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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 07 Request for Selection of Interim Operator for Forest Lake Golf Course City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761 Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: March 18, 2025 Item #: 7 Contact Name: Michael Rumer Department Director: Michael Rumer Contact Number: Ext. 6434 City Manager: Craig Shadrix Subject: Request for Selection of Interim Operator for Forest Lake Golf Course (May 1 – Nov. 2, 2025), Located at 10521 Clarcona Ocoee Road. (Assistant City Manager Rumer) Background Summary: In the event the City Commission approves the Seventh Amendment to the Ground Lease Agreement with Forest Lake Golf Course, the City will need an Interim Operator for Forest Lake Golf Course until a permanent replacement operator is chosen via the Request for Proposals (“RFP”) process. The current tenant at Forest Lake Golf Course will continue operating all aspects of the club and facilities until the close of business on April 30, 2025. The new permanent operator is anticipated to take over operations at Forest Lake Golf Course on November 3, 2025. Therefore, the City is in need of an Interim Operator of Forest Lake Golf Course from May 1, 2025, to November 2, 2025. The City has received proposals from three (3) qualified local vendors to take over the Golf Course’s interim operations from May 1, 2025, to November 2, 2025. The City has obtained all submittals in the same format, to allow the Commission to easily compare the proposals on an “apples to apples” basis, meaning all submittals include the same types and categories of information as to the proposed operators’ experience, level of service to be provided, and their ability to provide the required services. The City Attorney, City staff, and consultants are available to address any questions the Mayor or Commissioners may have regarding the submittals. Proposals were received from: SSS Down to Earth OPCO LLC aka Down to Earth FLGC Golf Manager, LLC aka Hampton Golf Tamarack Golf Management, LLC aka Tamarack Golf Issue: Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners selection of an Interim Operator for Forest Lake Golf Course from May 1, 2025, to November 2, 2025. Recommendations: Select an Interim Operator with an Agreement to be Executed upon the City Commission Approval of the Seventh Amendment to the Ground Lease Agreement for Forest Lake Golf Course Attachments: Page 55 of 142 City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761 Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org 1. Proposal Response Summary Sheet 2. Down To Earth Proposal 3. Down to Earth Bio 4. Hampton Golf Proposal 5. Hampton Golf Bio 6. Tamarack Proposal 7. Tamarack Golf Bio Financial Impacts: Management Fees will be paid from Golf Course Revenues. Type of Item: Regular Page 56 of 142 Page 57 of 142 Page 58 of 142 Page 59 of 142 Page 60 of 142 Page 61 of 142 Page 62 of 142 Page 63 of 142 FOREST LAKE GOLF CLUB LANDSCAPE | IRRIGATION | CONTRUCTION | GOLF PREPARED FOR: ROBERT UTSEY Principal 2290 Lucien Way, Suite 300 Maitland, FL 32751 Phone: (407) 739-8358 Email: Robert.utsey@zhaintl.com Website: ZHAintl.com Proposal issued: 0 202 Proposal valid to: 0 202 Page 64 of 142 2/03/2025 Re: Forest Lake Golf Club Management / Maintenance Services Dear Robert, Thank you for the opportunity to submit the following proposal for golf course management and maintenance services. We believe that Down To Earth is best qualified to fulfill the goals of Forest Lake Golf Club and we are excited to prove our capabilities to you and the city. We are committed to improving and protecting the quality and value of your assets through our dedication to our Mission, Vision, and ICARE values. Our Mission? To bring natural joy to our customers. Our Vision is to become the service provider of choice in the Golf Industry, and we achieve this through demonstrating our ICARE values: •We act with honesty, transparency, and reliability, always doing what is right for our customers, our environment, and our teams. INTEGRITY •We are one team that respects and cares for each other, continuously striving to beautify and improve the communities we serve. COMMUNITY •We meet our commitments to each other and to our valued customers and act if we fallshort of expectations. ACCOUNTABILITY •We are constant in our efforts to provide solutions to customers and to satisfy their needs. RELENTLESSNESS •We strive to deliver best in class quality and safety while improving our services and results every day. EXCELLENCE We have had success with our managed clubs in the area both in improved course conditions and revenue generation. We have extensive infrastructure in the area in the form of equipment, human capital and local market knowledge. If needed, we can