Committee addresses aging pump house, irrigation leaks and water-account management

Committee members spent substantial time on the golf course’s irrigation and water infrastructure needs, including failing pumps, leaking fused irrigation pipe and water-account management.

Staff described a recent blown motor and electronic control obsolescence in the pump house and said the replacement plan calls for two new pumps and a modern control system that will detect leaks, cut power and protect equipment. Staff said funds have been set aside (transcript references to line items were not recorded with clear currency units) and that the dollar-per-round 'high demand water fee' will be earmarked for water infrastructure.

The committee discussed repeated leaks appearing at the same fused joints (described as 'popping at 07:00'); staff said repairs have used mechanical pressure couplings and recommended documenting failures and checking contractor warranty language. A committee member suggested legal should review the irrigation contract and asserted that warranty or contractual remedies should be explored.

Members also discussed water-account allotments and the need to keep accounts active so allocations are not reduced. A committee member referenced a prior Mandel-family gift deed that conveyed 500 acre-feet to the city and warned the city must manage those rights with the Watermaster and TCEQ or risk losing allocations.

The committee asked staff to coordinate with utilities and engineering, document irrigation failures for potential contract review, and return with detailed cost estimates for pump-house replacement and recommended next steps.