Emails rec'd re: Chamisa Hills CC

Note: emails are posted in date order starting with the oldest first. To see the most recent post, please scroll all the way down.


Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 20:28:58 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Golf Course Sale

Mark:

As you are probably aware by now, we have organized a large group of homeowners from every area surrounding the golf course. We are passing out 1500 copies of a letter alerting residents of the possibility of residential development on the golf course if sold to a developer.

The residents want to see it stay a golf course and, in fact, improved if purchased. Any attempt to change the zoning will be met with strong resistance. I only hope you are of a mind to support us. So far, I feel as though you are.

Doug Taylor
Stonehenge/Estates


Date: May 23, 2013
To: Councilor Mark Scott
From: Dan Buchly

Re: Chamisa Hills CC

I live at Augusta Drive and back onto fairway number 2 east and have for 17 years. The only time we have spoken was at the annual meeting of the Stonehenge/Estates Homeowners Association. My concern is about the upcoming auction of CHCC.I would be happy to have new management of the golf course; however, I want to see it continue as a golf course, either public or private. I am very much against it being sold to a land developer and divided into home sites, both for me personally and for the future and good of Rio Rancho.

I think you should know, if you don't already, there is a groundswell of public sentiment against such development. I think the people in your district will strongly rise up against rezoning and may seek legal means to resist it. I hope you will listen and assist us in this endeavor.I think it was a mistake on the Council's part to raise the effluent water rates on the golf course by a factor of five. It, however, may have been a blessing in disguise to encourage new management of the Club. I encourage the Council to work with new management on the water rates, if a golf course entity is the successful bidder.

Mark, I hope you will give consideration to my above requests. I have some background in these matters as having been an executive with Bellamah, Horizon and Amrep, including sales of and cleanup deeding of golf courses. 

Dan Buchly



Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 11:37:45 -0600
Subject: Chamisa Hills

Mark,

I am a constituent living in the Estates of High Resort (Estates I), part of the Country Club community. I strongly oppose that any zoning changes be made if and when the Club is sold. If there were to be any "developments" on the property, it would drastically affect home values in my area. I think I speak for the homeowners here in Estates I when I say it needs to remain a golf club. Please represent our views.

Sincerely,
Judy Tully
Spyglass Loop

Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 16:39:12 -0600
Subject: Chamisa Hills Country Club

Dear Mr. Scott,

We ask that you support maintaining the Rio Rancho golf course in
anyway that you can.

My family and I have lived on the Chamisa Hills Country Club for the
past 16 years. We chose to retire on the course and have paid off our
home. It is very important to my family and I that the golf course
remain a golf course to help maintain the wildlife & open space,
maintain our property value as well as our quality of life. The green
space that the club offers our community is very important to my
family and to our entire community.

Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help you help
our golf course. My brother-in-law is the past president of the NM
state bar. He mentioned to me that there are state laws that help
prevent residences from having country clubs converting to other
development. Are you aware of any of these? Thought if knew of this
that it may help you better represent the cause. I'll keep in touch.

I thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Aaron & Debbie Fleming
Calle Suenos SE, RR 87124



Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 18:01:38 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Rio Rancho Golf Course

Sir,
Sorry about my previous e-mail. The residents surrounding the golf course (including myself) are very worried about what may happen if the golf course goes away. Please let me know what city council plans to do. We are all ears.

Thanks,
Bob

Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 12:00:49 -0600
Subject: Sale of Chamisa
May 24, 2013

Dear Council Members;

I am a resident of Rio Rancho; my home backs onto the Chamisa Golf Course. When I purchased my home in December 2011, I did so for a variety of reasons, one primary one being that it backed onto a golf course. This is what I want.

I see that Chamisa may be sold because they are going bankrupt; the primary reason being vocalized around here is that the reason they went bankrupt is largely due to The City Council, who raised the water rates for reclaimed water by 10 fold! In an economic downturn- I would have thought you would have lowered the rates to try to keep a good business going, one that benefits the city and attracts others to the area.

I understand that water is a sparse commodity – my former residence was on a golf course in Yuma AZ where the average rainfall before the drought was 2-3” per year. Yuma, a community of 120,000 has at least 5 golf courses that I am aware of – this is a primary feature which attracts people who want to live there in the winter (warm, but not hot) climates. I am totally amazed that a City Council would price out the only established golf course in town – not smart long range thinking at all! I also understand that the Council feels under financial pressure due to the new construction of the huge City Hall and the Convention Center – way out in the boonies of Rio Rancho. Ok, I accept that you have financial concerns, but this is NO REASON to jeopardize an excellent existing amenity to the RR community.

I highly recommend that you DO NOT change the building codes; you DO NOT permit development on the existing golf course acreage. If you do, it would seem to me that it is just bad management, very short sighted. I would be extremely upset, and I would lobby against such a code variance and, if it were to pass, I would lobby against your re-election. A City Council "community-responsive" action would be for you to figure out how to buy the golf course and make it a Municipal golf course.