supply a complete, up to date, maintenance equipment package and can mobilize quickly. Additionally, we are committed to utilizing the current staff at Forest Lake to achieve the club’s future goals. Down To Earth is very selective in the courses we choose to service, but in every case, you will find that rounds have increased, and conditions have improved – just ask any of our customers listed in this proposal. You have our commitment to create the very best on-course golf experience possible at Forest Lake! Respectfully, Nick Dunleavy PGA Regional Operations Manager (407) 928-2100 Page 65 of 142 COMPANY OVERVIEW A LITTLE ABOUT WHO WE ARE ARE YOU READY TO EXPERIENCE THE DOWN TO EARTH DIFFERENCE? Down To Earth Landscape & Irrigation is a premier, full-service landscape company proudly providing maintenance, irrigation, design, and construction services serving multiple regions across Florida. Specializing in large-scale commercial, residential and resort services, we deliver unparalleled service and unmatched quality from design and installation to ongoing maintenance. Page 66 of 142 ABOUT US Founded in 1989 as a landscape & irrigation installation company,DTE expanded to include a landscape maintenance division and golf division in order to meet the increasing demand from our clients. Today, Down To Earth continues to grow with over 1,400 team members that operate out of 15 branch locations and 30+ golf courses. OUR GOAL Down To Earth's goal for all three divisions is to approach it with the same business strategy and principles that have made the company a success since 1989: surround yourself with personnel that demonstrate our “ICARE” values and offer a service that demonstrates that to the customer. 1400+ EMPLOYEES Certified State Licensed Irrigation Contractor Certified Golf Course Superintendents Certified State Licensed Pest Control Operators Certified Rain Bird Maxicom Employees Certified Arborists Certified Horticulturists Certified Employees in Maintenance of Traffic Green Industries Best Management Practices On-Staff Mechanics (Certified Diesel Mechanics, Certified 2-Cycle Mechanics) 450+ EMPLOYEE VEHICLES Maintenance/Construction Trucks Irrigation Vans (Managers/Crews) Enclosed Trailers/Dump Trailers Large Semi-Trucks, Goose Neck Trucks LOCATIONS CENTRAL Lake Nona Mount Dora Orlando Sanford The Villages NORTH Jacksonville SOUTHEAST Vero Beach Fort Pierce Viera SOUTHWEST Sarasota Ruskin Fort Myers Naples Tampa Page 67 of 142 COMPANY SAFETY PLAN THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY THE TEAM THAT CARES Down To Earth understands that safety is the number one priority for both you and our employees. As such, all personnel wear the following necessary protective equipment during the performance of their duties: Protective clothing, reflective, high visibility shirts, and safety vests Protective eye wear or face shields Respiratory protection Gloves Ear/Hearing protection Down To Earth personnel will adhere to all local, state, and federal safety guidelines and will observe all safety precautions when performing services on property, roadways and rights-of- way. The following measures will be employed when active in these areas: Safe location of parked vehicles Use of safety cones/signage Flag personnel as necessary Use of reflective, high visibility safety vests on all personnel and vehicles (which are clearly identifiable) as required HIRING PROGRAM Mandatory drug screening prior to employment – zero tolerance policy. Each new employee must complete our “Green Vest Training” program that focuses on safe operation of all equipment and machinery. Use of high visibility uniforms, vests, hats, glasses, and earplugs as required. SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM Employees participate in periodic equipment training program demonstrating the correct way to operate machinery and tools utilized for day-to-day job activities. All Fertilizer/Pest Control Applicators must take the Florida Best Management Practices Class and stay current on continuing education units. Weekly Safety topic as well as periodic Safety bulletins to raise awareness and reinforce training. