February 24, 2015; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:

President Hess noted a group of speakers was present and wished to address the Board about the golf course construction. She asked the CEO to put the matter in context.

Becker stated that when the Master Plan was adopted in 2005, one major strategy was to try and reduce the footprint of golf to make the land available for additional uses. At that time, the South golf course was closed, and the space has become Big Lake, the Festival Grounds, and eventually, the Splash Park and Children’s Museum. After Hurricane Katrina, we revisited the Master Plan and made another effort to reduce the footprint of golf. The footprint has been reduced from four courses to two courses, a driving range, and a new club house. The area that the new course is being built on was parts of the old East and West golf courses. If the Park would have chosen to renovate the two courses, they would have opened five or six years ago, but the delay to develop a better plan has meant the area between Harrison Avenue and Zachary Taylor which was part of the old East Golf course is no longer designated for golf but will remain open for other uses. Because the Park does not receive any general tax revenue from the City or State, it is necessary to review ways to try to generate revenue and help maintain the rest of the Park. Golf has been a historic part of the Park; the first course opened in 1901. We held five public hearings since the plan was originally adopted, and at every hearing, this area has been designated as golf. Construction of the course is underway.

Chief Executive Officer Becker read the rules for receiving public comments and asked speakers to abide by those rules. The Board allowed speakers to make public statements. The following is a list of speakers:
Melissa Gray, Byron Almquist, Chris Boozer, Philip Garrett, Chris Lane, Kevin McDunn, Marilyn Eyer, Lauren Sullivan, Justin Kray, Clint Romig, III, Mike Ricci, Ashly Rose, Jerrell Hazlett, Caity Bower, Anthony Hart, Gavin Gillen, Benjamin Morris, Cate Irvin, Macqui Stavis, Sarah Rose, Keanan Cole, Adrian Bruneau, Ken Reynolds, Stephen Weller, Rebecca Rae, Molly Reid, Demetria Christo, Dawn Dedeaux, Lindsey Berger, Jean Martinolich, Ann Coviello, Steviera Blake, Kezia Kamentz, Julie Ray, Raymond Jackson, Denise Ondaro, and Kate Paxton.

Becker thanked all the speakers for their comments. Hess thanked all Commissioners for being patient and listening to all the comments, and noted that it is very important to have participation from the public. In her President’s Report, Hess reported that the ground breaking for golf was very successful and received lots of media coverage. Hess thanked all Board members who participated in the ground breaking.

January 27, 2015; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
The State signed a construction contract with Duininck, Inc. to construct the new golf course. Construction is expected to begin in February with a completion date of February 2017.
The Disc Golf course was moved to the area between I-610 and Harrison Ave to make room for the Splash Park.

December 16, 2014; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Commissioner Will Tregre reported that the Committee will begin meeting regularly when the construction begins on the course.

November 25, 2014; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Becker reported that the State received bids for the new Golf Course project. The low bid of $13,180,000 was submitted by Duininck, Inc., a respected golf course construction company. The State is in the process of verifying the bids, and construction should begin at the beginning of the year. Commissioner Will Tregre reported that the Committee will begin meeting regularly when the construction begins on the course. Tregre commended Bob Becker, Bill Hoffman, Robert Lupo, Mike Marsiglia, and Paul Masinter for their persistence in making this project happen.

October 28, 2014; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Becker reported that the State has adjusted the bid date for the new golf course to November 12, 2014. Commissioner Will Tregre reported that there are five qualified golf course contractors who are bidding on the course. The Committee will begin meeting once bids are received. Golf revenue is consistent with the budget.

September 23, 2014; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Becker reported that the golf course project is out to bid and final bids are expected by the end of October 2014. Becker and representatives from the Bayou District Foundation did a systematic tour of the golf course in an effort to minimize the number of trees which need to be removed. Significant progress was made in reducing the total.

July 27, 2014; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf–Commissioner Will Tregre reported on a meeting with the State to finalize the bidding procedures for the new golf course. The project should go out to bid within the next several weeks. A meeting will also take place with the Bayou District Foundation to discuss the Golf Club House.

June 24, 2014; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Chief Executive Officer Becker reported that the State has agreed to bid the golf project. The State will review the plans and specifications and develop a new schedule prior to the project going out to bid.

Commissioner Will Tregre reported on a meeting with Billy Casper and City Park Management to discuss pricing strategies to increase rounds played. A recommendation was made to offer discounted pricing after the peak morning hours to extend the peak play period. Secondly, Tregre reported that Billy Casper recommended reducing the price of a golf cart rental from $15 to $10, to make us competitive with other courses and encourage players to use the golf carts thereby decreasing play times. City Park Management has authorized Billy Casper to make those pricing changes.

