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Jason Banicki Critchlow, 3822 W. Ford St., expressed he was very excited about the golf course <br />consultant and a fresh set of eyes is needed to find where we can increase revenue and decrease <br />expenses. He was disappointed the rates were reversed back to 2015 levels. He stated Elbel is <br />priced a little higher than most of the comparable courses around the area and that is a problem <br />and maybe that is something to look at next year. <br />Jeff Botich, Granger IN, thanked Mr. Perri and the Committee as a whole for all the work they <br />have done. What is important to understand is everyone can use the Park at the same time. There <br />just needs to be rules set in place for people out to watch birds being cognizant of what the <br />golfers are doing and the golfers need to be mindful of the environmentalists and the bird <br />watchers. Everything that Jen and Chris were talking about establishing an area by the old <br />superintendent's house is a great idea, multiple interests can use the course at the same time. <br />Chuck Bueder, 15893 Ashville Ln. Granger IN, complimented the plan set forward by both Elbel <br />for Everyone and from Mr. Perri. He is an advocate of dark skies, half of the park experience, <br />history, and future occurs between sunset and sunrise. He recorded the darkness is roughly 19.16 <br />magnitudes per square arc second at Elbel. It is just a number but it is a number we should keep <br />around that area. Keeping our skies dark helps with sustainability as well as cost, he asked them <br />to consult him before any capital investments in outdoor lighting. The Michiana Astronomical <br />Society actually used to meet at Elbel. <br />Marsha Kizer, Andrea Ct. Mishawaka, had prepared a big statement but was blown away by Mr. <br />Perri's report and just wanted to remind everyone this process has been going on for almost a <br />year and a half and it is so great how far the dialogue has come since then. Mr. Perri has done a <br />super job and the Councilmembers as well. It has become apparent how important this park is to <br />the community. She wanted to point out, at all the meetings she has been to not once did a <br />resident come and speak in opposition to the supporters of Elbel Park. <br />Councilmember White thanked everyone for their comments and for all the work they had done <br />and will continue to do for Elbel. The members of the Committee were given a chance to speak <br />about their thoughts and feedback based on the recommendations and also where they are as an <br />advisory committee. <br />Mr. Farrell asked Mr. Perri if there is a way to speed the consulting time frame up. <br />Mr. Perri stated it seems four (4) to six (6) months is about as quick as we could do that <br />especially when wanting to give the public the chance for input. <br />Councilmember Broden stated that was her biggest question as well. The timing of everything is <br />difficult because we have 2017 Budget discussions beginning very soon and with that as a <br />concern she suggested an RFP process on the ecological study. Whether that could be fast <br />tracked would help because the information gained from there would be very important to the <br />budgetary discussions. Throughout all of this the volunteers do have a tremendous role to play in <br />the future. You can get so much done pulling individuals in but we need the structure as well. <br />Councilmember Karen White asked John Voorde if he would like to add any comments. <br />el <br />