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REGULAR MEETING February 8t", 2016 and not pit parks against each other. Overall, the City should be able to say stop and find the money to keep Elbel a city park. No one spoke against the resolution. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand noted the proposed resolution refers to the property as 26595 Auten Road, which covers the entire three - hundred and fourteen (314) acres and is the entire park. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked if it is possible the proposed committee could ask for more time and that their committee be expanded. Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski - Farrand responded they could do that and it would take an action of the Council as an amendment to the resolution. The Council always has the power to amend the resolution and expand the days or the membership of the committee. Councilmember Regina Williams- Preston thanked the public for coming and speaking in favor of this resolution. She highlighted there is no reason to rush. In many of the conversations she had on this issue one comment stuck with her that the woman said "I came to this because of turtles but I am staying because of transparency." This is much more about Elbel, it is about being transparent and responsive to the public's interest. She hopes this process serves as a model going forward because we obviously have other issues to address in South Bend. The City needs to start listening to all facets of the community and their issues. Councilmember Randy Kelly stated the committee is being put together to look all the issues that have been brought up. This is not to say we are finished with this in forty -five (45) days but to have the chance to talk to experts and interested citizens and make a recommendation that maybe we do need a year -long study. Just because this committee only lasts forty -five (45) days does not mean that is when the process will end, the idea is within that time frame that puts our feet to the fire, and we can make a good decision that leads to maybe more long term recommendations. Councilmember Jo Broden stated the practical concern is we have to open the course for golf this year. That question of how we do that needs to be addressed quickly and that was the reason for the shorter time frame. The first question the committee answers is to figure out what to do this year because we have golf packages to sell and also a commitment that the course is in an outstanding condition. This was a measure to make sure the public voices were heard but it is not only reactionary but is also nimble enough where the circumstances can change. Councilmember Dr. Varner stated a big issue is how Elbel is addressed. The other big issue is what we do in the long term. This problem will not be solved in forty five days but the issue of the golf course for this playing year can be addressed in that forty -five (45) days. He agreed that if we are going to make this course available it should be in the best shape possible. He expressed support for raising rates if that is needed and making the course pay for itself if it can. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated priorities are needed because there are a lot of separate issues but the issue that comes first is how to run this golf course and park this coming year. There is no reason that some of our parks should be in conditions that have been shared by the public today. The Parks Department came to us, and the Council funded their budget, and they said all the parks would be funded. During the last budget season no one came and talk about the issues mentioned earlier tonight, plus we approved a Park Bond to take care of those needs. These discussions need to happen separately, it is not the parks on the East Side versus the parks on the West Side. Let's talk about and figure out what to do about Elbel. We should not have to compare a park and basketball court. The Council was never told that Elbel was being cautiously spent out, that's not fair to the Council and not fair to the people who signed up for memberships. Those people should want their money back. Councilmember Oliver Davis stated his appreciation of Aaron Perri and what he said earlier about listening and acting on the committees suggestions because people needed to hear that and that gives you credibility with the people. This is a critical point in our cities government because if the people can't trust us on this they won't trust on anything. Councilmember John Voorde voiced his support for this resolution and everything that has been said. He was disappointed in the way this seemed like it was going to play out, you cannot talk 9