May 27, 2014; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
In the President’s report, Commissioner Hess reported continuing efforts with the State to move the Golf Course and Splash Park project from Priority 5 and add money to the Maintenance project to complete the design; the session will end on June 2nd.

March 25, 2014; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Board of Commissioners President Bill Hoffman has signed the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Bayou District Foundation. The agreement has been sent to Baton Rouge as evidence of our progress on the project. Work continues on the Management Agreement.

February 25, 2014; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Board of Commissioners President Bill Hoffman reported we are still aggressively working to find ways to get the State to release the funds for the golf course. Hoffman thanked all board members who attended the Public Hearing. At the meeting the Board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to amend the Master Plan.

January 31, 2014; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
A Public Hearing is scheduled for February 18th to discuss changes to the Master Plan.

[Minutes of the October, November and December 2013 Board Meetings were not made available.]

September 24, 2013; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - FEMA agreed to increase the value of golf damage claims to recognize additional damage not recorded in the original project worksheets.

July 23, 2013; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - Work continues on the Cooperative Endeavor Agreements with the Bayou District Foundation. The State is in the process of finalizing the plans for the new golf course. The project should go out to bid in August and open in spring of 2016. The State agreed to only accept bids from contractors certified by Golf Course Contractors Association. Commissioner Paul Masinter reported the Legal Committee is working on the Management and Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for the golf course.

June 25, 2013; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - Becker reported FEMA completed its environmental review of the golf course project and signed a “Finding of No Significant Impact”. We are still waiting for final FEMA action on our damage request which will help us finalize our funding for the entire plan. The State included language in HB2 which gives flexibility to pre-qualify golf course contractors. Only contractors certified by Golf Course Contractors Association will be allowed to bid on the project.

May 28, 2013; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - The archeological analysis has been completed and we are waiting on the report. The number of rounds of golf is down 20% mainly due to inclement weather conditions. Commissioner Tregre commended Billy Casper Management for keeping expenses down despite a decrease in the number of rounds played. While rounds at golf are down fairly significantly, lower costs have allowed net to only be below plan by $26,000.

April 23, 2013; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - FEMA is in the process of completing the Environmental Assessment of the golf course project. The archeological analysis has been completed and we are awaiting the report.

March 26, 2013; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - FEMA is in the process of completing the Environmental Assessment of the golf course project. The Executive Committee approved a new contract for Golf legal consultant.

February 26, 2013; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - Becker and DeViney participated in a conference call with the Governor’s Office, State Department of Facilities Planning, and representatives of FEMA, and learned that FEMA has decided that a complete Environmental Assessment of the golf project will be undertaken. In addition FEMA will conduct a complete archaeological analysis of the entire 250-acre project which will involve shovel testing over the entire ground with more intensive shovel testing in the area between the lagoon and Wisner. This additional testing will delay the project between two to four months from going out to bid.

Bayou Tree is scheduled to remove over one hundred trees and move four Live Oak trees from the Golf course in May. The Park currently has over 20,000 trees. Commissioner Liz Sloss asked if the Live Oak trees will survive the move. John Benton of Bayou Tree reported he had great success in the past with the process.

January 29, 2013; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - Commissioner Will Tregre reported the State completed the review of construction drawings. We are waiting for FEMA to complete environmental assessment and review of damage assessment. Once completed the Park can finalize agreement with Bayou District Foundation and go out to bid.

November 27, 2012; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - Management Agreement between City Park and Bayou District Foundation presented! Chief Executive Officer Becker indicated that the Management Report outlined this process in further detail (a copy of which is uploaded under "Resources"), but the basic terms of the CEA included a term of 35 years, a contribution of Eight Million Nine Hundred Thousand ($8,900,000) of capital (including in-kind goods and services) by the BDF, an allocation of the Net Operating Income ("NOI") of 75% to NOCPIA and 25% to the BDF of the first $1,150,000 of NOI with any amount of NOI received in excess of that amount be allocated 55% to CPIA and 45% to the BDF.

