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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 25, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 21 PRESENTATION 4. RESIDENT PRESENTATION FOR GOLF COURSE IDEAS Ron Ridgeway, 1350 Orono Oaks Drive, presented the Orono City Council with a brief history of the Orono Golf Course. The 9-hole course originally opened July 4 1924, as Orono Orchards Golf Course. Leo Feser, stricken with polio at the age of nine, was instrumental in founding Orono Orchards Golf Course. Approximately 1,000 rounds of golf were played the first season at .35 cents per round. It was also Minnesota’s first public course that had grass greens as opposed to sand. Ridgeway stated as they go forward, he would encourage the City to be as innovative into the future as they were back then. The present club house was built in 1926 and was the home of Leo Feser’s family for approximately 34 years. Hennepin County’s last extermination of a wild bear was in a tree near the midpoint of the 2nd fairway. Currently the Orono Golf Club is a picturesque, nine-hole executive course with varying topography, elevated greens, mature trees and a rich, interesting history. The current manager/superintendent is Ron Steffenhagen, who has been employed at OGC since March, 1974. Ridgeway noted that 2012 was not a good year for the golf course and that challenges relating to the economy, weather, and road construction were faced. Ridgeway encouraged the City Council to look at the golf course as an advantage into the future and that he is interested in getting a commitment from the City of Orono to help improve the golf course. Ridgeway indicated one of the ways to help improve the golf course would be to take a look at how to update the marketing materials and generate interest for the golf leagues and various events held at the course. This would encompass a review of the rates, advertising, and the use of coupons. Ridgeway stated they would like to make the golf course as affordable as possible and create a marketing plan that is competitive with the other courses in the neighborhood. Ridgeway suggested acquiring a golf course domain on the Internet, which would be a good start to the marketing campaign and would allow easier access to directions and hours of operation. In addition, league and youth golf programs could be expanded as well as upgrades to food and beverages. Ridgeway indicated their long-range plan is to have a special event for the 100th anniversary on July 1, 2024. Ridgeway indicated he has spoken with City Engineer Jesse Struve about some ideas for the golf course, and after he provided some information on the golf course, he noticed that the advertisements, score cards and website all had different phone numbers, which leads to confusion and deteriorates the brand. Ridgeway stated they have to start with the current image of the golf course and build on that with the new plan. The group is looking at branding initiatives to help with the marketing. Ridgeway indicated a brand is basically a promise and consists of storytelling. Building a brand would help create a sophisticated look to the golf course. The group has also discussed the idea of putting together a historical publication that could be sold as part of a fundraiser. There are currently different images associated with the golf course, and by creating a new brand domain, the City can decide which image would be more suitable, which would also allow everything to be more consistent and professional looking. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 03/11/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 02/25/2013 [Page 2 of 21]