Please consider my concerns and suggestions,
Ann Maxwell
Superstition Dr SE
Rio Rancho, M 87124

Response from Councilor Scott (May 26th):

Ms. Maxwell,

Please visit my web site, I am updating continually as information comes in. As
there are 16,000 of you and only one of me, I am trying to get the
information all in one place. If there is something missing let me know
and I will gather the info and put it up. You can find it at
www.MarkScottRioRancho.org. There is also a place there to dialog with
your neighbors so all can work together to make our entire city better
for everyone. If we actually all work together we can achieve a great
deal.

As to your statement "I would lobby against your re-election."
This is not a way to have a open and fruitful dialog between you and I.
It is a threat, and threats and bullying do not have a place in this
discussion.

Who do you think should pay for the operation of the Golf Course? The
people who live on its borders seem to want others to pay. The
membership has dropped from 1000 to just around 200. The owner of this
private business has been paying next to nothing for years for water and
sucking out money every month. The people of Rio Rancho have been
subsidizing this private business for almost a million dollars a year.
(see the report on my web site. and look at what we have). It sure is
not what we had when I moved here 21 years ago. What a disappointment.

Time for a new owner with a new vision (it will be the third owner).
Work with the new owner, make it a win-win for the community.

Mark Scott



Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 14:11:19 -0600
Subject: Ph. Call on Chamisa Hills Golf and Country Club


Councilor Mark Scott,
Thanks for taking a minute to explain to me what has been happening with the golf course from both the city's perspective and the golf course. You were right in the fact that I have been getting a lot of information from numerous sources, both good and bad and not all of it was making sense. I appreciate the update from you directly on what you have been receiving from the city and golf course folks.

You mentioned to me on the call that I need send you an email so that I will be added to your mailing list in order to keep us better informed as to what is happening on the golf course issue and anything else that comes up concerning the City of Rio Rancho. I would appreciate it if you add me to your list of recipients for the future.

I did see on your web site that you go the Cafe Connection on the first Friday of each month, so I will try to meet you in person there when I get a chance just to meet face to face. The coffee shop is just around the corner from our house.

Thank You for your time and I look forwards to meeting you sometime in the future,

Richard Black
St Andrews Dr., SE

Christa Shannon
05/29/13 1:18 AM

Hello Mark,

I am writing to express my concern about the upcoming auction and sale
of the Chamisa Hills Golf Course and Country Club and the possibility
that the city may consider a zoning change to allow residential
development of part or all of the existing property. As a homeowner on
Saint Andrews Drive, adjacent to the golf course, any such decision to
allow residential development of the current golf course property would
have a potentially serious adverse effect on the value of the properties
that surround the golf course which I'm sure you would agree cannot be
withstood, especially in these already trying economic times. The
extensive listing document for the golf course, published by Navpoint
Real Estate Group makes numerous references to ways in which the
property can be re-developed for residential properties instead of
remaining a golf course. This .pdf listing document is accessible via a
link on the Navpoint website, at
http://www.auctionpoint.com/ChamisaGolf/auctionroom.aspx. I have also
attached it to this email. Please let me know how you plan to address
and respond to this possible residential re-development and the request
for re-zoning that it will entail. It is my understanding that it has
become difficult for the golf course to be financially viable in large
part due to a substantial increase from the City of Rio Rancho for the
price of water used for irrigation. It seems that this water rate
increase should be seriously reconsidered and reduced as part of the
initiatives to prevent a desire for any owner of the golf course to
re-develop it as residential property. Can you please respond to this
issue as well, and what the course of action will be regarding the water
rates for the golf course? Thank you for your time. I look forward to
your response.

Christa Shannon
Saint Andrews Dr. SE
Rio Rancho

05/30/13 10:32 AM >>>

Hello. I am very concerned about the golf course and what could happen
to it. Could the city use some of it for the park above? Just an idea.
Thanks,
Mindy Aycock

Thu, May 30, 2013 at 11:12 AM
Mindy,

I have mentioned this very same idea a number of times, but can not get
any traction with anyone.

Please share my email and web site www.MarkScottRioRancho.org with your
neighbors. I update the site almost daily when new information comes in.
In addition I send out emails to my golf course email list almost daily
to keep everyone informed. I have added your email to my list. Thanks
for contacting me.

Thanks for contacting me!

Mark Scott




05/30/13 1:14 PM
Dear Mr. Scott:

My husband and I live on Superstition Drive and have been watching the gradual decline of the Chamisa Hills golf course for some time. We are very concerned about the probable sale of the golf course land because the wrong type of development on that golf course area could drastically decrease the value of the houses in this neighborhood. I have two suggestions that might work:

1) The city of Rio Rancho could turn this golf course into a public facility as there are no public g olf courses in Rio Rancho at present. The pool and tennis courts could be offered as "pay by the day" amenities and the clubhouse could be turned into a really nice restaurant (preferably Italian with pizza, pasta, wine and beer). I know the city has looked at the possibility of buying this course but I never heard them talk about turning it into a public course.