Chief Executive Officer Becker recapped the history of NOCPIA's efforts to improve the Golf Complex, which began prior to Hurricane Katrina with the development and adoption of the City Park 2018 Master Plan. Funding was requested from the State Capital Outlay Bill to begin the golf improvements, which were estimated at that time to total approximately Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000). After City Park experienced extensive damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, it became clear that additional capital would be needed for the planned improvements in addition to the Capital Outlay funds and the damage claim funds coming from FEMA. NOCPIA then sought to issue a Request for Proposals ("RFP") to seek the additional capital. The Attorney General reviewed the RFP and suggested that it also include a request for management services for the Golf Complex. The RFP was revised and issued. Three proposals were received, and the BDF's proposal was selected as most responsive.

The BDF's proposal contributed Eight Million Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($8,900,000) of capital (including in-kind goods and services), plus management services for the entire Golf Complex. After receiving the proposal, NOCPIA engaged legal and economic experts to evaluate the proposal and analyze the economic potential of the Golf Complex, which after its development would include two 18-hole golf courses, a driving range, clubhouse and associated facilities, as opposed to the four golf courses City Park operated prior to Hurricane Katrina.

Chief Executive Officer Becker then outlined the agreements that will be necessary to enter into the relationship with the BDF contemplated by the RFP and the BDF proposal. These include (1) a CEA by and between NOCPIA and BDF, which outlines the basic business relationship between the parties; (2) a Management Agreement by and between NOCPIA and BDF, which specifically details how the Golf Complex is to be managed; and (3) an Operating Agreement, which shall be entered into by and between the BDF, as manager of the Golf Complex, and PGA Golf Course Properties, Inc., as the initial operator of the Golf Complex, and sets forth the operational standards for the Golf Complex. The Operating Agreement shall be approved by NOCPIA prior to its execution.

Chief Executive Officer Becker also indicated that during the current negotiation process the design of the new 18- hole golf course has been underway by the State. The State's consultants, Torre Design and Rees Jones Golf, have been assisted by the PGA in the preparation of these plans.

Chief Executive Officer Becker indicated that the Management Report outlined this process in further detail (a copy of which is attached to these Minutes as Attachment A), but the basic terms of the CEA included a term of 35 years, a contribution of Eight Million Nine Hundred Thousand ($8,900,000) of capital (including in-kind goods and services) by the BDF, an allocation of the Net Operating Income ("NOI") of 75% to NOCPIA and 25% to the BDF of the first $1,150,000 of NOI with any amount of NOI received in excess of that amount be allocated 55% to CPIA and 45% to the BDF.

Commissioner Tom Fierke asked about the return of contribution of the Management Fee, and Chief Executive Officer Becker indicated that the operator will be paid a Management Fee equal to four percent (4%) of Gross Revenues earned each fiscal year for the operation of the Golf Complex, which is similar to the arrangement NOCPIA currently has with Billy Casper Golf. As set forth by the BDF response to the RFP and as stated in the CEA, the operator will contribute seventy-five percent (75%) of its Management Fee (or three percent (3%) of Gross Revenues) for capital improvements in the Golf Complex.

Commissioner Gerry Schoen asked Mr. Gerry Barousse, a representative of the BDF who had previously made a public comment, what the schedule will be for the implementation of the new golf course. Mr. Barousse indicated that depending on when the State released the plans for bidding, the new golf course would open in either 2014 or 2015.

President Lupo thanked members of the Golf Committee, the Executive Committee, staff, and the BDF for their efforts pertaining to the Golf Complex, and asked if there were any further public comments.

Chief Executive Officer Becker then indicated that City Park Management concurred with the recommendations of the Golf Committee and the Executive Committee, which recommended that the Board of Commissioners of NOCPIA approve the proposed CEA in substantially the form presented, with such changes, amendments and modifications as may be agreed upon by the Chief Executive Officer of New Orleans City Park and the President of NOCPIA, provided that the value of the BDF contributions be verified by said Chief Executive Officer and President and further provided that the CEA not be executed until the Board of Commissioners of NOCPIA approves the Management Agreement between NOCPIA and the BDF.

Commissioner Karen DeBlieux moved to approve the proposed CEA in substantially the form presented, with such changes, amendments and modifications as may be agreed upon by the Chief Executive Officer of NOCPIA and the President of NOCPIA, provided that the value of the BDF contributions be verified by said Chief Executive Officer and President and further provided that the CEA not be executed until the Board of Commissioners of NOCPIA approves the Management Agreement between NOCPIA and the BDF, as recommended by City Park Management, the Golf Committee and the Executive Committee. Commissioner William Hoffman seconded the motion.

After soliciting and receiving public comment, President Lupo called the vote, the result of which was unanimous in favor, with one abstention.