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Participate in weekly toolbox talks to review the correct maintenance procedures and inspect current equipment. Clean equipment daily as well as sharpen mower blades and service equipment to ensure proper working order. Weekly Vehicle Condition Report to ensure that all repairs and maintenance have been completed. Monthly Branch & Site Audits to ensure compliance. Page 68 of 142 APPROACH TO SERVICES AN OVERVIEW OF WHAT WE DO & HOW WE DO IT CORE COMPETENCIES MAINTENANCE IRRIGATION CONSTRUCTION GOLF We are driven by being able to provide superior service to our clients and bringing natural joy to every property we service. Page 69 of 142 GOLF FACILITY MANAGEMENT Revenue Management • Marketing • Golf Shop Operations • Restaurant / Bar Management/Operations • Golf Cart Management • Equipment • Bookkeeping MAINTENANCE Putting Greens • Tee Boxes • Fairways • Collars/Aproaches • Irrigation Maintenance • Bunkers • Rough Maintenance • Tree & Shrub Construction / Renovation / Design Bunker • Greens • Irrigation • Drainage • Cartpaths • Re- grassing • Mulching • Enhancments GOLF SHOP SERVICES Greating • Stocking • Tournaments • handicap services • Instruction • Grow the game PUTTING GREEN MAINTENANCE Mowing • Rolling • Aerification • Verticutting and Grooming • Topdressing • Fertilization • Weed Control • Insect & Disease Control • Overseeding COURSE RENOVATIONS Complete Renovations • Shaping • Sourcing OUTSIDE SERVICES Greeting customers • Starter / Ranger • Range Set up • Golf Cart Fleet OVERVIEW OF SERVICES AVAILABLE TEE MAINTENANCE Mowing • Aerification • Topdressing • Fertilization • Weed Control • Insect & Disease Control • Overseeding • Litter Control BUNKER MAINTENANCE Raking • Edging • Weed Control • Litter Control Note: Detailed scope of services included with pricing and contract. IRRIGATION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE Scheduling • Inspection • Repairs COURSE SETUP Cups • Teeing Ground EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE LAKE BANKS AND DITCHES Slopes & Bank Maintenance • Litter Control LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS Irrigation Systems • Water Features • Landscape Design / Installation • Tree Care • Grow-in Planting • Shrubbery Installation MARKETING SERVICES Rates • Bounce Backs • Tee Times • Social Media • Website • Newsletters • Reviews ACCOUNTING / RECORD KEEPING Bookkeeping • Budgeting • Reporting FAIRWAY AND ROUH MAINTENANCE Mowing • Fertilization • Weed Control • Insect Control • Litter Control Page 70 of 142 SERVICE TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (UF/IFAS) •As just one example, we frequently consult with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) to enhance our fertilization formulas and schedules to allow for custom blends based on soil samples, water quality, water availability and climate. INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ARBORICULTURE (ISA) CERTIFIED ARBORISTS •When it comes to tree care, Down To Earth has implemented a best-in- class hybrid approach utilizing the expertise of in-house and vendor- partnered International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists. This enables us to remain at the forefront of botanical practices to optimize proper pruning, trimming and other services to nurture entire landscapes. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) •Our approach to pest control is based on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - a sustainable, science- based process that combines biological, physical, and chemical tools to identify, manage and reduce threats from pests in a way that minimizes overall economic, health and environmental risks. LATEST TECHNOLOGY •Down To Earth leverages the latest technology and our expert staff to deliver best-in-class service with a commitment to stay on the cutting-edge of landscaping, irrigation systems, fertilization & pesticide practices, and systems. •Down To Earth actively partners with our suppliers, industry associations, universities, and technology providers to incorporate their products into our services or provide feedback to help the industry. Page 71 of 142 SERVICE TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW Over the last several years, Down To Earth has adopted the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for a variety of business practices while adhering to established federal and local regulations. Although occasionally utilized for promotional purposes, we primarily employ vehicles to document irrigation systems as well as to monitor turf and plant conditions. Often, the view provided from a UAV will alert us to issues before they are noticeable on the ground. Our professionals apply data layers over aerial images to visualize otherwise invisible threats such as dehydrated or overwatered turf, invasive pests (such as chinch bugs or water larvae) and fungus, disease, and stress. Early detection dramatically reduces the long-term negative impact on turf and allows for lower application rates of fertilizers or pesticides. Page 72 of 142 SERVICE REPORTS FERTILIZATION & PEST CONTROL REPORT Page 73 of 142 SERVICE REPORTS WEATHER – IRRIGATE - FERTIGATE REPORT Page 74 of 142 SERVICE REPORTS DTE GOLF ® QUALITY CONTROL FORM Page 75 of 142 PERSONNEL MEET THE TEAM THE TEAM COMMITTED TO CREATING THE HEALTHIEST AND MOST VIBRANT LANDSCAPE FOR YOU POSSIBLE Our highly skilled and trained landscape technicians will be onsite to care for your property each day, and supported by our