2) This is a long shot but it might increase the value of our area as well as Rio Rancho. This is the first city I have ever lived in that doesn't have a main street. Pl ease don't mention the ridiculous "main street" off of Unser where the majority of Rio Ranchoans don't live. Even the smallest mountain towns have main streets the are easily accessible to the majority of residents. We could turn the golf course into "main street" Rio Rancho. We'd mirror ABQ Uptown except there would be more restaurants, more shops and a good grocery store. We could turn the fields on Hi gh Resort Blvd. into a parking lot and have continuous shuttle service to the main street. Thus, the main street would be pedestrian only and I think, people would not only be clamoring to shop there, but very happy to live within the vicinity.

Please remain active in any way that you can to help keep this golf course from turning into what could be a detriment to our area. If there is any way that we as concerned citizens of Rio Rancho can make a difference please let us know.

Sincerely,
Emily Tanenbaum
Superstition Drive SE



Thu, May 30, 2013 at 1:28 PM


I actually like the "longshot" but I do not think my neighbors would.....
Please visit and share my email and web site www.MarkScottRioRancho.org with your neighbors. There area all kinds of information, emails, letters, press releases as well as updates. In addition I send out emails to my golf course email list almost daily to keep everyone informed. (there are 16,000 voters in my district and only 1 of me) I have added your email to my list so I can keep you in the loop*.. Thanks for contacting me. Keep in touch.

Thank you .
Mark Scott


 05/31/13 10:23 AM 
Re: Letter to Mayor

Ok. I changed my mind about you. Thanks for keeping us informed. I may
even vote for you now:)

Bob

Response:

Bob,
You will not see my name on the ballot. Who knows, maybe your name will
be there.

Mark




06/03/13 1:42 PM


If (I suspect when) the matter of allowing the above mentioned property to be developed into homesites is presented to your office as well as the city council, I urge you to consider the impact that another 1000 plus homesites will have on our already depleted water supply source. It makes absolutely no sense to force such stringent water conservation policies on us, raise our water rates as you have, and then allow a developer to build in the area. If we don't have the water, don't allow any more large developments.
On a personal note, I live in the golf course neighborhood (although I do not live on the golf course) and I already have major issues with the low water pressure. Every year it has gotten worse. My home is a beautiful nine year old custom built, yet I can't run the sprinklers and use the dishwasher at the same time. The city water department has no answers, says it is typical of the area. Believe me when I say the area cannot handle more homesites.

The Payne/Reini household


Mon, Jun 3, 2013 at 3:13 PM

Nikki Payne,
Thank you for the email. I ask that you respond back with your address as I ask on my web site for this to insure that it is my constitute. (save me the time of looking each one up.


Please visit and share my email and web site www.MarkScottRioRancho.org with your neighbors. There area all kinds of information, emails, letters, press releases as well as updates. In addition I send out emails to my golf course email list almost daily to keep everyone informed. (there are 16,000 voters in my district and only 1 of me) I have added your email to my list so I can keep you in the loop*.. Thanks for contacting me. Keep in touch.

Thank you,
Mark Scott


Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 2:54 PM

Good Afternoon all. To follow is a email I received today. I thought you would like to see it. As usual please share with our community and invite them to visit my web site at www.MarkScottRioRancho.org and to send me their comments. I would love to hear from everyone on this matter. I should have some updates tomorrowas to the status, but things are somewhat fluid and the information from the owners real estate agent is not very clear and does not provide much insight.

Sincerely.
Mark Scott

------------------------------------------------------------

---------
Misinformation Clouds Issues Regarding Chamisa Hills Future


The owner of Chamisa Hills Country Club has, thus far, been successful convincing some people that the recent increase in reclaimed waste water rates by the City is the key factor in his decision to sell, essentially putting him out of business, as well as scaring away potential buyers who also want to operate the property as a golf course.

However, a broader perspective reveals that nothing could be further from the truth. There is no reason why the golf course cannot be successfully operated into the future. The owner’s current problems stem primarily, if not entirely, from his failure make necessary changes and capital improvements to the property over the past ten years. Without the necessary investment, it was easily foreseeable that a failure of the irrigation system, among other things, was inevitable.

Despite repeated promises over the past decade to invest in the course to assure its future viability, including statements made as recently as March of this year to concerned homeowners, the condition of the irrigation system (ponds, pumps, piping, sprinkler heads, aerators, control boxes, etc.) has been in a steady decline for many years with no serious effort to reverse the situation. It is now on the brink of total collapse.

In fact, the North course is no longer being played. One of the two ponds on that course has been inoperable for several years and now being kept full soley to keep down the wretched odor that it produces if the water level drops even slightly.

Watering on the North ceased entirely about one month ago (with the exception of the greens which are being watered so the grass can be cut out and taken to the East and West courses for repairs). For years now, large sections of fairway on the North course have been cut out for repairs on East and West, leaving patches of bare ground where the topsoil has blown away.

