OIG No. 24-20 Miami Beach Golf Club Audit Report
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Joseph M. Centorino, Inspector General
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission FROM: Joseph M. Centorino, Inspector General
Re: Professional Course Management II, LTD - Miami Beach Golf Club Management Agreement
Audit
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Miami Beach's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted an audit of the
Professional Course Management II Ltd. (PCM) operations at the Miami Beach Golf Club (MBGC)
for the period from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2020. The audit, requested by the Parks
and Recreation Department, aimed to assess the compliance of PCM with the MBGC
management agreement and the oversight by the relevant City departments. The audit revealed
a complex relationship between the City and PCM, highlighting both operational successes and
key areas requiring corrective actions.
PCM has successfully managed MBGC and Normandy Shores Golf Club (NSGC), both of which
maintain excellent reputations within the golfing community, with high-quality standards and a
waiting list for membership. Financial benchmarks have been exceeded despite the challenges
faced in recent years. Nonetheless, the audit exposed significant issues related to management
practices, oversight, and documentation, which could potentially harm the City’s financial
interests.
Among the more notable findings was the PCM’s ability to withdraw up to $100,000 daily from
MBGC’s operating account without prior authorization, contrary to the management agreement.
This practice raised concerns about the City’s internal controls and the potential for unauthorized
or unjustified expenditures. Furthermore, several expenditures lacked sufficient documentation,
including discounts provided to golf tournament clients and questionable food and beverage-
related costs, which amounted to over $30,000. These issues pointed to a lack of clarity in
financial transactions and oversight.
The audit also highlighted issues related to compliance with contractual requirements. For
example, some MBGC golfers were granted discounts without clear justification or authorization,
and the locker fees charged were not part of the approved City fee schedule. Moreover, the
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oversight of golf instructors’ business tax receipts and qualifications was found to be lacking,
resulting in uncollected permit fees and unverified lesson rates.
Other areas of concern included PCM’s overbilling for water meter charges due to incorrect meter
assignments, resulting in overcharges to MBGC rather than to other City entities. Additionally, the
lack of proper maintenance documentation by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, as
required by the agreement, was noted as a longstanding issue that had not been rectified since it
was first identified in a previous internal audit report in 2010.
While the audit revealed areas for improvement, it is important to acknowledge that MBGC
continues to operate successfully, with high customer satisfaction. However, the audit
recommends several actions to strengthen internal controls, improve oversight, and ensure that
the City receives its entitled financial benefits. Key recommendations include revising financial
procedures, ensuring proper documentation of expenditures and discounts, and enforcing
compliance with the terms of the management agreement.
Ultimately, this audit underscores the importance of clear communication and transparency
between the City and its concessionaires to protect the City's interests while maintaining high
standards of service and operational success at its facilities.
The following report is structured to first present the audit findings in detail, followed by the
auditees' responses to the identified issues. Finally, the Office of the Inspector General's reply to
the auditees' responses is included.
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Joseph M. Centorino, Inspector General
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Joseph M. Centorino, Inspector General
DATE: September 18, 2024
PROJECT: Professional Course Management II, LTD - Miami Beach Golf Club Management Agreement Audit
OIG No. 24-20
PERIOD: October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2020 The City of Miami Beach Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted this audit at the request of the Parks and Recreation Department to determine the compliance of the concessionaire,
Professional Course Management II, LTD (PCM), with the management agreement regarding the City-owned Miami Beach Golf Club (MBGC). The audit scope also included whether the City Finance Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and others sufficiently monitored the
concessionaire and performed selected tasks required in the management agreement. Similar testing was performed on PCM’s operations at the Normandy Shores Golf Club (NSGC),
and its results are presented in a separate audit report. Although the work was conducted separately, there may be some overlap between the two reports, as some of the identified deficiencies apply to the operations of both City-owned golf clubs. It is recommended that both audit reports be read concurrently to accurately measure the concessionaire’s compliance and the City departments’ oversight during the 24-month audit period.
In addition, an OIG Tax Auditor conducted Resort Tax audits to verify the accuracy and completeness of the concessionaire’s monthly food and beverage filings for both the MBGC and NSGC over a three-year period in which no material variances were identified. It should also be noted at the outset that this audit focuses only on specific issues raised related to compliance with and oversight of the management agreement. It does not purport to assess the quality standards of the golf clubs, but rather the status of compliance with the management
agreement. The OIG is unaware of any serious deficiencies in overall operations and is cognizant that both golf clubs enjoy an excellent reputation for the quality of the golfing experience offered. The OIG shared any identified deficiencies with PCM management during the audit process, and the two related draft reports containing all findings were also disbursed to all affected parties during the latter months of 2021, including the City Administration. After several subsequent
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lengthy and contentious meetings to discuss the contents of the draft reports, OIG management agreed to meet separately with designated PCM staff and to examine some additional
documentation that may not have been originally presented to the auditors during the audit process and to consider that material prior to issuing a final report. Although some of the missing requested documentation was made available to OIG management, there is little means to
determine the cause of the delay in receiving the requested documentation (e.g., was it misfiled, overlooked, obtained afterwards, etc.), so some, but not all PCM desired revisions were made to the original findings. It is important to note that any corresponding revisions would have resulted in the removal or lessening of stated findings in the draft reports and would not have included the addition of any new deficiencies. Although the related examination and revision of the reports was delayed due to the need of OIG audit and management staff to complete the review of all information and revisions to the report as well as other time-sensitive responsibilities, all affected parties have been aware of the findings since at least the latter months of 2021, providing ample time to implement the necessary corrective actions to resolve the identified deficiencies.
This was a complex audit that involved a significant commitment of time and resources by multiple OIG Audit Division staff members. Much time was devoted to analyzing the available data and
underlying issues. The responses of the City and contractor were taken seriously and resulted in useful additions and modifications that have enhanced the accuracy and value of the report. INTRODUCTION
The MBGC, formerly known as Bayshore Golf Club, is located at 2301 Alton Road in Miami Beach. The facility underwent a $10 million redesign and renovation in 2002, where improvements such as paspalum grass were planted, the course was elevated to provide better drainage, the irrigation system was replaced, and a new clubhouse was built. The renovated 6,903-yard par-72 MBGC opened on December 17, 2002. The City’s original management agreement with PCM to operate the MBGC in 2003 had a three-
year term, with two one-year renewal options. The City Commission agreed to waive the competitive bidding process on September 5, 2007 and approved a new five-year management agreement with PCM beginning on October 1, 2007. Upon its conclusion, the management
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agreement was extended on a month-to-month basis until the City Commission accepted the recommendation of the Finance and Citywide Projects Committee to waive the competitive
bidding requirement and begin negotiations with PCM. As a result, new management agreements for the MBGC and NSGC were executed for a period of three years commencing on October 1, 2013, with the City having the sole option to extend them for two successive one-year terms.
More recently, the City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 2018-186-WG on July 20, 2018, to operate and manage the City’s golf courses, clubhouses, and related facilities (MBGC and NSGC). Upon conclusion of the City’s procurement process, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2018-30573, accepting the recommendation of the City Manager, and authorizing the City Administration to negotiate a contract with PCM. Ultimately, PCM was granted the exclusive right to operate and manage (including Food and Beverage and Pro Shop Merchandise Sales) at the MBGC and NSGC and all related facilities for the period of October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2023. The management agreement was renewed, effective March 1, 2023, with the same terms, conditions, and pricing until September 30, 2025.
The current management agreement stipulates that the City is to receive 100% of golf revenues and 5% of Pro Shop and Food and Beverage revenues. In addition, the City is to receive 20% of golf lesson revenues as required by Q&A #17 of Addendum No. 5 of RFP No. 2018-186-WG,
which, according to the Procurement Department Director, is incorporated as part of the RFP and the resulting management agreement. Table 1 below lists the gross revenues earned by the City at the MBGC by major category, excluding 7% Florida State Sales tax and 2% Miami Beach
Resort tax, for each fiscal year comprising the audit period (rounded to the nearest whole dollar): Table 1
In return for providing the services required in the management agreement and collecting the associated revenues for the City, PCM is to receive the following compensation:
• A Management Fee of $130,000 for the initial business year (October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019), to be increased and adjusted October 1 of each subsequent
business year by the percentage of change published by the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL, CPI-U twelve-month percent changes, all items index, not seasonally adjusted (“CPI”), or 3%, whichever is smaller.
Miami Beach Golf Club Oct 1, 2018 - Sep 30, 2019 Oct 1, 2019 - Sep 30, 2020
Greens Fees $1,979,449 $1,630,421
Cart Fees $1,173,378 $1,268,421
Range Fees $164,894 $196,086
Membership Fees $821,356 $904,369
Lesson Revenues (20%)$146,470 $113,124
Total Golf Gross Revenues $4,285,547 $4,112,421
Pro Shop Revenues (5%)$40,404 $28,243
Food & Beverage Revenues (5%)$57,096 $41,059
Total Additional Revenues $97,500 $69,302
Total City Gross Revenues $4,383,047 $4,181,723
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• A Graduated Incentive Fee for each business year, which shall be capped at $125,000 of gross revenues up to $3,900,000.00, with an incentive fee pay-back provision if gross revenues are below $3,900,000.00 as specified in Section 11.02.1 of the management agreement.
• An Additional Incentive Fee of 13% on all gross revenues over $4,000,000.00.
• 95% of Pro Shop and Food and Beverage revenues. Table 2 below lists the monies received by PCM in Management Fees, Graduated Incentive Fees, Additional Incentive Fees, Pro Shop revenues, and Food and Beverage revenues for each fiscal year comprising the audit period (rounded to the nearest whole dollar): Table 2
Lastly, the following City departments performed the listed functions at the MBGC:
• The Parks and Recreation Department supervised, directed, and evaluated the performance of PCM, and reviewed its monthly expenditure reports.
• The Public Works Department read, maintained, repaired, and replaced the water meters, as necessary, and calculated the impervious (not readily penetrable by groundwater) areas to determine the number of ERUs (equivalent residential usage units) to be billed.
• The Finance Department reviewed the monthly bank reconciliations, created any needed journal entries in the City Financial System, and prepared utility bills charging PCM based
on the meter readings and ERUs received from the Public Works Department. OVERALL OPINION City Parks and Recreation Department management informed the OIG that they are pleased with
the overall performance of PCM in operating the MBGC and NSGC, and that the concessionaire has managed to exceed desired financial benchmarks despite some difficult economic times. The golf clubs appeared to the OIG Auditors to be in excellent condition, with a waiting list for new members to join, and few complaints are apparently received from its players. With the support of the City, the concessionaire has maintained its contractual relationship with the City to operate its golf clubs since 2003, with competitive bidding being waived for two of the four management agreements awarded to PCM during the past 21 years. Although acknowledging the City’s satisfaction with PCM, the OIG disagrees with the practice of waiving competitive bidding when there is no sole source supplier, emergency, or other substantial basis for the waiver.
In a similar vein, it is the impression of the OIG that the mutually supportive relationship between the Parks and Recreation Department and PCM over the years may have detracted from the
Miami Beach Golf Club Oct 1, 2018 - Sep 30, 2019 Oct 1, 2019 - Sep 30, 2020
Management Fees $130,000 $131,950
Graduated Incentive Fees $125,000 $125,000
Additional Incentive Fees $49,778 $23,584
Pro Shop Revenues (95%)$767,681 $538,114
Food & Beverage Revenues (95%)$1,084,827 $780,113
Total PCM Gross Revenues $2,157,286 $1,598,760
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City’s enforcement and documentation of the tested requirements in the management agreement. For example, the repeated usage of verbal approvals, contrary to established best practices if not
violative of the agreement itself, made it difficult for the OIG Auditors to determine how much instruction and oversight was actually furnished by City staff to PCM. It is strongly recommended that City staff prospectively provide only written advance approvals to PCM prior to its
implementation of any related actions. The OIG would also like to emphasize that the management agreement needs strengthening as it does not address some pertinent issues and some other provisions may not sufficiently inure to the benefit or protection of the City. The timely completion of these needed revisions should result in less confusion concerning the applicability of terms and increased accountability. Although PCM management contends that the City approved the golf club’s annual budget and reimbursed PCM for all expenditures questioned in this report, the lack of documented approvals complicated the audit process and made it impossible for OIG Auditors to confirm that each related transaction was properly vetted. Given the large volume of information, the OIG has opted
to include all findings in this report, including those disputed by management in order to provide the readers of this report with all known information and the broadest possible perspective on the issues raised.
The following deficiencies, identified during the audit period, should be addressed and corrective action taken, if not already implemented:
1. PCM was permitted to withdraw up to $100,000.00 daily from the MBGC operating bank account for expenditure reimbursements without prior authorization by the Finance Department or prior written approval of the Parks and Recreation Department for all monthly transactions. 2. The City approved the reimbursement of estimated payroll administrative service fees totaling $45,360.64, which appears contrary to section 15.06 of the management agreement. 3. PCM did not furnish sufficient supporting documentation to justify $33,151.50 in discounts given that were not specified in the management agreement related to tested MBGC golf tournament billings.
4. The City reimbursed PCM a total of $31,484.20 in questionable expenditures related primarily to MBGC Food and Beverage operations and paper goods. 5. Water meters were incorrectly billed, resulting in net overbillings of $17,126.35 to the
MBGC rather than to other responsible City entities. 6. Some tested individuals purchasing MBGC golf memberships during the audit period received questionable discounts totaling $14,348.55 from the City Commission approved
rates, and PCM charged and collected locker fees of $22,546.60 which were not included in the approved Fee Schedules. 7. Written documentation was not provided to the OIG verifying the City’s advance approval of the Director of Agronomy position; and the City paid $13,699.40 in related car allowance expenditures. 8. Pursuant to Section 11.02.1 of the management agreement, the Graduated Incentive Fee paid to the concessionaire for fiscal year 2018/19 was $6,093.75 more than due, based on the fact that the reported net operating income before debt service was 4.875% less than $800,000.00. 9. PCM charged discounted golf rates from the City Commission approved Fee Schedules without documented approval from the City.
10. Nine Jim McLean Golf Academy professionals, who provided private lessons to paying
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customers, did not obtain the required annual Business Tax Receipts, resulting in the City not receiving $4,527.00 in permit fees due, excluding late charges.
11. The Jim McLean Golf Academy provided private golf lessons during the audit period without written approval by the City of instructors’ qualifications and its instructors charged inconsistent rates that were not verified by PCM.
12. Chris Jett Golf Sales, Inc. is registered as a Florida For Profit Corporation, with MBGC listed as its principal address, and operated as a MBGC subcontractor despite not obtaining the required approval of the City Manager or acquiring valid Business Tax Receipts. 13. MBGC’s Maintenance Repair Inspection and Golf Course Evaluation Reports were not documented by the Parks and Recreation Department, as required by Sections 8.09 and 22.01 of the management agreement. 14. MBGC’s Business Tax Receipt numbered RL-10004359 was incorrectly billed during the audit period, resulting in $572.00 due to the City. 15. $2,000.63 in Florida State Sales tax is due to the City from PCM, stemming from its Pro-Shop rental payments.
In addition, a few distinct areas of MBGC operations are presented at the end of this report as opportunities for improvement and/or financial benefit.
SCOPE, OBJECTIVES, AND METHODOLOGY The scope of this audit was to determine whether PCM complied with tested provisions set forth
in the management agreement related to MBGC, and whether the City Parks and Recreation Department and others adequately monitored the concessionaire. The audit focused on the following general objectives:
1. Confirm that the concessionaire's tested monthly deposits and withdrawals are correctly calculated based on verified gross revenues and expenditures.
2. Confirm that the City Parks and Recreation Department periodically inspects, evaluates, and documents MBGC’s maintenance. 3. Confirm that tested MBGC golf professionals providing lessons to customers have obtained their annual BTRs. 4. Confirm that sufficient documentation was maintained to confirm that sampled concessionaire expenditures were made for approved business purposes. 5. Confirm that the concessionaire is current on all examined taxes, permits, licenses, etc. 6. Confirm that the concessionaire maintained sufficient insurance coverage during the audit period. 7. Confirm that the concessionaire complied with other selected provisions of the management agreement.
8. Other audit procedures as deemed necessary. The audit methodology included the following:
• Reviewed applicable sections of the management agreement between the City and PCM;
• Interviewed and made inquiries of staff to gain an understanding of internal controls, assess control risk, and plan audit procedures;
• Performed substantive testing consistent with the audit objectives, including, but not limited to, examination of applicable transactions and records;
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• Drew conclusions based on the results of testing, made corresponding recommendations, and obtained auditee responses and corrective action plans; and
• Performed other audit procedures as deemed necessary. FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND AUDITEE RESPONSES
1. FINDING: PCM WAS PERMITTED TO WITHDRAW UP TO $100,000.00 DAILY FROM THE MBGC OPERATING BANK ACCOUNT FOR EXPENDITURE REIMBURSEMENTS WITHOUT PRIOR AUTHORIZATION BY THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT OR PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL FROM THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT FOR ALL MONTHLY TRANSACTIONS.
Section 12.06 of the management agreement states as follows: The City shall fund the Manager's designated account for the estimated expenses to be paid by the Manager on
behalf of the City for the following month via a transfer approved by the City of Miami
Beach Finance Department by the tenth of the month. Upon the City receiving and verifying the monthly report generated by the Manager as referenced in Section 12.01, the
City shall fund the Manager' s account, via a transfer, for all the payments to be made the
following month on behalf of the City by the Manager, 95% of the Pro Shop Merchandise sales for the prior month and the monthly management fee. Regarding the advance
provided to the Manager for operating expenses, if there are any differences, the Manager shall add or subtract, as applicable, such difference from the following months funding request. Finance Department staff explained to the OIG Auditors during a Microsoft TEAMS meeting that they had established a procedure that differs from the agreement. This procedure allows PCM to have full access to the City’s golf club bank accounts, making PCM responsible for safeguarding all banking information, and for reimbursing itself by
wire, not exceeding a daily limit of $100,000.00, for any expenditures incurred. The Deputy Finance Director stated that the new procedure was created during a meeting between personnel from the Finance Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and PCM. When questioned as to who approved the new procedure, the Deputy Finance Director responded that, as it is a departmental procedure rather than a Citywide
procedure, no approval was required. PCM management confirmed that a PCM employee would request the withdrawal of monies from the City bank account, while another PCM employee would approve the transaction and notify the Finance Department via email of the withdrawal. The e-mail would be sent after the withdrawal and approved by PCM but would not include any supporting documentation regarding the transaction for the Finance Department to review.
Finance Department staff acknowledged that they do not approve the withdrawals but stated that they request an e-mail to ensure that the withdrawal was made by PCM. Designated Finance Department employees review the bank transactions weekly to verify
that the transactions were originated by PCM in accordance with the received e-mails. At month’s end, PCM provides a report with the details of the amounts withdrawn and any payments made on behalf of the City to the Finance Department. Designated Finance Department staff then reconcile the bank account, but they do not verify that the
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transactions are allowable under the management agreement, as they claim it is the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation Department. However, no documentary
evidence was provided confirming that reimbursed expenditures had been previously reviewed and approved by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Parks and Recreation Department staff provided a revenue workflow in an email to the OIG Auditors indicating that PCM provides a monthly revenue report to the Finance Department that is then reviewed by that department. The workflow does not contain references to any review by Parks and Recreation Department staff regarding any concessionaire’s transactions. Parks and Recreation Department staff claim that they occasionally review the monthly reports, but the OIG Auditors were unable to corroborate these statements as no supporting documentary evidence of these reviews was provided. Consequently, the OIG Auditors had no means to determine the frequency in which these reviews were performed, the depth or results of the analysis, or how quickly and appropriately any questioned transactions were addressed or resolved.
The OIG Auditors concluded that this procedure lacked sufficient internal controls, because PCM, an independent company, can make withdrawals up to $100,000.00 daily from City accounts for payments supposedly made on behalf of the City without prior
written approval. Furthermore, no documentary evidence was provided confirming that the PCM expenditures in the monthly reports were examined and approved by the Parks and Recreation Department prior to being reimbursed which increases the likelihood that
expenditures contrary to the management agreement may be reimbursed and not questioned.
Recommendation(s): The Parks and Recreation Department should designate employees to review and approve all bank transactions before any reimbursements are made. If the City wants to change the procedure to allow PCM to withdraw money every month, then the management agreement should be amended, and designated City employee(s) should be assigned to review and approve the withdrawals in writing. In addition, the Parks and Recreation Department should maintain evidence of its review of all monthly reports and adjustments, with a copy timely forwarded to the Finance Department prior to the completion of its monthly bank reconciliations. It is also recommended that the current procedures be revised with stricter internal controls to
better facilitate compliance and to mitigate the associated risks to the City. Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see
Exhibits at the end of the report.
2. FINDING: THE CITY APPROVED THE REIMBURSEMENT OF ESTIMATED PAYROLL ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE FEES TOTALING $45,360.64, WHICH APPEARS
CONTRARY TO SECTION 15.06 OF THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.
Section 15.01 of the management agreement states; The manager shall prepare and
maintain and adequate set of records in detail and methodology satisfactory to the Director
and the City’s Chief Financial Officer, documenting all Golf Courses gross revenues and Operating Expenses pursuant to this Agreement. Section 15.06 states, Preparation of
reports with respect to all financial aspects of the Golf Course, such as payroll data, daily
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cash register tapes, cash receipts, accounts receivable, budget reports and detailed profit center information.
PCM management explained to the OIG Auditors that they have an agreement with Paychex, an independent payroll service company hired to process the golf club payroll;
and, that the associated fees are fully reimbursed by the City. The payroll services include calculating payroll and related taxes, filing returns, workers compensation and medical insurance. OIG Auditors examined the Paychex Supplemental Employee Detail report dated October 14, 2020, and found that it charged a bi-weekly administrative fee of $18.56 per employee (47 employees x 18.56 estimated per employee x 26 bi-weekly periods per year x two years) for the audit period, which equates to $45,360.64. When questioned, both Parks and Recreation Department and PCM management stated that they had verbally approved the hiring of Paychex. In addition, the OIG Auditors were told that the corresponding expenditures were included in the annual budgets approved by the City Commission; that the hiring of Paychex was necessary because the previously approved accounting positions were not sufficient to complete all related work; and that the City fully reimbursed the related monthly expenditures.
Hiring Paychex may have been a less costly alternative than hiring another employee, assuming that the current approved PCM administrative staff does not have the ability to perform these payroll functions. However, the OIG Auditors believe it may contradict
Section 15.06, as payroll preparation is the concessionaire’s responsibility and would have been factored into their bid to RFP No. 2018-186-WG and the management agreement.
Recommendation(s): Although the OIG understands that the City approves the annual budget and reimburses PCM for its monthly golf club expenditures, it cannot be assumed that each transaction is properly vetted, given the large volume of expenditures and corresponding detail present. The OIG recommends that any new, revised, or reoccurring expenditures, especially those exceeding a designated threshold set by the City, be separated and properly vetted before incurring the related spending. Once approved, the best practice would be for the terms agreed upon by all parties to be thoroughly documented to provide a sufficient audit trail. Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see Exhibits at the end of the report.
3. FINDING: PCM DID NOT FURNISH SUFFICIENT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
TO JUSTIFY $33,151.50 IN DISCOUNTS GIVEN THAT WERE NOT SPECIFIED IN THE
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT RELATED TO TESTED MBGC GOLF TOURNAMENT
BILLINGS.
Section 6.09.3 of the management agreement states as follows: The manager {PCM} shall operate and maintain a tournament scheduling services, as deemed appropriate by the
Director, including but not limited to reserving tournament dates; processing reservation
agreements; arranging for tournament assistance; collecting green fees and other fees associated with tournament play; and supplying other services. Manager shall provide
Director, monthly, with a complete list of all proposed tournaments. The Manager shall
honor all contracts for tournaments and banquets as shall be scheduled and approved by the City. Any such events shall be coordinated and scheduled with the Manager so as to
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not conflict with tournaments scheduled by the Manager, and so as to minimize disruption to the Golf Course operations.
PCM’s Director of Sales and Marketing, who oversees the golf tournaments with the assistance of its Director of Golf, provided the following information: (1) the rack rate
determines the tournament rate at the time of the tournament; (2) non-profit organizations receive a 30% discount; (3) the tournament price does not include food and beverages; (4) insurance is included in the tournament price, and (5) a signed contract is required for groups of more than 20 players. PCM provides food and beverages for sale, including beer, wine, and alcoholic beverages, as well as catering services for tournaments, events, or groups on the golf courses and within the clubhouse restaurant and bar, as required in the management agreement. In addition to the sponsorship tournaments, PCM also arranges tournaments for the members, who pay a tournament fee to participate, including trophies, awards, and occasionally food and beverages.
OIG Auditors examined the tournaments held during the audit period and noted several unsubstantiated deficiencies, summarized below by fiscal year, from the stated criteria.
Fiscal Year 2018/19 = $23,755.50
• Four tournament contracts on file were not signed, and another contract was missing and could not be located by PCM.
• Eight instances were noted whereby MBGC customers paid a total of $26,019.50 less than stated rates.
• Nine customers were billed and paid $2,264.00 more than the stated cart fees and/or rack rates. Fiscal Year 2019/20 = $9,396.00
• Seven instances were noted whereby golf course users paid a total of $9,816.00 less than stated rates.
• Seven instances were noted where $9,816.00 in discounts were given to MBGC customers. In addition, a discount was given to a non-profit organization with an expired 501(c)(3) form on file. Section 501(c)(3) is a portion of the United States Internal Revenue Code that allows for federal tax exemption of non-profit organizations and is regulated and administered by the Department of Treasury through the internal Revenue Service. Lastly, discounted rates were provided for a South Florida residents group that OIG Auditors could not validate.
• One user was billed $420.00 more in cart fees than those approved.
Recommendation(s): Section 6.09.3 of the management agreement should be revised to require the City to provide advance written approval of any MBGC tournament rates given to customers that differ from those authorized. In addition, the management agreement contains some ambiguous and/or contradictory language, as well as instances whereby specific rates are to be charged, with little room for adjustment. The OIG recommends that the management agreement be revised, where necessary, to include among other changes, an acceptable range of prices related to tournaments. For example, there could be a preferred tournament rate, but PCM staff would have flexibility to offer a discount (e.g. 5%) to event organizers, without obtaining
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prior documented City approval.
Although some of the missing requested tournament documentation may have been provided to OIG management at a later time, it was not provided to OIG Auditors when initially requested. Therefore, there is no means to determine the cause of the delay in
receiving the requested documentation (e.g. was it misfiled, overlooked, obtained afterwards, etc.). Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see Exhibits at the end of the report. 4. FINDING: THE CITY REIMBURSED PCM A TOTAL OF $31,484.20 IN QUESTIONABLE EXPENDITURES RELATED PRIMARILY TO MBGC FOOD AND BEVERAGE
OPERATIONS AND PAPER GOODS. Section 4.01.9 of the management agreement provides the City must do the following:
provide or make provisions for all initial furniture, fixtures, and equipment needed to operate the Food and Beverage and Pro Shop Merchandise Sales concession facilities to
include: restaurant and bar tables and chairs, kitchen equipment, pots, pans, small wares,
china, silver, glassware, pro shop display fixtures, banquet equipment, office furniture, point of sale system (with sufficient back office capabilities to support the financial
reporting requirement of the Agreement, office equipment, telephone equipment, etc.
Manager (PCM) shall be responsible for any and all replacement due to breakage, theft (unless documented by a City Police report) or employee negligence; all paper goods and
disposable items such as plastic wares, cups; and costs related to printing of menus,
display boards or other promotional material relating directly to the Manager’s operations. [Emphasis added.]
In addition, Section 10.04 states: The manager (PCM) will be responsible for screening,
interviewing, testing and training to include, but not be limited to; interviews that include
experience, goals, interest, attitudes, motivation and other work related attributes; background checks as deemed appropriate by the City of Miami Beach Human Resources
Department, as well as credit history for positions that may require the handling of City
funds; verification that its employees are not convicted sex offenders; and training of employees on the City’s Service Excellence program for those who interact with the
general public as customer service representatives.
