Council raises fairness questions about nonprofit golf-tournament policy; agrees to approve two applicants and revisit policy

Councilmembers spent an extended portion of Monday’s meeting debating whether the city’s policy for awarding limited annual golf-tournament opportunities treats nonprofit organizations fairly.

Councilwoman Morgan asked for scrutiny of item 7b, saying the policy’s definitions and application process may exclude eligible 501(c)(3) groups or mischaracterize the Saint Lucie County Chamber of Commerce Foundation versus the Chamber itself. She cited a provision that limits city-authorized tournaments to two per year and a two-year hiatus for repeat awardees and questioned how Parks & Recreation notifies eligible nonprofits.

Council members and staff said the list of eligible organizations was established years ago and that six groups met the criteria; this year three sought the tournament allocation. Members offered two approaches: approve the two applicants that clearly meet current policy parameters and bring the third applicant back after staff reviews the policy language, or approve all three and then revise the policy in a workshop. Several councilmembers said they did not want to deny fundraising opportunities for nonprofits but wanted to ensure the process is transparent and equitable.

The city attorney and city manager confirmed council can segment a motion — approving some applicants now while returning the other for later consideration — and staff agreed to review notification and application procedures and the two-year-hiatus language. No ordinance or policy change was adopted at the meeting; council directed staff to return with clarifying information and possible policy amendments for future consideration.