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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-06 PACKET 07.A. MINUTES COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL 12800 RAVINE PARKWAY SOUTH MARCH 16, 2016 SPECIAL MEETING – 6:30 P.M. (ST. CROIX ROOM) ROLL CALL – City Clerk The following were present: Mayor Myron Bailey, Council Member Steve Dennis, Council Member Justin Olsen, Council Member Jen Peterson, Council Member Thiede. Also present were: Charlene Stevens, City Administrator; Les Burshten, Public Works Director; Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director; Joe Fischbach, HR Manager/City Clerk; Jennifer Levitt, Community Development Director/City Engineer; Sue O’Connell, Food & Beverage Manager; Robin Roland, Finance Director; Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director Council Member Dennis wanted to bring everyone up to date on the River Oaks Golf Course:  He got some ideas from a bar/restaurant in Portland, Oregon; they have the largest selection of whiskey in Oregon. For menu choices, there’s a three-panel option for a set price, $16; the menu selections can be anything they want.  Council Member Dennis also felt they needed to do something with the back bar but they needed to keep the price down. He felt they needed to add backlit bottle displays, glassware displays, as well as dark-red tablecloths. He’s proposing new serving trays and beaker glasses.  Regarding cigars, they will be bringing in handmade, quality Oliva-brand cigars that have a very good price point. They will also carry cellophane-wrapped cigars that do not require humidification and can be sold on beverage carts. They received a vendor-donated small humidor, which will be placed in the bar and grill area. Council Member Dennis is donating a 400-count cigar humidor for the Pro Shop. The City will be obtaining a regular retail license; in addition, they will have a tobacco distributor license, so they can purchase directly from the producer, to achieve a level of margin that otherwise would be spent with a wholesaler. Cigars will also be available for weddings and/or groom’s dinners. CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE 12800 Ravine Parkway Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016  www.cottage-grove.org 651-458-2800 Fax 651-458-2897 Equal Opportunity Employer  Cottage Grove City Council March 16, 2016 Page 2  They’ve talked about getting some video surveillance at the golf course, as right now there is not any. Brian Blum, MIS Coordinator, had some great ideas to cover entries, exits, registers, etc., and he could install the system. The Board of Directors would need to certify that purchase, which would cost approximately $800.  They wanted to have a name for the bar and restaurant portion of the golf course; his brother came up with “The Eagles at River Oaks,” as there are many eagles that fly along the river and also an eagle is a sought-after golf shot. If the Board of Directors likes the name, they could possibly get community involvement in designing a logo; that could coincide with a signature cocktail event when they roll the golf course out in the first week of May.  Regarding restaurant hours of operation, he asked the Council to decide if they should offer a Sunday brunch or perhaps expand the bar/restaurant hours on the weekend. A wine list will be created once they have the food set put together.  They’re looking at wrapping the bar between the event center wall and the bar and grill. Administrator Stevens stated they’ve had an architect in and are awaiting that information.  They will also be working on the marketing and advertising program, and Council Member Dennis reviewed several appetizers, as well as possible menu and drink choices that are being explored.  Council Member Dennis asked Joe Fischbach to provide a personnel update. He mentioned positions had been posted for an Assistant Golf Manager, a Pro Shop attendant, bartenders for the clubhouse, and banquet staff, who would all help out with serving food and drinks. Tyler, the Interim Golf Manager, is back and will be running the Pro Shop; he started today, and they’re working on getting more staff for the Pro Shop.  Council Member Dennis stated interest has been expressed for the Pro Shop to carry branded items (e.g., windbreaker, baseball cap, T-shirts) and they’re looking at possibly bringing that back in as a means of advertising the course. They are currently only selling golf balls, hats, gloves, and tees; anything beyond that would be an expansion.  Council Member Dennis stated Greg Juba was present; he stated that he has had discussions with the City about him helping out with the golf course. Mr. Juba stated he was very impressed with tonight’s presentation.  Council Member Dennis stated there are three programs at River Oaks Golf Course: Golf, Food & Beverage, and Event Center. He felt that Zac Dockter should be involved with the golf course at this time, as eventually it will be turned over to him. ADJOURNMENT The Special Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. Minutes prepared by Judy Graf and reviewed by Joe Fischbach, HR Manager/City Clerk.