Section 15.01 further states that, The manager shall prepare and maintain an adequate
set of records in detail and methodology satisfactory to the Director and the City’s Chief
Financial Officer, documenting all Golf Courses gross revenues and Operating Expenses pursuant to this agreement…. Although each expenditure was included in the corresponding monthly reports and bank
transactions, the OIG Auditors performed testing to determine if any sampled expenditures related to Sections 4.01.9 and 10.04 were fully paid by the City, instead of by PCM. As a result, the following expenditures totaling $31,484.20 ($16,968.25 Fiscal Year 2018/19 +
$14,515.95 Fiscal Year 2019/20) were questioned. Fiscal Year 2018/19 = $16,968.25 ($15,298.11 + $1,490.14 + $180.00)
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• The City paid for 41 restaurant operational expenditures related to repairs, a dish machine lease, and grease trap cleanings totaling $15,298.11, that appear contrary to Section 4.01.9.
• The City paid a total of $1,490.14 for paper goods such as paper towels, that appear contrary to Section 4.01.9.
• The City paid $180.00 for two employee trainings that appear contrary to Section 10.04. Fiscal Year 2019/20 = $14,515.95 ($13,103.64 + $1,347.31 + $65.00)
• The City paid $13,103.64 for 36 restaurant operational expenditures related to
repairs, a dish machine lease, and grease trap cleanings, that appear contrary to Section 4.01.9.
• The City paid for 11 separate transactions totaling $1,347.31 to purchase paper goods such as paper towels, that appear contrary to Section 4.01.9.
• The City paid $65.00 for an employee training, that appears contrary to Section 10.04. When presented with the questioned expenditures, PCM management informed the OIG Auditors of its belief that the City was responsible for all repairs, even those related to the Food and Beverage operations (including the restaurant, bar and catering, as well as
concessionaire staffed golf carts from which food and beverages are sold to golfers on the course), based on Section 7.05 of the management agreement. That provision states: The manager shall perform acceptable day-to-day housekeeping and maintain and perform all
repairs on the kitchens, dining rooms, bars and pro shops that are necessitated as a result of the Manager’s or its agents’ negligence. City shall be responsible for all other repairs and maintenance. All such maintenance shall be of quality equal to or better than the
original in materials and workmanship. The OIG believes that Section 7.05 refers to the Golf Course facilities equipment and improvements, and not to Food and Beverage operations. In addition, PCM management claimed that the questioned expenditures related to paper
goods were used in areas outside of the restaurants, such as in the building restrooms, which are the responsibility of the City. Although this may be a true statement, no supporting evidence was provided to the OIG Auditors. Recommendation(s): Designated Parks and Recreation Department staff should closely examine all future
monthly expenditure reports and attest to each transaction’s accuracy and alignment with the management agreement before PCM is reimbursed any related monies. Whenever appropriate, legal opinions should be obtained in advance from the Office of the City
Attorney regarding interpretation of management agreement provisions. In addition, discussions should be held between the City and PCM management to reach a consensus on the methodology (e.g. equitable allocation) to address the prospective purchase of paper goods and other related items which may be used concurrently in several areas of the golf clubs. Once a consensus reached, it should be documented and consistently followed by all parties. Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see Exhibits at the end of the report.
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5. FINDING: WATER METERS WERE INCORRECTLY BILLED, RESULTING IN NET OVERBILLINGS OF $17,126.35 TO THE MBGC RATHER THAN TO OTHER
RESPONSIBLE CITY ENTITIES. One of MBGC’s largest expenditures is the monthly utility bill that includes water, sewer,
and stormwater charges. OIG Auditors contacted the Public Works Department’s Metered Services Supervisor, who provided the Utility Inventory Listing report for each water meter billed to MBGC during the audit period, as well as the applicable water utility rates. MBGC Water and Sewer Charges It was explained that MBGC had a total of thirteen meters on its utility account, comprised of nine irrigation meters and four water meters. Irrigation meters are used exclusively for the outdoor watering of grass and plants, so MGBC is billed only for water consumption and not for sewer. Water meters are typically used inside buildings and both water and sewer charges are billed based on consumption. The MBGC contains one 12” meter, three 6” meters, five 2” meters, one 1” meter, one 5/8” meter and two 1.5” meters on site. OIG Auditors also contacted the City’s Finance Department and requested copies of sampled meter invoices.
Upon reviewing this information OIG Auditors determined the following: (1) a few meters continuously had no consumption; (2) the Finance Department billed two additional meters (#01589557 Irrigation 4” and #02024323 Irrigation 2”) located on the City-owned former
par 3 golf course that is no longer part of MBGC operations, resulting in Golf Course operations being overbilled by $18,714.00; (3) the monthly readings were incorrectly estimated, and no earned credits were subsequently issued; and (4) some meters had unexplained large increases or decreases in consumption. As a result, OIG Auditors performed a site visit with Public Works Department, Parks and Recreation Department and PCM staff to identify the location of all MBGC billed meters, whereby the following deficiencies were noted: 1) Meter #02024361 located at 28th Street and Meridian Avenue was not found initially due to the large amount of sand inside the box. Although Public Works Department personnel later sent the below picture confirming that the meter was located, its condition made it apparent to the OIG Auditors that the meter had not been read for an extended period.
2) The following three additional meters were incorrectly charged to the City’s Parks and Recreation Department during the audit period, but are owed by the MBGC, according to the Public Works Department:
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a. Meter #02020745 provides water to the bathrooms at the 16th Tee on
MBGC. It was noted that this meter is registered as an irrigation meter, but it should be listed as a water meter. As a result, it was calculated that Golf Course operations were underbilled for water by $4,022.59.
b. Meter #09703734 is located at 2000½ Meridian Avenue and was underbilled by $13,207.05. c. Meter #09603205 is located at 1835½ Michigan Avenue, repeatedly has not reported any consumption, and appears not to be in use. The OIG Auditors’ calculations indicated that it was underbilled for water by $831.24.
3) Meters #02087203, a 6” irrigation meter, and #20094786, a 2” irrigation meter, located in the MBGC maintenance yard, were incorrectly billed to the MBGC, as they are used to irrigate the plants in the Parks and Recreation Department nursery. Meter #02087203 was overbilled for water for $14,329.04, and meter #20094786 was overbilled for $1,362.32 during the audit period.
4) Meter #02040356, located at 2900½ Alton Road, does not supply water to the MBGC. As a result, the MBGC was overbilled for water and sewer by $781.87
during the audit period.
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5) Meter #0967003 is not in use and became obsolete when a 12” meter was installed. Consequently, it can be capped or removed to avoid the MBGC being invoiced for future monthly base charges. Monthly base charges are the lowest possible fee and represent the minimum monthly charge. They equaled $60.75 and $62.09 during the 2018/19 and 2019/20 fiscal years respectively. 6) 12” irrigation meter #03002121. Readings show that the average monthly consumption from October 2018 through January 2020 was 26,327 units (100 gallons = 1 unit), before decreasing to an average of 1,686 units for February 2020 through September 2020. When questioned, PCM staff stated that the consumption has not changed to their knowledge and were unable to explain the
reasons for this significant consumption difference. Public Works Department staff mentioned that the meter was replaced 10 years earlier, and it may need to be replaced again.
7) Irrigation meter #02043822. Average monthly consumption reading for October 2018 through March 2020 was 687 units, before increasing to an average of 1,946 units for April 2020 through September 2020. When questioned, PCM staff stated that the timer was broken and needs to be replaced, so they must manually turn it on and off, which most likely resulted in the higher water consumption.
8) Meter #02044555. This meter shows zero consumption; however, it is a water meter bypass and cannot be removed. A water meter bypass is a connection made prior to the meter that allows the upstream section of the line to fill with water, minimizing the amount of air in the line and protecting the meter. Once the downstream line fills with water, the flow can be diverted from the bypass and sent through the water meter. In addition, the bypass allows for meter maintenance and replacement without disruption of service and will pick up low flows that large meters might not register. Public Works Department staff believe the meter may need to be replaced.
OIG Auditors also determined that the meter readings are occasionally estimated or incorrectly read, in which case adjustments in subsequent readings should be made to
reflect the accurate period usage and cumulative readings. However, such adjustments were not always made. For example, the table below shows that the November 6, 2018, cumulative reading for meter #02024361 was 38,310 units (1 unit = 100 gallons of water),
while the next reading, occurring on November 29, 2018 was only 36,083 units, an obvious error. Consequently, the November 6, 2018 reading overbilled the MBGC by 2,227 units (38,310 – 36,083). A review of the MBGC’s subsequent invoices found that no credit was applied, and the account was overbilled $1,690.51.
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MBGC Storm Water Charges Finance Department personnel informed the OIG Auditors that the stormwater fees on the utility bill are provided by the Public Works Department. OIG Auditors then contacted the Public Works Department Project Engineer to better understand the methodology used to calculate the stormwater fee related to the MBGC. The OIG Auditors examined Miami Beach City Code Article III Stormwater Utility Section 110-107, which provides that the stormwater fee is calculated by dividing the impervious area by 791 to identify the ERUs (equivalent residential usage units) rate and then multiplying that figure by the approved ERU unit rate. Impervious area is defined as the
horizontal ground surface area that is not readily penetrated by rainwater. As such, it includes structures, slabs, patios, porches, driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, athletic courts, decks, etc. An ERU is a statistically estimated average of the impervious area of
residential developed properties per dwelling unit within the City. The estimated average, which equals 791 square feet, is calculated by dividing the total estimated impervious area of residential properties by the estimated total number of dwelling units. The stormwater charge per ERU for the 2018/19 fiscal year was $24.12, and it remained unchanged for the 2019/20 fiscal year.
The OIG Auditors then contacted the Project Engineer to request the calculation of the
impervious areas for the MBGC in order to recalculate and determine the accuracy of the stormwater fee. The Public Works Department did not have any documentation calculating its impervious area, nor did it have the needed site plans to perform the calculation. As a result, the OIG Auditors then contacted the Building Department Director for assistance in locating the site plans, which were promptly provided and forwarded to the Public Works Department. However, the Project Engineer claimed that the plans were insufficient for this purpose and stated that she would research the public records to find the information necessary to compute the ERU calculation. After approximately one month passed without response, the OIG Auditors contacted the City Engineer for assistance. Although the Public Works Department could not locate the plans, they used the Google Earth website to estimate the square footage needed to calculate the impervious area.
Meter #02024361 Account #517015-00 Block 1 Block 2 Block 1 Block 2Meter
Reading Date Reading
Total
Consumption Bill Date
Usage
Billed Base 0.462 0.735 Water Total
Actual
Consumption Base 0.462 0.735 Water Total
10/5/2018 34377 681 10/29/2018 681 53.66 314.62$ -$ 368.28$ 681 53.66 314.62$ -$ 368.28$
11/6/2018 38310 3933 11/30/2018 3933 53.66 -$ 2,890.76$ 2,944.42$ 3933 53.66 -$ 2,890.76$ 2,944.42$
11/29/2018 36083 0 12/27/2018 0 53.66 -$ -$ 53.66$ -2227 0 -$ (1,636.85)$ (1,636.85)$
12/21/2018 36713 630 12/27/2018 630 53.66 291.06$ -$ 344.72$ 630 53.66 291.06$ -$ 344.72$
1/18/2019 37588 875 1/31/2019 875 53.66 404.25$ -$ 457.91$ 875 53.66 404.25$ -$ 457.91$
Total amount billed 4,168.99$ Correct amount as per consumption 2,478.48$ Overbilled
1,690.51$
OIG staff AnalysisFinance Department InvoicesUtility Inventory Listing Report
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The OIG preferred not to perform the recalculation based on estimates, so the actual impervious area calculations were requested. An e-mail was received from the City
Engineer stating that the Google Earth website had to be used to estimate the ERUs, because the site plans could not be located. The furnished estimate was 322 ERU’s (impervious area of 254,014 ft / 791), and he acknowledged that while this may not be
sufficient to act upon, it shows that MBGC’s storm water calculations seem to be accurate. Recommendation(s): PCM and the Parks and Recreation Department should request that the Public Works Department timely address all MBGC billed water meters that are not in use, obsolete, or need to be re-assigned and/or billed to other account holders. Going forward, the City Public Works Department should be timely notified of any water leaks or other meter malfunctions, such as with irrigation meter #02043822, so that the needed repairs can be promptly performed. The OIG Auditors recommend that the Finance Department create a $17,126.35 credit invoice related to the identified net overpayment related to MBGC utility charges. The OIG agrees to make all related supporting documentation available to designated Finance Department staff, so that they can perform their own calculations based on the available
data. Once completed, they should prepare the appropriate invoices to correct the identified deficient charges. All future monthly utility bills should be sent to PCM and the Parks and Recreation Department to allow both parties to actively monitor each meter’s
consumption and to promptly take any needed corrective actions. It is recommended that Public Works and Finance Department personnel create a procedure to follow when incorrect estimates are made, so that all affected customers, including both the MBGC and NSGC, are billed accurately. The Eden system, currently used by the City for utility billing, should be evaluated to identify a solution for the overcharging occurring when actual water consumption is lower than estimated consumption, rather than merely showing zero consumption for the next month, which fails to account for the overestimated consumption in the previous month. The OIG Auditor’s analysis covered only through September 2020, so the City should complete an additional evaluation to determine if there is any corrective action needed for any of the subsequent months. Also, the Public Works Department should maintain sufficient documentation to support the charging of all stormwater fees throughout the City
as it should not be based on estimates. Public Works Department staff should periodically request that the Information Technology
Department generate a report from the EnerGov system, the City licensing and permitting system, of all commercial construction permits that may have modified the impervious areas and thereby affected its billing. This report should be used to update the stormwater fee billings, as necessary, along with any supporting documentation. Finally, sufficient documentation should be maintained in support of all storm water fee billings. Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see Exhibits at the end of the report.
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6. FINDING: SOME TESTED INDIVIDUALS PURCHASING MBGC GOLF MEMBERSHIPS DURING THE AUDIT PERIOD RECEIVED QUESTIONABLE
DISCOUNTS TOTALING $14,348.55 FROM THE CITY COMMISSION APPROVED RATES, AND PCM CHARGED AND COLLECTED LOCKER FEES OF $22,546.60 WHICH WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE APPROVED FEE SCHEDULES. The City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2018-30420 on July 25, 2018, approving a new Fee Schedule, which included the following MBGC membership dues, effective on October 1, 2018:
MBGC membership is capped at 225 people and there is a waiting list. Some of the benefits of purchasing this membership include the following: (1) 10-day advance tee time;
(2) membership privileges at NSGC; (3) preferred tee times availability on Saturday and Sunday between 7:00am and 9:00 am; (4) complimentary bag storage; (5) complimentary practice balls; and (6) discounts on food and beverages. In addition to the membership
fee, MBGC members are charged each time they play, a $25.00 cart fee for 18 holes and $15.00 for nine holes. Memberships are not refundable or transferable and all prices are subject to additional applicable sales tax.
On September 25, 2019, the City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 2019-4299 creating Section 1-15, entitled “Fee Schedule”, providing that all fees and charges established by the City Commission shall be set forth in Appendix A to the City Code, and to be effective October 5, 2019. As such, the following MBGC membership dues increased as indicated below:
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Upon examination of the available documentation, OIG Auditors questioned the following discounts given by PCM related to the City Commission approved 2018/19 fiscal year
MBGC membership dues totaling $9,663.55 (excluding $10,966.60 in locker fees): a. PCM-created promotional data provided that Miami Beach residents must present
a valid Florida Driver’s License, annual lease or proof of ownership of a Miami Beach residence or business, to receive the resident membership rates. When questioned, Parks and Recreation Department staff responded to the OIG Auditors during a Microsoft TEAMS meeting, that residents and business/property owners are eligible to receive the discounted resident rates. Despite being requested, no written documentation authorizing the discounts given to business/property owners was provided. PCM also did not provide sufficient evidence to enable the OIG Auditors to verify that the charging of the reduced Miami Beach resident rate to three MBGC members was appropriate. Without this documentation, it is unknown whether
these individuals satisfied the criteria needed to receive the Miami Beach resident discount.
b. Although not addressed in the management agreement or in the Fee Schedule contained in Resolution No. 2018-30420, PCM charged individuals a $175.00 locker fee, which was occasionally pro-rated depending on the month when the
monies were paid. In total, it was calculated that PCM collected $10,966.60 in locker fees during the 2018/19 fiscal year from 63 individuals. All tested monies collected were properly deposited into the MBGC City Bank operating account. OIG Auditors determined the following questionable discounts given by PCM related to the City Commission approved 2019/20 fiscal year MBGC membership rates totaling $4,685.00 (excluding $11,580.00 in locker fees): a. Two Miami Beach resident memberships were sold without evidence of residency on file; therefore, the OIG Auditors could not confirm whether the discounts given were warranted.
b. Two memberships were paid on October 8, 2019, which is three days after the new rate implementation date; however, the new higher rate was not applied,
resulting in a $285.00 underbilling. According to PCM management, the old rate was honored even though the payment was received after October 5, 2019, but there was no documentary evidence indicating the City approved these discounted
rates. c. PCM reimbursed a member $1,100.00 even though membership fee payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Although there may have been sufficient justification for the reimbursement, no documentary evidence was provided indicating the transaction was approved by the City. d. Although not addressed in the management agreement or the Fee Schedule (Appendix A), PCM charged 66 individuals locker fees. Of these, 60 were charged and paid the advertised fee of $175.00, while six others were charged and paid $180.00. In total, it was calculated that PCM charged $11,580.00 in locker fees
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during the 2019/20 fiscal year. All tested monies collected were determined to be deposited into the MBGC City Bank operating account.
Recommendation(s): The City should provide PCM with specific written criteria that must be satisfied for members to receive a discounted rate, and clarifying whether, and under what circumstances, any membership monies paid are reimbursable and/or transferable. Once
received, PCM should consistently follow this policy going forward. Exceptions to the stated criteria should only exist when the City gives advance written approval.
Evidence of residency should also be required at the time of each prospective membership renewal period and the corresponding supporting documentation should be maintained by PCM. Lastly, the locker fees should be added to future Fee Schedules (Appendix A)
presented annually for approval to the City Commission or they should not be charged.
Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see Exhibits at the end of the report.
7. FINDING: WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION WAS NOT PROVIDED TO THE OIG VERIFYING THE CITY’S ADVANCE APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF AGRONOMY
POSITION; AND THE CITY PAID $13,699.40 IN RELATED CAR ALLOWANCE EXPENDITURES. Section 10.06 of the management agreement states: The Manager shall, in writing, inform
the Director of the full name and specific assignment of each of its key personnel at each Course used in performance of the Agreement; this shall include the Golf Club
Contractor(s); the Director and Assistant Director of Golf; the Director of Marketing and Membership; Director of Merchandising; Controller, and the Superintendents and
Assistant Superintendents of Golf Course Maintenance. The Manager shall thereafter
notify the Director, in writing, within forty-eight (48) hours following any such personnel
changes. The OIG Auditors noted that the Director of Agronomy position is not included in the personnel levels in Article 10, entitled Contractor’s Personnel, of the management
agreement. When questioned about the new position, PCM staff responded that the position was approved verbally during a phone call with the Parks and Recreation Department’s Assistant Director. Parks and Recreation Department responded similarly, thereby leading the OIG to believe that the Director of Agronomy position was approved, but not documented, contrary to Section 10.06, which requires written approval of personnel changes. In addition to the salary paid to the Director of Agronomy, the Paychex Payroll journal report indicated that this employee also receives an estimated $263.45 bi-weekly ($6,849.70 annually) car allowance. The PCM General Manager, in an e-mail sent in reply to an OIG inquiry, indicated that, when the Director of Agronomy was hired as Golf Course
Superintendent in 2001, his compensation package included the monthly payment of a vehicle (pickup truck) and its insurance. In 2010, pursuant to the findings and recommendation of an internal audit, this practice was discontinued and replaced by a monthly vehicle allowance paid on a bi-weekly basis through payroll.
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Although this PCM employee appears to have received a car allowance since 2010, documentation was not furnished to the OIG Auditors confirming that the City had
specifically approved the biweekly payment. However, the OIG realizes that it was included in the annual golf club budget and monthly expenditure reports approved by the City, and that the charges were apparently not questioned, and PCM was fully reimbursed
for the expended monies. Recommendation(s): Pursuant to Section 10.06, the City Parks and Recreation Department should have provided PCM with written timely approval regarding the creation of the Director of Agronomy position. In addition, the City should decide whether it is more cost-effective for the City to pay mileage related to business usage, instead of a car allowance for any concessionaire employees. Once a decision is reached, it should be documented and followed. Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see Exhibits at the end of the report.
8. FINDING: PURSUANT TO SECTION 11.02 OF THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT,
THE GRADUATED INCENTIVE FEE PAID TO THE CONCESSIONAIRE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018/19 WAS $6,093.75 MORE THAN DUE, BASED ON THE FACT THAT THE
REPORTED NET OPERATING INCOME BEFORE DEBT SERVICE WAS 4.875% LESS THAN $800,000.00.
As stated above in the Introduction to this report, PCM is entitled to a Graduated Incentive Fee for each business year, capped at $125,000 for gross revenues of $3.9 Million. However, Section 11.02.1 also included a pay-back provision where net operating income is less than $800,000 for the fiscal year, thereby reducing the incentive fee by the percentage of the shortfall, as follows:
The Managers’ annual Incentive Fee will be earned in full provided the “net operating
income before debt service,” as shown on the approved annual Operating Budget, equals or exceeds $800,000 per year for the Miami Beach Golf Club. By example, if the net
operating income before debt service for the Miami Beach Golf Club is $720,000 (10% less) then the Manager’s annual Incentive Fee for the Miami Beach Golf Club shall be
reduced by 10% for that specific Golf Course. The Incentive Fee for each Golf Course will
be earned individually and based on the condition stated above. Pursuant to this provision, the OIG Auditors examined the concessionaire’s submitted Operational Budgets during the audit period and noted that the approved net operating income before debt service for the 2018/2019 Fiscal Year, as shown below, was $761,000 (Revenues of $4,370,000 – Expenditures before debt service of $3,609,000), which did not equal or exceed $800,000.
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Accordingly, OIG Auditors re-calculated the Graduated Incentive Fee for the 2018/19 fiscal year and determined that it would result in a corresponding reduction of 4.875% ($800,000 – $761,000 = $39,000 / $800,000) or $6,093.75 (125,000 x .04875).
Recommendation(s): The OIG recommends that the management agreement be revised to state that the annual Graduated Incentive Fee paid to the concessionaire will be based on actual net operating income before debt service, rather than budgeted, as the two figures may be completely
different. The inclusion of a Graduated Incentive Fee true-up shortly after each year end, based on the actual net operating income before debt service, may be beneficial to both the City and PCM. It is further recommended that the Parks and Recreation Department designate an individual(s) to calculate, review and approve the Graduated Incentive Fee to be paid to PCM prior to the issuance of the payment to verify compliance with the management agreement. In addition, the Parks and Recreation Department should maintain evidence
of its review to provide a proper audit trail. Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see
Exhibits at the end of the report.
9. FINDING: PCM CHARGED DISCOUNTED GOLF RATES FROM THE CITY
COMMISSION APPROVED FEE SCHEDULES WITHOUT DOCUMENTED APPROVAL FROM THE CITY.
Section 6.12 of the management agreement states, The Manager (PCM) shall charge and collect all Golf Course fees and charges according to a fee schedule approved by
the Mayor and the City Commission. City reserves the right to keep or to change the fee
schedule, in its sole discretion. The Manager shall have the authority to make temporary rate adjustments during slow periods and/or high-profile events with prior approval from
the City Manager or the Director.
Slow periods typically occur during the “Summer” season, May 1 through October 31,
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although in some years there may be exceptions. Rates are higher for the “Shoulder” season, November 1 through December 15, with the highest published rates being for
the “Peak” season, which is comprised of December 16 through April 30. On July 25, 2018, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2018-30420 accepting
the recommendation of the Finance and Citywide Projects Committee, to establish the following new fee schedule for MBGC effective October 1, 2018:
OIG Auditors compared the approved fees in Resolution No. 2018-30420 with the rates charged at MBGC during the 2018/19 fiscal year and found that the discounted rates listed in Table 3 below were not present. PCM was requested to provide formal approval by the City Manager or the Parks and Recreation Director for each identified rate not included on the approved fee schedule. In response, PCM claimed that it received verbal approvals and that written approvals were not required by Section 6.12. Although this statement may be accurate, the lack of documented evidence prevents the OIG Auditors from conclusively determining whether the Parks and Recreation Department agreed to
any of these discounted rates given to MBGC customers during the audit period. Discounted rates given to MBGC customers, as noted in Table 3 below, ranged from 9%
to 89% of the approved rates listed in Resolution No. 2018-30420. The OIG realizes the possibility that some customers may not have played MBGC unless they received the discounted rate, and these lower rates may have been verbally approved in advance by
the City; however, it is a best practice to maintain documented evidence confirming its advance approval.
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Table 3
On October 5, 2019, City Ordinance No. 2019-4299 was adopted, amending Chapter 1 of the City Code, by creating Section 1-15, entitled, “Fee Schedule”, to establish all fees
and charges and to provide an annual adjustment for certain specified fees. The following approved MBGC rates were included in the Fee Schedule (Appendix A - FY 2020 Fee Schedule).
Item #Description
Discounted
Rate
Fee as per City
Schedule
Percentage
Discount
1056 Summer Canadian Weekday 72.00$ 125.00$ 42%
1057 Summer Canadian Weekend 86.00$ 125.00$ 31%
1061 SummerReplay - WD S. Florida Resident 45.00$ 80.00$ 44%
1063 SummerReplay - WD Miami Beach Resident 27.50$ 55.00$ 50%
1099 Shoulder Premier Card 90.00$ 130.00$ 31%
1100 Shoulder Canadian Rate 90.00$ 130.00$ 31%1101 Shoulder Canadian Replay 50.00$ 130.00$ 62%1123 Peak Premier Rack 203.00$ 225.00$ 10%1301 Peak Premier Replay 55.00$ 225.00$ 76%1738 Peak Member Guest Fee 105.00$ 120.00$ 13%
1739 Peak Daily Replay 117.50$ 225.00$ 48%
1740 Peak Miami Beach Replay 45.00$ 90.00$ 50%
1778 Peak South Florida Replay 65.00$ 120.00$ 46%
1871 Summerreplay- 18 Hole Green Fee 55.00$ 125.00$ 56%
2188 Peak Jim Mclean Guest 120.00$ 225.00$ 47%
2189 Shoulder Jim Mclean Guest 99.00$ 130.00$ 24%
2190 Summer Jim Mclean Guest 90.00$ 125.00$ 28%
2282 SUMMER pga GREEN FEE 25.00$ 125.00$ 80%
2315 Summer Member Gst Fee Wkday 72.00$ 80.00$ 10%
2316 Summer Member Gst Fee Wknd 86.00$ 95.00$ 9%
2362 Peak Member Guest Replay 54.50$ 225.00$ 76%
2409 Shoulder South Florida Replay 55.00$ 100.00$ 45%
2411 Shoulder Replay 70.00$ 130.00$ 46%
2412 Shoulder Member Guest 80.00$ 130.00$ 38%
3147 Peak Premier Card 108.00$ 225.00$ 52%
3149 Peak Canadian 117.00$ 225.00$ 48%
3150 Peak - Pga Member 25.00$ 225.00$ 89%
3317 Peak-"golf18/tee Off.com" Rake Rate 201.00$ 225.00$ 11%
3320 Peak-"golf18/tee Off.com" South Florida Rate 105.00$ 120.00$ 13%
3368 Summer-Golf Now S.fl. Weekday 68.00$ 95.00$ 28%
3369 Summer-Golf Now Rack Rate 105.00$ 125.00$ 16%
3407 Shoulder-Golfswitch Green Fee 117.00$ 130.00$ 10%
3408 Shoulder - Golf Now S. Fl 85.00$ 100.00$ 15%
3409 Shoulder-Golf Now Rack 110.50$ 130.00$ 15%
3459 Peak-Golfnow Green Fee 191.00$ 225.00$ 15%
3460 Peak- Golfnow South Florida Resident 102.00$ 120.00$ 15%
3495 Summer- Golf Now S. Fl. Weekend 80.75$ 95.00$ 15%
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Similar to the analysis performed above for the 2018/19 fiscal year, OIG Auditors compared the City Commission approved fees with the rates charged during the 2019/20 fiscal year and found that the rates listed in Table 4 below, were charged without documented prior approval. Questioned PCM and Parks and Recreation staff claimed that only verbal approvals were received. Noted discounted rates ranged from 13% to 57% of the approved documented rates. The OIG realizes the possibility that some customers may not have played MBGC unless they received the discounted rate. Although the rates may have been verbally approved in advance by the City, as required in the management agreement, the OIG maintains it is a best practice to maintain documented evidence indicating written approval of all rates charged that differ from the stated criteria.
