In anticipation of the upcoming golf season, the Pine Bluff City Council has taken significant steps to enhance the golfing experience at Harbor Oaks.
During their recent council meeting, members approved an ordinance and a resolution that will result in a major upgrade to the golf cart fleet. The course will soon lease a collection of state-of-the-art battery-operated golf carts, replacing the older models and promising golfers a notably improved on-course experience.
“These carts are all maintenance free and come with a warranty,” said Larry Matthews, director of the city’s Economic Development Department. “They require no oil changes, and there are no breakdowns.”
In a unanimous vote, all council members, except for Bruce Lockett, endorsed both the ordinance and the resolution. Lockett was absent because of a family emergency.
The approved ordinance waived competitive bidding, authorizing DLL Finance LLC and its affiliates for acquisition of golf carts.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
According to the ordinance, the Pine Bluff Parks Department identified the vendor, Clear Creek Golf Car and Utility Vehicles, to provide support services for $85,680 a year and $428,400 over the life of the contract. The term is not to exceed 60 months and will require installment financing. Clear Creek has established a relationship with DLL Financing LLC to provide financing. Payments will commence on May 1, 2024.
The accompanying resolution authorizes the mayor to execute a lease agreement with Clear Creek Golf Car and Utility Vehicles to acquire golf carts for Harbor Oaks.
During the discussion of the golf carts, council members expressed concerns and asked questions.
Council Member Steven Mays Sr. was particularly worried about the possibility of cart theft. However, Matthews reassured him that the carts are equipped with a GPS tracking system and will automatically shut off if they are driven beyond the boundaries of the golf course.
Council Member Glen Brown Jr. inquired about the possibility of purchasing carts rather than leasing them. Matthews responded by saying that after the five-year lease agreement is fulfilled, the city can negotiate to buy some of the carts. However, the standard practice in this business is to replace carts every five years.
“If you want to buy a few you can have that option when you turn them in,” he said. According to Matthews, the life expectancy of a cart goes beyond five years, but due to state law, the city could only negotiate a contract for up to five years.
According to Matthews, Clear Creek will manage the operations and maintenance of the golf carts. With proper maintenance and care from the drivers, there should be minimal issues with the carts, he said.
Clear Creek, as stated on their website, says it is is the leader in fleet golf car sales and leasing. In the Springfield-Branson-Lake of the Ozarks region, 31 out of 37 golf courses use Clear Creek’s golf carts, the company says. The company is a distributor of Club Car golf carts and has multiple locations across Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Clear Creek has its headquarters in Ozark, Mo., Matthews said, and a maintenance shop in Little Rock.
After being closed for four years due to extensive damage from the Arkansas River flood of 2019, Harbor Oaks reopened under city ownership in May 2023. The course has undergone significant renovations, including the replacement of the irrigation system and the revitalization of the greens.