While East and West are still being watered and played, the extensive leaking throughout the system results in a massive amount of wasted water. In addition to neglecting the piping, heads and control boxes, the current owner has failed to address the remediation of the water features (the ponds), now long overdue. These water features have old, leaking liners that must be removed.

Due soley to the wretched condition of the irrigation system, it is estimated that for every 1,000 gallons of water delivered to Chamisa Hills, less than 500 gallons actually reaches the grass. The rest is wasted by leaks and overflow.

More troubling than the leaking liners is the fact that the ponds also have anywhere from two to four feet (or more) of sludge built up that needs to be removed just to get to the liners. For years now, windy days produce an extremely unpleasant odor that inundates homes that are downwind for hours, even days, at a time.

The remediation of the ponds, whether they are filled in entirely or reduced to a much smaller and more manageable size, will be a fairly expensive task for the new owner given the number of ponds involved. It will also be extremely unpleasant for nearby residents (24 hours a day for weeks at a time) as the removal is ongoing.

The process involves dredging the sludge out and transporting it in open trucks to the City dump, a very messy and smelly project. As such, it would be preferable if this were undertaken by an owner who cares about the terrible imposition it will have on homeowners in proximity to the course.

When Chamisa Hills took over the State waste water permit from the City following the duck debacle several years ago, it assumed full responsibility for the water features, and any necessary remediation. Mr. Apodaca knows full well that the time for remediation is upon him.

In fact, any future buyer will be assuming full responsibility for that task. Upon entering into a contract to transfer ownership, Mr. Apodaca is legally required to notify the buyer of the permit, who must then meet with State officials to assure they understand the responsibility they are assuming.

Unfortunately, the sludge removal will have to be done whether the new owner operates a golf course or not. The ponds have essentially become obsolete since the City now has a new, high-pressure delivery system that allows the course to be watered directly without using the current pumping system. As such, there is no longer a need for such large, or so many, ponds. If they survive, it would be in key locations either as water hazards on the course, or for wildlife or aesthetic considerations.

Another long-overdue project that is necessary for the survival of the golf course is that of xeriscaping roughly half the playing area, converting the course to a target-style course used all over the desert southwest. Cutting out huge areas of fairway (much of it directly in front of the tee boxes) is necessary to reduce the amount of water required to operate. It has been done successfully on many courses, including Desert Greens just down the road from us.

While this is necessary for the purpose of reducing costs, it is also required by the fact that the City has future plans for the bulk of the water currently being sold to Chamisa Hills. This is something Mr. Apodaca knows quite well. By renovating the irrigation system and xeriscaping half the course, all three courses could be watered with roughly one quarter the amount now being used to water only two.

With respect to the increase in water rates (effective next year it increases from $.47 to $2.53 per 1000 gallons), this is still lower than other successful courses in the area pay for their waste water. It costs the City more than that to clean and deliver the water. Mr. Apodaca has received a substantial subsidy from the City ever since he purchased the property, in the ballpark of one million dollars per year.

With those savings, he could have long ago undertaken all of the renovations that he knew were required to keep his business viable. He has chosen not to do so and now attempts to heap blame for his current woes on the City, a City that has been more than generous to him over the years.

Nor has Mr. Apodaca been willing to consider changing the golf club to a semi-private status where members of the public are welcome to play. By doing so, the income of the business could have been increased dramatically with very little additional expense and very little impact on the priviledges of current members.

It is time for Mr. Apodaca to own up to the situation and admit that he, alone, is fully responsible for his current dilemma. The simple fact is that if he wasn’t trying to fetch significantly more than the property is currently worth, he would have sold it last week at auction. Instead, out of 40-some bidders, not one was willing to back up their bid by depositing a paltry $10,000. escrow deposit.

Rather than entertaining reasonable offers on the property, Mr. Apodaca has chosen to slander the City that has been so good to him for so long without any serious effort on his part to return the favor. As an on-course homeowner and former club member who is disgusted with the way the club has been operated and is currently being marketed, I would just like to say “Thanks for nothing, Harry.”


By Christopher M. O’Donnell, Esq.
Spyglass Loop SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124

--------------------------------------

06/10/13 11:22 AM
Councilor Scott,

I, along with other constituents in District 4, appreciate your
facilitating discussion of issues around the future of Chamisa Hills CG,
especially through your web site.

We may or may not know the outcome of today's (Monday) sealed bid before
Thursday's Council workshop. Sadly, the golf course may be too far gone
to attract sufficient investment. I hope I'm wrong. But that doesn't mean
the only alternative is a high density housing development, which as noted
in previous emails to your web site brings problems of its own around
roads, water use and congestion.

Thursday's workshop agenda appears centered around the water issues
rather than zoning issues originally put forth at April's Council meeting as
the reason for the workshop. The current owner's broker has stated water
rates are the "elephant" in the room. The real elephant is the way the course
has been mismanaged these past several years. The Governing Body is on
record defending the rate increase, saying further subsidy and low rates cannot
be justified. It is also on record favoring the property's continued use as
a golf course if that is at all feasible.

