HF 332

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/01/2017 03:33pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; requiring an agreement with the city of Fairfax to
operate Fort Ridgely State Park Golf Course.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. FORT RIDGELY STATE PARK GOLF COURSE.

(a) By May 1, 2017, the commissioner of natural resources must work out an agreement
with the city of Fairfax that allows the city to lease and operate the golf course at Fort
Ridgely State Park. The agreement must include:

(1) lease and operation of the existing golf course;

(2) lease of the irrigation system, including the ability to maintain and repair it;

(3) lease of the upper level of the Fort Ridgely State Park Chalet;

(4) lease of Storage Building 4-292;

(5) the ability for golf carts to be used by users of the golf course;

(6) the ability to offer liquor for sale;

(7) public access to the golf course without requiring a state park permit; and

(8) the ability to improve the golf course, including improvements to golf-cart paths and
the chalet.

(b) The agreement must allow the city to lease the golf course for 12 months and renew
the lease annually for at least ten years. The rental fee must not exceed eight percent of the
total green fees received, excluding golf-cart rental fees. The commissioner must ensure
that the golf course has a playable surface when the lease begins and the city of Fairfax
must ensure the golf course has a playable surface should the lease expire.

(c) Admission to property leased under this section is exempt from state park permit
fees required under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 85.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.