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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 11, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 17 of 27 (11. EVALUATION OF OPTIONS PRESENTED BY RESIDENTS FOR THE ORONO GOLF COURSE, Continued) Adams stated in terms of what they see as a priority is the clubhouse renovation. It is a nice, functional building the way it currently is and that the group likes the idea of a new door. Adams suggested they consider a steel entry door with a nice light above it. Adams indicated he also likes the idea of improving the beverages and food currently being served. The roof appears to be in good repair but the windows need a lot of attention and painting. Adams stated he is looking for input into whether the yellow color is the best color for the clubhouse and maintenance shed. Adams indicated they do have people who are willing to do the work and perhaps partnering with the City on some of the fundraising. Adams noted one of the items discussed at the last meeting was putting the fountain back in the pond. Adams stated he is happy to tell the Council that one of the volunteers has repaired the fountain and it is ready to go. Restoring the shade garden is also another great idea. The Thursday night league has talked about cleaning up the picnic table/grill area and they also have had people say they would be happy to help out with weed control and basic course upkeep. Adams stated this is a great chance for the City to partner with the people in the community. A better branding of the golf course will also help improve the number of people using the course. Adams stated on a final note, he would encourage the City Council to look at the pricing as well. McMillan commended the volunteers on the buckthorn removal and other work that has already been completed. Ron Ridgeway noted one of the items included in the long-range plans was to help generate funds through advertising and to place pieces of art in different spots on the course. These improvements will take time and require negotiation, planning, and a feasibility study to determine where things could go. Ridgeway indicated he is interested to know what the position of the Council is in this effort long-term. McMillan stated she would like to discuss fundraising as a way to generate money for those items but that the Council and the volunteers will need to spend additional time discussing that in greater depth. McMillan indicated she can envision something similar to what the LMCD does with the Save the Lake Fund or Friends of Orono. Ridgeway indicated they are looking for guidance on the fundraising. The idea of going out and asking people for money needs to be done properly. McMillan indicated they can discuss that at the volunteer meeting. Ridgeway suggested creating a green day in Orono and to have it the Saturday before Earth Day. Ridgeway stated if Orono were to have a Green Day and make an announcement for people to come out and see that the golf course is being spruced up, it might encourage more volunteers and help with fundraising. The efforts at the golf course have already received very good PR in both of the local papers and this would be a designated day for people to come out and learn what is actually taking place. Ridgeway stated in his view a Green Day would tie into nice with Orono’s legacy and the golf course. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 03/25/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 03/11/2013 [Page 17 of 27]