Table 4
Item #Description
Discounted
Rate
Fee as per
City
Schedule
Percentage
Discount
1056 Summer Canadian Weekday 75.00$ 129.00$ 42%
1057 Summer Canadian Weekend 88.50$ 129.00$ 31%
1061 SummerReplay - WD S. Florida Resident 45.00$ 83.00$ 46%
1063 SummerReplay - WD Miami Beach Resident 27.50$ 57.00$ 52%
1099 Shoulder Premier Card 93.00$ 134.00$ 31%
1100 Shoulder Canadian Rate 93.00$ 134.00$ 31%
1124 Peak Canadian Replay 55.00$ 232.00$ 76%
1738 Peak Member Guest Fee 105.00$ 232.00$ 55%
1739 Peak Daily Replay 118.00$ 232.00$ 49%
1740 Peak Miami Beach Replay 45.00$ 93.00$ 52%
1778 Peak South Florida Replay 65.00$ 124.00$ 48%
1871 Summerreplay- 18 Hole Green Fee 55.00$ 129.00$ 57%
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Furthermore, the concessionaire used the FORE! Reservation point-of-sale system at the
MBGC during the audit period, which has such features as the ability to track the pace of play; to flag reservations for concierge payments, rental clubs, etc.; as well as to create demographic and utilization reports. As OIG Auditors were informed that the Parks and
Recreation Department staff did not have direct access to the FORE! Reservation point-of-sale system during the audit period, which would have enabled them, among other benefits, to timely review all rates charged and to question any non-approved rates given to MBGC customers. As part of the discounted rate offered at the MBGC is the Golfnow Premier Golf Card Program. Its benefits include free green fees during summer (April 15 to November 15), when participants only pay a $35 weekday cart fee which increases to $40 on weekends and holidays, and 10% to 20% discount off lowest applicable rate during winter (November 16 to April 14), which may be purchased online anytime. Upon request, PCM provided its contract with the Golfnow Premier Golf Card Program Marketing agreement for the period April 15, 2020 to April 14, 2021, which was signed by the PCM Managing Director but not by anyone from the City. Although this agreement was
known by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, and successfully generated revenues during the slower “Summer” season, OIG Auditors did not receive written evidence confirming that it was approved in advance by the City Parks and Recreation
Department Director. Recommendation(s):
Although the OIG realizes that PCM is trying to increase MBGC revenues, which benefit both the City and the concessionaire, the concessionaire should not grant discounted rates from the Fee Schedule approved by the City Commission, without receiving prior written approval from the City Manager or the (Parks and Recreation Department)
87 Su e ep ay 8 o e G ee ee 55.00$ 9.00$ 57%
2189 Shoulder Jim Mclean Guest 99.00$ 134.00$ 26%
2190 Summer Jim Mclean Guest 90.00$ 134.00$ 33%
2315 Summer Member Gst Fee Wkday 72.00$ 129.00$ 44%
2316 Summer Member Gst Fee Wknd 86.00$ 129.00$ 33%
2409 Shoulder South Florida Replay 55.00$ 103.00$ 47%
2410 Shoulder Miami Beach Replay 35.00$ 73.00$ 52%
2412 Shoulder Member Guest 83.00$ 134.00$ 38%
3142 Peak Premier Card Rack Rate 117.00$ 232.00$ 50%
3147 Peak Premier Card 111.00$ 232.00$ 52%
3149 Peak Canadian 120.00$ 232.00$ 48%
3317 Peak-"golf18/tee Off.com" Rake Rate 203.00$ 232.00$ 13%
3320 Peak-"golf18/tee Off.com" South Florida Rate 105.00$ 124.00$ 15%
3368 Summer-Golf Now S.fl. Weekday 68.00$ 83.00$ 18%
3369 Summer-Golf Now Rack Rate 106.00$ 129.00$ 18%
3407 Shoulder-Golfswitch Green Fee 117.00$ 134.00$ 13%
3408 Shoulder - Golf Now S. Fl 85.00$ 103.00$ 17%
3409 Shoulder-Golf Now Rack 110.50$ 134.00$ 18%
3459 Peak-Golfnow Green Fee 196.00$ 232.00$ 16%
3460 Peak- Golfnow South Florida Resident 102.00$ 124.00$ 18%
3495 Summer- Golf Now S. Fl. Weekend 80.75$ 98.00$ 18%
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Director. Although Section 6.12 of the management agreement does not specifically require the approval to be in writing, it is a best practice and should be consistently
followed to enhance transparency and to provide a sufficient audit trail. The City should prospectively determine how much control it wants to have over MBGC
charged rates or whether it opts to defer to the concessionaire’s expertise. For example, one option, is to have PCM present a list of all future foreseeable discounted rates to the City Manager or Parks and Recreation Director to ensure prior documented approval and to facilitate the rate approval process. Another possible option is to submit and approve a maximum discounted percentage of the regular price based on the time of year, so new discounted prices that are within the stated parameters do not have to be individually approved every year. When a consensus is reached as to the optimal structure of the related rates, it should be presented to the City Commission for approval, and subsequently incorporated into the management agreement and/or the annual Fee Schedule.
Designated Parks and Recreation Department staff should be granted “read only” access to the software system used by PCM, so that it can perform such analysis as timely examining all rates paid by MBGC customers. Also, the City should provide PCM with
written approval of the successful Golfnow Premier Golf Card Program and any other related agreements before they are implemented.
Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see Exhibits at the end of the report.
10. FINDING: NINE JIM MCLEAN GOLF ACADEMY PROFESSIONALS, WHO PROVIDED PRIVATE LESSONS TO PAYING CUSTOMERS, DID NOT OBTAIN THE REQUIRED
ANNUAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPTS DURING THE AUDIT PERIOD, RESULTING IN THE CITY NOT RECEIVING $4,527.00 IN PERMIT FEES DUE, EXCLUDING LATE CHARGES.
City Code Section 102-357 states, The City Commission hereby levies a business tax for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession, or occupation within
the City to any person who maintains a permanent business location or branch office, within the City. The City Finance Department typically mails its annual business tax
receipts in July/August requesting payment for the upcoming fiscal year by October 1st. Section 102-377(a) provides for a civil fine for any person who shall carry on or conducting
a business for which a tax receipt is required by this article without first obtaining such tax receipt, and, pursuant to Section 102-377(d), possible imprisonment up to 60 days for a continued violation.
Golf professionals are required to obtain a golf pro BTR type (Code 95008800) at an annual fee of $245.00 for the 2018/19 fiscal year and $258.00 for the 2019/20 fiscal year. Examination of the EnerGov system determined that nine Jim McLean Academy instructors provided lessons at MBGC during the 2018/19 and 2019/20 fiscal years without obtaining the required annual BTRs. As a result, OIG Auditors calculated that the City did
not collect $4,527.00 in permit fees due ((9 x $245.00) + (9 x $258.00)), excluding late charges. Parks and Recreation Department staff were unaware of these instructors’
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noncompliance; therefore, the Code Compliance Department was not notified of the violations.
Recommendation(s):
All golf professionals providing lessons at MBGC should timely obtain the required annual BTRs pursuant to City Code. Designated Parks and Recreation Department staff should monitor each golf instructor’s compliance, and any nonconforming instructors should be
prohibited from providing lessons until compliance is attained. Designated Parks and Recreation Department staff should timely notify the Code Compliance Department to investigate, and if warranted, issue Notices to Violation to any non-compliant instructors pursuant to City Code Section 102-377. Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see Exhibits at the end of the report. 11. FINDING: THE JIM MCLEAN GOLF ACADEMY PROVIDED PRIVATE GOLF LESSONS DURING THE AUDIT PERIOD WITHOUT WRITTEN APPROVAL BY THE CITY OF
INSTRUCTORS’ QUALIFICATIONS AND ITS INSTRUCTORS CHARGED
INCONSISTENT RATES THAT WERE NOT VERIFIED BY PCM.
Section 6.14 of the management agreement states that a Class A: P.G.A. Professional
shall be on site at each Golf Course full time and shall provide lessons and perform all other similar and customary services offered for same at similar establishments in the
South Florida area. The playing of the game of golf shall be taught only by qualified instructors whose qualifications have been approved by the Director. The Manager shall also seek to attract and retain a highly recognized Golf School for the provision of
golf instruction at the Miami Beach Golf Club. [Emphasis added.]
The Jim McLean Golf Academy provided private golf lessons to paying customers at the MBGC during the audit period. The OIG Auditor found no written documentation that its instructors’ qualifications were approved by the Director (City Parks and Recreation Department) pursuant to Section 6.14 of the management agreement. Although the approval requirement for instructors’ qualifications does not explicitly state that it must be in writing, a written documentation of such approvals would be considered a best practice. The agreement between PCM and Jim McLean Golf Academy, under which references the instructors without naming them or their qualifications, expired in 2012. The City was
not named as a party to that agreement. After a phone call with OIG Auditors, the Jim McLean Golf Academy prepared an updated agreement on February 15, 2021, that was later signed by the PCM President, for the period of February 15, 2021, through
September 30, 2023.
Inconsistencies were also identified in the rates charged for private golf lessons, according to the Jim McLean Golf Academy Director of Operations, Nick Hayes, and the following webpages: www.miamibeachgolfclub.com, and www.jimmclean.com. Shortly after
speaking with OIG Auditors about the rate inconsistencies, Jim McLean Golf Academy personnel adjusted the rates on its webpage (see below).
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Subsequently, PCM staff informed the OIG Auditors that every professional golf instructor charges his/her own prices, so there was little to no consistency in the related rates charged. It was explained that all the professional golf instructors are independent contractors and have the flexibility to offer different prices to customers. However, this lack of uniformity and consistency in rates charged made it difficult for the OIG Auditors to verify whether the City is properly receiving 20% of all lesson revenues in accordance with Addendum No. 5, RFP 2018-186-WG, answer 17.
The Jim McLean Golf Academy receives and processes customer lesson payments
directly, rather than paying PCM and recording the transactions in the FORE! System. Although these transactions are entered into its separate Point of Sale (P.O.S.) system to account for any monies received, the only documentation provided to PCM at month’s end, in support of reported lesson revenues, is a manually prepared Excel spreadsheet.
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OIG Auditors examined these Excel spreadsheets and found that some contained
mathematical errors. Furthermore, P.O.S. reports for several months were compared to the Excel spreadsheets, revealing discrepancies in amounts reported for some months. Although the net result for the sampled months related to lesson revenues was minimal,
the OIG review of the spreadsheets indicates an internal control weakness, since, apparently, neither PCM nor the City Parks and Recreation Department reviews the supporting documentation. In sum, the OIG Auditors were unable to validate the accuracy and completeness of the 20% stemming from MBGC golf lesson revenues received by the City due to this weakness in internal controls. In addition, OIG Auditors were unable to validate the sales of Callaway golf clubs, summer camp sales, holiday camp sales, etc., among other components of the Excel spreadsheets, due to the lack of sufficient supporting documentation. The PCM Director of Golf acknowledged that he did not have the expertise to review the financial data, so he performed the monthly revenue entry in the P.O.S. system based on the report provided
by the Jim McLean Golf Academy, without further validation.
Recommendation(s): PCM should provide the City with the identities and qualifications of all instructors providing golf lessons on City property. Although not explicitly required in the City’s
Agreement with PCM, the agreement between the Jim McLean Golf Academy and PCM, as well as any extensions or updates, should be reviewed and approved in writing by the City prior to execution.
PCM and the Parks and Recreation Department should develop agreed upon procedures related to the processing and recording of golf lesson rates and the corresponding payments to provide reasonable assurance that all corresponding monies remitted are completely recorded. Similarly, the other components of the Jim McLean Golf Academy spreadsheet should be verified monthly by PCM, at least on a random basis, to better ensure that the City is accurately compensated. All corresponding results should be sufficiently documented with any identified differences immediately investigated and resolved. Additionally, it is recommended that a designated Parks and Recreation Department
employee periodically perform unannounced reviews of the Excel spreadsheets and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy. The results of all unannounced reviews should be maintained to help evaluate the performance of all pertinent staff.
Jim McLean Golf Academy staff should provide backup documentation for each transaction included on the monthly report furnished to PCM, which should include the
corresponding invoice, POS report, and customer agreement. Also, the City should decide if it wants to regulate the rates charged by each professional instructor, and, if so, create the needed internal controls to ensure compliance. The list of approved rates should be clearly communicated to the subcontractor and all lessons given should be within those stated parameters. Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see Exhibits at the end of the report.
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12. FINDING: CHRIS JETT GOLF SALES, INC. IS REGISTERED AS A FLORIDA FOR PROFIT CORPORATION, WITH MBGC LISTED AS ITS PRINCIPAL ADDRESS, AND
OPERATED AS A MBGC SUBCONTRACTOR, DESPITE NOT OBTAINING THE REQUIRED APPROVAL OF THE CITY MANAGER OR ACQUIRING VALID ANNUAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPTS.
City Code Section 102-357 states, The City Commission hereby levies a business tax for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession, or occupation. In addition, Section 6.13.1 of the management agreement states, the Concession Services
Manager shall operate, stock and maintain the Food and Beverage and Pro Shop Merchandise Sales concessions for the Golf Courses (the "Concession Services")
pursuant to the general scope for concession services contained in this Section 6.13 and
this Agreement. The Manager may outsource the management of the Concession Services to a 3rd Party, subject to the prior written approval of the City Manager, in
accordance with Article 23; however, the Manager shall remain responsible for all requirements outlined in this scope. Any approved 3rd party operator must meet all business requirements such as insurance, licenses and staffing as outlined in this scope. Furthermore, Section 10.06 of the management agreement requires that the manager
(PCM) inform the Director, in writing, of the full name and specific assignment of each of its “key personnel” at each Course used in performance of the agreement, including the Golf Club contractor(s).
PCM staff informed the OIG Auditors that Chris Jett Golf Sales, Inc. purchases all Pro Shop merchandise for the MBGC, and that after the merchandise is sold, the company is reimbursed by PCM at an amount equal to its cost plus a designated mark-up. A review of the Florida Division of Corporation’s website, Sunbiz.com, determined that Christopher A. Jett is the Officer/Director and Registered Agent of an Active Florida Profit Corporation entitled Chris Jett Golf Sales, Inc. since November 6, 2002. The principal address of this corporation was listed as 2301 Alton Road Miami Beach, FL 33140, which is the property address of the MBGC. In addition, the City’s answer to question number 13 or (A13) on Addendum No. 5 in response to RFP 2018-186-WG, states, The management company {PCM} pays the City
$2,400 per month towards the work that the Pro Shop Assistants do which covers the time they spend signing up a golfer for play or sell merchandise. The OIG Auditors’ testing
confirmed that the City is to receive a monthly credit of $2,000 for the MBGC Pro Shop Assistants and $400 for NSGC. When questioned by OIG Auditors, PCM staff stated that Chris Jett Golf Sales, Inc. is paying for that portion of the payroll covering the MBGC Pro
Shop Assistants. In addition, Chris Jett Golf Sales, Inc. pays the annual liability insurance related to MBGC Pro Shop’s merchandise. Chris Jett is a former employee of PCM, who, after retiring, continued purchasing merchandise for the MBGC. It appears to the OIG that Chris Jett Golf Sales, Inc. is acting as a third party or subcontractor without a formal agreement and no evidence was provided indicating prior written approval of the City Manager. The informal agreement with Chris Jett’s company does not comply with Section 6.13.1 and Article 23 of the management agreement. A search of the City EnerGov system did not find an active BTR for either Chis Jett or
Chris Jett Golf Sales, Inc. despite its providing services at the MBGC and NSGC for more
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than ten years. Since the Code Compliance Department is primarily complaint driven and it did not receive any referrals on this matter, no Notices of Violation have been issued to
the subcontractor for conducting a business within the City without obtaining a valid BTR. Recommendation(s):
PCM should create a contractual agreement with Chris Jett Golf Sales, Inc., to be submitted for approval to the City Manager as required under City Code Section 6.13.1. Chris Jett Golf Sales, Inc. should also immediately cease using the City’s property address as its primary business address. Prospectively, the Parks and Recreation Department should more closely monitor its agreement with PCM and any subcontractors that have not been approved in advance and/or have not obtained the required BTR’s. Lastly, the Code Compliance Department should be notified to investigate and determine whether any Notices of Violation should be issued to Chris Jett Golf Sales, Inc. for conducting a business within the City without obtaining a valid BTR pursuant to City Code Section 102-377. Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see Exhibits at the end of the report.
13. FINDING: MBGC’s MAINTENANCE REPAIR INSPECTION AND GOLF COURSE
EVALUATION REPORTS WERE NOT DOCUMENTED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, AS REQUIRED BY SECTIONS 8.09 AND 22.01 OF THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.
Section 8.09 of the management agreement states as follows: Regularly scheduled inspections of the Golf Courses and the Manager’s operations
authorized herein shall be made by the Director and/or other authorized City
representatives. The written report of such inspections shall be recorded, retained for reference, and forwarded to Manager upon request.
In addition, Section 22.01 states, City and the Manager (PCM) agree that the overall condition and playability of the Golf Courses, the quality of service provided by Manager,
and the condition of the Golf Courses is of primary importance to both parties. As this
agreement specifies the minimum standards of performance deemed necessary for proper maintenance and services, the City and the Manager will develop a Golf Course
Evaluation Report to document the Manager's performance pursuant to those standards. Furthermore, Section 22.04 states, The Director reserves the right to modify, update, and/or amend the general content and format of the Golf Course Evaluation Report form
in order to provide for a suitable instrument for the documentation of the Manager’s performance.
To validate PCM’s compliance with Sections 8.09 and 22.01, OIG Auditors requested all inspection and evaluation reports performed by Parks and Recreation Department staff
during the 24-month audit period of October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2020. In response, the OIG Auditors received 1) a Summary Business Evaluation of MBGC and NSGC by the National Golf Foundation completed in May 2018 (outside the designated
audit period), and 2) an Onsite Visit report by the United States Golf Association performed on April 15, 2019.
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Although these reports were comprehensive and contained valuable information regarding the overall quality of golf course operations, they are not a substitute for the ones required
by Sections 8.09 and 22.01. In addition, Section 22.04 allows the Parks and Recreation Department Director the discretion to modify, update and/or amend the content and format of the evaluation form; but there is no provision for the elimination of the reports or for the
substitution of reports done by outside entities unaccountable to the City. Park and Recreation Department staff assured the OIG Auditors that, although inspections were routinely performed, they were not documented. In addition, MBGC appeared to be in excellent condition, and Parks and Recreation Department management claimed that complaints are rarely received concerning the maintenance of the golf course. However, OIG Auditors could not verify the frequency in which required inspections were performed by Parks and Recreation Department staff, and whether any identified deficiencies were timely corrected by PCM. Furthermore, a prior audit report issued by the Office of Internal Audit on October 15, 2010 (prior to the creation of the OIG), stated: Golf course evaluation reports are not
prepared listing any deficiencies noted after physical inspections by the Parks & Recreation Department in accordance with the signed management agreement. Instead,
all noted maintenance deficiencies were verbally communicated to PCM and the Parks
and Recreation Department management stated that all had been corrected.
The Parks and Recreation Department’s response to the audit report included the following statement: Effective immediately, the Parks and Recreation Director or his designee will inspect the site and document these inspections. The Department has
prepared an inspection form to report any deficiencies and the finding of such report to
PCM for compliance. All inspection forms will be kept by the Department and PCM.
Based on the finding of the prior internal audit, the OIG concluded that the lack of required documented inspection reports is a long-standing concern that has not been properly resolved. Recommendation(s): OIG Auditors could not verify the Parks and Recreation Department’s assertions that maintenance inspections/evaluations were timely completed as required in Sections 8.09 and 22.01 of the management agreement. Despite the apparent excellent condition of the
golf course, it is recommended that written reports be completed prospectively and kept by the Parks and Recreation Department to ensure that the MBGC continues to be properly maintained, and that any noted deficiencies are timely resolved by PCM. This
practice will increase accountability and offer the City more options for redress if the concessionaire does not timely or satisfactorily make any prospective requested improvements.
Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see Exhibits at the end of the report.
14. FINDING: MBGC’S BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT NUMBERED RL-10004359 WAS
INCORRECTLY BILLED DURING THE AUDIT PERIOD, RESULTING IN $572.00 DUE TO THE CITY.
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City Code Section 102-357 states: The City Commission hereby levies a business tax for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession, or occupation within
the City to any person who maintains a permanent business location or branch office,
withing the City. The City’s Finance Department typically mails its annual business tax receipts in July/August requesting payment for the upcoming fiscal year by October 1st.
In addition, Section 19.01 of the management agreement states, The Manager {PCM} shall obtain and maintain in full force and effect throughout the term of this Agreement any
and all applicable permits and business licenses which may be required by any law,
including administrative regulations and local ordinances, for the conduct of Manager’s operations, hereunder. OIG Auditors noted that BTR numbered RL-10004359 for the MBGC included the occupation code described as Golf driving courses, while BTR numbered RL-10003205 for the NSGC included the occupation code described as Golf Miniature Course. When questioned as to the reasons for the different billed occupation codes, Finance Department Licensing Section personnel responded in an e-mail that it appears that during the conversion from Permit Plus to Eden, the description of the occupation code was changed from Golf Courses to Golf Miniature Courses, and they have no record of
who made the change and when it was made. The Permits Plus system is the previous City licensing and permitting system that was
replaced by the current EnerGov system. Meanwhile, the Eden system is the prior City enterprise resource planning system that was replaced, starting in April 2016, by the current Munis system.
Although the listed occupation code description was incorrect for NSGC, the corresponding billed amounts were accurate for the annual BTRs during the audit period. Meanwhile, an incorrect occupation code was applied to the MBGC record when the application was originally processed, and it was underbilled by $572.00 for the 2018/19 through 2020/21 fiscal years. Recommendation(s): If not already done, the OIG recommends that the Licensing Section personnel should bill PCM for the $572.00 difference related to its 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 fiscal year BTRs. In addition, they should correct the occupation code description (Golf
miniature courses) in the Appendix A FY 2020 Fee Schedule. It is recommended that Finance Department personnel develop a process to ensure that any occupation code changes in the EnerGov system are properly vetted before being implemented to help
prevent similar mistakes from occurring. Designated Parks and Recreation Department staff should annually review future BTRs
issued to MBGC and NSGC for accuracy and to ensure that they are timely obtained. Any noted billing differences or inaccuracies should be promptly communicated to the Finance Department’s Licensing Section for clarification and/or corrective action. Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see Exhibits at the end of the report.
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15. FINDING: $2,000.63 IN FLORIDA STATE SALES TAX IS DUE TO THE CITY FROM PCM, STEMMING FROM ITS PRO-SHOP RENTAL PAYMENTS.
Florida State Sales tax, plus any applicable discretionary sales surtax, is due on the total rent charge for renting, leasing, or granting a license to use commercial real property in
Florida, unless the rent is specifically exempt. The rate of discretionary sales surtax is the tax rate imposed by the County where the real property is located. There is no limitation on the amount of surtax for the rental, lease, let, or license to use commercial real property. The total rent charge includes all consideration due and payable by the tenant to the landlord for the privilege or right to use or occupy the real property. Rentals, leases, and licenses to use or occupy commercial real property by related persons, as defined in Section 212.02(12) of the Florida Statutes, are subject to sales tax and surtax. The Florida State Sales tax rate imposed Under Section 212.031, Florida Statutes, on the total charged for renting, leasing, letting, or granting a license to use real property has decreased as shown below:
Section 6.13.2 of the management agreement states: The City shall receive five percent
of the monthly gross sales revenues generated by the Concession Services, plus the required Florida State Sales and Use Tax (sales tax).
OIG Auditors re-calculated the Florida State Sales tax due on the amounts paid by PCM to the City and concluded that (1) PCM did not remit Florida State Sales tax to the City for
the period of October 2018 to May 2019, and (2) the tax rate paid to the City from June 2019 to September 2020 was incorrect, as the Florida State Sales tax was overpaid. As a result, the OIG Auditors concluded that a net total of $2,000.63 in Florida State Sales tax is due to the City from the concessionaire. Recommendation(s): The OIG agrees to provide all its supporting documentation related to the charging and collection of Florida State Sales tax at the MBGC during the audit period available to the Finance Department. If its staff agrees with the corresponding calculations, the Finance Department should create a City Bill invoicing PCM $2,000.63 for the identified Florida State Sales tax underpayments. Once received, PCM should timely remit the funds to the City, so that all monies due can be promptly forwarded to the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Additionally, the designated Finance and/or Parks and Recreation Department employees should ensure that future Florida State
Sales tax transactions are accurately and completely charged, collected and remitted. Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see
Exhibits at the end of the report.
Year Effective Date
State
Sales
Tax
Discretionary
Sales Surtax Total
2018 January 1, 2018 5.8% 1%6.8%
2019 January 1, 2019 5.7% 1%6.7%
2020 January 1, 2020 5.5% 1%6.5%
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ADDITIONAL AREAS IN MBGC OPERATIONS THAT NEED IMPROVEMENT AND/OR PRESENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CITY TO FINANCIALLY BENEFIT: No matter how proficient the PCM may be at maintaining and operating the MBGC, and/or how
closely City staff oversee the concessionaire’s related performance, there are always opportunities for improvement. But to do that, all parties must first become aware of any areas in need of improvement, which is an additional benefit of audits completed by independent third parties. 1. The management agreement is detailed in most areas; however, the following identified
areas are not clearly addressed, and current practices do not sufficiently benefit or protect
the City’s interests: a. Section 6.13.2 of the management agreement states: The City shall receive five percent of the monthly gross sales revenues generated by the Concession Services, plus the required Florida State Sales and Use Tax (‘Florida State Sales
tax’). Section 4.01.10 provides that the City is responsible for providing for utilities needed to operate the Food and Beverage and Pro Shop Merchandise Sales
concession facilities, including electric, gas, water and sewer, stormwater, telephone, waste removal and pest control. Therefore, the OIG Auditors concluded that PCM is primarily responsible for only the Food and Beverage operation’s
associated labor costs and cost of goods sold (excluding the items addressed in finding #4). After deducting the stated allowable expenditures, OIG Auditors estimated that the City received only .60% of food and beverage revenues ($11,872.82 monies received by the City divided by $1,963,094.68 in total Food and Beverage revenues collected by PCM) during the audit period, as shown in Exhibit A located at the end of this report. The City’s receipt of $11,872.82 in food and beverage revenues appears accurate based on the terms of the current management agreement.
OIG Auditors examined the City’s accounting records maintained for MBGC to calculate its gross profit1 before debt service for each fiscal year of the audit period. The following table shows that the City’s total gross profit1 before debt service was
$2,521,851.00.
Oct 1, 2018 - Sep 30, 2019 Oct 1, 2019 - Sep 30, 2020 Total
Gross City Revenues $4,383,047.00 $4,181,723.00 $8,564,770.00
General & Administrative Expenses ($503,443.00) ($471,526.00) ($974,969.00)
Golf Course Maintenance ($1,693,574.00) ($1,587,124.00) ($3,280,698.00)
Pro Shop Operations ($908,497.00) ($878,755.00) ($1,787,252.00)
Gross City Expenditures ($3,105,514.00) ($2,937,405.00) ($6,042,919.00)
Operating Profit1 Before Debt Service $1,277,533.00 $1,244,318.00 $2,521,851.00
1 These terms were updated on 09/16/2024
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Next, OIG Auditors attempted to compute PCM’s profitability at MBGC for the
same period for comparability purposes. The OIG Auditors were provided all the concessionaire revenues and expenditures, except for labor costs, needed to perform this analysis. The concessionaire refused to provide its labor costs, as it
claimed that this information is proprietary in an email to the OIG Auditors, and the analysis was completed with the available records (see below).
