Published: Jan. 25, 2019
County committee gives support for deck expansion at golf
course
Board of Supervisors to vote in February
By Nicholas Dettmann
ndettmann@conleynet.com 262-306-5043
WEST BEND — Now that the policy direction has
been established regarding the Washington County Golf Course’s future, work has
begun to address some of the maintenance and improvements that need to be done
to it.
On Thursday morning, members of the county’s
Land Use and Planning Committee gave support for a proposed deck expansion at
the golf course. The final decision rests on the county’s Board of Supervisors
on Feb. 13.
County Administrator Joshua Schoemann said the
board’s supervisors, despite receiving interest from a party to purchase the
course, have decided it is best for the county to keep and maintain the course.
Therefore, the course will not be sold.
“Lets focus on how we can make it the best
possible course,” Schoemann said.
With that in mind, some projects need to be
explored. One of those projects is expanding the space outside the clubhouse,
which right now is a concrete patio.
The estimated cost is between $107,000 and
$110,000, but wouldn’t be a burden on taxpayers as the course is a
self-sustaining entity. The deck would offer expanded space for gatherings
outside the clubhouse, such as corporate or private parties.
About $120,000 is being requested with the
remaining funds being devoted to updating and purchasing additional patio
furniture. According to the agenda packet, the county has received a $20,000
donation to go toward the project, leaving about $80,000 to $100,000 to be paid
for.
Other improvements that are being considered
either in the near future or not-too-distant future include resealing cracks on
the cart paths and parking lot, clubhouse upgrades and mower replacement.
Figuring in those projects, an estimated
$600,000 is needed over the next four to five years.
Schoemann said the course is arguably one of
the top courses in the state, evidenced by the frequency of Wisconsin State
Golf Association and United States Golf Association tournaments held there.
“They’re proud of the asset we have,” Schoemann
said. “It’s one of the best courses in the state. We’re very proud of that.”
Another aspect of the course’s future also
happened Thursday morning. The committee gave support to sell the roughly
3-acre Family Park that is adjacent to the course. When sold, the money could
be used on the course or diverted to something else within the county’s park
system at large.
Schoemann said those 3 acres are highly
underutilized.
If the deck expansion proposal is approved by
the County Board of Supervisors, construction would hopefully start in the
spring, said Jamie Ludovic, Central Services director. However, there is also
consideration to do construction in the fall in order to not impede on the
golfers’ experience at the course.
While there is certainty which way the golf
course is headed, one project that’s in early discussion has a more clouded
outlook.
During Thursday’s meeting, a discussion was
held about the possibility of building a multi-use cold storage building at the
West Bend Highway Maintenance Facility.
According to the proposal, the building will be
used as additional indoor storage space for the Highway, Parks and Emergency
Management departments.
Portions will also be designated for use as a
continuous Household Hazardous Waste Clean Sweep Collection site and additional
space for the Health Department’s infant car seat program.
In total, the building would be nearly 12,000
square feet, with a proposed cost of $900,000, possibly in 2021. “A lot more
discussions will need to happen,” Ludovic said.
Schoemann said he has to consider two questions
when deciding how to proceed and ultimately present the capital improvement
plan later this year. Those questions are does the building address the
priorities? And, is there a return on the investment?
“This was proposed as an idea as a potential
solution,” Schoemann said.
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