The city began looking for a buyer in August of 2022 and took bids for the land in January 2023. And bringing clarity as to why the sale happened.” “We’ve got a lot of rebuilding or repair that needs to happen between us and our community now. Fitzthum told KNSI the city needed to hit the pause button for the dozens of people who felt they never got a chance to voice their concerns over the sale because the city never held a formal public hearing. Mayor Ryan Fitzthum and Councilman Jed Meyer opposed the sale. After that, Boulder Ridge would need to sign a new agreement with Three Tees, and the two sides have been in conversation. Past city councils pledged that money for another ten years, and the sale will be used to cover that obligation, with the rest going to the general fund.Īt the 11th hour, operator Boulder Ridge let the city know they planned to invoke a one-year early termination provision in their lease that allows them to continue to run the facility for the rest of the 20 seasons. Sartell uses the annual $31,000 lease payment for the Scheels Athletic Complex. If the property weren’t sold, Sartell would likely need to make significant investments, which the city hasn’t been planning for. And so, I’m comfortable with where it is, especially given the liabilities we talked about.” And with that, you inherently diminish the value of the land. “We have imposed significant covenants and restrictions through the purchase agreement. Smith says those issues and the demand that the property remains a golf course for the next 30 years make it harder to sell. The alternates ended up in deficit over 30 years, and it’s just not something that I’m willing to have encumbered by taxpayers.”Ĭity staff says while the property isn’t in any imminent threat of being closed, several maintenance issues need to be addressed, including a new parking lot and an irrigation system, and the clubhouse does not currently meet building codes. “I think it was the best decision because we’re reviewing the financials, our overall cash position is so dramatically improved with the sale. Smith talked with KNSI News immediately after the vote. The city’s appraisal had the property valued at $775,000.
(KNSI) - A divided Sartell city council approved selling the Pine Ridge Golf Course after a four-and-a-half-hour meeting on Monday night.Ĭouncilmembers Tim Elness, Alex Lewandowski and Jill Smith voted to accept the $426,000 offer from Three Tees LLC.
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