Tuesday evening was the monthly meeting of the Scottsboro Parks and Recreation Board or as it is commonly known as the Goose Pond Colony GPC) Board. GPC web site:
http://goosepond.org/
The big story for GPC are the numerous renovation projects. The major project being the recently 3 renovated cabins. Story in Scottsboro's Daily Sentinel about the renovation project:
http://thedailysentinel.com/news/business/article_a7187808-59c9-11e1-9dad-001871e3ce6c.html More cabin and lodge improvements involve the outside electrical outlet installations for those who need to recharge their boat batteries.
The cabins are not the only renovation occuring at Scottsboro's crown jewel, Goose Pond Colony-Plantation Point. There are several other renovations ongoing at GPC which have been needed for some period of time.
Scottsboro Parks and Recreation Board
Campgrounds- The campground is undergoing renovation including the installation of WiFi for the campers. It was estimated the WiFi project should be complete in 4-6 weeks. The campground has been undergoing renovation for about 1 year now. Clearing, improving and adding spots, refurbishing the bath house and other projects. Lighting will soon be installed on the campground docks. The board approved the $1500.00 project last night. Of note was the $3500.00 savings which will be reflected by performing the task in house.
Marina- It was reported the repairs to the docks have been delayed due to the contractor having to order and back order parts. The lighting projects are underway. Dock 4 is complete and it was reported that docks 1-3 will begin soon. The forklift at the boat Dry Storage Facility will need to be renovated. Leaking seals, bakes and lift hydraulics was reported to be the problem. It was also reported the lift needs an overhaul; to repair the lift and overhaul could cost up to $89,000. A new forklift would cost approximately $270,000 according to the marina manager. A full report and exact estimate will be presented at March's board meeting. A modern outside lighting system has been installed at the marina dry storage facility which has already realized a significant savings but will also save money monthly in electrical costs.
Golf- It was reported that much has been accomplished to improve the golf courses during the winter months. A combined Club House and Pro Shop at Plantation Pointe. The double wide mobile home which was used as the Pro-Shop may be sold or used otherwise. Options are to be presented at the next board meeting. Renovation of the Cart Storage Facility is underway. Low bids have been received for materials and the construction will begin shortly. Fencing bid- $4250.00; Roof bid- $4267.00. 7 major Golf Tournaments are Scheduled. The Spring Fling will begin on March 9 with practice. During this time Plantation Pointe will be open for the 9 days of the Spring Fling Tournament. Plantation Point is scheduled to open on March the 2nd weekend. The Goose Pond Colony Golf Course Snack Bar is open and running. "Stevarinos" leased the property. Current hours are from 9AM till 2PM. Once the weather warms and business increases it was reported the hours will be expanded.
Fishing- The Bait and Tackle shop is under new management which was effective Feb 1, 2012. There are many tournament events planned. (see schedule below) It was reported the food is great at the shop.
The Docks- Excellent food, a view and atmosphere which can only be found at this restaurant.
A Lavender Sunset, looking south down the mighty Tennessee River from GPC, Scottsboro, Alabama. (Photo by G. Morgan)
Other improvements includes a new radio system due to new federal requirements. The 12 new radios reportedly will cost $7900.00 per the bid. However, this will eliminate the annual tower cost of $3000.00. Signage will be added around the park directing people to the appropriate facility. It was reported this will cost approximately $400.00
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS-GOLF
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS-FISHING
FINANCIAL REPORT: Per report- "In spite of revenues being down $19,000, 2.5%, after adjusting for facility improvement expenses the loss is down $55,000, 37%." Current year actual revenue is reported at $732,068; current year to date variable expenses are $708,846. Salaries, electricity, health insurance, maintenance, fuel costs- marina fuel and park maintenance fuel, and special projects improvements are the big variable expense items; current year to date fixed expenses (which includes the Plantation Pointe Bond Expense) are $233,735 - of that fixed expense total the Plantation Bond Expense, interest plus principle, is the big payout equaling $127,440.00, 54.5% of total fixed expenses. Other major fixed expenses include Marina Principle-$36,000; Cart Lease-$24,965; Complex Insurance-$15,835.00. Bottom Line- loss of $210,513, less special project improvements of approximately $118K equals loss of $92K as compared to last years adjusted loss of $147K.
Special Comment: In light of the recent Attorney Generals Opinion which was submitted as a result of a group of influential disgruntled golfers complaining about the reduced hours of operation of Plantation Point ( The hours were reduced to save money due to financial facts demonstrating that the Plantation Course was loosing money "head over heals." The home properties at the Points cost the Parks and recreation board $1 million dollars in sewer improvements.) the Attorney General suggested on 4 different occasions in the findings that parties cooperate with each other.
Trails End, on the Tennessee River, Goose Pond Colony (photo by G. Johnston for Garry Morgan)
It is this writers opinion the current problems originating for Goose Pond Colony are those problems created solely by selfish golfers, including one on the city council, and the unwise decision by a previous city council to purchase the Plantation Pointe golf course several years previous. It also becomes apparent that the disgruntled golfers, including the one city council member, attempts a self centered power play in the attempts to take control of the complex. If a spirit of cooperation cannot be found the complex could suffer more damage due to negative publicity. I have been following the problems and successes of our park at Goose Pond and the Pointe for many years. The complex was on the edge of bankruptcy due to a severe financial loss as a result of mismanagement and misappropriation. Misappropriation which was never investigated due to the influential citizens involved. The current board should be commended on the most difficult task of pulling the complex out of a deep financial hole. To the current Scottsboro Parks and Recreation Board,
thank you for a job well done.
