Laserfiche WebLink
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />______Tuesday, May 28,2002______ <br />(GOLF COURSE OPERATION STUDY, Continued) <br />McMurchie believed that renovation could preserve some of its history while adding to its <br />conununity value. <br />Murphy questioned whether there is existing demand for this increased number of tee times. <br />Ron Steffenhagen, Golf Course Manager, stated that on weekends the demand does exist. <br />McMurchie stated that the first hole expansion could provide players with a good fast getaway hole, <br />with a bit longer and larger green. With a minimal amount of clearing, the landing would be larger <br />and at less of a slope. <br />While Sansevere could support the extensions of the first two holes, he didn't believe that his math, <br />based on weekends only, supported the added revenue that McMurchie referred to. He was also <br />unsure about the proposed clubhouse renovations. <br />McMurchie stated that his figures were based on the same utilization percentage rate as the course <br />uses currently. In his view, this would give the course the opportunity to capture more tee times <br />during upside of the evenings. <br />White asked about the potential for adding a driving range. <br />McMurchie stated that the typical driving range requires a minimum of 5-6 acres, with 1 S-16 as the <br />most desirous. <br />Murphy questioned whether the City's goal is to maximize usage or provide a nice course in our <br />City. <br />Steffenhagen indicated that in his view that was up to the Council to decide. <br />White envisioned a City golf course that could eventually help provide support to the Parks. <br />Rick Meyers, Park Commissioner, stated that the goal of the Park Commission is not only to <br />maximize profits, but to also provide a nice place with a clubhouse for people to sit down and enjoy <br />themselves in their community. <br />Having lived near the golf course for many years, Murphy maintained it is a picturesque place worth <br />preserving. He encouraged the Council to be wary of messing up a treasure in the community. <br />Murphy complimented the course manager on a his great job keeping the course running. <br />Moorse reminded the Council that anything the City can do from a marketing standpoint to let <br />people know it is there and exactly where it is would be beneficial. <br />McMurchie pointed out that the Orono course is one of the first of its kind and needs to state that <br />in its advertising. He also suggested placing signage on County Road 15 pointing to the Course. <br />Page 13 of 16