Oct 1, 2018 - Sep 30, 2019 Oct 1, 2019 - Sep 30, 2020 Total
Total Gross PCM Revenues $2,157,286.00 $1,598,761.00 $3,756,047.00
Cost of Goods Sold ($292,903.29) ($210,630.51) ($503,533.80)
Labor Costs $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total Gross PCM Expenditures ($292,903.29) ($210,630.51) ($503,533.80)
PCM Gross Profit1 $1,864,382.71 $1,388,130.49 $3,252,513.20
The concessionaire earned 43.85% ($3,756,047 / $8,564,770.00) of the City’s gross revenues, while the City paid an overwhelming majority of the MBGC’s expenditures. Although the concessionaire refused to provide its labor costs to determine its gross profit1 by claiming that the information is proprietary, it is likely that the City is not adequately benefiting financially based on the above analysis. b. MBGC’s Pro Shop accepts currency as well as credit, such as Visa, Master Card, and American Express. All monies earned are to be deposited in a designated City Bank operating account. There is an associated monthly merchant fee charged for
processing these credit card payments. The Parks and Recreation Department and PCM management had previously agreed that the average monthly credit card fee percentage, to be applied prospectively, was 2.25%.
At the end of each month, PCM withdraws 95% of Pro Shop revenues minus the 2.25% related to merchant fees stemming from credit card payments. OIG Auditors
recalculated the average merchant fee for October 2019 through September 2020 and found that it was 2.86% and not 2.25%. Consequently, the City paid more than it owed in merchant fees during this period. c. Section 15.01.3 of the management agreement states as follows: The City Manager or Director {Parks and Recreation Director} may, at their sole
discretion request an annual financial statement audit of the Golf Course
operations (excluding the Manager’s expense records related to the Concession Services) to be conducted by an independent Certified Public Accountant {CPA},
which must be submitted to the City within 90 days following the receipt of the written request by Manager. Although the Parks and Recreation Department
requested the completion of this audit by the OIG, the scope of this audit varies in some ways from the completion of a financial audit by an independent CPA, which should be periodically performed in the future to determine the related compliance
of the concessionaire.
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d. PCM allows its employees to play at the MBGC using a golf cart at no charge, a practice which is not addressed in the management agreement. However, the City
still incurred expenses related to the 467 golf carts used by PCM employees during the audit period related to maintenance, electricity, etc. Although no documentation was provided verifying that the City had ever approved the practice, questioned
PCM management stated that it is an industry standard and it allows employees to better familiarize themselves with the golf course. OIG Auditors contacted the Miami-Dade County Parks, Golf Division, which allows all departmental employees to play with a golf cart at no charge. By contrast, the City of Miami Beach does not extend this privilege to its own employees. e. The City paid $4,280.00 in commission on two booking fees which incentivized Miami Beach hotel concierges to recommend its guests to play golf at the MBGC. Although this practice increases revenues for both PCM and the City, it is not addressed in the management agreement. The OIG has additional concerns that if sufficient internal controls are not documented and followed, it could result in
potential future abuse. Recommendations:
The Parks and Recreation Department should consider amending the MBGC management agreement to include the issues below, and then perform the necessary oversight, so that the City benefits accordingly:
a. Increase the City’s share to more than 5% or increase the concessionaire’s responsibility for the restaurant’s operating expenditures. It is difficult to determine
the optimal amount since PCM did not provide all the requested documentation needed to complete the analysis. In lieu, the City should decide on the appropriate action(s) to take. b. The monthly credit card fee percentage for the current year should be based on the prior year’s actual merchant fees. The percentage charged should be more accurate in order to better ensure that both parties are fairly compensated. c. The results of any prospective completed financial audits by an independent CPA should be promptly shared with City and PCM Management so that any needed corrective action(s) can be implemented sooner.
d. Explicitly identify in writing, which individuals, if any, will be permitted to play MBGC with a golf cart at either no charge or a reduced fee. e. The Parks and Recreation Department should draft agreed upon procedures detailing the booking fee commission process (e.g., the basis by which commissions paid to concierges are calculated, and what supporting documentation is required to be maintained). Designated PCM management,
separate of the booking fee commission process, should also attest that each commission payment is aligned with the agreed upon procedures prior to issuing the payment. Finally, Parks and Recreation Department personnel should
periodically perform testing to verify the accuracy of the commission payments with all results documented.
Page 41 of 44
Parks and Recreation Department, Finance Department, and PCM Responses see Exhibits at the end of the report.
2. Concessionaire employee health insurance benefits, as well as some other individual
employee benefits offered to selected PCM staff, were reimbursed by the City despite not
being clearly addressed in the management agreement. Question 15 in Addendum No. 5 of RFP No. 2018-186-WG issued on July 20, 2018 and incorporated into the management agreement, states: What benefits does the City provide to the employees at both golf courses? The corresponding answer provided by the City states that, The City does not provide the golf course employees with benefits. Employee
benefits are the responsibility of the management company {PCM}. As a result, all companies bidding on this contract would have factored this statement into their bid, as offered employee benefits could be expensive. Based on the City’s answer to Question #15, the OIG was unsure whether PCM or the City is responsible for payment of the concessionaire’s employee benefits. Although it may have been made in error, poorly worded or incomplete, it was included as part of the
executed management agreement. OIG Auditors noted that the monthly MBGC payroll paid by the City included such
employee benefits as group health insurance (Professional Employer Organization “PEO” Benefits Administration). The insurance is optional, as not all PCM employees have chosen to receive the benefit. Using the data in the Payroll Journal report dated October 14, 2019, it was estimated that the medical insurance expense paid during the audit period by the City was $140,868.00 ($2,709.00 per pay period x 26 pay periods per year x 2 years). As such, OIG Auditors emailed the Procurement Department Director for his related opinion and he responded: In Question 15, Addendum 5, the bidder asks, “[w]hat benefits
does the City provide to golf course employees.”
The correct response is none. The City responded properly to the question as there are
important implications for the City between City-provided benefits versus benefits provided by a private contractor (e.g., risk, tax implications, self-funding concerns, etc.). There is
no current City contract for which the provides benefits to employees of contractors, nor
would it be advisable to do so.
However, even if one assumes that it was the intent of the bidder submitting the question
to seek information on the components of labor cost for which the City was willing to reimburse the contractor, its question would have been satisfied by other portions of
Addendum 5 in which the City provided detailed financial statements to all bidders that
clearly indicate health insurance is reimbursed.
The sole focus on one word (“provide”), while ignoring the context in which it was utilized,
other portions of the document from which it was extracted, and the detailed financial data provided to bidders, is unfortunate. When one considers the totality of the information
provided to bidders, it is clear that health insurance benefits are not “provided” but are reimbursed.
Notwithstanding,this matter will be further reviewed during the next solicitation phase to
ensure clarity.
Excluding the $13,699.40 in car allowance expenditures paid to the PCM Director of
Agronomy during the audit period (discussed previously in finding #7),the OIG Auditors
noted the following less expensive benefits were similarly paid to individual PCM
employees.
2018/19 Fiscal Year
•The City paid for the Director of Golf's cell phone totaling $1,514.65.
•The City paid $29.94 for a life proof cell phone case.
2019/20 Fiscal Year
•The City paid the Director of Golf's monthly cell phone bill totaling $1,253.23.
Recommendation{s):
When issuing the next Request For Proposals or revising/finalizing future golf club
management agreements,it should be clearly stated as to which party is responsible for
paying for the benefits offered to concessionaire employees,which should be adhered to
by all parties.PCM staff should also request and obtain advance written documentation
from the City for any future expenditures not clearly stated in the management agreement
or risk not being reimbursed for uncovered expenditures.The OIG also recommends that
the City provide written documentation confirming its approval of any additional benefits
offered to specific PCM employees,(e.g.car allowances and cell phone reimbursements).
Parks and Recreation Department,Finance Department,and PCM Responses see
Exhibits at the end of the report.
All responses received within the thirty working days required under City Ordinance No.2019-
4239,were included in this final report.
y Chief Auditor
ot/s/0a4
Date±esate
Page 42 of 44
Page 43 of 44
cc: Eric Carpenter, City Manager Mark Taxis, Assistant City Manager
David Martinez, Interim Assistant City Manager John Rebar, Parks and Recreation Department Director Jason Greene, Chief Financial Officer
Bradford Kaine, Interim Public Works Department Director Kristy Bada, Interim Procurement Department Director Johnny LaPonzina, PCM, President & CEO
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, City of Miami Beach 1130 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305.673.7020 • Fax: 305.587.2401 • Hotline: 786.897.1111
Email: CityofMiamiBeachOIG@miamibeachfl.gov
Website: www.mbinspectorgeneral.com
Audit Report Professional Course Management II, LTD - Miami Beach Golf Club Management Agreement Audit
Page 44 of 44
Exhibit A
Period PCM F&B Sales
Food and
Beverage 5% to the City Water & Sewer Meter #02043205 Estimated Electricity 20%Pest Control Gas Grease trap cleaning Equipment Rental Miscellaneous Repairs and Maintenance Net Income or (Net Loss)
FY 2018-19 1,141,923.19$ 57,096.16$ (6,773.04)$ (13,625.40)$ (1,956.01)$ (8,654.00)$ (1,120.00)$ (1,820.46)$ (3,542.39)$ (8,815.26)$ 10,789.44$
FY 2019-20 821,171.49$ 41,058.57$ (4,965.46)$ (13,625.40)$ (2,055.74)$ (7,341.00)$ (975.00)$ (1,750.46)$ (3,560.19)$ (5,702.37)$ 1,083.38$
TOTALS 1,963,094.68$ 98,154.73$ (11,738.50)$ (27,250.80)$ (4,011.75)$ (15,995.00)$ (2,095.00)$ (3,570.92)$ (7,102.58)$ (14,517.63)$ 11,872.82$
Revenues Expenditures
1
Professional Course Management Responses to OIG No.21-38 Draft Report
Miami Beach Golf Club
Summary
Before we respond in detail to each of the Draft Report Findings, we would like to take a
moment to acknowledge the comprehensive and strenuous nature of this process, and
recognize the dedication, hard work, and zeal the auditor exhibited throughout the forty-four
months that have elapsed since this audit began in August 2020.
PCM and its employees are gratified that after this exhaustive, detailed and lengthy process the
audit findings are limited to several billing errors amounting to some $26,815, of which $4,152
are over billings and $22,723 are underbilling (roughly one tenth of one percent of the revenues
and expenses for the audit period), several processes and procedures that require improvement
and contract language that needs to be clarified. In other words, no fraud, no abuse, no waste or
other improprieties.
Having said that, PCM has very strong disagreements with some of the findings and serious
concerns with the way they are presented in this report. In fact, many of these “Findings” are
the result of erroneous interpretations of the contract language. As a clear example:
Finding # 4 in the MBGC report, which also appears as Finding # 4 in the NSGC report. Section
7.05 of the contract reads as follows:
“The manager shall perform acceptable day to day housekeeping and maintain and perform all repairs
on the kitchens, dining rooms bars and pro shops that are necessitated as a result of the Manager’s or
its agent’s negligence. City shall be responsible for all other repairs and maintenance”.
Inexplicably, the auditor states in the report: “The OIG believes that Section 7.05 refers to the Golf
Course facilities equipment and improvements, and not to Food and Beverage operations”. This is just
one of many unsupported conclusory statements in the audit report by which the auditor attempts to
bend the contract language to fit their conclusions.
As the reader will see when reviewing our detailed responses, there are several other instances such as
the aforementioned that demonstrate a lack of knowledge and understanding of the industry and subject
matter. There are also other instances such as when Net Profit is used in lieu of Gross Profit that evidence
either confusion or lack of basic accounting knowledge, which completely mislead the reader.
PCM will maintain its accustomed high level of professionalism and cooperation and is amenable to
discuss with the City the implementation of those recommendations it has control over and those the
City deems necessary. As a matter of fact some of the former, such as the credit card fee calculation (the
credit card fee percentage has been adjusted quarterly based on the prior 3 months statements since
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April 2022), the managers cell phone allowance (a flat $50 stipend went into effect in FY23), advance
written approval for any rate changes, reconciliation of the Jim McLean Golf School monthly reports, POS
access for the Parks and Recreation Dept., removal of obsolete water meters, new membership billing
procedures, sales tax issues, etc. have already been implemented or corrected.
Responses to Individual Findings
1. PCM strongly disagrees with the Finding. Please refer to Sections 12.01, 12.05 and 12.06. The contract
calls for the City to fund all budgeted expenses for the following month by the tenth of the month. The
current method, instituted by the Finance Department in October 2019 requires PCM to request
transfers for each payroll only after it is processed and reimbursements for payments made on behalf of
the City only after checks have been cut. These transfers are initiated by the Clubs controller with
notification to the Finance Dept., once the notification is sent to Finance, one of three PCM executive
level managers approves the transfer request. At the end of the month a completed expense report is
submitted to the Finance and Parks and Recreation Departments with a detailed back-up for the
transfers.
It is important to note that in this process PCM assumes potential liabilities exceeding $400,000 per
month covering payroll and payroll taxes liabilities and merchandise sales which are deposited in the
City’s bank accounts and reimbursed to PCM only at the beginning of the following month.
PCM follows the procedures established by the City regarding funding of payroll and payments made on
behalf of the City and will adjust if the policy is changed, provided payroll is funded by Wednesday
following the end of the pay period (Sunday)
2. PCM strongly disagrees with the Finding. Sections 15.01 and 15.06 address the Manager’s responsibility
regarding records maintenance and preparation of reports. They do not address who is responsible for
costs associated with the preparation of those reports; Sections 4.01 and 12.01 do. PCM presents the
City with a budget request for every fiscal year. This request is reviewed and modified through the City’s
budget process and then approved by the Mayor and City Commission. The payroll processing costs are
included in the City Commission approved budget.
Given the number of employees at the golf courses, using the services of one of the largest and most
respected payroll services company in lieu of in-house staff is the most effective, cost-efficient method to
ensure the transparency, accuracy, tax and regulatory compliance of the payroll and benefits
administration function. The costs of performing these tasks in house would require the addition of
personnel and result in significantly higher costs for the city. Please refer to Sections 4.01 and 12.01.
3. Please see below explanations to the tournament Findings and refer to Sections 6.12 and 6.18. Note that
any rate deviations had prior approval. The eight tournaments that were given rate considerations
generated $62,053 in golf revenue that the Club would not have had if we had not requested
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authorization to revise the pricing. The billing errors amount to $2,854 of additional revenue for the audit
period.
DATE GROUP COMMENTS
10/21/18 Lavat Contract signed but was lost when computer crashed.
Rate approved by General Manager to take business away from
competitor on what is traditionally a slow Sunday afternoon
during football season. It has become an annual event at MBGC,
generating more than $64,000 over five years, it could be more
were it not for the 2020 cancellation due to the pandemic.
11/4/18 Redd Contracts not required for groups of less than 20. Client charged
incorrect rack rate.
12/16/18 Friends Lower season rate used to secure the business as shoulder
season ended the day prior to the event.
1/15/19 Muhlfeld Green fee not discounted to reflect new cart fee. Contracts not
required for groups less than 20.
1/27/19 Hanley Higher cart fee was charged then corrected with refund.
2/6/19 Pareto Green fee not discounted to reflect new cart fee
3/12/19 Beach Re Green fee not discounted to reflect new cart fee
3/21/19 He Equipment Contracts not required for groups of less than 20.
Green fee not discounted to reflect new cart fee
3/26/19 Care Green fee not discounted to reflect new cart fee
4/2/19 Akamai Contracts not required for groups of less than 20. Green fee not
discounted to reflect new cart fee.
4/5/19 Hallmark Green fee not discounted to reflect new cart fee
4/6/19 Gartner Contracts not required for groups of less than 20. Correct old
cart fee charged to six players since the original
hold on the tee sheet was placed in July of 2018.
4/13/19 Burger King Contract signed but was lost when computer crashed. They
were charged correctly. Added four more players.
4/25/19 Miami Diaper After April 15th rate moved to summer rates for outing to
compete will all our competitors who drop their rates on the
15th by General Manager. It has become an annual event at
MBGC.
4/26/19 St. Thomas After April 15th rate moved to summer rates for outing to
compete will all our competitors who drop their rates on the
15th by General Manager.
4/30/19 Evercore After April 15th rate moved to summer rates for outing to
compete will all our competitors who drop their rates on the
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15th by General Manager. The tournament was held one day
prior to the rate change.
5/1/19 Commonwealth Billed correctly as they were quoted in January of 2018 and
showed up with more players than contracted.
5/8/19 GMCVB Contract signed but was lost when computer crashed. Billed
correctly as quoted in June of 2018.
6/1/19 Dolphins Contract signed but was lost when computer crashed. Billed
at the same rate as a prior event held in November 2018.
10/4/19 Rothanberger Client was charged four cart fees correctly but over charged on
greens fees. Greens fees were reversed and proper greens fee
charged. Charge is correct.
10/20/19 Lavat Rate approved by General Manager to take business away from
competitor on what is traditionally a slow Sunday afternoon
during football season.
11/15/19 Winspire Correct charge per contracted amount. Contracted before rate
Change.
11/20/19 Webb Contracts not required for groups of less than 20. Correct
charge per quoted amount to DMC (9/18/19)
12/15/19 Friends Had correct State Tax Certificate filed in the F&B file given to
auditors. It has become an annual event at MBGC.
1/14/20 UBS Under-billed by $2 per player.
2/17/20 First American Contracts not required for groups of less than 20. $129 rate was
quoted to DMC before the fall 2019 rate change and tee time
reserved at that time, honored quoted rate.
2/23/20 JP Morgan Green fee not discounted to reflect new cart fee
2/25/20 Tricity Contracts not required for groups of less than 20. $129 rate was
quoted to DMC before the fall 2019 rate change and put in the
tee sheet and we honored it. Their second day was booked
after October 5th and was billed at the new rate.
2/29/20 Morales South Florida group. Charged South Florida rate correctly.
Following the Auditors recommendation, from January 2022 on, any changes to approved tournament
fees have advance written approval from the Director or his designee.
4. PCM strongly disagrees with the Finding.
Section 7.05 of the contract specifically addresses kitchen, dining room, bars, and pro shops repairs and
maintenance to wit: “The manager shall perform acceptable day to day housekeeping and maintain
and perform all repairs on the kitchens, dining rooms bars and pro shops that are necessitated as a
result of the Manager’s or its agent’s negligence. City shall be responsible for all other repairs and
maintenance”. The auditor’s belief that this section refers to the golf course facilities, equipment and
improvements and not to Food and Beverage operations when it specifically mentions kitchens, dining
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rooms, bars and pro shops is incomprehensible and defies logic. PCM pays for the replacement of
china, glassware, silverware, etc. and all repairs due to the negligence of its employees.
The paper goods in question cover paper towels and toilet paper for the locker rooms and golf course
restrooms. PCM purchases paper and disposables for the kitchen, bar and dining room, using
biodegradable products in concert with City ordinances.
The $180 training expenditure covers attendance to Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
education seminars required by the association to maintain Class A status, a contract requirement.
The life proof cell phone case was purchased to protect the golf course superintendent’s City of Miami
Beach issued cell phone.
5. Per Public Works Dept., obsolete meters were removed from the clubs’ bills. Most recently the
Public Works Dept. has switched existing meters with new digital technology. PCM requests that
monthly water bills be sent to each golf course for review and approval prior to being posted on Munis
by the Finance Department. PCM cannot comment on meter readings procedures or storm water
charges calculation.
6. Membership Findings. In FY 2018/2019 three memberships were erroneously given the Miami
Beach resident rate, in FY 2019/2020 two memberships were given the resident rate erroneously. The
resulting unrealized revenue amounts to $11,800 for the audit period.
Pursuant to this Finding a new SOP was implemented and went into effect for F.Y. 22 to ensure all
membership files are complete and no mistakes occur. The new procedure establishes that the
membership director will be the only authorized person to process membership payments and only
after the membership file has been reviewed and approved for payment processing by the General
Manager or Controller. Please see summary below addressing the Finding:
2018/19
a) Please see enclosed email exchange with Mr. Kevin Smith (CMB Parks and Recreation Director at
the time) addressing eligibility for resident rates pursuant to Findings from a prior audit in 2010. All
membership proof of residency is in the files except for 3 files.
b) The locker rental fee was established in 2005 when the MBGC clubhouse opened. It has been
part of the revenue budget since. Please see enclosed correspondence from Mr. Kevin Smith (former
Parks and Recreation director) approving the membership application which lists the membership fees
and the approved locker fees.
2019/2020
a) All membership proof of residency is in the files except for 2 files.
b) All invoices were sent out September 1st, 2019, at the then current rate. All membership billings
initiated after October 5th were billed at the new rate. One of two memberships in question was billed in
September at the lower rate and the envelope containing the check was postmarked Oct. 4, the
payment for the other was held pending receipt of proof of residency.
c) Spouse added and taken off membership before the membership started. The $1,100 refund
was replaced with a new member who paid $3,800. Aside from that fact, it is unreasonable, bad
6
business policy and worse customer service to deny a refund request received before the membership
year begins and at a time when there are 175 people waiting in line to buy a membership.
d) Please see c) under 2018/2019 above. Sixty locker rentals were billed and collected before Oct.
5 at the old rate ($175) the six others were billed at the new rate as they were received after Oct. 5.
7. PCM strongly disagrees with the Finding. The title and job description changes in the MBGC, and
NSGC golf maintenance departments were discussed with Parks and Recreation Dept. staff prior to
implementation and met approved budget. The changes were made to retain the MBGC Assistant
Superintendent (a long-time employee that performs at a very high level) who was offered a position as
Superintendent with a significantly higher rate of pay at another facility. At the same time, the MBGC
Superintendent (one of the most experienced superintendents managing Seashore Paspalum turf in
Florida and a long-term employee) was promoted to Director of Agronomy with supervisory
responsibility over NSGC golf course maintenance operations, taking advantage of his extensive
experience with Paspalum and his familiarity with NSGC site specific challenges as he was the on-site
Superintendent prior to being transferred to MBGC.
Both promotions resulted in a combined salary increase of $5,000 and were made with the
understanding that the Assistant Superintendent position would not be filled, thus having negligible
impact on the budget. Given today’s labor market conditions it would be nearly impossible to replace
either of these two individuals with similarly experienced candidates at the salaries we are currently
paying for those positions (a situation we have experienced when we had to fill the Director of Golf and
Head Golf Professional positions).
PCM regularly reviews industry wide compensation surveys to ensure that offered salaries and wages
are competitive and fair to both the employees and the facilities we manage, our compensation
packages are at or below the levels of those offered by comparable facilities in the industry.
Regarding the car allowance we must point out that a prior audit conducted by a current member of the
OIG staff objected to the form in which it was paid (the Club was paying for the truck lease and
insurance) and not with the allowance itself. Pursuant to the Audit Finding we promptly changed the
procedure and ever since the car allowance has been part of the employee’s paycheck.
It must also be noted that even including the car allowance the compensation package for this
employee is barely competitive; as evidenced by the fact that just a few months after the first draft of
this audit was issued, both the Director of Agronomy and the Superintendent resigned to take
significantly higher paying positions in other golf courses. Our counteroffer was not enough to convince
them to stay on. PCM will ensure that any future personnel changes are documented in writing.
8. PCM strongly disagrees with the Finding. While we coincide in that the language of section 11.02.1 is not
clear, there is no question that the intent of the incentive fee is to reward performance; as such, it is
calculated based on actual results NOT budget projections. It would be madness to pay incentives based
7
on projections or budgets as underscored by the Auditor’s recommendations which in effect contradict
the finding. The MBGC Net Operating Income before debt service for FY 2018/2019 was $1,008,533.00.
9. PCM strongly disagrees with the Finding. The discussions regarding the need to create discounted and
promotional golf rates for the golf courses date back to 2008/2009 when Normandy re-opened amid the
financial crisis and golf participation hit its nadir. PCM faced the unenviable task of creating 35,000 golf
rounds during one of the worst financial crisis the nation has experienced while ensuring we did not
cannibalize rounds from the higher priced MBGC. These discussions involved all levels of the City’s prior
administrations and even the Finance and Budget Advisory Committees.
Over the years and as conditions shifted there have been dozens if not hundreds of meetings and phone
calls discussing the nature of these promotions and discounts. As a result, the new contract signed in
September 2019 (which was retroactive to Oct. 1, 2018) gave the Manager (PCM) the authority to make
temporary rate adjustments during slow periods and/or high-profile events with approval from the City
Manager or the Director (Sections 6.12 and 6.18). Please note that the contract does not read FORMAL
or WRITTEN APPROVAL is required.
While conducting business PCM managers have regular and extensive contact with the supervisors in
the Directors office to address problems, review performance, request authorizations, obtain assistance
from other City departments, discuss policies, procedures, and business trends, and seek or recommend
direction. Given time constraints, most of these interactions take place over the phone, in-person, and
lately virtual meetings.
As we understand it, Resolution No. 2018-30420, and others prior and since, intended to address base
or regular rates, not specials, discounts, or promotions. For proper context, it is critical to note that the
golf industry is changing its business model from static, set rates to dynamic pricing, adjusting rates in
response to daily and oftentimes hourly demand, as the airline and hotel industries have done.
The items described by the auditor as discounts also include industry wide practices such as same day
replay rates, once a year PGA member courtesy rate, guest of a member and booking fees from
wholesalers, online aggregators, travel agents, etc.
The Premier Golf Card program is part of the contract (it has been the subject of multiple Letters to
Commission over the years) please refer to Section 6.18. The contract does not address who should sign
the Premier agreement.
Lastly, these special rates generated over $400,000 in revenue for the Club over the audit period, most
of which would not have been realized in the absence of these rates.
PCM is open to discuss and provide input regarding whatever policy the City wishes to institute
regarding rates.
8
Read only access to the POS has been granted to the Parks and Recreation Dept.
10. Several Jim McLean Biltmore based instructors were given the courtesy to provide instruction at MBGC
while Biltmore was closed for renovations, paying the agreed 20% fee. Additionally, from time to time a
couple of master instructors schedule lessons at MBGC to accommodate VIPs who reside in Miami
Beach or are staying at MB hotels. Some of these are $1,000 lessons, which generate $200 each for the
facility. Historically, visiting instructors have been covered under the golf courses and driving
ranges BTR’s.
11. The contract calls for the Manager to enlist the services of a nationally recognized golf school at MBGC,
it does not address what rates said instructors should charge for their services or that a signed and
approved agreement is required. The Jim Mc Lean school, one of the most highly respected and highest
grossing golf schools in the country was brought to MBGC in 2011 to fulfill this mandate.
The original agreement between PCM and Jim McLean, which has a 30-day termination clause without
cause, was verbally extended. When this issue was brought to our attention by the Auditor, a new
contract was executed with the same terms and conditions.
Since May 2021 and following the Auditors observations, MBGC staff reconciles the monthly Jim
McLean lesson report to their accounting software Profit and Loss statement. Regarding instruction
rates, it is standard industry practice for instructors to extend special rate considerations to certain
clients based on various reasons: number of lessons, frequency, length of the relationship, a request for
a short session to address a specific issue the client is facing with his/her game, etc.
12. Chris Jett is the merchandise purchasing agent for PCM. PCM has paid the BTR for merchandise sales as
billed and on a timely basis. The registered address of Chris Jett’s company was changed immediately
after the issue was brought to our attention. If the City decides a contract between PCM and Chris Jett
Inc. is required, we will review and evaluate the relationship with Chris Jett.
13. Parks and Recreation Dept. staff members regularly visit the facility and inspect not only the golf
course but also the maintenance facility, clubhouse and grounds, dining rooms and kitchens. After each
of these visits they review their observations with PCM managers and make requests for changes and
improvements if necessary.
14. MBGC BTR license was incorrectly billed. PCM paid all licenses in a timely manner and in the amounts
billed. When a revised bill for $572.00 was received on March 31, 2021, it was promptly processed, and
the online payment was made on April 6, 2021.
15. The prior contract did not address the sales tax issue on merchandise sales as the merchandise is taxed
at the point of sale and PCM did not pay rent directly but received a 95% refund on the merchandise
sales. Although the current contract effective date is Oct 1, 2018, it was not finalized and executed until
9
Oct. 1, 2019. When the sales tax issue was brought up as part of the new contract negotiation
sometime in May/June 2019, PCM immediately began to remit the corresponding sales tax. PCM issued
check #2207 on March 9, 2022 in the amount $2,000.63.
