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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 25, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 21 PRESENTATION (4. RESIDENT PRESENTATION FOR GOLF COURSE IDEAS, Continued) Ridgeway displayed a picture of the current sign at the golf course and noted that signage is one of the most important features to advertising the golf course. Ridgeway indicated they are interested in installing better signage somewhere on Highway 15. The current sign does not provide much notice to the motorists that the golf course is coming up. The sign is also low and a telephone pole is in the area which partially blocks the sign. Ridgeway stated in his opinion the current sign does not work and that they would like to install additional signs for the golf courses which give a motorist the number of miles you have to go before you come to the entrance of the golf course. The current sign is a rock which has been painted white and somewhat faded. Seasonal plantings would also help enhance it. Ridgeway stated as they look at a new identity for the golf course, they may want to look at whether the signage should be changed to best develop the new brand. As it relates to the club house, it is starting to deteriorate and has visible damage to the window frames. Ridgeway noted the door on the picture is not the door that is actually on the club house currently but is intended to show some possible changes that could be made. The parking lot currently has 50 parking spaces and they would like to look at possibly expanding the parking lot in the future. Ridgeway noted the front entrance is critical in helping provide an identity. Ridgeway indicated they would like to restore the putting green, the shade garden, repair the fountain, and repair benches/picnic tables. Ridgeway indicated they have the equipment available to do the work but that it is a matter of getting permission to do the repair. The golf course’s Thursday night league has started to clear the buckthorn in the area, and the intent is to look at other opportunities to engage community members, such as Earth Day on April 22nd, to help clean up the golf course. In addition, the Orono Lions Club has indicated they may be willing to donate some money. There can also be opportunities to donate a tribute or a memorial bench at the tee boxes. Ridgeway stated in his view this is something that the golf course should encourage neighbors and community members to consider. Ridgeway noted it is eleven years before the 100th anniversary and that they are looking at having a tribute bust of Leo Feser placed in the club house, which can range from six to seven thousand dollars, or perhaps a tribute plaque of some type. The group is also looking at adding a deck on the south side of the clubhouse, expanding the picnic/grilling area, and having an analysis of the parking areas conducted to maximize the seating and deck areas. Most of this will need to be accomplished through fundraisers and they are considering sponsoring a 10K run in the spring, a bike tour on the Dakota Trail to Big Stone, and holding a golf outing with corporate sponsors and families. Holding an annual fundraiser would also be one way to raise funds. Ridgeway stated another element to improving the golf course could be the installation of permanent sculpture which could perhaps be donated or purchased. Ridgeway stated he hopes the City will give these ideas some consideration and that working together we can improve our legendary golf course. McMillan thanked Ron Ridgeway and Jane Delaney for their work on possible improvements to the golf course. Printup stated having members of the Lions and other people in the audience helps create a spark and generate interest in the golf course. Item #03 - CC Agenda - 03/11/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 02/25/2013 [Page 3 of 21]