The Lago Vista Golf Advisory Committee discussed the final stages of a redesign for the course irrigation system and said staff expect to issue a request for proposals (RFP) this winter and select a contractor in early 2026.

Committee members said a subcommittee reviewed a near-final design and that designer Les (referred to in the meeting as the course designer) was finishing the plans before staff complete procurement documents. The group discussed a timeline that would put selection of a contractor in the February time frame and the start of work between late February and April. Committee members estimated construction would take roughly five to six months, placing a likely completion around the following August if the schedule holds and weather cooperates.

The committee emphasized that procurement and project administration will be handled by city project staff. Victor, identified in the meeting as the city project manager, along with the city procurement lead, will prepare and issue the RFP and manage vendor selection. Committee members said the number of bids is uncertain; the last procurement for a related job drew two bids, though some recalled three firms expressing interest informally. The committee said it expects multiple qualified firms to respond but acknowledged that exact bid counts cannot be predicted.

Members tied the irrigation project to broader operational and budget assumptions for the course. Greg reported he had given a pro forma to City Manager Charles showing an optimistic scenario in which increased irrigation reliability and marketing could lift rounds and improve the course’s financial position. Committee members said that additional maintenance staff and other operational costs could be required if rounds rise substantially after the irrigation work is complete.

The group also discussed coordination with Public Works because the course uses recycled effluent for irrigation. Ernesto, the city’s public works director, and Victor are scheduled to meet with golf course staff to align outage and delivery needs so irrigation construction and future operations do not conflict with city utility work.

Why it matters: replacing the irrigation system is the committee’s top capital priority because members said improved irrigation drives course condition, supports marketing to increase rounds, and reduces emergency maintenance costs. The project also depends on city procurement and utility coordination, so any changes to those timelines would delay work.

Ending: Committee members said they will continue to monitor the design and procurement timeline and report back to the advisory committee as milestones occur.