Longtime Gannon operator to give up responsibility

LYNN – They ran Gannon Municipal Golf Course for 10 years but Gannon Building Association members are not among 22 potential bidders competing to operate the course beginning next year.The city?s bid review schedule calls for individuals and firms to return operation proposals to Purchasing Agent Charles White by Nov. 7 with a new operator slated to be picked by Nov. 30 – the final day listed in the Association?s contract with the city.Member Michael Marks confirmed the Association does not plan to submit a bid next week but Marks said he hopes Gannon greenskeeper Stephen Murphy?s firm, Greenway Golf and Irrigation, submits one.?My fondest hope is he puts in a bid and is successful. Greenway is much better-suited to successfully run and improve Gannon golf course than the GBA,” Marks said.At the state Inspector General?s urging, city attorneys and Park Commission members drafted a 73-page request for proposal document this year outlining terms bidders must meet in order to be picked to run the 18-hole course located off Lynnfield Street.The operator picked to run Gannon has the option of overseeing the entire course operation or subcontracting, under the proposal?s terms, course maintenance, pro shop and clubhouse operations. The proposal requires successful bidders to plan for a year-round golf or clubhouse event operation and sign a five-year lease with the city.White said the city is mailing bidders an “addendum,” answering questions asked by bidders about specific requirements in the proposal during a pre-bid conference with city officials.White said bids submitted to the city must outline “clearly and concisely” how bidders will meet responsibilities outlined in the proposal and costs associated with Gannon?s operation over the lease duration.A five-member review committee yet to be named will review and rank proposals through mid November before a bidder is selected.?The decision will be made with input from the mayor as chief procurement officer and the park commission,” he said.Although the proposal calls for the successful bidder to calculate operational expenses for Gannon and negotiate a lease, the proposal makes taxpayers responsible for large-scale course maintenance costs.Gannon needs major long-term improvements, warned Marks, including golf cart path restoration, tree trimming, drainage improvements and a new maintenance building roof.?The irrigation system is held together with baling wire and the clubhouse needs painting,” he said.