Good Evening,
The past week a lot of the snow coverage melted at a rapid rate. There was very little frost in the ground, underneath the snow, so it went into the soil profile. The moisture is definitely a positive. Snow cover is very beneficial since it acts as an insulation blanket from the cold temperatures and brisk winds.
The Park Department was on site early in the week to help us cut down the last three trees on the golf course. The large ash tree behind #1 black tee, an ash tree on #18 fairway, and a large pine tree by #8 tees. The golf course is still very soft and we are waiting to haul the tree debris away. Once the frost level starts to drop, the removal process will be completed.
Servicing maintenance equipment continued to be a high priority again this week. The majority of the equipment has the engine oil and filters changed and the hydraulic oil and filters currently being addressed. The service work will be completed this coming week.
I went through our 2004 Toro trap rake making repairs and getting this old piece of equipment back in service. Our other sand trap rake is a 2015 John Deere model. Having two functioning sand trap rakes helps sand trap maintenance and repair following rainfall that washes out the sand. There is a new sand trap rake listed on our Capital Improvement Plan.
Finally, the removal of the cattails in the irrigation pond was started this past week. The dead plant material was cut down to make control measures easier in the spring. There are still a lot of cattails that need to be cut down this off season. Chemical control measures for any aquatic vegetation must be done in accordance with the label and also understanding the potential effect on other plant life.
The upcoming week will consist of budget preparation and continuing to service equipment. I would like to wish each of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays as we finish out the year. Please reach out with any questions or the need for further information.
Brian C Mohr
Director of Golf Operations
City of Spencer
101 W 5th Street
Spencer Municipal Golf Course
Spencer, Iowa 51301
712-260-5370