Speculation about the future best use of the course property may be
premature, absent certainty around new ownership. But in rehashing the
water rate issues, we may miss a public opportunity to collectively
discuss other options: Open space; Mixed use with parks; A public-private mixed
use partnership. What are zoning challenges for any use of the property
other than a golf course?

With professional business management and irrigation, Chamisa Hills
could again become a jewel. But that takes money, maybe more than an investor
is willing to put in, given the sad shape of today's course. Conversely, a
housing development in its place adds no quality of life value to this
last (still green in spots) open space in the City.

Currently, the course is in private hands, complicating the City's
ability to act. But are there other options the City can pursue should Mr.
Apodoca fail to secure a suitable buyer or a buyer at all? Is there a sale
price point that would be attractive to the City for an open space, mixed use
or Parks & Rec use in a public-private play? What are the zoning issues
surrounding these options?

Many residents of Rio Rancho may believe they have no perceived stake in
the outcome of the golf course sale...just as adjacent course property
owners may feel about infrastructure/land issues in other neighborhoods.

What makes a vibrant city is the coming together of separate interests
for the common good. Facilitating that outcome is the Governing Body's role.

I hope Thursday's workshop's discussion is as much about the common good
coming from a smart use of this valuable space as it is about placing
blame.

Thanks.
Richard Draper

--------
Richard

Thank you for this email. It is well thought out. Like you I believe
there are a number of options for this land. However after spending
hours and hours
trying to balance our budget I do not the city stepping in. There is no
money in the budget, another option would have to be looked at. And
there are some out there.


During the last year, a number of people on this governing body have
put a new park (A Park Above) for special needs children at the top of
the list for the Parks and Rec Dept. This new park has received
millions of dollars from the Governor
and the state representatives. I suggested that the new park be taken
over by the State of NM as we just do not have the resources in our
budget to take on 25-100K a year in maintenance.

I have copied your email to the city manager and asked that issues other
than water be addressed also. This will keep the discussion moving
forward. I do agree that
speculation at this time may not be part of a valuable discussion. We
have to wait and see if someone comes forward to buy it.


I look forward to meeting you on Thursday. I will be there early if all
goes well

Take care,
Mark Scott


06/10/13 1:33 PM 
Mark and Richard:

Good discussion and many valid points. If the purchase price and the
investment costs were the only things to be considered, you'd both have
a point that anyone buying the Country Club would be seriously risking their
investment. Some things to be considered that no one has mentioned is
the current and future income and another is a good business plan to pull
the club out of its slump.

I believe the investment made by a new buyer and the support of present
and future members could be leveraged into needed financing to rejuvenate
the Club which would bring even more new members in. I for one would
re-join and support the club. In fact, I feel there'd be a swell of support.
I'm positive of it.

Staying positive for now, we keep our fingers crossed.

Doug Taylor

---------------
Doug,

I feel very strongly that if the right person purchased the club, there
is no where to go but up. At one time they had over 1000 members. (now less than 200) I was one of them. There are endless possibilities for income generating and the entire property could support itself. The owner just needs a good plan, some real
creativity, join with the neighbors as partners, bring in successful
business operators and make it go. WIth a opening sale price of $8550K , and a $300K liquor license (included) the initial investment would not be a hard nut to
crack. In discussions today with other neighbors they have brought up the question, "is the golf course really for sale". I have no way of knowing. I guess we have to wait and
see.

Take care,
I will keep updating the web site.

Mark Scott

-----------
06/10/13 2:41 PM

Doug and Mark,

All in favor of a smart businessman, with deep pockets and ability to
hire the right expertise around course management/smart irrigation, buying
and operating Chamisa Hills.
Definitely the preferred option, which I'd support, too, as a member of
a new club with a concrete plan for the future. I think xeriscaping, new
methods of irrigation and communtiy support could make it viable financially. But I wouldn't be the one taking the $4-6M financial risk it would work.

My concern and purpose for writing Mark today is to get our heads around
other possible outcomes if no one bids (again). Harry hangs on. Course
further degrades. Or Harry walks away and declares the operation in bankruptcy? What then?

Are there other purposes for the land not in conflict with keeping it a
green belt amidst houses and further development?

Maybe today's bid outcome will deliver us the answer to our prayers. My
fingers are crossed, too. But.....

Richard

--------

Richard,

I am keeping my hopes high. Just to many what if;s right now. If Harry
bails it would go the same as any private property. The bank would take ownership .
(assuming it is banked owned). Same as all the homes scattered all over RR that have gone back to the bank. If he does not pay the property tax, it would go to the county to dispose of it.

We will just be forced to wait and see. I do not even like to speculate
this much. I have sent an email to the real estate people. Waiting for a response.

Mark Scott

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Tue, Jun 11, 2013 at 7:49 AM
Good morning neighbors. Below is a discussion between the real estate
agent for the country club and myself. Yesterday was the deadline for
sealed bids. The agents name is Dan.

