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66 <br /> <br />from the riverfront and noted concern about the effect of <br />pesticides and fertilizers on the river and Chesapeake Bay. <br /> <br /> Mr. Bob Slath, speaking on behalf of persons supporting <br />the golf course expansion, stated that Pen Park is the only <br />affordable public golf course in the area and it is often <br />congested with 32,000 rounds of golf played per year. Mr. <br />Slath requested that Council approve the deSign as presented <br />as it addresses concerns previously expressed by opponents of <br />the expansion. Mr. S!ath added that the golf course is <br />self-supporting and is attractive for economic development <br />efforts. Mr. Slath stated that the Charlottesville Tr.ack <br />Club supported the proposed design. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question about finances from Ms. <br />Slaughter, Mr. Eugene~German, Director of Parks and <br />Recreation, stated that $1.5 million in bonds have been sold <br />for the golf course expansion with payment made from the <br />surplus from golf fees. Mr. German stated that currently <br />approximately $40,000 in surplus funds are available, but once <br />the additional holes are constructed it is anticipated that the <br />$150,000 needed to repay the bonds will be available as a result <br />of a fee adjustment and additionall rounds of golf being played. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Slaughter, Mr. German <br />listed~many localities throughout the state which have <br />municipal golf courses. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr, Toscano, Mr. German <br />stated that only Parks and Recreation Department equipment is <br />used on the golf course. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards requested that the issue of pesticide and <br />fertilizer use be addressed and Mr. Mike Kelly from the <br />Williamsburg Environmental Group, explained that the greatest <br />concern about herbicides and pesticides is with runoff, but <br />with proper maintenance, the use of the least toxic <br />materials on greens, tees and any land below the 100 year <br />flood plain, and best management practices, there should not <br />be a problem. <br /> <br /> Mr. German stated that samplings taken up and down <br />stream from a golf course in Ivy where the same materials and <br />practices are used as at Pen Park have shown no adverse <br />impact on water quality. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter stated that she had environmental concerns <br />about the possibility of soil erosion and chemical runoff <br />with the two holes.proposed to be next to the river. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano questioned whether holes 11 and 12 coUld be <br />moved away from the riverfront, their length reduced, and <br />other holes expanded to make up for the reduced distance. <br /> <br /> Mr. Love stated that the location of the soccer fields <br />and shelters restricts where the holes can be placed, but the <br />holes could be relocated which would result in a slightly <br />inferior course. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards questioned what the cost would be to <br />relocate holes 11 and 12 and Mr. Love replied that minor <br />costs for increased grading would result. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter made a motion to approve the design of <br />the additional nine holes, with holes 11 and 12 moved up to <br />allow the riverfront to remain natural. Mr. Toscano <br />seconded the motion. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter noted that preservation of natural <br />areas and plans for the development of the Greenbelt Park <br />along the Rivanna River are contained in the Comprehensive <br />Plan and she felt it was wrong to convert natural land <br /> <br /> <br />