BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

LOUISVILLE -- Operations at the Golf Course at Louisville Landing are up for bid in a formal Request for Proposal (RFP), with two bids now in play. 

Town Board members opted to table accepting a proposal during the regularly scheduled Sept. 9 meeting, saying they wanted town attorney Eric Gustafson on hand to guide the board through the process. 

The process has been a contentious one as many back-and-forth conversations and allegations have been leveled at both bidders. 

Board Member Kevin Perretta made the suggestion to table the RFP decision, saying the board needed to "make the best business decision that makes the most sense for taxpayers." 

He said the numbers would be "pretty straight forward" but wanted to assess the overall viability of each proposal.

General Manager Perry French, who currently operates the course as a municipal entity, has bid to continue on that same path. 

While finances at the course have improved steadily under his leadership, some residents have voiced opposition to the course in general, saying they felt it was still a burden to taxpayers. 

Others argued that transferring funds to cover winterization costs shows the course is not financially viable. 

At times, residents went so far as to call for a referendum to either close the course or transfer ownership back to the New York Power Authority. 

On multiple occasions late last year and earlier this year, French addressed those concerns directly during meetings. 

He told residents that course operations had small budgetary shortfalls as winterization of the course took place requiring short-term fund transfers from the town to float operations until dues were paid for the next season. 

All funds were paid back in full within a month in each case, French said. 

A significant contingent of club members, along with course leadership, openly voiced support for French during the Sept. 9 meeting. 

On the flip side, Cedar View General Manager Kyle Kressler has also submitted a bid this year, albeit based on a very different business model. 

Though some club members have raised concerns about the proposal, Kressler took a moment to assuage those concerns during the meeting's public comment period. 

"There will not be any major changes. Your leagues will remain in place. Your tournaments will remain as well. We are not going to do away with any of them if I am awarded the bid," Kressler told attendees. 

Though some visibly scoffed at his assertions, Kressler went on further, saying he would "not book a tournament every weekend," eliminating open tee times for golfers. 

"That's not going to happen, period," he said. 

Kressler also addressed allegations he intended to make the course "Cedarview 2.0." 

"This is a different course, with different needs. Yes, it would be operated privately, but that also takes the pressure off taxpayers. If a piece of machinery breaks, I handle it. If we need to extend a lease, I'm solely responsible for that," he said. 

Kressler said that flexibility would allow for faster decision making, as opposed to going through a funding request or budget modification process that could slow responses to course operational needs. 

Kressler detailed his planned contributions to the course, as well as to the town, including $5,000 in annual donations to town events, along with a "no strings attached" $1,500 annual contribution to the course restaurant lessee. 

He also confirmed he would have no input in selecting an operator of the restaurant or in running the business. 

"That is entirely up to the town. I would just work on the course," he said. 

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. 

Town officials are expected to make a decision during a special meeting to be held Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. at the municipal offices on State Highway 37.