Board member Ruth Hatcher told members of the Joint Advisory Committee on Golf to look at all the information on the Valley Flood Study and be prepared to talk to POA members about the options.
"Educate yourselves," she said, "It's your obligation."
Members of the POA's Joint Advisory Committees are expected to communicate with the public on issues that affect their field.
The Golf Committee met on Wednesday, the day after an open meeting to present information about the hydrology study that will help the board decide the fate of the three golf courses located in the flood plain.
A few Golf Committee members shared their thoughts on the issue.
Susan Nuttall said the plan to close two valley courses and open a new course on land owned by the POA north of Bella Vista doesn't sound practical. The funds needed to build that course, estimated at seven million, are not available, she said.
"Get it off the table sooner rather than later," she said.
Rex Butler, who is running for a board seat as well as serving on the Golf Committee, said the groups he plays with like Berksdale and Kingswood and he would like to see them remain open.
Board member David Brandenburg warned the group that, even if a decision is made quickly, it may take years to implement a plan. So far, no decision has been made.
General manager Tom Judson said information, including the complete flood study and videos of both open meetings, is available online at bellavistapoa.com/valley-flood-study/. He said he is disappointed by the small number of people accessing the information.
The committee also heard from golf operations director Phillip Wright, who asked the committee members if they would support a new charity tournament to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. The committee agreed.
A new round-robin couples tournament is also in the planning stages. It's a two-day tournament and a good way to meet other couples, he said.
Tommy Lee, the POA's business director, told the group about guidelines for large golf groups which want to eat at the new restaurant, BV's Bar and Grill. Because of the small kitchen, it's difficult to handle a large group -- 20 diners -- that comes in unexpectedly, he said. A reservation for a large group can be made by calling Kelly McWhirt at 479-295-7690.
Groups of ten to 20 are welcome, but it may be difficult to find seats together, Lee said.
A new special, called the shotgun special, is now being offered. It will expedite service by offering choices on the "Pick 2" menu. One price will include tax and tip and will include a discount.
Judson said that while BV's has been busy and has gotten good reviews, there is a problem with staffing. Finding enough qualified staff is difficult and, as a result, the salaried staff has been working nonstop.
Lee said that the restaurant would be closed on Mondays for the next few months to allow a day off to the staff.
General News on 04/18/2018