by Joe Perske
Stearns County commissioner and former Sartell City Council member
Should we sell the Sartell Golf Course? No is the answer you get from the past five mayors and a dozen previous council members. The purchase of the property was intended for future generations to be used and enjoyed as park land, green space, athletic fields and community amenities. The idea of selling it to a private owner is ludicrous and a neglect of public duties. The process of the sale does not pass the smell test. It is filled with miscommunication and is lacking any form of public input and transparency. The city council has denied any open public discussion of the issue.
I talked to the present operators this week. They were not interested in changing the lease and wanted to continue with the operation. They said the present agreement with them is fine. The irrigation system is operational, and the city inspected the club house, and it’s up to code and meets their needs for their business and the public. Why can’t the council hear that message? Someone has created a problem that does not exist! That property was bought for the future public good, so let the vision of 2008 continue. Listen and get all the information before making a very bad decision.
