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to discuss and try to reach compromise of the issues. The Directors of the Alisal Improvement Club indicated agreement with 90% of the issues and only concerns on 10%. He felt there was time to resolve those issues while staff proceeds with public review of the golf course plan. He reiterated the advantages of having a city-owned golf course: the golf course will pay for itself; 150 acres of permanent open space; 138 acres of public access trails; waterlines on the loop road; discounts to Pleasanton golfers; preferred tee times; senior and junior rates; walkable; income to the City for other recreational programs; no loss of trees; no new taxes; minimal grading; excellent views; a public asset that will benefit the homeowners and businesses in Pleasanton; and enjoyment for the entire community. Paul Ebright, 5416 Blackbird Drive, supported the project and the 24 houses. The Mayor had mentioned that someone felt we were rushing this. Mr. Ebright pointed out that this was started in 1988 and the Golf Committee prepared a very informational report. It is time to get on with it. He felt staff was defensive or tentative about this. The studies say Pleasanton can support eight to twelve golf courses and lists four probable courses. There is no competition for this course. The other probable courses listed in the staff report will be expensive or private. The only possible competition for this course is the one proposed for the San Francisco property and every survey says the City can support two courses. There is no reason to be concerned about the feasibility of this course. He felt the projected levels of play in the study are too low and the green fees are too high. If you have a good product, you sell it at a competitive price. Finally, he was certain this golf course will be profitable. Fred Lee, 6582 Via San Blas, was on the original golf course committee and spent thousands of hours preparing the report. He is happy to see this project finally happening. The City has sports parks, pools, and tennis courts. It is time for a golf course. He agreed the fees should be reduced. He referred to the Fairfield golf courses and the difficulty to get tee times. Mr. Lee suggested a turnkey operation for someone else to manage the course. He was very confident that the golf course would support itself. Ms. Michelotti asked about the land for the Fairfield golf courses. Mr. Lee did not know how the land was acquired. Gene Pons, 832 Abbie Street, supported a municipal golf course, whether it was this proposal or any other. The City has provided amenities for every other faction of its citizens from youth to seniors. Many of Pleasanton's amenities have been paid for by developers. He felt a municipal golf course was a good draw for a community and will complete the community. He was confident there were enough golfers to support this course and then related his golfing experience and habits. A golf course is a good land use and preserves open space. He referred to other courses like Tilden. He did not believe there would be much traffic generated because it takes time to play and many people drive to the course together. This is the right time to do this because the availability, of property will be limited because of development. 03/05/96 -8-