ADDITIONAL AREAS IN MBGC OPERATIONS THAT NEED IMPROVEMENT AND/OR PRESENT
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CITY TO FINANCIALLY BENEFIT:
Since all these recommendations are a matter of policy for the City to decide, PCM cannot offer
comments; however, we must point out that the Auditors attempt to calculate PCM’s profitability is
just not flawed but plainly erroneous:
1. As anyone with basic accounting or business knowledge is aware TOTAL GROSS REVENUES MINUS
COST OF GOODS SOLD DOES NOT RESULT IN NET INCOME. THE CORRECT ANSWER IS GROSS PROFIT.
2. The auditors’ number for Cost of Goods Sold is 14% of Revenues. It is impossible for any
restaurant/retail operation to operate with 14% cost of Goods Sold margin anywhere in the country
and we dare say in the world. Multiple industry trade associations and public company filings will
corroborate this statement. The auditors’ numbers are plainly wrong
3. The definition of Net Income is the result of the subtraction of Revenues minus all Operating Expenses,
not just Labor Cost and Cost of Goods Sold.
The City of Miami Beach contracted the services of the National Golf Foundation to perform a
business analysis of the Miami Beach Golf Club operations and its management in 2018. The National
Golf Foundation is one of the preeminent independent authorities with respect to golf operations, its
metrics, benchmarks, and policies; having conducted hundreds of analyses for public and municipal
golf courses over the last thirty years. We have included excerpts from the report (which was given
to the Auditor) below.
NGF key findings on recordkeeping and reporting: We have done hundreds of operations reviews and
have found the reporting and recordkeeping at MBGC to be among the most organized, concise and
useful that we’ve come across. Additionally, when we made requests for documentation during the
course of our study, the data and information was readily available and quickly sent to us.
NGF key findings on concessions: Though the clubhouse size at Miami Beach Golf Club is somewhat
limiting in terms of revenue maximization and customer service (e.g., facilitating large outings and
meetings), PCM appears to be doing a good job with both the pro shop and food and beverage
concessions. NGF believes that food and beverage operations located at golf courses should strive to
cover their costs and even make a profit, but their primary purpose is to serve golfers. Because private
vendors have a profit imperative, service to golfers can sometimes become secondary. This is not the
case at MBGC, where the vendor also happens to manage the entire golf facility for the City. The most
important aspects for serving golfers include providing space for golfers to feel comfortable being
served in golf attire after playing a round (hats, golf shoes, etc.), and providing rapid “walkup” service
for golfers still on the course (MBGC has ahead service).
10
NGF Consulting ‘s principals have visited and analyzed hundreds of municipal and daily fee golf
operations over the last three decades. Our overriding finding from our tour and summary business
analysis is that MBGC is one of the top municipal golf operations in the country, with an outstanding,
very well-maintained golf course and net operating income performance that places the facility in the
top 2% of municipal golf facilities in the U.S., even considering the revenue constraint resulting from
resident green fees that are well below ‘market’ rates.
NGF’s independent review and analysis revealed no obvious weaknesses, with best business practices
adhered to in all of the aspects of the operation that we observed.
NGF Consulting concludes that Professional Course Management is doing an excellent job of managing
the experience at the premier “country club for a day” facility the Miami Beach Golf Club represents.
Entrusted with a topflight golf facility, PCM appears to have been good steward of the City’s asset,
while at the same time actively engaging the community and accomplishing the public policy goals
established by the City with the reinvention of the club in 2002.
With average golf fee (green + cart + membership per round of $83. MBGC was easily the highest
among the competitive set, about $23 higher than International Links and $30+ higher than both
Plantation Preserve and direct competitor Crandon Golf Key Biscayne. The gap with Crandon and
International Links is especially impressive given the relative closeness in peak season rack rates and is
a sign of the City and golf course staff doing an excellent job of maintaining rate ‘integrity’.
In FY 16 and FY 17, PCM’s total management compensation was $250,000 and $234,603, respectively.
The effective percentage compensation in these years was 6.4% and 6.3% of total facility gross
revenues (City perspective), respectively. Based on NGF experience, both the structure of the City’s
management agreement with PCM (base management fee plus incentive) and the effective
compensation are within expectations for a premier municipal golf course at this price point and
revenue level.
All in all, MBGC has been a very consistent performer since its rebirth, with negative variations in
performance largely – or perhaps entirely – due to external factors. Rounds played have been in the
range desired by the City to preserve the asset and the golf experience, and the public policy of
subsidizing resident rates below ‘market rate’, while constraining revenues, has allowed the majority of
resident golfers to enjoy this premier public golf offering.
NGF overall takeaway: Globally, NGF found MBGC to be in very good condition, befitting its price point
and golfer expectations of “country club for a day”. This opinion is validated by the very strong ratings
that MBGC garners through its Golf Outing Evaluation Forms, where ‘excellent’ ratings are generally in
the 80% to 100% range (depending on golf course component and year). And not a single rating was
just ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ among 65+ responses over a 5-year period.
11
NGF key findings on customer service: Though maintaining an excellent customer service culture and
profile is important for all businesses, including golf courses, it is especially critical for a premier
municipal golf facility in a market with many golfing choices such as greater Miami. Bad experiences
reflect poorly on the City (golfers associate the golf course and employees directly with the City). The
key to successful customer service at a facility such as MBGC is managing the experience, and NGF
believe that the City and facility management have effectively achieved that objective, as borne out by
the consistent economic performance and measurement vehicles like the outing forms and secret
shopper.
We note that operating a high-end municipal golf course with established public golf can be a difficult
balancing act. For example, at MBGC management must juggle the needs of several different user
groups, including city residents, tourists, members, and groups, each wanting to play this premier golf
course during their preferred playing times. Another challenge with respect to golf operations in south
Florida is trying to equalize activity levels during the year, in the face of extreme seasonality of
demand. PCM has effectively done this by cultivating the facility’s annual membership and Premier
Card program.
12
From: Smith, Kevin <KevinSmith@miamibeachfl.gov>
Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 4:43 PM
To: Alberto Pozzi <apozzi@miamishoresgolf.com>
Subject: RE: Resident Rates Eligibility
yes
MIAMIBEACH
Kevin Smith, Director
Parks & Recreation Department
2100 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-673-7730 / Fax: 786-394-5447/ www.miamibeachfl.gov
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.
From: Alberto Pozzi [mailto:apozzi@miamishoresgolf.com]
Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 4:27 PM
To: Smith, Kevin
Subject: RE: Resident Rates Eligibility
Kevin,
Just to clarify. We should continue using the same criteria and documents to verify residency that we
have used up to now. Correct?
Thanks,
Alberto
From: Smith, Kevin [mailto:KevinSmith@miamibeachfl.gov]
Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 2:28 PM
To: Alberto Pozzi
Subject: RE: Resident Rates Eligibility
Yes
MIAMIBEACH
Kevin Smith, Director
Parks & Recreation Department
2100 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-673-7730 / Fax: 786-394-5447/ www.miamibeachfl.gov
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.
From: Alberto Pozzi [mailto:apozzi@miamishoresgolf.com]
Sent: Friday, August 20, 2010 9:08 AM
To: Smith, Kevin
13
Cc: stevef@miamibeachgolfclub.com; 'Jackie Ryden'; 'Andy Forbes'; DaCruz, Carlos; j_19@bellsouth.net
Subject: Resident Rates Eligibility
Kevin,
We are finishing the membership billing for the upcoming year. Pursuant to our meeting with the auditors;
should we maintain the eligibility criteria and the documents that we can accept as proof of residency?
We plan to mail the statements with the corresponding back up documents next Friday, August 27.
Please let me know how you wish us to proceed.
Alberto
14
From: Smith, Kevin <KevinSmith@miamibeachfl.gov>
Sent: Monday, August 3, 2009 3:33 PM
To: Jackie <jackier@miamibeachgolfclub.com>; Alberto Pozzi <apozzi@miamishoresgolf.com>
Subject: FW: Club Rules and Regulations
Jackie
Please note the changes in the member letter.
Thanks
MIAMIBEACH
Kevin Smith, Director
Parks & Recreation Department
2100 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-673-7730 / Fax: 305-673-7725 / www.miamibeachfl.gov
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.
From: Jackie [mailto:jackier@miamibeachgolfclub.com]
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2009 2:40 PM
To: Smith, Kevin
Cc: apozzi@miamishoresgolf.com
Subject: Club Rules and Regulations
Kevin,
Per Alberto's request, attached are the Club Rules and Regulations, a MB resident application and the
thank you for joining letter. Please let me know if you need any further information.
Jackie
15
MIAMI BEACH RESIDENT MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
I HEREBY APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP AT MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
Date: _________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Spouse or Domestic Partner: __________________________________________________________
Dependent: ___________________________________________________________________________________
(Under 18 years of Age)
Permanent Address___________________________________________________________________
(Street) (City) (State) (Zip)
Home Telephone: ___________________________Business Telephone: _______________________________
E-mail Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
References: Please give two.
Name_________________________________________Telephone #____________________________________
Name_________________________________________Telephone#_____________________________________
Proof of Miami Beach Residency Required.
Type of membership applied for (please check one):
Single Golf - $3500 + $245 tax = $3745 _____
Husband & Wife or Domestic Partner - $4500 + $315 tax = $4815 _____
Dependent – $450 + $31.50 tax = $481.50 _____
Locker Rental - $175 + $12.25 tax = $187.25 _____
Please enclose your check with tax included.
MEMBERSHIPS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE OR REFUNDABLE.
I hereby state that if I am accepted as a member, I agree to comply with the Club’s By-laws and Rules and Regulations, as
they may be in effect now or as they may be amended from time to time, and by my signature attest, thereto.
Sign Here______________________________________ _______________________________________
16
Director of Marketing
Date__________________________________________ Date___________________________________
17
MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
CLUB RULES AND POLICIES
No subscription paper, advertisement or notice shall be displayed in the Clubhouse except by
consent of the management.
Dogs are not allowed within the Clubhouse area, or on the Golf Course with the exception of
Seeing Eye or other disability assistance working dogs.
Appropriate attire must be worn in the Clubhouse and on the Golf Course properties. Articles not
approved include; Tee shirts, gym shorts or sweat pants, no blue jeans/denim, tank tops, (men)
sleeveless shirts, tube tops, short shorts, cut offs or medical scrubs. The use of metal spikes on the
golf course and in the clubhouse is prohibited.
GENERAL POLICIES
Members and their guests are expected to abide by all by-laws, rules and regulations of the Club as
well as be guided by the customary and traditional Miami Beach properties.
Complaints or suggestions regarding Club service should be made in writing over the members’
signatures and addressed to the Director of Golf.
Membership dues are not refundable or transferable.
Complaints concerning other members or guests’ failure to abide by club by-laws, policies or
standards of conduct must be directed to the Director of Golf, who has the sole responsibility for
considering any disciplinary action should it prove necessary.
Management of the Club may, at any time and from time to time, restrict or suspend any member or
guests right to use any facility or facilities of the Club if Management determines that such
restrictions or suspension is in the best interest of the Club, and such suspended guest or restricted
member shall not be entitled to any refund of any fees or dues.
18
The Club will not be responsible for personal property lost, misplaced or missing under any
circumstances.
RULES OF THE GOLF COURSE
1. CONDUCT OF PLAY:
A. All golfers shall register in the Pro Shop and be cleared before teeing off. All play begins at
the 1st tee unless otherwise authorized by the starter.
B. To insure access to the golf course, advance tee times reservations are recommended.
Members may call for starting times ten (10) days in advance, public five (5) days. Starting
time reservations must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance or the
members will be charged for that starting time. Members may reserve advance
tee times for up to 3 guests at the applicable guest rate.
C. Foursomes ONLY are allowed to play on Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays or on busy days,
except when, in the judgment of the Starter, a lesser number can start without impairing the
maximum utilization of the course.
D. Each player must have a bag and set of clubs, including a putter. Rental sets are available at
the Pro Shop.
E. No person shall direct vulgar or abusive language toward any employee. Complaints
regarding employees shall be taken to the Director of Golf.
F. Food and Beverages consumed by players must be purchased at the Club. Personal coolers
or food containers may not be brought onto the course.
G. Damage to Club property either intentional or unintentional will result with the responsible
party being fiscally liable.
H. Golf Rangers are authorized to enforce Club rules at all times.
I. The Golf Rangers may order a violator of these rules to terminate play and leave the golf
course. Failure to comply with the instructions of the Ranger may result in suspension of
the player’s privileges.
2. GUEST PLAY
19
A. The sponsoring members shall be responsible for the conduct of their guest(s) and shall
insure their guest(s) abide by the rules of Miami Beach Golf Club.
B. All tee times must be reserved in the member’s name and the member must accompany the
guest. Members are limited to a maximum three (3) accompanied guests with an advance
tee time reservation on any given day at the preferred guest of a member rate. Applicable
rates would apply for any additional guests.
C. Violations other than those personally witnessed by the Director of Golf or the Head Golf
Professional shall be dealt with upon the basis of a written complaint, signed by the person
observing the violation. The Director of Golf or the Head Golf Professional shall
investigate the complaint, interview the alleged violator, and take whatever action he deems
appropriate, up to a limited suspension of privileges.
3. RULES OF PLAY
A. All players and members must pay applicable cart fees. If a golfer pays greens fee and cart
fees, at his discretion, he may walk.
B. No children under the age of 5 will be permitted on the golf course. All youth under 16
years of age must be accompanied by an adult when in the Clubhouse or on golf course
premises.
C. Slower players are expected to allow faster players to play through.
D. Players must use care not to scuff greens. Care must be used in removing and
replacing the pin so as not to damage the cup lip or green surface. All players are
required to repair their own ball marks on the greens and one other ball mark, if
present. Players must rake sand traps.
F. The use of driving range balls on the golf course is prohibited. Any Member or Guest
violating this policy will be suspended until further notice.
4. ELECTRIC CARTS
A. Electric carts are restricted to use by no more than two (2) persons and two (2) sets of
clubs.
20
B. Electric carts shall travel on the golf course exclusively as directed by the Golf Shop and
Starter. Signs containing information will be posted in the Golf Shop and on the #1 and #10
tees.
C. Electric carts shall not be driven on slopes on the tees and greens.
D. The full amount for 18 holes and for 9 holes shall be collected in the Pro Shop before
the cart key will be given out for cart use. Cart lease agreements must be signed.
E. Rain Check Policy – In the event a member is unable to complete (9) holes of play as
a result of rain, a (9) hole Rain Check will be issued after a 30-minute “waiting
period”. No rain check will be issued after TEE OFF at #10 hole.
F. The golfer is responsible for any damage to the cart.
G. Carts may not be taken onto the parking lot area for any reason. All carts must be
returned to the Pro Shop after completion of play.
H. The applicable cart fee rate ($20.00) will be charged to non-playing guests riding in a cart.
I. No one under the age of 16 may operate a golf cart at any time.
5. TOURNAMENTS
The Men’s and Ladies Golf Associations, subject to the approval of the Director of Golf
may schedule tournaments. The Director of Golf may also schedule tournaments for the
general golf public and allocate the required starting times. There will be times when the
golf course has been booked for tournaments and the course will be closed to all
other play, Management will use its best efforts to accommodate members at
Normandy Shores Golf Club or other neighboring courses.
6. DRIVING RANGE
A. Operating hours are as follows:
Monday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Thursday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM
21
One complimentary warm- up bucket of range balls will given to each member for every 18 hole
round of golf (to be used day of play).
MEMBERSHIPS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE OR TRANSFERRABLE
MEMBER MISCONDUCT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
POLICY
It is the policy of the Miami Beach Golf Club that all club members conduct
themselves at all times while on the club’s premises in accordance with all laws, all rules and
regulations of the club and the club membership as a whole. In particular, insulting,
offensive, abusive or disruptive behavior of any kind directed towards any of the club’s
employees, members or guests, or exhibited generally, cannot be tolerated. In the event that
the Director of Golf or Club Management Company, after compliance with the notice and
hearing procedures set forth below, finds that any member’s behavior is not consistent with
the best interests of the club, such member’s membership shall, in the Director of Golf or
Club Management Company’s discretion, be revoked (“Revocation”) without refund of
membership fees or any portion thereof, or suspended for any period of time which the
Director of Golf or Club Management Company deems appropriate, without refund of
membership fees or any portion thereof (“Suspension”).
PROCEDURES
22
In the event an oral or written complaint regarding any member’s behavior (an
“Accused Member”) is made, prior to any Revocation or Suspension, the club shall provide
to the Accused Member written notice of the matters complained of and shall set a hearing
not earlier than 10 days following the giving of such notice (which shall be set forth in the
notice to the Accused Member), at which time the Accused Member may respond to the
complaint made against him. The complaining party or the Director of Golf or Club
Management Company shall, at the hearing, state the nature of the complaint, following
which the Accused Member shall have a period not exceeding twenty (20) minutes to
respond; provided, however, that the Hearing Officer (as defined below) may decide, in his
discretion, to allow the Accused Member additional time to respond. Following the Accused
Member’s response, the complaining witness or any other person with knowledge of the
facts may, in a time-period not to exceed ten (10) minutes, rebut the Accused Member’s
response; provided, however, that the Hearing Officer may decide in his discretion to allow
additional time for rebuttal. The Accused Member may, within his 20-minute time
limitation, proffer the testimony of any other person with knowledge of the facts. The
Hearing Officer shall have the discretion to determine whether or not the interested parties
(including the Accused Member) shall have the right to have counsel present at the hearing,
however, the Hearing Officer’s refusal to allow any counsel to be present at the Hearing
shall not affect the Accused Member’s right or ability to consult with counsel prior to the
hearing or to engage counsel to assist in the Accused Member’s preparation for the hearing.
The hearing officer at the hearing (the “Hearing Officer”) shall be a Senior Manager of the
Club Management Company. If the complaining witness (i.e., the actual witness to the
accused Member’s complained-of behavior) is a Senior Manager of the Club Management
Company, then the Director of Golf shall appoint an impartial person to be the Hearing
Officer to preside over the hearing. At any time after the conclusion of the hearing, the
Hearing Officer may, in his discretion, order Revocation or Suspension of the Accused
Member's Membership, rule that Suspension, Revocation or other sanction is not warranted,
or impose whatever sanctions the Hearing Officer deems appropriate under the
circumstance. All decisions of the Hearing Officer (whether relating to the conduct of the
hearing, Revocation or Suspension or other sanctions) shall, in all events, be binding, final,
conclusive and unappealable, with only the following exception. If the Hearing Officer is
not a Senior Manager, and the hearing Officer has determined that Revocation or
Suspension of the Accused Member’s membership, or some other sanction, should be
imposed, the Director of Golf or Club Management Company may, in his or its sole and
absolute discretion, reverse the Hearing Officer’s order of Revocation or Suspension or
imposition of sanctions, and impose whatever sanction, if any, the Director of Golf or Club
Management Company deems appropriate.
Adherence to the policies set forth above is an express condition to every member’s right to
hold and enjoy a membership (of any kind) at the club.
23
MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
RULES AND REGULATIONS
SIGNATURE PAGE
I hereby state that as a member of the Miami Beach Golf Club, I have read and agree to comply with the
Club’s Rules and Regulations, and by my signature attest, thereto.
Sign Here ________________________________________________
Date_____________________________________________________
24
Dear Miami Beach Golf Club Member:
Thank you very much for joining us for the 2008-2009 membership year, we are delighted to
have you as a member. The entire staff of the Miami Beach Golf Club is at your service.
Please find enclosed your membership cards. We ask that you carry your cards with you while
you are at the club.
Our hours of operation are:
Golf Pro Shop - 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
Driving Range - Monday - 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM,
Thursday - 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. - 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Dining Room - 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
We would ask for your cooperation when reserving tee times. Please give the pro shop
attendants the names of the players comprising your foursome when you are making your tee
time. This will help us eliminate duplicate reservations and thus insure proper management of
the first tee. Additionally, we ask our members if they are not going to use their tee time to
please cancel at least 24 hours in advance or else be subject to possible charges. As I am sure
you know, tee times are a valuable commodity to our members and guests and we want to
ensure that we maximize the utilization of our available tee times. Our professional golf staff,
headed by Director of Golf EITHER CHANGE TO STEVE OR JUST LEAVE IT BLANKis available to
make your starting times, or to answer any golfing questions you may have. Just call (305) 532-
3350
On behalf of the City of Miami Beach and Professional Course Management (operator of Miami Beach
and Normandy Shores Golf Clubs), its President, Johnny LaPonzina, and all our staff; welcome to the
Club. We hope you have a great year and fully enjoy the services and amenities here at the Miami
Beach Golf Club.
Sincerely,
Jackie Ryden
Director of Marketing
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
AND NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
1
The Administration via the Parks and Recreation Department (Department) solicited an audit of golf
course operations from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) in 2020. The request was made in
furtherance of the Department’s continuous review of practices, internal controls, business
methodology, etc. to ensure all are in line with industry standards and meeting or exceeding best
management practices. This initiative is supported by prior self-directed reviews of golf course
operations initiated by the Department in 2018 and 2019. Said reviews were carried out by the National
Golf Foundation (NGF) in 2018 and the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 2019, both independent
golf industry experts at the national level. Golf operations are also subjected to review through the
City’s annual external audit process. Contrary to the practice, the Department opted not to extend
Professional Course Management II’s (PCM) contract, and instead issued a solicitation for a competitive
request for proposals (RFP) in 2018, inviting 341 firms to compete for the management of the courses.
These actions are representative of the Department’s commitment to proper governance and financial
efficacy, which has ultimately resulted in the successful operation of both the Miami Beach and
Normandy Shores Golf Clubs.
The final audit report presented to the Department contains several reasonable recommendations,
which the Department committed to addressing promptly. In some instances, actions were already
implemented in furtherance of the auditor’s suggestions. However, many of the items referenced in
the report as “findings” or contract violations were not accurately represented. In those instances, they
were recommendations from the auditor based on subjective thoughts or opinions, as said individual
does not possess expertise in the golf industry. It should be noted that many of the statements in the
report are in direct conflict with the findings of the review of golf course operations conducted by the
National Golf Foundation, an industry expert at the national level, in 2018. In addition, the OIG Chief
Auditor involved in this review, conducted an in-depth audit of both golf courses in 2010. Many of the
practices raised during this audit, which were in effect when the 2010 review took place, were not raised
as an issue then. However, they are now being raised.
The audit report fails to recognize the overall positive outcome of the inquiry. None of the alleged
“findings” as presented by the auditor involve fraud, abuse, waste, or any violation of law by either
party. However, the underlying tone of the report is not representative of that. All of this, contrary to
the NGF’s findings, which state, “NGF’s independent review and analysis revealed no obvious
weaknesses, with best business practices adhered to in all of the aspects of the operation that we
observed.” The auditor did not mention that extensive internal controls are in place requiring the
majority of all golf related financial transactions take place through the City’s enterprise resource
planning (ERP) system, currently Munis, with approval levels similar to all other City general
governmental functions. Said approvals include review by Parks and Recreation Department, Office of
Management and Budget, Finance Department, Procurement Department and Office of the City
Manager staff for items ranging from minor purchases, such as buying golf balls for the driving ranges,
to major expenses, including multi-year golf cart leases. The review and approval process takes place
prior to any transaction taking effect. In addition, all golf revenue is deposited into a bank account
owned and managed by the City of Miami Beach.
The auditor states the business model of the golf courses, which has generally been in place since the
early 2000’s, may not offer sufficient benefit toward the City. To support the assertion, the auditor
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
AND NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
2
created profitability models without actual expense data. Meaning, an entire breakdown of business
earnings based on expense assumptions, rather than actual expenses incurred. No documentation was
provided supporting the expense assumptions. In accordance with Article 18 of the agreement, the
vendor, Professional Course Management II (PCM), did not disclose expense information as it is
deemed proprietary in nature. The Department finds it concerning for the auditor, whose expertise is
not in the golf industry, to make strong recommendations regarding a successful and profitable
operation based on unsupported assumptions. The Miami Beach Golf Club and Normandy Shores Golf
Club collectively outperformed comparable competitors in South Florida during the audit period. The
NGF also yielded findings contradicting the auditor, as supported by the following excerpt from their
final report, “NGF Consulting’s principals have visited and analyzed hundreds of municipal and daily fee
golf operations over the last three (3) decades. Our overriding finding from our tour and summary
business analysis is that MBGC is one of the top municipal golf operations in the country, with an
outstanding, very well maintained golf course and net operating income performance that places the
facility in the top 2% of municipal golf facilities in the U.S., even considering the revenue constraint
resulting from resident green fees that are well below ‘market’ rates.”
The auditor makes further questionable suggestions such as recommending PCM’s incentive fee should
be calculated based on the adopted budget at the beginning of the fiscal year, instead of the end-of-
year actual revenue generated. The concept of paying a vendor based on what they predict earnings
will be, versus actual earnings (results) attained is irresponsible. If the Department were to apply the
payment methodology suggested by the auditor, the vendor could ultimately be paid a bonus during
periods of underperformance.
It is also important to note the Parks and Recreation Department requested supporting documentation
from the auditor for each of the specific items presented as a “finding” in the audit report. To date, the
auditor has not provided all of the requested information detailing the alleged infraction(s). Such
failure to provide information supporting the auditor’s position makes the process of researching and
responding a difficult and at times impossible task. It is unreasonable for an auditor to spend
approximately 44 months performing an audit, covering a 24-month period of transactions, and deliver
a report containing alleged contract violations, with insufficient documentation to support said
allegations and a demand for prompt response. Nevertheless, in a spirit of cooperation and
transparency, the Department conducted exhaustive work researching notes from the countless hours
of meetings with the auditor over the course of the audit period. Based on that research, the
Department’s responses were formulated and submitted.
Through the successful efforts of the Department and PCM, the Miami Beach Golf Club and Normandy
Shores Golf Club collectively outperformed comparable competitors in South Florida during the audit
period. Miami Beach Golf Club is ranked as a top public golf course in the nation, and customer reviews
of the courses have been excellent. In fact, the primary complaint the Department receives regarding
golf operations is the fact that more individuals want to become members of the Miami Beach Golf Club
and Normandy Shores Golf Club than there is availability for. Meaning, conditions are favorable and
user experiences are so positive, that demand is extremely high – both emblematic of a successful
operation. That success is evidenced by the fact that only approximately $27,000 in transactions were
erroneously processed, out of approximately $24,000,000 in total transactions during the two-year
audit period, yielding a 0.1% error rate. The error rate is in line with Section 18.03 of the agreement, as
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
AND NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
3
well as generally accepted accounting principles. Further supporting the success of the operation is
NGF’s statement which reads, “NGF Consulting concludes that PCM is doing an excellent job of
managing the experience at the premier ‘country club for a day’ facility that Miami Beach Golf Club
represents. Entrusted with a top flight golf facility, PCM appears to have been a very good steward of
the City’s asset, while at the same time actively engaging the community and accomplishing the public
policy goals established by the City with the reinvention of the club in 2002.”
As previously stated, the Department agrees with certain positions and recommendations of the
auditor, as expressed in the responses to the individual findings. Those recommendations will be
implemented. In some cases, changes were already enacted.
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB AND
NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
1
RESPONSES PERTINENT TO THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB (MBGC):
1) PCM WAS PERMITTED TO WITHDRAW UP TO $100,000.00 DAILY FROM THE MBGC OPERATING
BANK ACCOUNT FOR EXPENDITURE REIMBURSEMENTS WITHOUT PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
BY THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT OR PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL FROM THE PARKS AND
RECREATION DEPARTMENT FOR ALL MONTHLY TRANSACTIONS.
Parks and Recreation & Finance Department Response:
The Departments disagree with the finding, in part. The current financial procedure in place was
implemented by the Finance Department. In 2019, the Finance Department advised the Parks
and Recreation Department of its desire to implement changes to the financial processes for golf
course operations. Thereafter, multiple meetings took place between Finance Department, Parks
and Recreation Department and PCM staff, in order to review all financial procedures. The final
recommendations by the Finance Department were agreed upon by PCM and the Parks and
Recreation Department, and implemented effective October 1, 2019. The current process in
place is consistent with the terms delineated in Article 12 of the agreement, and therefore does
not represent a finding or violation. Pursuant to Section 12.01 of the agreement, the City shall
make available to PCM all funds necessary to pay all operating expenses incurred or accrued. The
current process also provides the added benefit of financial transfers being derived from actual
expenses, versus projections, which is a more conservative approach than the prior methodology.
