Source: The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Penn.)
Through the rain and fog outside his window last week, Dave Gehlman could see sunny days ahead for Berkley Hills Golf Course.
Just months ago, Gehlman was on the hot seat as manager of a Johnstown-owned course that city officials claimed was a chronic money-loser.
Now he has landed a long-term deal to run the course as he sees fit, a pact that also insulates the city from further financial losses.
"It absolutely is going to be beneficial for the area," Gehlman said in an interview at the Upper Yoder Township course's pro shop on Goucher Street. "I just think I have a good following here, and it's going to get better."
The 43-year-old Upper Yoder Township resident still must sign a formal lease with the city, but council has approved a five-year deal with an additional five-year option.
If the agreement lasts a full decade, Gehlman said he will pay $ 275,000 for the privilege of operating the course. He handles all expenses and also assumes all losses and reaps any profits, relieving pressure on a tight city budget.
Officials have claimed Berkley Hills failed to support itself, losing $ 114,000 over seven years.
But while Gehlman had clashed with city leadership in the past -- particularly on those same financial figures -- the two sides appear to have buried the hatchet.
It helped that Gehlman, who managed the course since 1996, was the sole bidder when city officials were searching for potential lessees this fall.
"Dave is the local operator. He knows the course," City Manager Jeff Silka said. "We've negotiated a fair, win-win deal for the private operation of the course."
The course had a lackluster season in 2004. While some blame weather, Gehlman has said changes instituted by city leaders -- including decreasing permit categories and raising permit fees -- did not help matters.
For next season, Gehlman plans to reinstate corporate passes and the course's junior program.
"Two years ago, we had about 60 kids here," Gehlman said. "That's your future customer. You can't ignore them."
Among other rate changes, he is decreasing the cost of an individual adult membership from $ 540 to $ 475 for the 2005 season.
Junior memberships will cost $ 230, senior memberships are $ 400 and a corporate rate for four employees from the same company stands at $ 1,500.
Gehlman also is increasing the cost of playing nine holes to $ 10 on weekdays and $ 12 on weekends, up $ 1 each.
"We're going to focus more on individuals, families and junior programs," Gehlman said, adding that he wants to surpass 50,000 rounds played at the course next year.
He plans to maintain one full-time employee, the greens superintendent.
There will be seven other part-time positions. A Johnstown employee who had worked at the course has returned to the city's Public Works department.
Gehlman has won the favor of regular Berkley Hills customers. That was apparent earlier this year, when a group of golfers supported him in a speech before city council.
The veteran manager said the course's location, staff, green quality and layout make it attractive.
"It's level," Gehlman said. "You've only got two hills out there that you have to climb."
City Councilman Nunzio Johncola, who heads council's recreation committee, said Gehlman is a competent manager.
"As long as he holds up his end of the contract -- and I know he will -- he has free reign," Johncola said.
He also is happy that the course remains under city ownership, rather than becoming another piece of real estate for sale.
"I didn't want to see that happen, and I never want to see that happen," Johncola said.