-------------------------------
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2013 2:18 PM
To: dporemba@developco.com
Subject: Chamisa Hills Country Club.

Dan,

Do you have a buyer?
All done?

Mark


------------------------------
Hi Mark,

No firm buyer in hand. We have continuing interest but, as expected, it
is all in one way or another contingent on reaching a workable solution
with the City. We are continuing to develop more factual information to
share with the Council regarding what courses can afford to pay for water and
what typical effluent water agreement/rates look like. I am hopeful we may
have some of this available by or before Thursday but will know more
tomorrow.

Thanks,
Dan

Best regards,
Daniel Poremba, Principal

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan,

Thank you for the update. I appreciated all the work you are doing with
brokering the sale of the golf course and look forward to meeting with the new
owner. Also, thank you for the "more factual " research you are conducting, I look forward
in receiving it. Maybe it will compliment the report commissioned by the
city.

As to what can be done in the future, I am confident that the city
manager will accept any and all proposals from prospective buyers or the new buyer as relates to the golf course property. Each proposal will get a full review before it
comes to the either the planning and zoning commission, utilities
commission or governing body. It is interesting however that as of today
not one proposal has been submitted. If I was looking to make such a
large purchase I would have done so. Only two potential buyers have
contacted me, one dropped out early, and the other has not submitted a
proposal (although he said he would).

I look forward to additional information as it becomes available.

Have a great week
(Mark)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>> NAME HIDDEN \06/13/13 11:14 AM >>>

Still not receiving it. Also, you mentioned meeting with the new
owner a couple of times, any reason you have not been forthcoming with
the name of the individual? Makes me think we are not going to like what we hear.


Councilor Scott's Response:

Really?

If I was him I would not tell anyone until the deal is done. He is going
to get hit with everyone telling him what to do, why he is doing it wrong, bringing in their own
special interests, how to think etc. It is already happening, people are
trying to position themselves as some kind of experts. If they are such experts they should have purchased it.

He is going out on the limb here. You have to respect that
He is planning to go public tonight. I guess we will have to wait and
see. Everyone needs to back off and let the process finish. I suggest that everyone gives him some room to get his work done. Be respectful of the huge undertaking
that he is about to embark on. This is a private business man
purchasing a piece of private property.

I can not offer his name until he says it is ok. Nothing sinister here.

I will try the attachment again. Some are getting it , some are not. The
city email system is very bulky.

Again, to all the others sending me emails. There was a city council
meeting last night, there is one tonight, it is a work session only. The
city staff will be briefing us and we will have some discussion. You are
all welcome to attend. Hope to see you there.

Mark

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 14, 2013

As I mentioned last night at the city council meeting I said that I
would forward emails on to the prospective new owners. Here are some I
received today.

--------------------------

WE have been a faithful member of the RRCC (and still am, just sent in
my check for June) since 2005. WE purchased a family membership because my
son was and is a great golfer.
WE enjoy the patio in the evenings, HUGO in the dining room, Mr. Parr
at the front counter in the pro shop, Mr. Harp as the pro, and the many
staff and servers and food chefs.
My son has moved away and Mark and I do not get out to play because we
own a business. I live at the 200 yard marker on the par 5 on the North
course (south side) and unfortunately have watched my grass go from green and
weeds, to brown and ugly,
Even before we were members, I LOVED the Trevino North and the drop
down par 3 (which has since become Gallaghers house).
WE do not like that people use the course as their personal walk way or
jogging path and even let their dogs run unleashed on the course behind
my house.
We do not use the pool although it is a great facility.
We do not get to the course too much and have supported it through the
duck incident, through several managers and owners and hopefully will
continue to support it as a private golf course, although I know as a
business owner, that may not be feasible.
I would at least like to see a bit of special( ?) compensation to those
who have remained members through all of this. I know that this is not
the most eloquent letter, but I'm not much of a fluffer of words.
GOOD LUCK!!!!
--
*Karen

-----------------------------------------------------------
With Karen reply. We have two homes along the golf course our
first house we purchased is behind the driving range we moved from there
when Karens son began to drive as our HOA forbids street parking. We
rent that home now, after the course stripped the grass from the driving
range there is nothing to keep the soil from now coming over the wall
and ruining the landscaping I worked hard and proud to install. If the
new owner built homes on that parcel I would not complain. For the LAST
SEVEN YEARS there has been a water leak and constant pond behind what
was the range. Golfing the course there are a lot of leaks. The water
reuse pipe from Cabazone was installed behind those homes to provide
better water for the course. I was told the range would be watered again
after the install another Blown opportunity for the club. When that line
was installed the contractor replaced hundreds of yards of grass and the
course let it all die they could have used it to repair the course. The
north is now dead and I do not understand the logic of Mr. Apadaca to
let it go seems that would have reduced the value or the course for the
auction. I think the robed the sprinklers and such to repair the other
nines. If a nine were to be developed it would seem to me the West nine
is more suited due to wide double fairways and unused property.
Development of the west nine would also eliminate the problem ponds. At
this point I do not agree with my wife I do not see the value in staying
a member or living near the country club. For the money and how often we
play we could go to Pako, Sandia, Twin Worriors nice courses. Another
huge problem I have with this area is the requirement to have 40% of my
landscape turf, The mayor and the city read a proclamation not long ago
saying Rio Rancho is going to conserve water. There are also HOA in
Enchanted hills with the same water wasting requirements. I have spoke
on this before and an attempt was made by city staff but it died. I have
been to by my HOA Nazi board to move, That is now my plan. Thank you not
eloquent either somewhat rambling perhaps the same view as some of my
neighbors. Mark ..........

