Private group considering takeover of Boulder Creek

Dan Kulin

Friday, Jan. 23, 2004 | 9:07 a.m.

A private investment group led by men with ties to Boulder City is looking into taking over the financially troubled Boulder Creek Golf Club, which the mayor said could be a "salvation" for the city.

The City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday on an agreement in which the city would promise to consider a transfer of the course management contract from the current management company, Triad Golf Management, to BCMMR LLC, City Attorney Dave Olsen said.

Mayor Bob Ferraro said he's not aware of how much money could be involved in a deal, but he said he's excited course operations could be taken over by a new group.

BCMMR is headed by Michael Giroux and Randy Schams, who are both local developers, and Michael Scholian, who designed the private Cascata Golf Course in Boulder City, Ferraro said.

BCMMR officials and Triad President Scott Jones could not immediately be reached for comment.

Triad is about 18 months into a 10-year management contract to run the course.

Councilman Roger Tobler said he too is happy a group is coming in with a possible solution to the financial problems at the course.

"This is the first group to come with a solution," Tobler said. "But there will still be losses down the road."

Tobler said additional information about what that solution might be will come during the group's presentation to the council Tuesday.

Ferraro said the group also wants to buy the property around the golf course, which is now vacant.

The city-owned golf course opened a year ago to predictions of profits within six months, but instead it has seen a year of shortfalls and financial struggles that have taken a political toll on the city.

The course was the primary issue in the mayoral race between former Councilman Bill Smith and Ferraro, who ultimately won the June election by 18 votes.

The course's financial troubles, and the belief by some that some city officials either withheld information about the true financial picture at the course, or should have known the course was in trouble but didn't, also fueled an ongoing recall effort.

Recall petitions are being circulated to force a special election between Ferraro and Smith for mayor, and Councilman Mike Pacini and Arn McLean for Pacini's council seat.

The golf course's financial problems have also played a large role in ending John Sullard's run as city manager.

As expected, the council is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a "separation agreement" between the city and Sullard.

Under the terms of the proposed agreement, the city would pay Sullard $88,284 to leave Feb. 27. The severance pay is equal to six months of salary plus pay for unused vacation time, according to city documents. Sullard's annual salary is $128,024.

Ferraro and Tobler said they hoped a separation agreement will be approved Tuesday. Both said the severance pay is set by Sullard's contract, but they said the exact date of Sullard's last day on the job could still change.

Ferraro said the council has not considered who will take over as interim city manager, or who could be hired to replace Sullard permanently.

Sullard said he hopes to continue working in Nevada and has applied for several jobs, but he wouldn't be more specific.

Sullard would not comment on issues pertaining to Boulder Creek.

Through November, the course had about $2.1 million in operating losses, city Finance Director Bob Kenney said.

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