Previously, expense projections were made and funds were provided to PCM prior to actual
expenses being incurred.
The Parks and Recreation Department and Finance Department will revisit existing financial
procedures in place, as they relate to golf course operations. Some of the recommendations made
by the auditor are reasonable and will be considered as part of that process.
2) THE CITY APPROVED THE REIMBURSEMENT OF ESTIMATED PAYROLL ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE
FEES TOTALING $45,360.64, WHICH APPEARS CONTRARY TO SECTION 15.06 OF THE
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding. The City approved the efficient avenue of utilizing a
professional firm to provide payroll processing services, in lieu of paying the salary of in-house
golf course staff to process payroll for the workforce at both courses. The average annualized
combined cost of roughly $37,000 for the service is lower than annual salary and benefit costs for
an employee qualified to process payroll for both golf courses. The cost of said salary and benefits
would have to be funded by the City. This is a smart and efficient business decision, which has
yielded savings to the City. Pursuant to Article 12 of the agreement, the City authorized the use
of the services, as evidenced by the fact that the expense is funded within the annual budget
submitted for Mayor and City Commission approval. To state the City did not approve the expense
is erroneous, as further evidenced by the fact the expense is explicitly listed in the detailed
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB AND
NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
2
financial reports submitted monthly by PCM to the Parks and Recreation Department and Finance
Department for review, in accordance with Article 15 of the agreement. Pursuant to Section
12.01 of the agreement, the City shall make available to PCM all funds necessary to pay all
operating expenses incurred or accrued. Payroll management is an essential function and a clear
operating expense. Section 15.06 delineates PCM is responsible for processing payroll, but
nowhere does it state they are responsible for the associated expenses. The same section (15.06)
contains a myriad of other tasks and duties PCM is responsible for, but not required to fund, such
as the preparation of cash receipts, accounts receivable, budget reports, etc., which are all
prepared by the Controller, a position funded entirely by the City, to which the auditor expressed
no disagreement over.
This is a prime example of the auditor failing to recognize the nature of the agreement between
the City and PCM. The City receives 100% of the revenue associated with golf operations, and
therefore covers 100% of the expenses associated with golf operations. Thereby, processing
payroll for employees that are solely and exclusively employed 100% for the benefit of Miami
Beach Golf Club and Normandy Shores Golf Club is a reasonable and justifiable expense within
the confines of the agreement.
3) PCM DID NOT FURNISH SUFFICIENT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION TO JUSTIFY $33,151.50 IN
DISCOUNTS GIVEN THAT WERE NOT SPECIFIED IN THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT RELATED TO
TESTED MBGC GOLF TOURNAMENT BILLINGS.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding, in part.
• In accordance with Sections 6.12 and 6.18, as well as Article 25, discounted rates were
approved by the City in order to maximize profitability of the golf courses. The agreement
is constructed in a manner that allows for rate changes to be implemented in order to
compete in the golf industry’s dynamic pricing arena, requiring fee adjustments or
discounts issued in order to maximize profit, as well as the establishment of promotional
fees. Such decisions are necessary to remain competitive in the field, and have proven
essential toward introducing new players to our courses, and repeat visitors. For that
reason, the agreement contains Section 6.12, which explicitly gives the City Manager or
the Director of Parks and Recreation the ability to implement rate adjustments. As well
as Section 6.18.1, that clearly states the manager may propose discounted services and
memberships.
No provision of the agreement requires rate changes or promotional discounts be
memorialized in writing, contrary to the auditor’s position. Nevertheless, during
numerous discussions, the auditor was presented with or made aware of various
documents provided by PCM to the City containing discounted or promotional fee
information. The documents serve as evidence the City was well aware of and supportive
of the discounted or promotional rates, in accordance with the agreement. Emails have
also been provided which show written approval by the Department for some of the
discounted rates challenged by the auditor. Further, as explained to the auditor, frequent
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB AND
NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
3
meetings, telephone calls, emails, etc. are exchanged between PCM and City staff in the
course of managing the day-to-day operations of our golf clubs. During these
conversations, a myriad of topics are discussed which include rates, maintenance
activities, revenue projections, customer service, capital projects, etc. Both PCM and City
staff have confirmed discounted or promotional rates were approved by the City in
accordance with the agreement. The auditor has yet to provide a contractual provision
supporting her position. The Department has already implemented the recommendation
from the auditor to further memorialize fee adjustments.
The auditor provides the amounts of the discounts issued, but fails to provide the amount
of revenue generated as a result of the discounts, which is misleading. In this particular
instance, the tournament or group discounts generated over $62,000 in revenue, which
would not have otherwise been realized. An additional important point is that the
agreement is designed in a manner where PCM is discouraged from issuing discounts
unless absolutely necessary, as the lower revenue gained per round keeps them further
from earning their incentive fee. Meaning, each time a discount is issued, PCM is
negatively impacted financially.
• The City agrees with the auditor in that a limited number of instances resulted in
tournament or group fees being incorrectly charged in the City’s benefit, yielding roughly
$2,800 in net surplus revenue to the City. The errors were not captured by PCM or the
City as part of the monthly financial review process. The City has been continuously
working with PCM to ensure staff is properly trained and accurate in cashiering input. In
addition, the City also installed a new point-of-sale system that took effect February 2021,
which provides additional built-in safeguards to prevent user error, such as the ones
referenced by the auditor.
4) THE CITY REIMBURSED PCM A TOTAL OF $31,484.20 IN QUESTIONABLE EXPENDITURES RELATED
PRIMARILY TO THE MBGC FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPERATIONS AND PAPER GOODS.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding. The Parks and Recreation Department has requested
supporting documentation from the auditor for each of the specific items presented as a “finding”
within this report. To date, the auditor has failed to provide all the requested information
detailing the alleged infraction(s). Such failure to provide information supporting the auditor’s
position is unacceptable and makes the process of researching and responding to such allegations
a difficult and at times impossible task. It is unreasonable for an auditor to spend approximately
44 months performing an audit, covering a 24-month period of transactions, and deliver a report
containing alleged contract violations, with insufficient documentation to support said allegations
and demand a prompt response.
Nevertheless, in a spirit of cooperation and transparency, the Department has conducted
exhaustive work researching notes from the countless hours of meetings with the auditor over
the course of the 44-month audit period. Based on that research, the below responses have been
formulated.
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB AND
NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
4
• The transactions referenced by the auditor during discussions with Parks and Recreation
Department staff were approved by the City in accordance with Sections 4.01.9 and 7.05
of the agreement. Section 4.01.9 states that PCM shall be responsible for any and all
replacement due to breakage, theft or employee negligence. Section 7.05 states PCM
shall perform acceptable day-to-day housekeeping and perform all repairs on the
kitchens, dining rooms, bars and pro shops that are necessitated as a result of their
(PCM’s) negligence. The City shall be responsible for all other repairs and maintenance.
The list of expenses discussed with the auditor for items such as grease trap cleanings,
light bulbs, repairs to the fryer and beverage station, etc. were not due to breakage, theft
or employee negligence. They are simply purchases being made to maintain the City’s
assets, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. This is an example of the
auditor misrepresenting her disagreement with a provision in the contract as a finding.
The auditor fails to recognize the provisions in the agreement are constructed in such
manner to ensure City assets remain in excellent condition at all times, and if PCM were
to be dismissed, could be operated immediately by the City or another vendor. Further,
the annual budget, as approved by the Mayor and City Commission in compliance with
Section 12.03 of the agreement, includes a line item for the payment of specific items the
auditor disagrees with, including the dish washer lease.
• Section 4.01.9 requires PCM to pay for paper goods associated with food and beverage
and pro shop operations. PCM has complied with those provisions. The City authorized
the payment, through City funds, of the paper goods referred to by the auditor as they
were utilized in the locker rooms and public restrooms throughout the golf course. No
contractual provision exists prohibiting the payment of paper goods by the City for non-
restaurant or pro shop areas. When explained to the auditor, her position is that
restaurant patrons could access the restroom areas and utilize the paper goods. The City’s
position is that it is possible for restaurant patrons to use the restrooms, but tracking the
toilet paper used in a restroom would be more costly than the cost of the paper good
itself. Further, the annual budget, as approved by the Mayor and City Commission in
compliance with Section 12.03 of the agreement, includes a line item for the purchase of
paper goods and cleaning supplies.
• Section 10.04 states PCM’s responsibilities as it pertains to employee related processes,
however, nowhere does it stipulate that PCM would be responsible for payment of those
services. In fact, many other processes delineated in Section 10.04 are carried out by the
City’s Human Resources Department at no cost to PCM, to which the auditor had no
objection. The positions of the employees who received training are 100% funded by the
City and work solely and exclusively for the benefit of the Miami Beach and Normandy
Shores Golf Clubs. Covering these costs is not unreasonable, especially when the training
obtained is of benefit to the City as well. Further, the annual budget, as approved by the
Mayor and City Commission in compliance with Section 12.03 of the agreement, includes
a line item for employee education expenses.
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB AND
NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
5
5) WATER METERS WERE INCORRECTLY BILLED, RESULTING IN NET OVERBILLINGS OF $17,126.35
TO THE MBGC RATHER THAN TO OTHER RESPONSIBLE CITY ENTITIES.
Parks and Recreation, Finance & Public Works Department Response:
The Departments disagree with the finding, in part. Water and sewer bills are not provided to the
Parks and Recreation Department; they are processed by the Finance Department. The Parks and
Recreation Department requested the Public Works Department remove all inactive meters from
billing cycles, and the task was completed. Stormwater calculations are made by the Public Works
Department, and billing handled by the Finance Department. This is not a finding or contract
violation, rather a recommendation from the auditor.
The Finance Department continues to work with the Public Works Department in order to ensure
meters are charged to the appropriate accounts and perform any necessary adjustments. The
Public Works Department confirmed that all inactive meters were not incorrectly billed, but rather
charged a water and sewer general service base fee for having a meter present with or without
usage, and ERUs (equivalent residential unit storm water fee) that is charged to every account.
6) SOME TESTED INDIVIDUALS PURCHASING MBGC GOLF MEMBERSHIPS DURING THE AUDIT
PERIOD RECEIVED QUESTIONABLE DISCOUNTS TOTALING $14,348.55 FROM THE CITY
COMMISSION APPROVED RATES, AND PCM CHARGED AND COLLECTED LOCKER FEES OF
$22,546.60 WHICH WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE APPROVED FEE SCHEDULES.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding, in part.
• The City has approved the longstanding practice of extending resident discounts to Miami
Beach property and business owners. For the auditor to state the City has not approved
the practice or is unaware of its existence is disingenuous, particularly since the point
was raised during the 2010 audit. Since said audit, the City made the determination to
continue the practice. An email from Kevin Smith, former Director of Parks and
Recreation, from August 20, 2010 approved the continuation of the practice.
• The City agrees with the auditor in that five instances resulted in the membership resident
rate potentially being incorrectly granted without proper proof of residency on file,
yielding unrealized revenue in the amount of $11,800 for the audit period. The errors
were not captured by PCM or the City as part of their respective financial review
processes. To prevent this from happening in the future, PCM has amended their process
in that only the Director of Membership can process membership payments, and must
have prior written approval of the General Manager or Controller.
The Parks and Recreation Department places a high level of importance on proper
governance and financial efficacy, as evidenced by its request, and payment, for this audit
to take place by the Office of the Inspector General. In addition to this audit, requested
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB AND
NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
6
in 2020, the Parks and Recreation Department also solicited, in a self-directed manner as
well, two additional reviews of golf operations in 2018 and 2019 by independent industry
experts, the National Golf Foundation and United States Golf Association, respectively. In
doing so, the Department guarantees the best operation of the courses, and proper
stewardship of public funds. Golf operations are also subjected to review through the
City’s annual external audit process.
• The City approved and supports the reimbursement referenced by the auditor. This is a
prime example where the auditor fails to recognize a paramount factor, which is the
primary objective in the operation of the City’s public golf courses – the delivery of
excellent customer service to all patrons. That objective is one the City takes very
seriously, as the golf experience is not only representative of the golf courses, it has
significant bearing on Miami Beach as a brand and destination. In this instance, a spousal
membership was cancelled before a single round of golf was played, and before the
membership period commenced. The next available person on the waitlist was given the
membership. This resulted in a net revenue gain to the City. The decision yielded positive
results from both customer satisfaction and business standpoints.
From a contractual standpoint, nowhere in the agreement, or City policy, does it state
that reimbursements on memberships shall not be issued. PCM has adopted the practice
as a measure to preserve the integrity of the membership process, and as a good business
practice, but the City has never relinquished its right to make ad hoc decisions regarding
memberships. This is an example of the auditor misrepresenting her disagreement with
a practice as a contract violation or finding.
• Locker fees have been collected since 2005 at Miami Beach Golf Club and 2010 at
Normandy Shores Golf Club. To state the fees are not approved is erroneous, as both the
City and PCM have confirmed approval. The fees were not found to be inappropriate
during the 2010 audit of both golf courses conducted by the Chief Auditor in this audit
(2020). This is yet another example of the auditor unreasonably, and without contractual
basis, admonishing the City and PCM for maximizing profitability.
Locker fees have been added to the official schedule of fees updated annually by the Parks
and Recreation Department, with a proviso that the fees cannot be adjusted automatically
based on CPI, but rather require annual review by the Department, to ensure they remain
reasonable within market conditions. In addition, adjustments to the fees in the form of
discounts should be allowed in order to remain competitive in the dynamic golf market.
7) WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION WAS NOT PROVIDED TO THE OIG VERIFYING THE CITY’S ADVANCE
APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF AGRONOMY POSITION; AND THE CITY PAID $13,699.40 IN
RELATED CAR ALLOWANCE EXPENDITURES.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding. The Director of Agronomy position was discussed at
length between PCM and City staff. The City approved the creation of the position, as a retention
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB AND
NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
7
method for existing talent, and as a future recruitment tool. The Superintendent at Miami Beach
Golf Club was moved to the Director of Agronomy position, and the Assistant Superintendent was
moved to Superintendent. The Assistant Superintendent position was eliminated remained
vacant for a period of time; therefore, the change resulted in no addition to head count during
that period. Only the Director of Agronomy received a salary increase as a result of the change.
The salary adjustment was funded within the adopted budget, as approved by the Mayor and City
Commission pursuant to Section 12.03 of the agreement, meaning it did not trigger a budget
increase. The Superintendent title is critical toward attaining certification, which the Assistant
Superintendent was pursuing. By effectuating the title change, the employee was not only
retained, but also afforded the opportunity to qualify for certification. This is an example of a
smart business decision that resulted in positive benefits to the City, with negligible cost impacts.
The Director of Agronomy position provides services exclusively to the benefit of the City at both
golf clubs. It is industry standard to provide a vehicle or vehicle allowance for similarly situated
positions. The incumbent at the time had worked at Miami Beach golf clubs since 1996. He was
essential toward the success of the operation. The position’s compensation and vehicle allowance
are appropriate for the role, and necessary to remain competitive in a specialized niche. The 2010
audit, performed by the same Chief Auditor in this audit, recommended the Director of Agronomy,
formerly Superintendent, receive a vehicle allowance in the form of a payroll stipend, which was
the practice during the audit period. This is a clear employment benefit, part of the compensation
package for the Director of Agronomy, and as such shall be funded by the City. The Director of
Agronomy is funded 100% by the City and works solely and exclusively for the benefit of the Miami
Beach Golf Club and Normandy Shores Golf Club. The auditor has failed to provide a contractual
provision that prohibits such action. This is another example where the auditor misrepresents her
disagreement with a practice as a contractual violation or finding.
8) PURSUANT TO SECTION 11.02 OF THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT, THE GRADUATED
INCENTIVE FEE PAID TO THE CONCESSIONAIRE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018/19 WAS $6,093.75 MORE
THAN DUE, BASED ON THE FACT THAT THE REPORTED NET OPERATING INCOME BEFORE DEBT
SERVICE WAS 4.875% LESS THAN $800,000.00.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding. The incentive fee was properly calculated in
accordance with the spirit and intent of the language in the agreement. The auditor indicates
PCM’s incentive fee should be calculated based on the adopted budget at the beginning of the
fiscal year, instead of the end-of-year actual revenue generated. The concept of paying a vendor
based on what they predict earnings will be, versus actual earnings (results) attained is
irresponsible. The City agrees the language in the agreement is nebulous and should be clarified
in a future agreement, but is vehemently opposed to the concept of paying an incentive fee based
on a vendor’s projection, versus their actual performance. The same payment methodology was
utilized prior to the 2010 audit, which was performed by the Chief Auditor in this audit, and no
issues were raised. The agreement language at the time, as it pertains to the basis for incentive
fee calculations, was generally the same. This is a clear example of the auditor failing to use a
common sense approach to the interpretation of the agreement.
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB AND
NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
8
The Parks and Recreation Department places a high level of importance on proper governance
and financial efficacy, as evidenced by its request, and payment, for this audit to take place by the
Office of the Inspector General. In addition to this audit, requested in 2020, the Parks and
Recreation Department also solicited, in a self-directed manner as well, two additional reviews of
golf operations in 2018 and 2019 by independent industry experts, the National Golf Foundation
and United States Golf Association, respectively. In doing so, the Department guarantees the best
operation of the courses, and proper stewardship of public funds. Golf operations are also
subjected to review through the City’s annual external audit process.
9) PCM CHARGED DISCOUNTED GOLF RATES FROM THE CITY COMMISSION APPROVED FEE
SCHEDULES WITHOUT DOCUMENTED APPROVAL FROM THE CITY.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding. In accordance with Sections 6.12 and 6.18, as well as
Article 25, discounted rates were approved by the City in order to maximize profitability of the
golf courses. The agreement is constructed in a manner that allows for rate changes to be
implemented in order to compete in the golf industry’s dynamic pricing arena, requiring fee
adjustments or discounts issued in order to maximize profit, as well as the establishment of
promotional fees. Such decisions are necessary to remain competitive in the field, and have
proven essential toward introducing new players to our courses, and repeat visitors. For that
reason, the agreement contains Section 6.12, which explicitly gives the City Manager or the
Director of Parks and Recreation the ability to implement rate adjustments. As well as Section
6.18.1, that clearly states the manager may propose discounted services and memberships.
No provision of the agreement requires rate changes or promotional discounts be memorialized
in writing, contrary to the auditor’s position. Nevertheless, during numerous discussions, the
auditor was presented with or made aware of various documents provided by PCM to the City
containing discounted or promotional fee information. The documents serve as evidence the City
was well aware of and supportive of the discounted or promotional rates, in accordance with the
agreement. Emails have also been provided which show written approval by the Department for
some of the discounted rates challenged by the auditor. Further, as explained to the auditor,
frequent meetings, telephone calls, emails, etc. are exchanged between PCM and City staff in the
course of managing the day-to-day operations of our golf clubs. During these conversations, a
myriad of topics are discussed which include rates, maintenance activities, revenue projections,
customer service, capital projects, etc. Both PCM and City staff have confirmed discounted or
promotional rates were approved by the City in accordance with the agreement. The auditor has
yet to provide a contractual provision supporting her position. The Department has already
implemented the recommendation from the auditor to further memorialize fee adjustments.
The auditor provides the amounts of the discounts issued, but fails to provide the amount of
revenue generated as a result of the discounts, which would not have otherwise been realized.
An additional important point is that the agreement is designed in a manner where PCM is
discouraged from issuing discounts unless absolutely necessary, as the lower revenue gained per
round keeps them further from earning their incentive fee. Meaning, each time a discount is
issued, PCM is negatively impacted financially.
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB AND
NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
9
Ordinance 2019-4299 was adopted by the Mayor and City Commission with the intent of creating
a centralized fee schedule, as well as indexing the fees contained therein. By indexing the fees,
periodic adjustments take effect ensuring the cost of services rendered by the City are adjusted
to account for inflation. The Parks and Recreation Department has a multitude of fees listed in
the ordinance, including regular golf fees. However, promotional or discounted golf fees are not
listed in the ordinance. The primary reason for promotional or discounted golf fees not being
included is due to their volatility, through increased propensity for amendment based on market
conditions, demand for play, etc. In addition, the focus during all prior fee discussions at all levels,
as they relate to golf, has been establishing maximum fee thresholds to ensure residents and
patrons are not charged heavily. Contrary to the auditor’s suggestion, the ordinance does not
stipulate the City is limited to only charge fees listed therein. The ordinance and the agreement
must be applied in conjunction with one another.
All golf fees, including promotional or discounted fees, have been added to the official schedule
of fees of the Parks and Recreation Department, with a proviso that the fees cannot be adjusted
automatically based on CPI, but rather require periodic review by the Department, to ensure they
remain reasonable within market conditions. In addition, adjustments to the fees in the form of
discounts should be allowed in order to remain competitive in the dynamic golf market.
The City’s participation in the Golfnow Premier Golf Card Program dates to 2009. The City’s
enrollment in the program has been very fruitful in providing revenue generation for both golf
courses during otherwise slow periods. Participation in the program is in compliance with Section
6.18 of the agreement. Contrary to the auditor’s claim, Section 6.14 of the agreement does not
require the Director to sign the agreement with the Golfnow Premier Golf Card Program. This is
another example where the auditor misrepresents her opinion as a contract violation or finding.
10) NINE JIM MCLEAN GOLF ACADEMY PROFESSIONALS, WHO PROVIDED PRIVATE LESSONS TO
PAYING CUSTOMERS, DID NOT OBTAIN THE REQUIRED ANNUAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPTS
DURING THE AUDIT PERIOD, RESULTING IN THE CITY NOT RECEIVING $4,527.00 IN PERMIT FEES
DUE, EXCLUDING LATE CHARGES.
Parks and Recreation & Finance Department Response:
The Departments disagree with the finding, in part. The agreement does not contain a provision
requiring the verification of business tax receipts for golf instructors. Therefore, this is not a
violation of the agreement. As a good management practice, the Department works closely with
PCM to ensure all required licenses are maintained on an annual basis. Based on the information
discussed between the auditor and Department staff, it appears nine visiting instructors
performed lessons at the Miami Beach Golf Club during a limited period without an active
business tax receipt issued by the City of Miami Beach. PCM and all permanent instructors
possessed the required licensures during the audit period.
The practice of visiting instructors providing service under both golf courses’ business tax receipts
will continue, as it makes sense from a business and customer service perspective. Requiring a
one-time or limited visiting instructor to obtain an individual business tax receipt to provide
lessons is unrealistic and impractical. It would adversely affect our business and drive away major
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB AND
NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
10
clientele, often celebrities and other VIPs, as competing courses do not have similar requirements.
The practice is not prohibited in the agreement.
11) THE JIM MCLEAN GOLF ACADEMY PROVIDED PRIVATE GOLF LESSONS DURING THE AUDIT
PERIOD WITHOUT WRITTEN APPROVAL BY THE CITY OF INSTRUCTORS’ QUALIFICATIONS AND
ITS INSTRUCTORS CHARGED INCONSISTENT RATES THAT WERE NOT VERIFIED BY PCM.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding. All contractual obligations pursuant to Section 6.14
of the agreement have been met by both the City and PCM. The auditor has failed to provide a
contractual requirement for an agreement to take place between the City and the golf instruction
provider. Section 6.14 does not require the Director to sign an agreement with a provider, it only
stipulates the Director must approve the qualifications of said provider. The Director has
approved the provider, which is a nationally recognized golf instruction firm. The agreement is
silent as it pertains to instruction fees. The agreement does not establish minimum guarantees
or profit from instruction, as the goal behind the provision is ensuring golf instruction is available
to aid in the growth of the sport, provide an amenity to customers and remain competitive with
other courses that provide instruction. Therefore, as it pertains to fees charged, or the manner in
which they are collected, there is no violation of the agreement. Dynamic rates for instruction are
reasonable and industry standard, as instructors vary in degree of experience and skillset, and
market conditions fluctuate. This is another example where the auditor admonishes the City and
PCM for generating revenue beyond what is stipulated in the agreement. As well as an example
of the auditor misrepresenting her disagreement with a practice as a contract violation or finding.
The processes in place by the City and PCM at the time of the audit, in relation to instruction,
were based on recommendations from an audit conducted in 2010 by the Chief Auditor in this
audit. During the previous audit (2010), issues were raised regarding lack of procedures and
controls at the time. Since then, a new vendor was hired, and additional internal controls were
created. For instance, the Director of Golf reviewed schedules periodically to ensure they
correlated with instruction activities reported. Provider schedules are available online and easily
accessible, making the monitoring process less complex. In addition, the school provided detailed
monthly reports with lesson and revenue information.
As a result of this audit, additional internal controls have been implemented, where now
expanded accounting information is shared by the instruction provider, including profit and loss
statements and complete access to their QuickBooks data. Also, the Department may propose an
amendment to future agreements to include some of the additional language suggested by the
auditor. The City must proceed cautiously in this process, as guarantees must be reasonable and
sustainable in all market conditions.
12) CHRIS JETT GOLF SALES, INC. IS REGISTERED AS A FLORIDA FOR PROFIT CORPORATION, WITH
MBGC LISTED AS ITS PRINCIPAL ADDRESS, AND OPERATED AS A MBGC SUBCONTRACTOR
DESPITE NOT OBTAINING THE REQUIRED APPROVAL OF THE CITY MANAGER OR ACQUIRING
VALID ANNUAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPTS.
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB AND
NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
11
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding. Chris Jett Golf Sales, Inc., is the company that PCM
purchases their pro-shop merchandise from. The company does not provide any direct services
on behalf of or for the City. As verified in our monthly review of golf course financial reports, PCM
meets its contractual obligation by providing the City with the required percentage of pro- shop
sales proceeds, in accordance with Section 6.13.2 of the agreement. In addition, PCM provides
the City with a monthly payment of $2,400 toward payroll expenses. PCM provides the payment
to the City in order to account for time spent by employees conducting sales of pro- shop items.
Chris Jett Golf Sales does not make payments or contributions toward the City, including payroll,
and vice versa.
The owner of Chris Jett Golf Sales, Christopher Jett, is a former PCM employee. Upon his
retirement in 2009, he continued to provide services for PCM through his company, Chris Jett Golf
Sales. When we learned through this audit process that his company’s sunbiz.org profile shows
the principal address as 2301 Alton Road, Miami Beach, Florida, we immediately notified Alberto
Pozzi, General Manager for PCM, that his vendor needed to change the address to the correct
one. According to Mr. Pozzi, Mr. Jett was unaware he still had that address listed with the State
and would change it promptly. Since then, we accessed sunbiz.org and verified the address was
corrected. According to Mr. Jett, he has resided in Ocala, Florida and Boynton Beach, Florida since
retirement, and conducts business from his residence.
13) MBGC’S MAINTENANCE REPAIR INSPECTION AND GOLF COURSE EVALUATION REPORTS WERE
NOT DOCUMENTED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, AS REQUIRED BY
SECTIONS 8.09 AND 22.01 OF THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding. The Parks and Recreation Department employs a very
hands-on approach to the management of the golf courses. While the language in the agreement
describes a more high-level relationship, the actual engagement is one where City staff is directly
involved in the operations of both courses on a daily basis. Every month, multiple inspections of
the golf courses take place by Parks and Recreation Department staff members, ranging from the
grounds to the clubhouses, restrooms, dining areas, etc. Any deficiency identified through said
inspections is communicated directly to PCM staff on site or via telephone for immediate
correction. This methodology removes lag time and ensures the fastest response. The
Department also performs follow-up inspections to verify compliance. The world class conditions
of the courses are proof that addressing deficiencies immediately with PCM is the most effective
and efficient way to maintain the courses.
In accordance with Section 22.04 of the agreement, the Director reserves the right to modify,
update, and/or amend the general content and format of the Golf Course Evaluation Report form
in order to provide for a suitable instrument for the documentation of the Manager's
performance. The Director has not found the need to perform annual written evaluations due to
the fact that inspections are performed so frequently by Parks and Recreation Department staff.
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB AND
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Written reports are reserved for serious deficiencies identified or deficiencies not corrected after
notice to the contractor, neither of which took place during the review period. Further satisfying
the evaluation and inspection provisions of the agreement, the Parks and Recreation Department
hired external independent consultants to evaluate the conditions and operations of the courses
in 2018 and 2019, National Golf Foundation and United States Golf Association, respectively. Both
entities provided very favorable comprehensive reports for the courses, which were discussed
extensively between Parks and Recreation Department staff and PCM management. Said reports
also satisfy the requirements of the agreement.