....................
Deputy Mayor Scott:

It was a pleasure meeting you this evening after the Called Work
Session. I have a genuine appreciation for the job you and your fellow
Council members do and, specifically, the way you go out of your way to
keep active communications between you and your constituents.

As we discussed, I am very interested in assisting Mr. Schumacher (sp?)
as he moves forward with his plans to integrate his business plans with
his new property and with the Chamisa Hills community. Please let him
know that.

Once again, thank you for orchestrating the meeting this evening and I
look forward to interacting with you during your tenure as Councilor.

With kind regards,

David

.........................

Councillor Scott,

Sprinklers on and wasting water, too little, too late to save the course
I say, this is how its constantly been, wouldn't you water if someone
else was paying for it? Owner has constantly blamed the city for not
allowing him to water, and always complained about the cost of water and
not making a profit, so I did advise him to get out before the golf
course got out of hand, he paid little heed to my advise. As far as
respecting the community, we need the new owner on board with the HOA,
the only way to assure a good neighbor.


alison

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Charles C. Davis" 
06/26/13 9:10 AM


Mark,

I am President of the Board of Directors of the High Resort Village Community Association. It covers 208 homes around the North Course of the Country Club. We are mailing a quarterly newsletter in the next few days.

I have copied your newsletter as part of my president's message. I give you credit for it and hope it will energize many members to add their names to those already in your roster. My wife and I sent you ours yesterday.

Chuck Davis

-------------------

Thank you for your support and involvement.

Mark Scott
City Council District 4

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, Jun 26, 2013 at 10:32 AM

Mark,

We have been Social Members of the Country Club for over ten years and
intend to continue our membership after the Club's new owners complete
their purchase.

Our address is: Charles
Calle Suenos SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Telephone: 505-896-

Our lot backs up to the ninth green of the North Course.

Charles

------------------------------------------------------------
Charles,

Thanks for this. I will include it in the packet I give the potential
new owner.

Mark

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 at 3:21 PM

Mark,

First of all thank you for taking the time to communicate with the potential buyers the ideas of the community. I would offer my perspective on the golf course and what I have observed over the course of the last 20 years. Our first residence was on Greenock Drive, just north of 7 and 8 on the north course. We currently live at 3469 Calle Suenos, just south of the tees on the north course par five.

My family has been a part of the Rio Rancho community since 1993. We were sports members at the country club for over 14 years and opted out for a number of reasons. Two of the reasons we opted out was that as a sports member I was paying $120 a month and then having to pay $40 a round to play golf. I paid the $120 throughout the year even though the pool was opened for a limited period and I didn’t play golf from November to March.

I was charged for a golf cart even though I walked. I estimated that I could play at one of the resort courses four times a month for what my total costs at Chamisa were. The overall condition of the course kept getting worse and worse. I found Arroyo del Oso to be a much better course with a senior rate of $16.80 . Chamisa is competing with Ladera for being the worst course in the area.

The second reason we opted out was that the restaurant was hit or miss. Sometimes we would get a good meal while other times it was slop and drop. Because meals at the restaurant were hit or miss we never felt comfortable enough to invite guests. On one occasion my wife sent back her food only to be stared down by the chef when her meal arrived back at the table. My comments follow:


1. The golf course and facilities must be open on a limited basis to all residents with members getting the benefit of the pool and tennis courts as well as preferred tee times. I say this because the golf course and facilities are under-utilized. Even with a membership in the 800 member range I could play a round of golf, walking, on a Saturday afternoon in the summer in under 3 hours. I never caught up to anyone nor did anyone catch up with me. Opening up the course to the public would help to garner public support for the course.
2. The dining facilities should be open to the public and the dining room should be moved to the east side of the second story. There is nothing worse than to have a meal in the dining room and have the west sun in your face. The could alternate service locations. Breakfast could be served in the existing dining room with lunch and dinner served on the east side. The views of the Sandia mountains and the city lights would be a huge draw. And again the dining facilities are under-utilized. Make it a four star restaurant that could compete with other restaurants in the area.
3. The entire club house should be non-smoking.
4. Increase the size of the pro-shop. I’ve bought clubs, shoes, golf bag and cart from Eric. He does a great job with the space that he has but it would be nice if the shop was bigger to handle a larger inventory.
5. Develop a designated area from which sod can be taken when necessary that doesn’t leave the course scarred. I make this comment because there have been many time since we have lived on Calle Suenos where sod was stripped off the fairway on the north course to be installed somewhere else. The area were the sod was stripped was not reseeded and sat like that until it filled in naturally.
6. Get rid of the current ground keeping crew and super. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen course workers being less than productive. At one time we had a major leak in the irrigation adjacent to the tees on the north course. The workers came out dug up the irrigation pipe and attempted a repair. Once the repair was attempted the hole was back filled and the workers left. The next morning the pipe leaked in the same spot. The workers came out repaired the pipe, this time it worked, and left the hole open for over a month. This past winter I notice something unusual in the middle of the fairway. It was a sheet of ice on the course with the irrigation still running. I called the club house and reported what was going on. Someone came out and turned the irrigation off. The next morning the same thing happened again. Bottom line I have no faith in the super or his workers.
7. This comment may be a little over the top but the city of Albuquerque offers a city pass for their four courses. As a senior I pay $1100 to play unlimited golf at any of the four city courses, with weekends and holidays blacked out. Maybe this is something the course could offer or a version like it. Maybe even try to partner with the city of Albuquerque for a Rio Rancho/Albuquerque city pass. This works for me because I play golf in the Spring, Summer and Fall, but ski in the winter.
8. If the club remains a members only facility giving it a special water rate will never be supported by a majority of the residents of Rio Rancho. Chamisa Hills has the potential to compete with Ladera, Desert Springs and Santa Ana golf courses keeping those dollars in Rio Rancho.
9. I won’t be able to pledge my support until I know that the water rate issue is resolved and until the new owner addresses how the course will be run differently to make it viable.

I hope some of this was useful. I do want to see some sort of Privite/Public golf facility here in Rio Rancho
Thanks Again.

Michael
Calle Suenos
Rio Rancho 87124

--------------------------------------------

Michael,

First of all thank you for reaching out to me. I wish I had more time, but I am outnumbered so I have to be brief. I agree with most of your points, but I am disappointed at your decision not to pledge. Everyone has told me how important this property is , but only one man has come forward to commit to tying to make a change. We need to come together as a community and get behind him so he can succeed. No one is asking for money, (at this time) but a commitment that if the new owner put outs a plan we will be there to help. If everyone that lives around the golf course because members, there would be a extra 3 million dollars. If the rest of the community would join (they keep telling me how important it is) the water "issue" would not even be an issue. Look at what the current owner has done with almost free water, water is not the issue, good management and real public support is.

Thanks for all your time and thoughts. The new owner has a copy of your email. He is looking for input.

Lets save this important part of Rio Rancho from becoming a tumble-weed field. We have to help, one man can no do it on his own
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Jack Bent"  06/25/13 7:42 PM 

Hello Councilor Scott,

This is Jack Bent again.......I find it interesting that you have the
time to respond to Michael on Calle Suenos with his rather lengthy note while
I know I made some poignant comments concerning the NORTH COURSE but you
said in a brief email that you did not have time to comment on the
particulars of my email.
I find this not consistent with your pledges to the community to have
an open ear and to respond to input! I echo Michael's comments if that does
any good!! You are incorrect when you say no one has come forth with a
pledge to join THE NEW CHAMISA HILLS to support the new proposed owner. In my
email I said that I would consider joining Chamisa Hills even though I belong to
Tanoan IF THE NEW OWNER COMES THROUGH WITH HIS PLEDGE!

You cannot expect an outpouring of support from neighbors of Chamisa
when they have witnessed a steady decline over the years with Apodoca at the
helm!

Councilor Scott......There is an old saying...Build it and THEY WILL
COME!

PS: Please pass this to Mr. Schumacher

Jack Bent
White Horse Dr, SE
# 3 Fairway, North Course.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

David 06/26/13 1:12 PM 

Hi Mark,

I have to agree with Mike, Calle Suenos. I thought it was a big mistake
for the Club to go private a few years ago. They were having trouble
maintaining the golf course when it was semi-private. I think that
maintaining a country club atmosphere for the current members but allowing
the public to enjoy the amenities that the Club has to offer is the way to
go. Of course the City of Vision needs to address the water situation and
help the new owners to be successful. I am willing to pledge to play at
the golf course often if the public is allowed access to this golf course.

Sincerely,
Dave,

Calle Suenos

-----------------------------------

Dave,

Will you become a member. I need to know how to file your comments so I can
present them to the potential new owner. If so please send me your name, address and phone number

Mark Scott

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

06/26/13 1:28 PM 

Dear Mark

First of all thank you very much for working so hard at trying to save the golf course.I strongly believe it is MOST important it remains a golf course and even though I do not play golf when the new owner will be in place I will definetely be again a member if there is some sort of social membership.I hope it goes thru and that the new owner will be successful.

Thank you
Laurette