Superintendent seeks lease relief for malfunctioning mower, plans well work and staffing fixes

Jim Shell, the park superintendent, told the authority the rough-mowing machine the park leased about 18 months ago is failing repeatedly and that dealer repairs and parts have not resolved problems. "As of yesterday, it's a tier 4 diesel...it was discovered that we have a code that there's a misfire in the engine. The thing's only a year and a half old," Shell said.

Shell said the dealer had not honored advertised warranty coverage and that the mechanic's hours and parts expenses have been significant. He has drafted a letter to the manufacturer and dealer requesting lease relief and said he planned to send it after receiving the manager's go-ahead. "I'm trying to get a letter out to the manufacturer and the dealer to try and get our lease paid off," Shell said.

Authority members cautioned that the lease is with Wells Fargo and that any buyout or cancellation would still involve the leasing company; they said the park's practical recourse is to seek remedy from the dealer and manufacturer. One member said the lease payments would still be the park's obligation unless the manufacturer or dealer repays or covers costs.

Shell also reported other maintenance items: plans to resurrect a well drilled in 2007, and staffing shortages owing to injuries and transportation problems among crew members. He said the park is exploring a used Toro mower as a replacement option if the manufacturer/dealer effort fails.

No formal action or vote was taken at the meeting. The superintendent said he would send his letter to the manufacturer and dealer and keep the authority posted.

Community notes: The equipment problem affects course maintenance, green speeds and pace of play; no contract termination or settlement was approved at the meeting.