To satisfy the auditor’s recommendation, since 2021, the Parks and Recreation Department has
been memorializing golf course inspections in a specialized report form.
14) MBGC’S BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT NUMBERED RL-10004359 WAS INCORRECTLY BILLED DURING
THE AUDIT PERIOD, RESULTING IN $572.00 DUE TO THE CITY.
Parks and Recreation & Finance Department Response:
The Departments disagree with the finding, in part. The agreement does not contain a provision
requiring the verification of business tax receipt fees or anything related to such. Therefore, this
is not a violation of the agreement. The Parks and Recreation Department does not play a role in
the City’s function of calculating or collecting fees associated with business tax receipts, as the
function is handled by the Finance Department. The Finance Department issued an invoice for
the under billed amount, and payment to the City was already made by PCM on April 6, 2021.
15) $2,000.63 IN FLORIDA STATE SALES TAX IS DUE TO THE CITY FROM PCM, STEMMING FROM
ITS PRO- SHOP RENTAL PAYMENTS.
Parks and Recreation & Finance Department Response:
The Departments agree with the finding. The Departments agree with the auditor’s position in
that PCM did not provide payment for sales tax during a limited period. The reason for the missed
payments was due to the transition from one agreement to another. The new agreement
provides for the payment of sales tax by PCM, while the prior did not. The Parks and Recreation
Department issued an invoice for the sales tax payments due, and payment to the City was already
made by PCM.
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
AND NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
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MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB (MBGC) ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FROM AUDITOR:
1. The management agreement is detailed in most areas; however, the following identified
areas are not clearly addressed, and current practices do not sufficiently benefit or
protect the City’s interests.
a. The auditor’s recommendations are based on assumptions, and not actual expense
data, since PCM did not release expense information for proprietary reasons, in
accordance with the agreement pursuant to Article 18. The auditor’s assumptions
represent an uninformed opinion, not supported by fact. The figures provided by the
auditor cannot be relied upon, as they are entirely presumptive. The auditor lacks the
credentials or expertise in the golf industry to make such drastic business level
recommendations.
In 2018, the City engaged the services of the National Golf Foundation (NGF) in order
to perform an in-depth analysis of golf course operations, as well as the structure of
the agreement between the City and PCM. The NGF is an independent golf industry
expert at the national level. The audit yielded very positive results, determining the
contractual relationship between the City and PCM is favorable to the City. Per the
NGF, both the structure of the City’s management agreement with PCM and the
effective compensation are within expectations for a premier municipal golf course.
The NGF rendered findings contradicting the auditor, as supported by the following
excerpt from their final report, “NGF Consulting’s principals have visited and analyzed
hundreds of municipal and daily fee golf operations over the last three decades. Our
overriding finding from our tour and summary business analysis is that MBGC is one of
the top municipal golf operations in the country, with an outstanding, very well
maintained golf course and net operating income performance that places the facility
in the top 2% of municipal golf facilities in the U.S., even considering the revenue
constraint resulting from resident green fees that are well below ‘market’ rates.”
The Parks and Recreation Department will solicit another study, to be performed by an
independent industry expert in the golf, food and beverage and/or specialty retail
market, in order to assess the structure of the arrangement in place. This study would
be forward looking, and if any recommendations are implemented, would apply to
future contracts.
b. The Department agrees with the recommendation of the auditor and have been
annually adjusting the credit card fee percentage to reflect the average amount of the
fee charge during the prior quarter. This change was applied, as suggested by the
auditor.
c. Golf courses are part of the City’s annual external audit process.
d. As agreed to by the auditor, and confirmed by the findings of her research, allowing
golf course employees to play golf without charge is an industry norm. The practice
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yields benefits to the courses ranging from unfettered feedback on course conditions
and playability, to employee recruitment and retention. Employees are only allowed
to play when tee times are available and outside of their regular work periods, with the
exception of golf professionals, whose job responsibilities include playing with club
members. The golf courses benefit from the employment of individuals who partake
in the sport, and utilize the courses, making them more relatable to the patrons they
serve, thereby greatly impacting customer relations. The practice has negligible impact
on course operations, as evidenced by the fact that during the two-year audit period,
only 481 rounds were played by employees, representing 0.5% of the 87,840 rounds
played at Miami Beach Golf Club.
e. The City authorized the expenditure of booking commission fees. The City finds this to
be a smart business decision, as through these services, we obtain rounds of golf during
otherwise slow periods. The auditor shows the cost of the fee ($4,280), but fails to
report that as a result, the City earned $80,550 in golf revenue, that would have not
otherwise been gained. In furtherance of Section 6.17 of the agreement, in order to
maximize profitability of the courses, PCM works with concierges, travel agencies,
online services, etc., many of whom provide their services through commission. This is
standard in the golf industry across the nation. Booking fees are also listed and
recorded as part of the detailed financial reports submitted monthly by PCM to the
Parks and Recreation Department and Finance Department for review, in accordance
with Article 15 of the agreement. There is no contract provision that prevents the
practice, and all transactions are properly recorded. This is an example of the auditor
unreasonably, and without contractual basis, admonishing the City and PCM for
maximizing profitability. This longstanding practice has been in effect prior to 2010,
and was not raised as a contract violation by the Chief Auditor in this audit (2020), who
conducted an in-depth audit of both golf courses in 2010. At the time, the Chief Auditor
raised questions over the tracking of payments, but not over the practice of paying
booking fees or commissions.
2. Concessionaire employee health benefits were reimbursed by the City despite not being
clearly addressed in the management agreement.
• The Department of Parks and Recreation agrees with the position of the auditor and
the Procurement Director, in that payment for employee health benefits are the
responsibility of the City, based on the agreement. The Department will further clarify
this position in future solicitations or agreements.
• The Director of Golf is essential toward the operation and profitability of the golf
courses. The incumbent is required to speak with hotel concierges, travel agents, event
groups, etc. throughout the day. To that end, the most effective and efficient method
of communication is cellular telephone. In addition, Section 8.03 of the agreement
requires a minimum of two PCM staff members be available by telephone around the
clock in the event City representatives need access to them. For those reasons, the
City has authorized payment for the Director of Golf’s cellular telephone since 2009. In
addition, the Director of Golf is 100% funded by the City, and works solely and
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exclusively for the benefit of the Miami Beach and Normandy Shores Golf Clubs.
Payment for cellular telephone coverage is also considered part of the benefits
associated with the position. Pursuant to the agreement, the City is responsible for
employee benefit costs. The City will continue to provide the benefit to the employee,
which serves a valuable business advantage to the City. This longstanding practice has
been in effect since 2009, and was not raised as a contract violation by the Chief Auditor
in this audit (2020), who conducted an in-depth audit of both golf courses in 2010.
Further, the annual budget, as approved by the Mayor and City Commission
in compliance with Section 12.03 of the agreement, includes a line item for the
payment of telephone services for the Director of Golf.
Effective upon the hiring of the current Director of Golf, a monthly payroll stipend
has been issued in lieu of reimbursement.
• The City authorized the payment of a cellular telephone case as it is in the City’s best
interest to protect its asset. The cellular telephone case was purchased for a City
owned cellular telephone. No provision of the agreement prohibits the purchase of a
cellular telephone case. This is an example of the auditor misrepresenting her
disagreement with a practice as a contract violation or finding.
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
AND NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
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RESPONSES PERTINENT TO THE NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB (NSGC):
1) PCM WAS PERMITTED TO WITHDRAW UP TO $100,000.00 DAILY FROM THE NSGC
OPERATING BANK ACCOUNT FOR EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS WITHOUT PRIOR
AUTHORIZATION BY THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT OR PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL FROM THE
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT FOR ALL MONTHLY TRANSACTIONS.
Parks and Recreation & Finance Department Response:
The Departments disagree with the finding, in part. The current financial procedure in place
was implemented by the Finance Department. In 2019, the Finance Department advised the
Parks and Recreation Department of its desire to implement changes to the financial processes
for golf course operations. Thereafter, multiple meetings took place between Finance
Department, Parks and Recreation Department and PCM staff, in order to review all financial
procedures. The final recommendations by the Finance Department were agreed upon by PCM
and the Parks and Recreation Department, and implemented effective October 1, 2019. The
current process in place is consistent with the terms delineated in Article 12 of the agreement,
and therefore does not represent a finding or violation. Pursuant to Section 12.01 of the
agreement, the City shall make available to PCM all funds necessary to pay all operating
expenses incurred or accrued. The current process also provides the added benefit of financial
transfers being derived from actual expenses, versus projections, which is a more conservative
approach than the prior methodology. Previously, expense projections were made and funds
were provided to PCM prior to actual expenses being incurred.
The Parks and Recreation Department and Finance Department will revisit existing financial
procedures in place, as they relate to golf course operations. Some of the recommendations
made by the auditor are reasonable and will be considered as part of that process.
2) WATER METERS WERE INCORRECTLY BILLED, RESULTING IN NET OVERBILLINGS OF
$51,723.68 TO THE NSGC RATHER THAN TO OTHER RESPONSIBLE CITY ENTITIES.
Parks and Recreation, Finance & Public Works Department Response:
The Departments disagree with the finding, in part. Water and sewer bills are not provided to
the Parks and Recreation Department; they are processed by the Finance Department. The
Parks and Recreation Department requested the Public Works Department remove all inactive
meters from billing cycles, and the task was completed. Stormwater calculations are made by
the Public Works Department, and billing handled by the Finance Department. The Parks and
Recreation Department engaged the Public Works Department to study the potential benefits
of replacing existing meters with a larger capacity meter. This is not a finding or contract
violation, rather a recommendation from the auditor.
The Finance Department continues to work with the Public Works Department in order to
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ensure meters are charged to the appropriate accounts and perform any necessary
adjustments. The Public Works Department confirmed that all inactive meters were not
incorrectly billed, but rather charged a water and sewer general service base fee for having a
meter present with or without usage, and ERUs (equivalent residential unit storm water fee)
that is charged to every account.
3) THE CITY APPROVED THE REIMBURSEMENT OF ESTIMATED PAYROLL ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICE FEES TOTALING $29,918.72, WHICH APPEARS CONTRARY TO SECTION 15.06 OF THE
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding. The City approved the efficient avenue of utilizing
a professional firm to provide payroll processing services, in lieu of paying the salary of in-house
golf course staff to process payroll for the workforce at both courses. The average annualized
combined cost of roughly $37,000 for the service is lower than annual salary and benefit costs
for an employee qualified to process payroll for both golf courses. The cost of said salary and
benefits would have to be funded by the City. This is a smart and efficient business decision,
which has yielded savings to the City. Pursuant to Article 12 of the agreement, the City
authorized the use of the services, as evidenced by the fact that the expense is funded within
the annual budget submitted for Mayor and City Commission approval. To state the City did
not approve the expense is simply erroneous, as further evidenced by the fact the expense is
explicitly listed in the detailed financial reports submitted monthly by PCM to the Parks and
Recreation Department and Finance Department for review, in accordance with Article 15 of
the agreement. Pursuant to Section 12.01 of the agreement, the City shall make available to
PCM all funds necessary to pay all operating expenses incurred or accrued. Payroll
management is an essential function and a clear operating expense. Section 15.06 delineates
PCM is responsible for processing payroll, but nowhere does it state they are responsible for
the associated expenses. The same section (15.06) contains a myriad of other tasks and duties
PCM is responsible for, but not required to fund, such as the preparation of cash receipts,
accounts receivable, budget reports, etc., which are all prepared by the Controller, a position
funded entirely by the City, to which the auditor expressed no disagreement over.
This is a prime example of the auditor failing to recognize the nature of the agreement between
the City and PCM. The City receives 100% of the revenue associated with golf operations, and
therefore covers 100% of the expenses associated with golf operations. Thereby, processing
payroll for employees that are solely and exclusively employed 100% for the benefit of Miami
Beach Golf Club and Normandy Shores Golf Club is a reasonable and justifiable expense within
the confines of the agreement.
4) THE CITY REIMBURSED PCM A TOTAL OF $18,950.85 IN QUESTIONABLE EXPENDITURES
RELATED PRIMARILY TO NSGC FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPERATIONS AND PAPER GOODS.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
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The Department disagrees with the finding. The Parks and Recreation Department has
requested supporting documentation from the auditor for each of the specific items presented
as a “finding” within this report. To date, the auditor has failed to provide all the requested
information detailing the alleged infraction(s). Such failure to provide the information
supporting the auditor’s position is unacceptable and makes the process of researching and
responding to such allegations a difficult and at times impossible task. It is unreasonable for an
auditor to spend approximately 44 months performing an audit, covering a 24-month period
of transactions, and deliver a report containing alleged contract violations, with insufficient
documentation to support said allegations and demand a prompt response.
Nevertheless, in a spirit of cooperation and transparency, the Department has conducted
exhaustive work researching notes from the countless hours of meetings with the auditor
over the course of the 44-month audit period. Based on that research, the below responses
have been formulated.
• The transactions referenced by the auditor during discussions with Parks and
Recreation Department staff were approved by the City in accordance with Sections
4.01.9 and 7.05 of the agreement. Section 4.01.9 states that PCM shall be responsible
for any and all replacement due to breakage, theft or employee negligence. Section
7.05 states PCM shall perform acceptable day-to-day housekeeping and perform all
repairs on the kitchens, dining rooms, bars and pro shops that are necessitated as a
result of their (PCM’s) negligence. The City shall be responsible for all other repairs and
maintenance. The list of expenses discussed with the auditor for items such as grease
trap cleanings, repairs, etc. were not due to breakage, theft or employee negligence.
They are simply purchases being made to maintain the City’s assets, in accordance with
the provisions of the agreement. This is an example of the auditor misrepresenting
her disagreement with a provision in the contract as a finding. The auditor fails to
recognize the provisions in the agreement are constructed in such manner to ensure
City assets remain in excellent condition at all times, and if PCM were to be dismissed,
could be operated immediately by the City or another vendor. Further, the annual
budget, as approved by the Mayor and City Commission in compliance with Section
12.03 of the agreement, includes a line item for the payment of specific items the
auditor disagrees with, including the dish washer lease.
• Section 4.01.9 requires PCM to pay for paper goods associated with food and beverage
and pro shop operations. PCM has complied with those provisions. The City authorized
the payment, through City funds, of the paper goods referred to by the auditor as they
were utilized in the locker rooms and public restrooms throughout the golf course. No
contractual provision exists prohibiting the payment of paper goods by the City for non-
restaurant or pro shop areas. When explained to the auditor, her position is that
restaurant patrons could access the restroom areas and utilize the paper goods. The
City’s position is that it is possible for restaurant patrons to use the restrooms, but
tracking the toilet paper used in a restroom would be more costly than the cost of the
paper good itself. Further, the annual budget, as approved by the Mayor and City
Commission in compliance with Section 12.03 of the agreement, includes a line item
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
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for the purchase of paper goods and cleaning supplies.
• Section 10.04 states PCM’s responsibilities as it pertains to employee related
processes, however, nowhere does it stipulate that PCM would be responsible for
payment of those services. In fact, many other processes delineated in Section 10.04
are carried out by the City’s Human Resources Department at no cost to PCM, to which
the auditor had no objection. The positions of the employees who received training are
100% funded by the City and work solely and exclusively for the benefit of the Miami
Beach and Normandy Shores Golf Clubs. Covering these costs is not unreasonable,
especially when the training obtained is of benefit to the City as well. Further, the
annual budget, as approved by the Mayor and City Commission in compliance with
Section 12.03 of the agreement, includes a line item for employee education expenses.
• The QuickBooks purchase was approved by the City and made in accordance with the
agreement, as stipulated in Article 12. The program is installed and accessed in City
owned computers, and it’s use is solely for the benefit of Miami Beach and Normandy
Shores Golf Clubs.
5) SOME INDIVIDUALS PURCHASING NSGC GOLF MEMBERSHIPS DURING THE AUDIT PERIOD
RECEIVED QUESTIONABLE DISCOUNTS TOTALING $13,183.64 FROM THE CITY COMMISSION
APPROVED RATES, AND PCM CHARGED AND COLLECTED LOCKER FEES OF $2,552.00 WHICH
WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE APPROVED FEE SCHEDULES.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding, in part.
• The City has approved the longstanding practice of extending resident discounts to
Miami Beach property and business owners. For the auditor to state the City has not
approved the practice or is unaware of its existence is disingenuous, particularly since
the point was raised during the 2010 audit. Since said audit, the City made the
determination to continue the practice. An email from Kevin Smith, former Director of
Parks and Recreation, from August 20, 2010 approved the continuation of the practice.
• The City agrees with the auditor in that eight instances resulted in the resident rate
potentially being incorrectly granted without proper proof of residency on file, yielding
unrealized revenue in the amount of approximately $8,800. The errors were not
captured by PCM or the City as part of their respective financial review processes. To
prevent this from happening in the future, PCM has amended their process in that only
the Director of Membership can process membership payments, and must have prior
written approval of the General Manager or Controller.
The Parks and Recreation Department places a high level of importance on proper
governance and financial efficacy, as evidenced by its request, and payment, for this
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audit to take place by the Office of the Inspector General. In addition to this audit,
requested in 2020, the Parks and Recreation Department also solicited, in a self-
directed manner as well, two additional reviews of golf operations in 2018 and 2019
by independent industry experts, the National Golf Foundation and United States Golf
Association, respectively. In doing so, the Department guarantees the best operation
of the courses, and proper stewardship of public funds. Golf operations are also
subjected to review through the City’s annual external audit process.
• Locker fees have been collected since 2005 at Miami Beach Golf Club and 2010 at
Normandy Shores Golf Club. To state the fees are not approved is erroneous, as both
the City and PCM have confirmed approval. The fees were not found to be
inappropriate during the 2010 audit of both golf courses conducted by the Chief
Auditor in this audit. This is yet another example of the auditor unreasonably, and
without contractual basis, admonishing the City and PCM for maximizing profitability.
Locker fees have been added to the official schedule of fees updated annually by the
Parks and Recreation Department, with a proviso that the fees cannot be adjusted
automatically based on CPI, but rather require annual review by the Department, to
ensure they remain reasonable within market conditions. In addition, adjustments to
the fees in the form of discounts should be allowed in order to remain competitive in
the dynamic golf market.
6) SUFFICIENT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION WAS NOT FURNISHED BY PCM TO JUSTIFY
$9,826.50 IN DISCOUNTS GIVEN THAT WERE NOT SPECIFIED IN THE MANAGEMENT
AGREEMENT RELATED TO NSGC GOLF TOURNAMENT BILLINGS.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding. In accordance with Sections 6.12 and 6.18, as well
as Article 25, discounted rates were approved by the City in order to maximize profitability of
the golf courses. The agreement is constructed in a manner that allows for rate changes to be
implemented in order to compete in the golf industry’s dynamic pricing arena, requiring
fee adjustments or discounts issued in order to maximize profit, as well as the establishment of
promotional fees. Such decisions are necessary to remain competitive in the field, and have
proven essential toward introducing new players to our courses, and repeat visitors. For that
reason, the agreement contains Section 6.12, which explicitly gives the City Manager or the
Director of Parks and Recreation the ability to implement rate adjustments. As well as Section
6.18.1, that clearly states the manager may propose discounted services and memberships.
No provision of the agreement requires rate changes or promotional discounts be memorialized
in writing, contrary to the auditor’s position. Nevertheless, during numerous discussions, the
auditor was presented with or made aware of various documents provided by PCM to the City
containing discounted or promotional fee information. The documents serve as evidence the
City was well aware of and supportive of the discounted or promotional rates, in accordance
with the agreement. Emails have also been provided which show written approval by the
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
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Department for some of the discounted rates challenged by the auditor. Further, as explained
to the auditor, frequent meetings, telephone calls, emails, etc. are exchanged between PCM and
City staff in the course of managing the day-to-day operations of our golf clubs. During these
conversations, a myriad of topics are discussed which include rates, maintenance activities,
revenue projections, customer service, capital projects, etc. Both PCM and City staff have
confirmed discounted or promotional rates were approved by the City in accordance with the
agreement. The auditor has yet to provide a contractual provision supporting her position. The
Department has already implemented the recommendation from the auditor to further
memorialize fee adjustments.
Further, the auditor provides the amounts of the discounts issued, but fails to provide the
amount of revenue generated as a result of the discounts, which is misleading. In this particular
instance, the tournament or group discounts generated over $15,000 in revenue, that would not
have otherwise been realized. An additional important point is that the agreement is designed
in a manner where PCM is discouraged from issuing discounts unless absolutely necessary, as
the lower revenue gained per round keeps them further from earning their incentive fee.
Meaning, each time a discount is issued, PCM is negatively impacted financially.
7) $700.00 RELATED TO THE PRO SHOP ASSISTANTS SUBSIDIZED MONTHLY PAYMENTS IS DUE
TO THE CITY AND CHRIS JETT GOLF SALES, INC. DID NOT OBTAIN THE REQUIRED APPROVAL
OF THE CITY MANAGER OR ACQUIRE VALID ANNUAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPTS.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding. This is not a violation of the agreement, as
a contractual provision requiring payroll subsidies by PCM does not exist. The
information
provided as part of the responses during the RFP process was not all inclusive, in that it failed
to mention that payroll subsidies voluntarily paid by PCM for the Normandy Shores Golf Club
were seasonally adjusted, ranging from $350 to $400 per month. Nevertheless, when the issue
was raised as part of the audit process, PCM did not object and has agreed to pay the $700 fee
recommended by the auditor, as the monthly $50 difference is negligible. This is an example
of PCM providing compensation to the City beyond what is contractually mandated.
The Parks and Recreation Department issued an invoice for the payroll subsidy payment
adjustments, and payment has been made to the City by PCM.
Chris Jett Golf Sales, Inc., is the company that PCM purchases their pro-shop merchandise from.
The company does not provide any direct services on behalf of or for the City. As verified in our
monthly review of golf course financial reports, PCM meets its contractual obligation by
providing the City with the required percentage of pro- shop sales proceeds, in accordance with
Section 6.13.2 of the agreement. In addition, PCM provides the City with a monthly payment
of $2,400 toward payroll expenses. PCM provides the payment to the City in order to account
for time spent by employees conducting sales of pro- shop items. Chris Jett Golf Sales does not
make payments or contributions toward the City, including payroll, and vice versa.
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The owner of Chris Jett Golf Sales, Christopher Jett, is a former PCM employee. Upon his
retirement in 2009, he continued to provide services for PCM through his company, Chris Jett
Golf Sales. When we learned through this audit process that his company’s sunbiz.org profile
shows the principal address as 2301 Alton Road, Miami Beach, Florida, we immediately notified
Alberto Pozzi, General Manager for PCM, that his vendor needed to change the address to the
correct one. According to Mr. Pozzi, Mr. Jett was unaware he still had that address listed with
the State and would change it promptly. Since then, we accessed sunbiz.org and verified the
address was corrected. According to Mr. Jett, he has resided in Ocala, Florida and Boynton
Beach, Florida since retirement, and conducts business from his residence there.
8) PCM CHARGED DISCOUNTED GOLF RATES FROM THE CITY COMMISSION APPROVED FEE
SCHEDULE WITHOUT DOCUMENTED APPROVAL FROM THE CITY.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding. In accordance with Sections 6.12 and 6.18, as well
as Article 25, discounted rates were approved by the City in order to maximize profitability of
the golf courses. The agreement is constructed in a manner that allows for rate changes to be
implemented in order to compete in the golf industry’s dynamic pricing arena, requiring fee
adjustments or discounts issued in order to maximize profit, as well as the establishment of
promotional fees. Such decisions are necessary to remain competitive in the field, and have
proven essential toward introducing new players to our courses, and repeat visitors. For that
reason, the agreement contains Section 6.12, which explicitly gives the City Manager or the
Director of Parks and Recreation the ability to implement rate adjustments. As well as Section
6.18.1, that clearly states the manager may propose discounted services and memberships. In
addition, Resolution 2008-26902 of the Mayor and City Commission approved senior discounts
at the Normandy Shores Golf Club, and authorized the City Manager to issue other discounts
and promotional rates, as needed.
No provision of the agreement requires rate changes or promotional discounts be
memorialized in writing, contrary to the auditor’s position. Nevertheless, during numerous
discussions, the auditor was presented with or made aware of various documents provided by
PCM to the City containing discounted or promotional fee information. The documents serve
as evidence the City was well aware of and supportive of the discounted or promotional rates,
in accordance with the agreement. Emails have also been provided which show written
approval by the Department for some of the discounted rates challenged by the auditor.
Further, as explained to the auditor, frequent meetings, telephone calls, emails, etc. are
exchanged between PCM and City staff in the course of managing the day-to-day operations of
our golf clubs. During these conversations, a myriad of topics are discussed which include rates,
maintenance activities, revenue projections, customer service, capital projects, etc. Both PCM
and City staff have confirmed discounted or promotional rates were approved by the City in
accordance with the agreement. The auditor has yet to provide a contractual provision
supporting her position. The Department has already implemented the recommendation from
the auditor to further memorialize fee adjustments.
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
AND NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
23
In this particular instance, the discounts in question generated over $1,300,000 in revenue,
most of which would not have otherwise been realized. An additional important point is that
the agreement is designed in a manner where PCM is discouraged from issuing discounts unless
absolutely necessary, as the lower revenue gained per round keeps them further from earning
their incentive fee. Meaning, each time a discount is issued, PCM is negatively impacted
financially.
Ordinance 2019-4299 was adopted by the Mayor and City Commission with the intent of
creating a centralized fee schedule, as well as indexing the fees contained therein. By indexing
the fees, periodic adjustments take effect ensuring the cost of services rendered by the City are
adjusted to account for inflation. The Parks and Recreation Department has a multitude of fees
listed in the ordinance, including regular golf fees. However, promotional or discounted golf
fees are not listed in the ordinance. The primary reason for promotional or discounted golf
fees not being included in the ordinance is due to their volatility, through increased propensity
for amendment based on market conditions, demand for play, etc. In addition, the focus during
all prior fee discussions at all levels, as they relate to golf, has been establishing maximum fee
thresholds to ensure residents and patrons are not charged heavily. Contrary to the auditor’s
suggestion, the ordinance does not stipulate the City is limited to only charge fees listed
therein. The ordinance and the agreement must be applied in conjunction with one another.
All golf fees, including promotional or discounted fees, have been added to the official schedule
of fees of the Parks and Recreation Department, with a proviso that the fees cannot be adjusted
automatically based on CPI, but rather require periodic review by the Department, to ensure
they remain reasonable within market conditions. In addition, adjustments to the fees in the
form of discounts should be allowed in order to remain competitive in the dynamic golf market.
The City’s participation in the Golfnow Premier Golf Card Program dates to 2009. The City’s
enrollment in the program has been very fruitful in providing revenue generation for both golf
courses during otherwise slow periods. Participation in the program is in compliance with
Section 6.18 of the agreement. Contrary to the auditor’s claim, Section 6.14 of the agreement
does not require the Director to sign the agreement with the Golfnow Premier Golf Card
Program. This is another example where the auditor misrepresents her opinion as a contract
violation or finding.
9) A DISCOUNTED SENIOR RATE WAS GIVEN TO NSGC CUSTOMERS BY PCM, WHICH WAS
NOT INCLUDED IN THE CITY COMMISSION APPROVED FEE SCHEDULES AND IT WAS NOT
ALWAYS GIVEN TO QUALIFIED RECIPIENTS.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding, in part. In accordance with Sections 6.12 and 6.18,
as well as Article 25, discounted rates were approved by the City in order to maximize
profitability of the golf courses. The agreement is constructed in a manner that allows for rate
changes to be implemented in order to compete in the golf industry’s dynamic pricing arena,
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
AND NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
24
requiring fee adjustments or discounts issued in order to maximize profit, as well as the
establishment of promotional fees. Such decisions are necessary to remain competitive in the
field, and have proven essential toward introducing new players to our courses, and repeat
visitors. For that reason, the agreement contains Section 6.12, which explicitly gives the City
Manager or the Director of Parks and Recreation the ability to implement rate adjustments. As
well as Section 6.18.1, that clearly states the manager may propose discounted services and
memberships. In addition, Resolution 2008-26902 of the Mayor and City Commission approved
senior discounts at the Normandy Shores Golf Club, and authorized the City Manager to issue
other discounts and promotional rates, as needed.
