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Mark Pirsecki, 101 N. Conostone Ln, opposes the sale of Elbel Golf Course. He stated that Elbel can be a golf course and a nature preserve. He stated Elbel should emphasize its scenic nature and also adopt eco- friendly golf practices. He stated Elbel could partner with various different groups to help preserve its natural wonder. He stated it could be one of the few courses in Indiana that partner with Audubon societies. He thinks public access should be more open so that everyone can enjoy the natural wonders of the course. He believed more programs by the City could expand the use of the course and increase the numbers of golfers with little financial investments by the City. He stated in 2005 Gavin Ferlic wrote an article in the South Bend Tribune extolling the virtue of Elbel Golf Course for the South Bend Community. Jen Betz, 511 S. St. Joseph St, she stated this bill should voted down and a commission should be established analyzing what to do in regards to Elbel. She stated that she and twenty other individuals were granted permission to be on the official agenda of the September 21 st 2015 Park Board Meeting expressing their concerns about the possible sale of Elbel and at the time presented a rough draft of their white paper arguing against the sale as it is against the Parks Board Master Plan, has no respect for ecology, and is not beneficial to the public as it sells a quarter of the city's park land. On Friday, Jeri Betz stated, when they finally received the Park Board minutes there was no mention of their group Elbel for Everyone or any mention of them being present, being on the agenda or of the white paper being presented. She stated they thought the Park Board had trampled on the spirit of public access, transparency, and this error seems far too convenient to be coincidental. She stated they do not believe this has been an open or transparent process and they are appealing to the Common Council because they believe the Council wants what is best for the City. She stated this is not just about Elbel but to put in place the Park Board Master Plan it will cost 25 million dollars, but that it is about a cohesive coherent plan. She is asking they vote no and please put in place a commission to look into this issue. Steve Sass, 27910 U.S. Highway 20 New Carlisle, stated he is the president of the Northern Chapter of the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society. He expressed concerns about the future of Elbel Park and boarding Mud Lake. Even without being thoroughly studied, Mud Lake has been known to house four rare or endangered plants and the Blanding Turtle which is under consideration for federal protection. He stated the surrounding area is also home to many unique birds that were mentioned earlier as well as a stopping area for many birds on their migratory flights during the spring and fall seasons. The Northern Chapter of the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society believes Mud Lake is worthy of protecting. They believe the best options for Elbel Park is for it to be turned over to Land Trust that can competently take care of the land not only for Mud Lake but for Elbel Park as well. Elbel is unique as the disturbance of the golf course was limited in its scope and with proper stewards the park could be a wonderfully preserved area. St. Joseph County has very few natural areas left that are examples of the True Indiana, he stated the True Indiana can hardly be found in our area and Mud Lake is one of those rare examples. This True Indiana is what existed before European settlement of the area and sadly many today know little about what Indiana once looked like. He stated he can not ask those who came before him to halt their destruction of True Indiana, but he can ask the Council to forgo selling Elbel Park to any private entity not dedicated to preservation so that it can be appreciated not just by us here today but by future generations as well.