The city has put out a request for proposals for a permanent manager for the Chuck Corica Golf Complex. A manager for the course could be chosen by mid-December.

The City Council hired Kemper Sports in November 2008 to run the golf complex — the Bay Area's busiest — for a year while city staff worked out a permanent management solution for the complex, which has seen a dramatic reduction in rounds of golf played in recent years as the complexes labor costs and the city's cash demands surged.

The new manager would have the option to run the complex for up to 30 years, and also could seek to buy out the lease for its restaurant, Jim's at the Course. That lease runs through 2011. And they would be asked to make major renovations to the complex that could include reconfiguring and even closing courses.

The city is also asking potential suitors for the lease to consider offering special programs for local residents, including seniors and junior golfers.

City officials started looking at its options for managing the complex in 2008, after the economy and the opening of new and revamped courses combined with increased costs and cash demands from the city to drive its finances into the red.

A consultant found that the course could use up to $10.8 million worth of work — money the city doesn't have.

The complex includes two 18-hole golf courses, a nine-hole course, a driving range, a clubhouse with a pro shop,

Proposals are due on Nov. 19, and an operator is slated to be selected on Dec. 11. The council is set to approve a lease with the operator they pick in March. Greens fees also will be on the table.

Kemper took over management of the complex on Jan. 1.

Contact Michele Ellson at michele@theislandofalameda.com.