No provision of the agreement requires rate changes or promotional discounts be
memorialized in writing, contrary to the auditor’s position. Nevertheless, during numerous
discussions, the auditor was presented with or made aware of various documents provided by
PCM to the City containing discounted or promotional fee information. The documents serve
as evidence the City was well aware of and supportive of the discounted or promotional rates,
in accordance with the agreement. Emails have also been provided which show written
approval by the Department for some of the discounted rates challenged by the auditor.
Further, as explained to the auditor, frequent meetings, telephone calls, emails, etc. are
exchanged between PCM and City staff in the course of managing the day-to-day operations of
our golf clubs. During these conversations, a myriad of topics are discussed which include rates,
maintenance activities, revenue projections, customer service, capital projects, etc. Both PCM
and City staff have confirmed discounted or promotional rates were approved by the City in
accordance with the agreement. The auditor has yet to provide a contractual provision
supporting her position. The Department has already implemented the recommendation from
the auditor to further memorialize fee adjustments.
An additional important point is that the agreement is designed in a manner where PCM is
discouraged from issuing discounts unless absolutely necessary, as the lower revenue gained
per round keeps them further from earning their incentive fee. Meaning, each time a discount
is issued, PCM is negatively impacted financially.
Ordinance 2019-4299 was adopted by the Mayor and City Commission with the intent of
creating a centralized fee schedule, as well as indexing the fees contained therein. By indexing
the fees, periodic adjustments take effect ensuring the cost of services rendered by the City
are adjusted to account for inflation. The Parks and Recreation Department has a multitude of
fees listed in the ordinance, including regular golf fees. However, promotional or discounted
golf fees are not listed in the ordinance. The primary reason for promotional or discounted
golf fees not being included in the ordinance is due to their volatility, through increased
propensity for amendment based on market conditions, demand for play, etc. In addition, the
focus during all prior fee discussions at all levels, as they relate to golf, has been establishing
maximum fee thresholds to ensure residents and patrons are not charged heavily. Contrary to
the auditor’s suggestion, the ordinance does not stipulate the City is limited to only charge fees
listed therein. The ordinance and the agreement must be applied in conjunction with one
another.
All golf fees, including promotional or discounted fees, have been added to the official schedule
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
AND NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
25
of fees of the Parks and Recreation, with a proviso that the fees cannot be adjusted
automatically based on CPI, but rather require periodic review by the Department, to ensure
they remain reasonable within market conditions. In addition, adjustments to the fees in the
form of discounts should be allowed in order to remain competitive in the dynamic golf market.
Senior discounts have been in effect since 2008 at Normandy Shores Golf Club and have proven
effective toward providing an affordable amenity for our senior residents, while increasing
play. The instance with one player erroneously being issued the senior discount was corrected
by PCM, and the player has since paid the applicable resident rate. The Department agrees
with the auditor’s position in that some fees were charged incorrectly, resulting in less than
$600 in net over billing, which is negligible, compared to the millions of dollars in revenue
during the audit period. PCM and City staff did not capture the entry errors during financial
reviews. The City installed a new point-of-sale system that took effect February 2021, which
provides additional built-in safeguards to prevent user error, such as the ones referenced by
the auditor.
10) NSGC EMPLOYEES PROVIDED PRIVATE GOLF LESSONS TO PAYING CUSTOMERS DURING
WORKING HOURS PAID BY THE CITY, AND OIG AUDITORS STAFF COULD NOT VERIFY THE
ACCURACY OF THE CORRESPONDING EARNINGS AND REMITTANCES, A PORTION OF WHICH
MAY BE PAYABLE TO THE CITY.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with the finding, in part. Pursuant to Section 6.14 of the agreement,
full-time PGA certified professionals shall be on site, provide lessons and perform all other
similar and customary services offered at similar establishments in the South Florida area. PCM
has met the requirements of this contractual provision; therefore, the practice referenced by
the auditor does not represent a violation of the agreement.
Prior to the 2016 audit by the United States Department of Labor (DOL), employees were not
compensated (asked to clock out) during all periods in which they rendered for-profit
instruction to patrons. The DOL determined the practice of withholding compensation for
those periods was against federal employment law, and thereby instructed PCM to cease the
practice immediately. In turn, PCM complied with the DOL’s mandate, and has since
compensated employees (does not ask them to clock out) for the periods of instruction. The
hourly rate for the golf professionals in question is roughly $17, which is below market rate.
The reason for the low rate is due to their wages being supplemented by instruction income,
which they split with the City. The Department finds the current expense and profit margins to
be acceptable, since net revenue generated by this practice is in the City’s interest, yielding
over $13,000 in revenue to the City during the audit period. In addition, the low hourly rate
guarantees the City will not incur losses during periods of low demand for instruction.
Nonetheless, the Department accepts the auditor’s recommendation to work with the Office
of the City Attorney to determine if the DOL ruling is still applicable, and if so, what variations
of application exist within the confines of federal employment law. The City must proceed
cautiously in this process, as modifications to the current methodology may trigger additional
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
AND NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
26
payroll expenses adversely affecting the profitability of the course. Per the Department’s
instruction, PCM has commenced recording all lessons in the Chronogolf System to aid the
reconciliation process, as suggested by the auditor.
11) NSGC’S MAINTENANCE REPAIR INSPECTION AND GOLF COURSE EVALUATION REPORTS WERE
NOT DOCUMENTED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, AS REQUIRED BY
SECTION 8.09 AND 22.01 OF THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department disagrees with this finding. The Parks and Recreation Department employs a
very hands-on approach to the management of the golf courses. While the language in the
agreement describes a more high-level relationship, the actual engagement is one where City
staff is directly involved in the operations of both courses on a daily basis. Every month,
multiple inspections of the golf courses take place by Parks and Recreation Department staff
members, ranging from the grounds to the clubhouses, restrooms, dining areas, etc. Any
deficiency identified through said inspections is communicated directly to PCM staff on site or
via telephone for immediate correction. This methodology removes lag time and ensures the
fastest response. The Department also performs follow-up inspections to verify compliance.
The world class conditions of the courses are proof that addressing deficiencies immediately
with PCM is the most effective and efficient way to maintain the courses.
In accordance with Section 22.04 of the agreement, the Director reserves the right to modify,
update, and/or amend the general content and format of the Golf Course Evaluation Report
form in order to provide for a suitable instrument for the documentation of the Manager's
performance. The Director has not found the need to perform annual written evaluations due
to the fact that inspections are performed so frequently by Parks and Recreation Department
staff. Written reports are reserved for serious deficiencies identified or deficiencies not
corrected after notice to the contractor, neither of which took place during the review period.
Further satisfying the evaluation and inspection provisions of the agreement, the Parks and
Recreation Department hired external independent consultants to evaluate the conditions and
operations of the courses in 2018 and 2019, National Golf Foundation and United States Golf
Association, respectively. Both entities provided very favorable comprehensive reports for the
courses, which were discussed extensively between Parks and Recreation Department staff and
PCM management. Said reports also satisfy the requirements of the agreement.
To satisfy the auditor’s recommendation, since 2021, the Parks and Recreation Department has
been memorializing golf course inspections in a specialized report form.
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
AND NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
27
12) $735.61 IN FLORIDA STATE SALES TAX IS DUE TO THE CITY FROM PCM, STEMMING FROM ITS
PRO-SHOP RENTAL PAYMENTS.
Parks and Recreation Department Response:
The Department agrees with the finding. The Department agrees with the auditor’s position in
that PCM did not provide payment for sales tax during a limited period. The reason for the
missed payments was due to the transition from one agreement to another. The new
agreement provides for the payment of sales tax by PCM, while the prior did not. The Parks
and Recreation Department issued an invoice for the sales tax payments due, and payment to
the City was already made by PCM.
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
AND NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
28
NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB (NSGC) ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FROM AUDITOR:
1) The management agreement is detailed in most areas; however, the following identified
areas are not clearly addressed, and current practices do not sufficiently benefit or protect
the City’s interests.
a. The auditor’s recommendations are based on assumptions, and not actual expense
data, since PCM did not release expense information for proprietary reasons, in
accordance with the agreement pursuant to Article 18. The auditor’s assumptions
represent an uninformed opinion, not supported by fact. The figures provided by the
auditor cannot be relied upon, as they are entirely presumptive. The auditor lacks the
credentials or expertise in the golf industry to make such drastic business level
recommendations.
In 2018, the City engaged the services of the National Golf Foundation (NGF) in order
to perform an in-depth analysis of golf course operations, as well as the structure of
the agreement between the City and PCM. The NGF is an independent golf industry
expert at the national level. The audit yielded very positive results, determining the
contractual relationship between the City and PCM is favorable to the City. Per the
NGF, both the structure of the City’s management agreement with PCM and the
effective compensation are within expectations for a premier municipal golf course.
The NGF rendered findings contradicting the auditor, as supported by the following
excerpt from their final report, “NGF Consulting’s principals have visited and analyzed
hundreds of municipal and daily fee golf operations over the last three decades. Our
overriding finding from our tour and summary business analysis is that MBGC is one of
the top municipal golf operations in the country, with an outstanding, very well
maintained golf course and net operating income performance that places the facility
in the top 2% of municipal golf facilities in the U.S., even considering the revenue
constraint resulting from resident green fees that are well below ‘market’ rates.”
The Parks and Recreation Department will solicit another study, to be performed by an
industry expert in the golf, food and beverage and/or specialty retail market, in order
to assess the current structure of the arrangement in place. This study would be
forward looking, and if any recommendations are implemented, would apply to future
contracts.
b. The Parks and Recreation Department will take into account the auditor’s suggestion
relating to the incentive fee calculation for Normandy Shores Golf Club while
negotiating prospective agreements. However, the concept of incentivizing a manager
to focus on reducing expenses could have adverse effects on the appearance,
playability, service and overall operation of the course. Instead, the focus of the
agreement is incentivizing the manager to maximize revenue generation, and provide
the best customer experience possible. The auditor proposes a similar fee structure to
that of Miami Beach Golf Club, but fails to recognize both courses are not parallel in
many ways. Normandy Shores Golf Club was designed as the overflow course for the
Miami Beach Golf Club, in order to offer an elevated golf experience for residents and
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
AND NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
29
patrons at an affordable cost, without adversely impacting the profitability of the
Miami Beach Golf Club, a world-renowned destination course and major economic
driver. As previously stated, the City engaged the services of the National Golf
Foundation (NGF) in order to perform an in-depth analysis of golf course operations,
as well as the structure of the agreement between the City and PCM. The NGF is an
independent golf industry expert at the national level. The audit yielded very positive
results, determining the contractual relationship between the City and PCM is
favorable to the City. Per the NGF, both the structure of the City’s management
agreement with PCM and the effective compensation are within expectations for a
premier municipal golf course. The Parks and Recreation Department places a high
level of importance on proper governance and financial efficacy, as evidenced by its
request for this audit to take place by the Office of the Inspector General. This is in
addition to two separate reviews of golf operations in 2018 and 2019 by the National
Golf Foundation and United States Golf Association, respectively. In doing so, the
Department guarantees the best operation of the courses, and proper stewardship of
public funds. Golf operations are also subjected to review through the City’s annual
external audit process.
c. The Department agrees with the recommendation of the auditor and have been
annually adjusting the credit card fee percentage to reflect the average amount of the
fee charge during the prior quarter. This change was applied, as suggested by the
auditor.
d. Golf courses are part of the City’s annual external audit process.
e. As agreed to by the auditor, and confirmed by the findings of her research, allowing
golf course employees to play golf without charge is an industry norm. The practice
yields benefits to the courses ranging from unfettered feedback on course conditions
and playability, to employee recruitment and retention. Employees are only allowed
to play when tee times are available and outside of their regular work periods, with the
exception of golf professionals, whose job responsibilities include playing with club
members. The golf courses benefit from the employment of individuals who partake
in the sport, and utilize the courses, making them more relatable to the patrons they
serve, thereby greatly impacting customer relations. The practice has negligible impact
on course operations, as evidenced by the fact that during the two-year audit period,
only 287 rounds were played by employees, representing 0.4% of the 68,113 rounds
played at Normandy Shores Golf Club.
f. The City authorized the expenditure of booking commission fees. The City finds this to
be a smart business decision, as through these services, we obtain rounds of golf during
otherwise slow periods. The auditor shows the cost of the fee in the amount of
$13,876.30, but fails to report that as a result, the City earned roughly $156,000 in golf
revenue, that would have not otherwise been gained. In furtherance of Section 6.17 of
the agreement, in order to maximize profitability of the courses, PCM works with
concierges, travel agencies, online services, etc., many of whom provide their services
through commission. This is standard in the golf industry across the nation. Booking
PARKS AND RECREATION, FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RESPONSES TO
THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL’S (OIG) AUDIT OF THE MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
AND NORMANDY SHORES GOLF CLUB
30
fees are also listed and recorded as part of the detailed financial reports submitted
monthly by PCM to the Parks and Recreation Department and Finance Department for
review, in accordance with Article 15 of the agreement. There is no contract provision
that prevents the practice, and all transactions are properly recorded. This is an
example of the auditor unreasonably, and without contractual basis, admonishing the
City and PCM for maximizing profitability. This longstanding practice has been in effect
prior to 2010, and was not raised as a contract violation by the Chief Auditor in this
audit (2020), who conducted an in-depth audit of both golf courses in 2010. At the
time, the Chief Auditor raised questions over the tracking of payments, but not over
the practice of paying booking fees or commissions.
2) Concessionaire employee health benefits were reimbursed by the City despite not being
clearly addressed in the management agreement
a. The Department of Parks and Recreation agrees with the position of the auditor and
the Procurement Director, in that payment for employee health benefits are the
responsibility of the City, based on the agreement. The Department will further clarify
this position in future solicitations or agreements.
Page 1 of 6
OIG REPLY TO RESPONSES TO DRAFT AUDIT REPORT FROM PCM AND THE CITY
General Observations The OIG would like to commend PCM and Parks and Recreation Department management for its passion regarding golf course operations, which was expressed repeatedly throughout the audit
process and is further exemplified in the detailed responses received, and which contributed to the delays in completing this audit. Although the OIG was appreciative that many of its recommendations were implemented prior to the completion of this audit, it is disappointed and concerned at the tone, and the unduly combative nature of some of the responses received, some of which are not completely factual or accurate and misconstrue some of the observations detailed in the report. It is important to note that the OIG audits do not assert that the Miami Beach Golf Club (MBGC) and/or Normandy Shores Golf Club (NSGC) are not well-maintained or that its players are dissatisfied with their golfing experience. In fact, the audit report recognizes the overall excellence of the reputation of the golf clubs. Instead, this audit focuses on whether PCM and the City Parks and Recreation Department complied with selected terms in the executed management agreement, which both parties agreed to follow. To our knowledge, the National Golf Foundation or any other outside entity, including the City’s external auditor, has not conducted any other
detailed compliance examination of these terms. The auditees’ repeated personal attacks on the auditors as not having expertise in golf sets up a
falsely constructed strawman (and not an original one) and reflects a poor understanding of the audit process. At no time do the auditors claim to have such expertise, nor is such expertise required in a contract compliance audit such as this one. In the responses received to these audit reports, the auditees frequently focus on the positive increase in revenues due to some of its actions taken, which were questioned in this audit. Revenue receipts are important to the City as it owns and funds the golf course as well as to PCM, which earns annual incentive fees based on the achievement of revenue-based benchmarks, but that is far from the end goal in a contract compliance audit. The OIG contends that the establishment and following of effective internal controls, including sufficient, documented supervisory oversight, is just as important, if not more so. Having one without the other is most
likely not a sustainable and conducive environment. Again, the auditees have misconstrued as unwarranted and intrusive several suggested improvements based on established best practices and auditing standards.
Findings Since many of the responses received from PCM and Parks and Recreation Department
management have similar underpinnings, the OIG has chosen not to reply to each furnished response to the stated findings. Instead, the OIG maintains there are several overarching facts, presented below which will enable readers of this report to better understand most of the
underlying issues within the Findings. Prior to the adoption of the combined management agreement representing both golf clubs, which was the subject of the OIG audits, there were three separate management agreements: (1) PCM for food and beverage and pro shop merchandise sales at the MBGC; (2) PCM for food and beverage and pro shop merchandise sales at the NSGC; and (3) operation and management of
MBGC (including the par 3 golf course) and the NSGC. The combined agreement does not sufficiently address some issues and in other areas it contains some ambiguous and/or poorly
Page 2 of 6
defined terms which could cause confusion and be interpreted differently by different individuals. The City has acknowledged some of these contractual deficiencies.
The OIG identified several such terms in need of revision during this report, with the intention that each could be prospectively amended to help prevent confusion by the affected parties so that
each party understands what is expected and what constitutes compliance with the management agreement (e.g., finding #s 2, 3, 4, among others). Very simply put: the clearer the stated terms in the management agreement, the easier it is for all parties to determine compliant behavior as well as the ramifications of non-compliance. As one would expect, affected parties, would typically interpret these unclear terms in a manner beneficial to its operations and objectives. No evidence was provided to the OIG Auditors at any time during the audit process by the auditees indicating that related discussions were held regarding the interpretation of any of these unclear terms, and that mutually agreed upon and documented decisions were reached and implemented. Nor were any amendments to the approved management agreement presented to the Mayor and the City Commission for ratification. In absence of such documented evidence, the OIG is unable to determine whether any of these issues were discussed beforehand and what actions were agreed upon. The OIG finds this concerning, especially given the importance and financial implications of some of the
actions taken in response to the unclear terms in the agreement. Both PCM and Parks and Recreation Department management repeatedly defend their decisions,
claiming that verbal approvals were given in support of the corresponding actions subsequently taken. However, the management agreement specifically requires written advance approval in multiple areas (e.g., Sections 2.04, 3.04.5, 4.01.4, 5.02, 6.10.1, 6.10.2, 6.13.1, 6.13.5.6.2,
6.13.5.6.3, 7.04, 8.06, 12.01, 20.11, Article 23, and Article 32). Although the concessionaire’s compliance with many of these sections was not tested by the OIG Auditors in lieu of other tested sections, those tested found that many decisions made did not comply with the written advance approval provision. Instead, both questioned parties asserted that verbal approvals were given, which was contrary to the management agreement, and could not be verified or relied upon by the auditors. Conversely, there were other instances in which the management agreement states that advance approval is required but does not explicitly require the approval to be in writing. When it is not documented, as was the case in multiple findings in this audit report, it raises possible doubts and concerns to the OIG as to whether the advance approvals were made, as there are no means to
prove or disprove the statement, and the lack of documentation is contrary to best practices. The defensive posturing claiming that some underlying decisions were beneficial completely misses the point.
Although the OIG understands that the City approves the annual budget of the golf clubs, which may contain some new related expenditures, it is unfair to believe that each corresponding line
item is thoroughly vetted, given the large volume of expenditures and corresponding detail present. As such, it does not necessarily constitute advance written approval of the expenditures. The OIG continues to recommend that any new, revised, or reoccurring expenditures, especially those exceeding a designated threshold set by the City, be separated and properly vetted before incurring the related expenditures. Once approved, the best practice would be for the terms agreed upon by all parties be sufficiently documented to provide an appropriate audit trail that cannot be easily refuted.
Page 3 of 6
Finding #1 represents a material internal control weakness, that requires prompt corrective action, if not already taken. A condensed version of this finding follows:
Parks and Recreation Department staff provided a revenue workflow in an email to the OIG Auditors indicating that PCM provides a monthly revenue report to the Finance Department that
is then reviewed by that department. The workflow does not contain references to any review by
Parks and Recreation Department staff regarding any concessionaire’s transactions. Parks and Recreation Department staff claim that they occasionally review the monthly reports, but the OIG
Auditors were unable to corroborate these statements as no supporting documentary evidence of
these reviews was provided. Consequently, the OIG Auditors had no means to determine the frequency in which these reviews were performed, the depth or results of the analysis, or how
quickly and appropriately any questioned transactions were addressed or resolved.
The OIG Auditors concluded that this procedure lacked sufficient internal controls, because PCM,
an independent company, can make withdrawals up to $100,000.00 daily from City accounts for
payments supposedly made on behalf of the City without prior written approval. Furthermore, no documentary evidence was provided confirming that the PCM expenditures in the monthly reports
were examined and approved by the Parks and Recreation Department prior to being reimbursed which increases the likelihood that expenditures contrary to the management agreement may be
reimbursed and not questioned. In sum, the City Finance Department is not responsible for monitoring the concessionaire’s
compliance with the management agreement, as its staff are unfamiliar with all the related terms and responsibilities of each party. Clearly stated, determining whether the concessionaire is compliant with the management agreement is the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation
Department. The established practice of the City Finance Department’s reimbursement of PCM for its submitted expenditures without first requiring that designated Parks and Recreation Department staff review, approve, and provide written attestation verifying that submitted expenditures are eligible for reimbursement is concerning to the OIG. The OIG Auditors performed limited testing of PCM expenditures during the audit period, whereby it identified several questionable expenditures that it believed could be contrary to or not clearly addressed in the management agreement. Furthermore, Parks and Recreation Department management did not provide any evidence to the OIG Auditors that it questioned any expenditures prior to their reimbursement by the Finance Department. The OIG steadfastly maintains that the established internal controls, if not promptly changed, could result in impermissible expenditures
not being questioned and thereby improperly reimbursed. The OIG believes that neither of the responses received from PCM or the Parks and Recreation
Department sufficiently address this internal control deficiency. It is imperative that Parks and Recreation Department management immediately designate selected staff, if not already done, as its management was alerted to this deficiency many months earlier, to examine and to
document its approval of all bank transactions before any reimbursements are made by the Finance Department. The status of any questioned expenditures should be timely resolved so that similar future expenditures are consistently and uniformly handled. This audit report contains several findings that golf customers received discounted rates, but no evidence was provided by the auditees to verify that the City properly approved these discounts in advance for the examined period. In response, PCM indicated that some approvals were received by former City employees, with a few furnished emails dating back to 2008.
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The OIG responds that these documented discounted rates were applicable for that period. Afterward, they should have been included in subsequent Fee Schedules, Appendix A, etc., with
the other approved annual golf club rates, but they were not included during the audit period. These discounted rates were not intended to continue indefinitely or until the Parks and Recreation Department became aware and notified PCM to stop offering this discount to golf
customers. The OIG finds PCM’s logic to be erroneous. The OIG has no means to determine how many golfers who received discounted rates would have still played the City-owned golf clubs at the higher City-approved rates. Nonetheless, the auditees’ response to these findings centers on the related increase in golf revenues stemming from the offering and acceptance of these discounted rates. As noted above, increased revenues are important to the City as it owns and funds the golf course as well as to PCM, which earns annual incentive fees based on the satisfaction of stated financial objectives. However beneficial the generated revenues, they cannot be guaranteed to always be the case and represent an issue outside the scope of this audit. The bypassing of established City Commission-approved rates remains problematic. If rate changes prove to be in the best interest of the City, they should be documented and reflected in the rates approved annually by the City Commission. The auditees also list Section 6.12 of the management agreement as support for its offered
discounted rates. Section 6.12 states, The Manager (PCM) shall charge and collect all Golf
Course fees and charges according to a fee schedule approved by the Mayor and the City Commission. City reserves the right to keep or to change the fee schedule, in its sole discretion.
The Manager shall have the authority to make temporary rate adjustments during slow periods
and/or high-profile events with prior approval from the City Manager or the Director.
The OIG’s interpretation of Section 6.12 is that PCM must charge and collect all Golf Course fees and charges according to a fee schedule approved by the Mayor and the City Commission. Multiple fee schedules have been approved by the Mayor and City Commission since PCM was awarded its first contract, and, therefore, there has been ample time and opportunity for the related fees to be included. Unapproved discounted rates should not be charged by PCM. Furthermore, Section 6.12 states that PCM has the authority to make temporary rate adjustments during slow periods and/or high-profile events with prior approval of the City Manager or the Director. The OIG does not agree with PCM that prior approval, sometimes dating back to 2008 from former City employees, is aligned with the intent of Section 6.12 to permit temporary rate adjustments.
Finding #13 explains that the Parks and Recreation Department did not document its required maintenance repair inspections and golf course evaluation reports pursuant to Sections 8.09
and 22.01 of the management agreement. This is a repeat finding from a prior audit report issued by the Office of Internal Audit on October 15, 2010 (prior to the creation of the OIG).
Although the management agreement specifically requires the completion of these reports, no evidence was provided to the OIG Auditors that any were prepared during the audit period. Due to that absence, the OIG Auditors could not verify the frequency in which required inspections were performed by Parks and Recreation Department staff, and whether any identified deficiencies were timely corrected by PCM.
Furthermore, the Parks and Recreation Department claims in its response that it performed multiple monthly inspections, and that any noted deficiencies were communicated to PCM staff either on-site or by telephone. An auditor is ill-equipped to divine whether unrecorded personal or
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telephone communications did or did not occur. If they did, it should be documented pursuant to the executed management agreements.
The Parks and Recreation Department also claims that there was no need to perform the annual written evaluations required in the management agreements due to its frequently performed
inspections, which, as noted in the report, the OIG could not confirm because of the lack of corresponding documentation. The terms in the management agreement are to be unilaterally enforced unless an amendment is properly approved by all parties and follows the required protocols. Neither PCM nor the Parks and Recreation Department should be permitted to selectively follow only certain desired terms of the management agreement, as this noncompliant behavior only diminishes its importance and future enforceability. Opportunities For Improvement Although the audit comments regarding payment for labor costs associated with food and beverage operations was not a finding and was discussed only in the “Opportunities for Improvement” section of the audit report, both PCM and the Parks and Recreation Department opted to respond to them. PCM was not legally obligated to provide records of its labor costs for its food and beverage operations to the OIG upon request, but its continued refusal to provide them surprised the OIG.
In the absence of such records, the OIG Auditors performed its computations on the records provided by PCM, and the corresponding results were furnished to all auditees. Despite having
these results for multiple months while receiving more than one draft report that included these computations, PCM did not inform the OIG Auditors that its calculations could be incorrect or provide any additional related documentation. The OIG questions the accuracy and completeness
of the records provided by PCM and its openness and cooperation level with the City. The Parks and Recreation Department should prospectively obtain all necessary information to compute the cost of goods sold from the concessionaire’s food and beverage operations to ensure that it falls within the industry standard range, typically its between 30% and 40%. If the computations result in a lower or higher percentage than the industry standard range, then the Parks and Recreation Department should determine the reasons for the difference (e.g., the related management agreement terms may need to be amended and/or the City is paying for some food and beverage expenditures that the concessionaire should be responsible). Another possibility is to have the food and beverage operations treated the same as all other golf club operations in prospective management agreements to help avoid future confusion or
disagreements related to which party is responsible for paying for the associated food and beverage expenditures.
The OIG has accepted PCM’s suggestion that its denomination of “PCM Net Income” may be more accurately described as “PCM Gross Profit,” but that change does not alter OIG’s observation that PCM is not incentivized to control expenditures when its additional “incentive
payment” is based solely on achieving designated revenue benchmarks. A better incentive from the City’s perspective would be for PCM’s incentive fee to be determined by Gross Profit or at least by some other agreed-upon measure that includes both revenues and expenditures. Gross Profit is calculated by subtracting the cost of goods sold from total revenue as reported on an organization’s income statement. The adoption of this recommendation and its subsequent inclusion in the management agreement would ensure that the concessionaire also focuses on ways to increase revenues and/or reduce expenditures.
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Conclusion In conclusion, it is well-established that even minor lapses in internal controls may create risk of
serious compromise. All parties should strictly follow the terms of the management agreement. If
sections are unclear and/or confusing, then each should be promptly amended so that all parties
are more aware of expectations and what constitutes compliant behavior. If differences are
permitted to exist under the current format, as the established internal controls are not necessarily
sufficient or strictly followed, and there is inadequate documentation of supervision and approvals
by the Parks and Recreation Department, then confirmation that the desired actions were taken
is not possible. Compounding matters include the large volume of monthly golf club transactions
and the City’s inability to access PCM’s FORE system and its related source documentation. The
OIG strongly emphasizes the need to implement changes to correct the identified deficiencies,
and by working in tandem with the City’s current concessionaire.