staff of certified horticulturalists, arborists, pest control operators and irrigation specialists. Page 76 of 142 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER VICE PRESIDENT OF GOLF REGIONAL SUPERINTENDENT SUPERINTENDENT IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN SPRAY TECHNICIAN EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN EQUIPMENT OPERATORS One of the keys to Down To Earth’s success is the ability to provide the care and attention of a local company but with the scale and resources of a larger enterprise. This alignment from the CEO down to the individual crew members is critical to delivering on our vision to be the “Service Provider of Choice”. Page 77 of 142 YOUR DEDICATED LANDSCAPE TEAM • KRIS CHAMBROT • Here to oversee the entire team and operations for your property. • kris@down2earthinc.com • (352) 840-3110 VICE PRESIDENT OF GOLF • NICK DUNLEAVY • Here to oversee the managment of the golf course including but not limited to marketing, F&B, Golf shop.. • NDunleavy@down2earthinc.com • (407) 928-2100 REGIONAL GENERAL MANAGER • DAVE CEMINI • Here to ensure the highest quaoity and efficiency for your maintenance program. • Dave@down2earthinc.com • (407) 267-7328 REGIONAL SUPERINTENDENT One of the keys to Down To Earth’s success is the ability to provide the care and attention of a local company but with the scale and resources of a larger enterprise. YOUR DEDICATED TEAM Page 78 of 142 EXPERIENCE YOUR TEAM’S BACKGROUND KRIS CHAMBROT VICE PRESIDENT OF GOLF SUMMARY Results-driven leader with over 20 years of experience in golf course maintenance. Proven ability to provide championship golf conditions for high profile tournaments, recognized by several known publications such as Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and Golfweek, amongst others. Track record of success delivering employee equipment safety training. QUALIFICATIONS GCSAA Class A Member Certificate in Principles of Turfgrass Management from University of Georgia Ornamental and Turf Commercial Applicator License Advanced knowledge of agronomy and warm/cool season turfgrass practices Strong irrigation and chemical background Executive ability in problem solving and decision making EXPERIENCE Down To Earth – VP of Golf 2010 - Present Providence Golf Club, Davenport, FL – Golf Superintendent 2009 - 2010 Ginn Reunion Resort, Davenport, FL – Director of Golf 2003 - 2009 TRAVIS ANDERSON REGIONAL GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT SUMMARY Proven leader with over 20 years of experience specializing in golf course maintenance, golf turf management, and environmental quality. Offering skills in the development and implementation of agronomic plans for 171 holes of golf. QUALIFICATIONS Recipient of 2018 North Florida PGA East Central Chapter Superintendent of the Year GCSAA Class A Member Certified in Best Management Practices of the Florida Green Industries by the FL Department of Environmental Protection and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services Certified in Best Management Practices for Enhancement of Environmental Quality on Florida Golf Courses Licensed Ornamental and Turf Commercial Pesticide Applicator EXPERIENCE Down To Earth – Regional Golf Course Superintendent 2019 - Present Down To Earth – Golf Superintendent 2012 - 2019 Candler Hills Golf Course, Ocala, FL – Assistant Golf Superintendent 2007 - 2012 Oconee Course at Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, GA 2006 – 2007 Second Assistant Superintendent Page 79 of 142 EXPERIENCE YOUR TEAM’S BACKGROUND DAVID CIMINI REGIONAL GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT SUMMARY Over 15 years of experience in golf course maintenance with demonstrated management skills that guide teams to success while developing meaningful relationships with clients to sustain business operations. Expertise in daily operations oversight and budget administration with a strong agronomic background and work ethic. QUALIFICATIONS GCSAA Class A Member Licensed Ornamental and Turf Commercial Applicator Working knowledge of construction principles, practices, and methods Knowledgeable in irrigation and pesticides EXPERIENCE Down To Earth – Regional Golf Course Superintendent 2009 - Present Ginn Reunion Resort, Orlando, FL 2006 – 2009 Assistant Golf Superintendent/Irrigation Technician NICK DUNLEAVY REGIONAL GOLF CLUB MANAGER SUMMARY Business administrator with over 30 years of experience in golf course management and accounting. Proven record of improving club financials through revenue generation and expense control with strong multi-tasking skills and ability to simultaneously manage various projects. QUALIFICATIONS PGA of America member Canadian PGA member Highly experienced in managing food and beverage for clubs and special events Knowledge of laws and regulations to ensure