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City Council Minutes October 3, 2016 Page 6 It was noted it might be a good idea to have the city building official walk through the property and review its condition. The Council asked how the Chamber would like to move forward. Ms. Rydberg stated based on the positive feedback from the Council, she would like to ask the Chamber Board to take the next step and have preliminary concept drawings prepared. 10.2 Pinewood Mr. Portner presented the staff report. Councilmember Wagner stated she believes it will be a goodwill gesture to open the course free of charge for the next 4-6 weeks. Councilmember Westgaard expressed concerns with potential damage to the course with not having the course staffed. She stated she would recommend putting up a sign notifying golfers to clean up and repair any damage when they are finished golfing. Councilmember Wagner stated she doesn't believe opening now would affect the RFP process because she doesn't believe that many people would utilize the course in October. Councilmember Olsen indicated he is not in favor of opening at this time because he is concerned about damage to the greens since they haven't been treated since 2014. Councilmember Westgaard questioned staffs position. Mr. Sevcik explained he spoke to professionals from three area golf courses and they agreed the city could open the course and play marginal golf for a couple weeks but the city may be better served by taking the time and effort to get the course in to playable condition for early spring. Councilmember Wagner indicated her understanding is there is no budget for grounds maintenance this year so that isn't an option. Mr. Portner indicated the Council has not discussed performing grounds maintenance this year and staff does not plan to move forward with anything until after the RFPs come back. Councilmember Olsen noted he believes if the course is opened now residents will get the wrong impression the city plans to reopen the course for good. Councilmember Burandt stated she agrees with Councilmember Wagner the course should be opened. She explained people are upset with the city for closing the course and opening it for the fall would show residents the city cares about their concerns. Mayor Dietz indicated he understands both sides of the conversation. He noted he believes if the city opens it there would be an expectation for the course to be in perfect, playable condition which may upset some golfers. He agreed residents could get a sense of false optimism if the city opens the course now. PaW INEO BY NAT