Watertown council to consider Thompson Park golf course lease bid

The Watertown City Council is scheduled to consider a proposal Monday, Oct. 19, to lease and operate the city-owned Thompson Park Golf Course during the 2027 season. The meeting is set for 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 245 Washington Street.

The city received one bid by the Oct. 13 deadline, according to the City of Watertown’s bid documents. Andrea Doane submitted an offer totaling $21,000. The proposal covers the 18-hole course, property, equipment and carts from April 1 through Oct. 31, 2027, at $3,000 per month.

The proposal also includes obtaining permits and licenses for the operation, including a liquor license, food-service permit and sales-tax registration. It requests access to the property beginning March 1, 2027.

The proposal says the operator would provide its own carts and equipment. It also asks the city to clarify whether employees hired by the operator would be subject to prevailing-wage and benefit requirements. The proposal says the arrangement would not be feasible if city wage rules apply and states that a counteroffer would be considered.

The city’s request for proposals says Watertown may reject any or all bids, and that any award is subject to funding appropriation. Because the golf course is located on city parkland, the lease also requires state approval. City materials say the city does not expect difficulty obtaining that approval.

Watertown bought the former Watertown Golf Club from Michael Lundy for $3.4 million in 2023. The course has operated under city ownership since then. In April, David Marconi proposed a separate lease beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The city later issued a request for proposals in September seeking an operator with comparable golf-course experience within the previous 10 years.

Council members Shane Garrabrant and Douglas Osborne Jr. have expressed support for keeping the course open for another season. A resolution seeking state approval was drafted but was not voted on at the Sept. 21 meeting.

Council members could vote during the week of Oct. 19 on whether to send the request to the state. If state approval is granted, the city would negotiate lease terms with the bidder.

Questions about the bid can be directed to the city purchasing office at 315-785-7749 or City Manager Eric Wagenaar at 315-785-7730. The city’s request for proposals and bid listing are available online.