permits are current and courses comply with local authorities Successful oversight of multiple Golf courses in Central Florida and South Carolina Focus on creating a welcoming and fun environment at the clubs EXPERIENCE Down To Earth – Regional Golf Club Manager 2016 - Present Mystic Dunes Golf Club, Celebration, FL – General Manager 2013 -2016 Rio Pinar Country Club, Orlando, FL – General Manager 2007 - 2013 Page 80 of 142 EXPERIENCE YOUR TEAM’S BACKGROUND JUSTIN MARTINJAK REGIONAL GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT SUMMARY Over 10 years Management experience in the Golf and Landscape Maintenance Industry including successful development and oversight of fertilizer and pest control applications. Real team builder passionate about helping employees with technical, operational, and safety coaching. QUALIFICATIONS Florida Green Industries: Certified Best Management Practices State of Florida Licensed Turf and Ornamental Restricted use Pesticide Applicator Oversight of chemical applications in compliance with State regulations and industry best practices EXPERIENCE Down To Earth – Regional Golf Course Superintendent 2021 - Present Down To Earth – Branch Manager 2018 – 2021 Davey Management at Silver Dollar Golf Club, Tampa, FL – Superintendent 2013 – 2018 Page 81 of 142 MUNICIPAL COURSES MANAGED Highland Park Golf Course • c/o City of Cleveland Department of Public Works • Time: 2020 – Current • We offer full-service golf course maintenance for their 36-Hole Champion Course Tarpon Springs Golf Course • c/o City of Tarpon Springs • Time: 2020 - Current • We offer full-service golf course maintenance for their 18-Hole Golf Facility The Wellman Club • c/o City of Johnsonville SC • Time: 2022 – Current • We offer full-service golf course maintenance for their 18-Hole Champion Course Twin Rivers Golf Club • c/o City of Oviedo • Time: 2017 - Current • We offer full-service golf course management for their 318-Hole Golf Facility Wekiva Golf Club • c/o Parks and Recreation • Time: 2022 - Current • We offer full-service golf course management for their 18-Hole Champion Course Page 82 of 142 EXECUTIVE COURSES MANAGED Duval / Double Palms Executive Golf Facility •36-Hole Executive Facility •The Villages, FL •June 2008 - Present Lindsey Lane Executive Golf Facility •45-Hole Executive Facility •The Villages, FL •October 2013 - Present Pennbrooke Fairways •27-Hole Executive Facility •Leesburg, FL •May 2020 - Present Saddlebrook Executive Golf Facility •36-Hole Executive Facility •The Villages, FL •December 2017 - Present Page 83 of 142 CHAMPIONSHIP COURSES MANAGED CALUSA LAKES GOLF CLUB •18-Hole Champion Course •Venice, FL •January 2020 - Present CAPRI ISLES GOLF CLUB •18-Hole Champion Course •Venice, FL •January 2020 - Present CONTINENTAL COUNTRY CLUB •18-Hole Champion Course •Wildwood, FL •April 2019 - Present THE GROVES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB •18-Hole Champion Course •Land O’ Lakes, FL •September 2018 - Present VI AT BENTLEY VILLAGE •18-Hole Champion Course •Naples, FL •January 2016 - Present HACIENDA HILLS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB •27-Hole Champion Course •The Villages, FL •November 2014 - Present HERITAGE PINES GOLF COURSE •18-Hole Champion Course •Hudson, FL •May 2018 - Present KISSIMMEE BAY COUNTRY CLUB •18-Hole Champion Course •Kissimmee, FL •November 2017 - Present LEGENDS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB •18-Hole Champion Course •Clermont, FL •June 2020 - Present WATERFORD GOLF CLUB •27-Hole Champion Course •Venice, FL •January 2020 - Present PALMER LEGENDS COUNTRY CLUB •27-Hole Champion Course •The Villages, FL •November 2014 - Present SUMMERGLEN GOLF CLUB •18-Hole Champion Course •Ocala, FL •May 2019 - Present TIERRA DEL SOL GOLF COURSE •27-Hole Champion Course •The Villages, FL •November 2014 - Present TWIN RIVERS GOLF CLUB •18-Hole Champion Course •Oviedo, FL •August 2017 - Present Page 84 of 142 Page 85 of 142 Page 86 of 142 Page 87 of 142 Page 88 of 142 Page 89 of 142 Page 90 of 142 Page 91 of 142 Page 92 of 142 Page 93 of 142 Page 94 of 142 Page 95 of 142 Page 96 of 142 Page 97 of 142 Page 98 of 142 Page 99 of 142 Page 100 of 142 Page 101 of 142 Page 102 of 142 Page 103 of 142 Page 104 of 142 Page 105 of 142 Page 106 of 142 Page 107 of 142 Page 108 of 142 Page 109 of 142 Page 110 of 142 Page 111 of 142 Page 112 of 142 Page 113 of 142 Page 114 of 142 Page 115 of 142 Page 116 of 142 Page 117 of 142 Page 118 of 142 Page 119 of 142 Page 120 of 142 Page 121 of 142 Page 122 of 142 Page 123 of 142 Page 124 of 142 Page 125 of 142 Page 126 of 142 Page 127 of 142 Page 128 of 142 Page 129 of 142 Page 130 of 142 Page 131 of 142 Page 132 of 142 Page 133 of 142 Page 134 of 142 Page 135 of 142 Page 136 of 142 Page 137 of 142 Page 138 of 142 Page 139 of 142 Page 140 of 142 Page 141 of 142 Page 142 of 142