HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE — Acknowledging that it may have been “micromanaging,” the Hidden Valley Lake Association board of directors has removed itself from the issue of operating hours for Mulligan”s, the subdivision”s popular bar and restaurant, and turned it over to the HVL general manager.
The general manager, Rick Archbold, said that he has not yet made a decision on an associated issue that Hidden Valley residents have requested ? the restoration of a pool table that was removed several weeks ago.
“The pool table is not coming back right now, because I”m going to re-evaluate it,” Archbold said. “It doesn”t mean that it”s not coming back; it just means I”m evaluating it.”
Mulligan”s hours of operation and the pool table became a divisive issue among a large group of residents among the estimated 6,000 at HVL and the board of directors when the board concluded that there was bad behavior and foul language at the club and that the pool table contributed to the problem.
In addition to removing the table, the board ruled that Mulligan”s bar had to be closed by 6 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday nights and by 10 Wednesday through Saturday.
The ruling also did away with karaoke at Mulligan”s on Friday night, the one night the establishment was open beyond 10 p.m.
But in a recent workshop with some residents present the board backed away from its decision.
Don Dornbush, one of three board members who did not support the restrictions, said at the workshop that the board was “micromanaging” in taking the actions it had taken.
“The board members felt that their attempt at controlling what they perceived to be a micro problem was not well received,” said Archbold. “They were also aware that some members of the community did not support their decision.”
More than 300 people signed a petition opposing the action.
The restricted hours caused at least one awkward incident when more than 100 golfers completing a tournament on Sunday afternoon were prevented from using the building”s restrooms until the food and beverage manager could be located to unlock the bar.
Archbold added that the board concluded that the building that houses the Greenview dining room and the Hidden Valley Lake golf course pro shop is singularly inadequate to accommodate the varied desires and needs of HVL residents.
In an attempt to address this problem, he said the HVLA will either renovate the present Greenview-Mulligan”s-pro shop complex or tear it down and replace it. A second story may be added, which would accommodate special events that are currently held at the “country club,” a building inside the gates at Hidden Valley.
A facilities review committee is looking for the best option.
“More than likely, it (the present building) will be torn down,” Archbold said, “and that is probably going to happen within the next 15 to 24 months.”
Archbold has been instructed by the HVLA to report back on June 8 viable options, mostly associated with the food and beverage service.
“We need to do something that we haven”t done before because food and behavioral issues have been going on here for years,” Archbold said. “They”ve been going on for the 4-1/2 years I”ve been here and I”m personally acquainted with my predecessor and know that he had issues in that regard.”
Contact John Lindblom at jlwordsmith@mchsi.com
