Arrowhead Country Club, located in the prestigious Arrowhead Ranch subdivision, is currently facing trouble due to a pervasive and repugnant stench emanating from one of its golf course ponds. The residents of this affluent community have been dealing with the odor for years, and it has only escalated over time. The golf course superintendent, Stephen Kyle Bais, is set to appear in court, as he is suspected of violating a city code related to odors. In this article, we will explore the ongoing situation, the cause of the odor, and the potential solutions being discussed.
Background
Homeowners in Arrowhead Ranch Phase Two, where the country club is situated, have been enduring this repulsive smell for quite some time. The odor intensifies during the summer months but usually subsides in colder weather. However, this past winter, the odor remained persistent, leading to an increase in complaints from frustrated residents.
Helena Johnson Bodine, the HOA president for Arrowhead Ranch Phase Two, described the smell as nauseating and mentioned that it has caused embarrassment to residents who were unable to have their families over for holiday parties. Numerous complaints led a group of six fed-up residents to file separate odor petitions with the city in the fall of last year. Upon reviewing these petitions, the city prosecutor’s office decided to file an odor violation charge on January 16th.
The Unpleasant Stench
Residents and visitors to the Glendale golf course can’t miss the smell that has been plaguing the area. According to Johnson Bodine, the smell is akin to that of a city sewer. While it was previously believed that the smell was seasonal, dissipating in cooler weather, recent experiences have proven otherwise. The odor has persisted even during the colder months and has become unbearable for residents.
The Complaints and Seeking Resolution
In an effort to resolve the ongoing issue, Johnson Bodine reached out to the golf course management and proposed solutions. She suggested creating a “frequently asked questions” section on the HOA’s webpage to address residents’ concerns and build a better relationship with the golf course. However, her attempts to engage in a resolution were met with silence from the now-former general manager, who failed to respond to her emails.
Glendale Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff, representing the Cholla District, which includes the country club and subdivision, acknowledges the frustration faced by residents. She is aware of the offensive odor, which has persisted through various general managers’ tenures. The city has cited the golf course for code violations related to the odor, and the case is currently going through the unresolved complaint process.
The Cause and Mitigation Efforts
The city has been in regular communication with the golf course representatives to find both short-term and long-term solutions, as odors from these lakes tend to be a seasonal issue. According to Rick St. John, Deputy City Manager, the smell is primarily caused by the rapid growth of algae in the lakes during warmer temperatures, which exceeds the effectiveness of water circulation and chemical treatments.
The city and the golf course both agree that the algae is the source of the odor. In a membership newsletter issued on February 23rd, Arcis Golf, the company that owns the country club, mentioned that Arizona Lake and Pond Management LLC is currently treating the lake on a weekly basis, as they have identified an abundance of organic sludge at the bottom of the lake as the root cause of the odor.
While the golf course claims that the chemical treatments have shown positive results, some residents remain skeptical. They believe that these treatments are merely temporary fixes and fail to address the underlying cause of the problem. Residents have noticed the lake being treated but are unsure if it will truly eliminate the odor, considering that it seems to stem from the bottom of the lake itself.
Resolution and Future Plans
As the legal process unfolds, Stephen Kyle Bais, the golf course superintendent, faces a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal charge. If found guilty, Bais could face up to six months in jail and fines of up to $2,500. Bais has expressed his desire to correct the violation both immediately and in the long term. Additional chemical treatments have been implemented to reduce the odor in the short term, while long-term plans are being developed.
A meeting between the HOAs and golf course management is scheduled to discuss the ongoing mitigation efforts. It is paramount to find a sustainable solution that addresses the underlying cause of the odor, rather than merely alleviating the symptoms. The residents of Arrowhead Ranch hope for a swift resolution that allows them to enjoy their homes and community without the unpleasant odor lingering in the air.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is causing the repulsive odor at Arrowhead Country Club?
The odor at Arrowhead Country Club is primarily caused by the rapid growth of algae in the lakes, which exceeds the effectiveness of water circulation and chemical treatments.
How is the golf course addressing the odor issue?
The golf course is working with lake management experts from Arizona Lake and Pond Management LLC to treat the lakes on a weekly basis. They are focusing on eradicating the organic sludge buildup at the bottom of the lake, which is believed to be the main cause of the odor.
What are the potential long-term plans to address the odor problem?
The golf course is currently developing long-term plans to address the odor issue at Arrowhead Country Club. These plans aim to treat the lakes and prevent further odor problems from occurring in the future.
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