BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

LOUISVILLE -- Town residents will need to wait until the October 14 meeting to learn who will manage the Golf Course at Louisville Landing next year after town board members declined to take action again. 

Town board members opted to establish an RFP review committee during a special meeting held on Sept. 23, a decision that came after a 15 minute public comment period and hour-long executive session that included Town Attorney Eric Gustafson. 

Town Supervisor Larry Legault told the more than three dozen attendees the board had opted to convene a committee in order to weigh both proposals before making a final decision. 

Board Members Shawn Thompson and Kevin Perretta were appointed to the committee at the conclusion of the meeting. 

It was Perretta who had suggested during the Sept. 9 meeting that a special meeting be held to allow for time to review both proposals, saying it was a matter of "finding the best solution that made the most business sense for taxpayers." 

With two very different proposals, one being a privatization of sorts and the other to continue as-is in the municipal golf course model, Perretta said it would take time to thoroughly review both options. 

Some residents raised concerns about benefits that could be lost by shifting to a private model, including the implications it could have with the New York Power Authority, which owns the land. 

But Legault said that was precisely why Gustafson was present at the meeting and would assist during the RFP process. 

"That's why he is here, to provide those insights so we can make the best decision," Legault said. 

One resident suggested a "performance bond" be implemented to protect the town in the event the course does not perform as expected. 

He went on, saying he was concerned that if the private model put forth by Kyle Kressler was not financially viable he could opt out mid-season and leave the town in the lurch. 

Legault addressed the comment, saying he "was sure Eric would include something like that" in the contract. 

"That's exactly the point of the contract," he said. 

Kressler also addressed the comment, saying he was confident his proposal would be successful and had a number of financial guarantees for the town, including a yearly lease, numerous reimbursements for equipment leases, as well as financial contributions to the town's efforts during events like "Turtle Trot." 

Kressler's proposal shifts liability from town, taxpayers

If all goes to plan, Kressler's proposal could bring more than $500,000 in gross annual revenue. 

As Kressler said in the meeting, his proposal would also transfer all operating risk away from taxpayers and would place the burden solely on him. 

The proposal calls for a minimum annual guaranteed rent of $40,000 in year one, $41,000 in year two, $42,000 in year three, $43,000 in year four, along with reimbursements for the $2,000 annual NYPA master lease payment, all active maintenance equipment leases, golf car leases, a property tax rider and his planned donations as well. 

In his proposal, Kressler detailed his work at Cedar View where he turned the course around from an $80,000 annual loss to more than $100,000 in net profits in 2025. 

More than $400,000 has also been reinvested in the course under his lease, with more than 27,000 rounds played annually. 

As for the existing staff, Kressler said he would retain all staff and offer pay raises to each employee. 

He said it was crucial to maintain the existing grounds crew who have worked on the course for a number of years. 

"It's a nice course and they have put a lot of work into the fairways and greens. I need them. They know the course well and are an asset to improving it further," he said. 

Under the proposal, Kressler said all existing leagues and recurring tournaments would receive priority placement on the schedule, along with tee times. 

He said he also would continue to offer season passes at discounted rates for early bird signups, along with a reciprocal play program that would allow golfers to use Cedar View at a discounted rate. 

Other add-ons include youth programming, corporate package, charity tournament programming, family promotions and off-peak pricing. 

To bolster participation at the restaurant, a "Nine and dine" option would also be available. 

During the meeting, Kressler received a number of letters and public comments in support of him personally, as well as his business sense. 

Numerous organizations have also drafted letters of support, including multiple fire departments, the Police Activities League, Massena Little League and local leaders. 

Through numerous charitable events, Kressler said he has been able to give back to the community and local organizations that require assistance. 

French plans to continue current course operations in proposal 

French has operated the course since the town took control over five years ago, steadily improving the finances after eliminating trailing liabilities with the sale. 

Under the proposal, French would receive an annual salary of $55,700 in year one, $57,4000 in year two and $59,090 in year three. 

Continuity is at the core of the proposal, with plans to retain all existing staff, leagues, leases and current operational model as a municipal entity. 

French previously said the end goal of a municipal course is to provide an affordable service to the community. 

Under the proposal, French would also ensure continuity of pre-existing leagues and tournaments, including the Elks league, Monday Night Ladies League, Tuesday Men's Twilight, Waddington League, Friday Mixed Team Scrambles, the Massena Hospital Foundation tournament, along with memorial tournaments and high school golf events. 

Maintenance and improvement would continue as planned as well, though no exact financial projects were offered like in Kressler's proposal. 

Under the municipal model, payroll expenses would remain largely the same, as would equipment and maintenance costs. 

French also included a petition from current patrons who are requesting the town continue with the current model and French at the helm.