are aware that negotiations have ended and that I will be attending the meeting Tuesday night to make a statement and answer any questions if they want to call me back up."
Jansa further noted, "Our position is to take issue with the current contract and urge the council to reject it. A clearly better alternative is available. Allow Dakota Golf to continue managing the courses at no risk and no expense to the City. Just like we deserved the first opportunity when Prairie Green opened in 1995, we deserve the first chance when Elmwood reemerges from construction in 2018. The City is out nothing and if we don't do the job they can remove us in five years."
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- KELO.com News has learned that the deal to have Dakota Golf Management assist Landscapes Unlimited manage the city's golf courses starting in January may be at risk.
Dakota Golf says they no longer accept the city's decision.
Dakota Golf has sent out an email to its friends and members and are holding a meeting today at 5 p.m. at the Prairie Green club house.
Apparently, Dakota Golf is unhappy on what they're being offered for their equipment at the courses.
The City Council is scheduled to vote on whether to accept the Landscapes Unlimited bid tomorrow.
Dakota Golf was to stay on to assist Landscapes Unlimited, from Lincoln, Nebraska, as part of Landscape's winning bid.
Dakota Golf has managed the city's three courses for 23 years. The courses have been losing money the past several years.