Alameda Golf Commission Regular Meeting - July 9, 2025

The Alameda Golf Commission held a regular meeting on July 9, 2025, at 12:30 PM. Commissioners present included Jones, Tom, Saran, and Kahn (Commissioner Boris absent due to a last-minute conflict). The meeting covered public comment, commissioner communications, approval of previous minutes, a director's report with updates on parks and recreation, and discussion of Greenway Golf's rate structure and allegations regarding resident fees.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Poochie (speaking as a resident and golf club member) expressed strong opposition to a proposal by Greenway Golf that would require Alameda residents to pay the non-resident fee of $89 (plus tax) to maintain early morning tee times (8 a.m. or 10 a.m.) for tournaments on weekends. He stated that this treatment is "unbearable" for many golf club members and urged the commission to address the issue in the future.

Commissioner Communications

• Commissioner Jones proposed moving the September regular meeting to October 28, 2025 (the last Tuesday of the month) and cancelling the September meeting entirely. The commission agreed.
• Commissioner Jones also confirmed that Commissioner Downing is no longer on the commission and requested that the city begin the process to find a replacement.

Discussion Items

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the special meeting of May 21, 2025, were approved unanimously.
• Greenway Golf Report: No representative from Greenway Golf was present to deliver their report.
• Director's Report (Recreation and Park Director Long):
  • Upcoming community events: Rhythmics Rising Sea (July 12 at Shoreline Park), Apollo 11 splashdown anniversary (July 19 at USS Hornet), Alameda Walk Series, Starlight Movies in the Park, and more.
  • June classes and camps had over 1,200 enrollments; fall registration is open.
  • The 57th annual Sand Castle and Sculpture Contest had nearly 500 participants and over 100 entries, drawing about 2,000 people.
  • The 48th annual 4th of July parade was hosted by ARPD.
  • Parks updates: New pickleball courts at Lidecker, shoreline path erosion repairs, 10 trees planted at Main Street Linear Park, and Estuary Park phase II (5-acre extension) going out to bid in late July.
  • Rate Structure Decision: City Manager reached an agreement with Greenway Golf. The commission's requests were rejected; Greenway's proposed rates for the North Course ($64 for residents, $46 for seniors) were approved by the city. The South Course resident rates will remain unchanged for an extended period.
• Allegation of Resident Fee Increases: Commissioner Tong raised an allegation that Greenway Golf is attempting to charge Alameda residents non-resident rates for early morning tee times. The director confirmed he would investigate by contacting Greenway's general manager and cross-referencing with the current lease. Findings will be shared via email and made part of the public record.

Key Outcomes

• Vote: Unanimous approval of the May 21, 2025, meeting minutes.
• Decision: The September 9, 2025, regular meeting is cancelled; the next regular meeting will be on October 28, 2025.
• Decision: The City Manager approved Greenway Golf's proposed rate structure for the North Course ($64 resident, $46 senior); South Course rates remain unchanged.
• Referral: Director Long will investigate the allegation that Greenway Golf is charging Alameda residents non-resident fees for early morning tee times and will report back to the commission.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by motion.