City Commission carpet golf workshop Monday

The first meeting of the St Augustine City Commission is a workshop at 4:00 p.m. to discuss the municipal carpet golf facility, followed by the regular business meeting beginning at 5:00 p.m.

The commission is clearly split on what to do with this St Augustine landmark and the commissioners have been all over the board on this issue since it first came before them for action in April, a year ago.

The current vendor, Ripley’s Entertainment, has been given an extension to their expired lease to get them through the summer season; with no guarantees that they will receive a five-year renewal, as they have requested.

If the site is to continue its tradition and receive recognition as the oldest miniature golf course in Florida, renovations are required to bring the property, owned by the City of St Augustine, into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act — estimated to cost about $50,000.

Prior to a recent public meeting on the subject, City Manager John Regan said, “It is my understanding that the Commission is looking for any and all ideas for the location.” Regan was clear; his view is that the commission is seeking facts that pertain to providing multi-purpose public space.

The idea of eliminating carpet golf on the site raised the ire of many residents and visitors who played the course as children and are now returning to play with their own children and grandchildren. The idea of converting the space to compete with private businesses, that already provide special events rentals, angered downtown business owners.

No binding vote or action can be taken by the Commission during the workshop. The public has the right to attend, but not speak — unless invited by the commissioners. New legislation is working its way through the current session that may relax those restrictions.

If you plan to attend, the City Commission Workshop will be held on Monday, April 22, 2013, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the Alcazar Room of the City Hall Building located at 75 King Street in St Augustine. The workshop is not televised.