October 23, 2012; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - Becker reported a draft of the proposed Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Bayou District Foundation was sent to the Attorney General for review. We received favorable comments from the Attorney General. The plans for the golf course are complete but the State is waiting on FEMA to begin and complete the environmental assessment and take action on our request to version up our damage claims.

September 25, 2012; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - Becker met with Bayou District Foundation and the designer, and is scheduled to meet with representatives from the State to review our golf damage claims. Due to Hurricane Isaac, the State granted the designer an extension to October 15th to complete the construction drawings.

July 24, 2012; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - Commissioner Will Tregre commended Billy Casper management for maintenance of the course. The new courses should go out to bid by the end of September. Progress is being made with Bayou District Foundation on the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement and hope to finalize and adopt at the September meeting.

June 26, 2012; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - Becker reported progress is being made with Bayou District Foundation on the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement. Budget issues over the construction of the championship course have been resolved and the State has been requested to authorize the design consultants to complete the plans so the project can be bid.

May 22, 2012; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - A meeting took place with Bayou District Foundation to review the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement.

April 24, 2012; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - Discussions continue with Bayou District Foundation. Becker anticipates the project going to bid by the end of July. Depending on growing season, the completion date of the course could be Fall, 2013 or Spring, 2014.

March 27, 2012; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - The latest construction drawings of the new championship golf course are underway. The committee anticipates the project going to bid by the end of June. The Park is in the process of requesting that FEMA increase the damage claims on existing project work sheets for the golf courses.

February 28, 2012; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - A design review meeting was held on the latest construction drawings of the new championship golf course. The committee anticipates the project going to bid by the end of June.

January 24, 2012; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - A design review meeting was held with all consultants on the new championship golf course. Planning is moving into final construction drawings. A revised agreement was submitted to the Bayou District Foundation for their consideration. The committee anticipates the project going to bid by mid-June, with a completion date of late 2013 or early 2014. President Lupo thanked Commissioner Will Tregre for all his work on this project.

December 13, 2011; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - Becker reported the State has signed the final design contract to complete construction drawings for the new course. We are moving to apply all of the golf course damage claims to the course which will take 2-3 month for FEMA review. Meetings have been held with the BDF attorneys to finalize the draft CEA and Management Agreements.

October 25, 2011; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - The State sent an amended contract to the design consultant authorizing him to complete the construction drawings. The Park is still waiting for a response from the Bayou District Foundation in regards to the draft of the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement.

September 27, 2011; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - The Park has applied for Corp of Engineers permits and Coastal Use Permits for the golf project. The State has begun to revise the consultant's design contract with the goal of authorizing him to proceed to construction drawings within the next month.

July 26, 2011; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - A meeting was held with the golf consultants and the State to review the budget and discuss the next steps in the design process. The Park has asked the State to amend the design consultant's contract so as to proceed with the replacement of the golf clubhouse. A meeting was held with the Army Corps Of Engineers to determine the permits required and procedure for submitting those requests.

June 28, 2011; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - A draft of the proposed Cooperative Endeavor Agreement on Golf development and management has been submitted to the Bayou District Foundation for review.

May 24, 2011; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - The attorneys are working on a draft of a proposed Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Bayou District Foundation. Once the draft is complete, it will be submitted to the Bayou District Foundation for review. President Lupo thanked the staff for the extensive work on this project.

April 26, 2011; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - The attorneys are working on a draft of a proposed Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Bayou District Foundation which will be presented to the Board for its consideration within the next several months.

March 22, 2011; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
President Lupo introduced Resolution 2011-01 to amend the City Park Master Plan to make modifications to the plan for golf. Chairman Lupo read the Resolution and Bob Becker presented the proposed plan showing the original golf footprint, the proposed golf footprint and other changes. The Board heard public comments from Michael Tifft, Gerry Barousse, and Melissa Gray. Mr. Tifft expressed support for the Master Plan changes and expressed his hope that minimum damage to wildlife would occur during construction. Mr. Barousse, from the Bayou District Foundation also expressed support for the changes and partnership opportunity with the Park. Mrs. Gary expressed her support and appreciation for the proposed changes. Commissioner Bill Hoffman moved, Commissioner Laura Claverie seconded, and the Board unanimously approved Resolution 2011-01.

February 22, 2011; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - Becker reported work continues on refining the estimates for the new golf course construction and adjusting the plan to better utilize the available space. A Public Hearing will be held on March 22nd on a revised plan. President Lupo emphasized the importance for the Board to review the revised plan.

January 25, 2011; Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association:
Golf - Becker reported work continues on the examination of the golf plan and hopes to finalize soon. A Public Hearing will be held when the plan is finalized.