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Photo by Lori Kraus Golfers enjoy warm weather and clear skys Tuesday on Hollydot's West Nine. Click for larger view

Photo by Lori Kraus The area referred to as the West Nine at Hollydot Golf Course has been the focus of much discussion at recent Colorado City Metro District meetings. Click for larger view

Photo by Lori Kraus Golfers enjoy warm weather and clear skys Tuesday on Hollydot's West Nine. Click for larger view

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Forty or more people attended a special public hearing Monday night on the future of Hollydot's West Golf Course. The 6:00 p.m. meeting at the Colorado City Metro District offices was packed for this lone item on the agenda.

The metro board was present with the exception of Mary K. Sanford, who had an excused absence. Also in attendance were District Manager David Valdez, Finance Director Donna Pickman, and several department heads including Prim Ivan, Mark Andovar, and Jim Montalbano.

About nine people signed up, with several people declining when their time came to speak. Chairperson Jacque Wachob emphasized the desire of the board for positive comments and constructive ideas.

Ray Davis was the first speaker, and set the tone for the majority that followed. Davis stressed the positive image Hollydot has in the golfing community. He also praised the skills of Andovar and the work he has done on the course. Davis suggested the board delay their decision to see if the staff's skill and Mother Nature make it possible to keep the West Nine.

Some did not follow the purpose of the meeting, using it instead as a forum to vent their frustration, but the majority proposed possible solutions. Among the things mentioned were a community fund raiser including business sponsors; clear cut fiscal numbers to help focus on the problems; stepping up by existing members; aggressive marketing; or as a last resort, putting the west nine up for sale to a private enterprise as a golf course.

The group had a number of questions for Valdez, who also relied on Andovar and Ivan for input. Valdez also defended an accusation from the audience stating that he was negative about all the proposals and explained that he was only trying to keep the group informed and answer the questions presented by the community.

The 82 minute meeting ended with a lot of input. The next meeting will be on July 10 and Valdez indicated to the community that it would be an important meeting, dealing with several critical issues.

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