Amid heated public comments EDA votes to hire golf course manager

The Joint Economic Development Authority Tuesday voted to offer the new general manager’s job at Superior National Golf Course to Bob Fenwick. The former county commissioner’s salary will be $30,000 a year.

More than 30 people crowded into Grand Marais city hall for the vote. Many were upset that another applicant, Cook County native Todd Gervais, was being passed over for the position.

EDA chair Mike Littfin told the crowd that the agency had set up an independent golf course committee to give them recommendations for a general manager. In January that committee urged the EDA to hire someone as soon as possible in time for this summer’s season. The position was advertised locally and subsequently the committee recommended Fenwick.

Jim King, who chairs the golf course committee, said they had interviewed three candidates, two of whom were golf school graduates and PGA pros. King said Superior National did not need another golf pro but instead needed a business person with management skills.

In addition to showing support for Gervais, some members of the public expressed concern the EDA was putting the cart before the horse by hiring a manager before the county board has hired an independent consultant to review the status of the course. The county board has agreed to pay an as yet unselected golf course consultant to review the course, its needs and management, then make recommendations for improvements.

A complete report on Tuesday’s meeting will follow this afternoon.