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4 <br /> read the material and watch the video. The Audobon International actually works with new construction of golf courses for a <br /> substantial fee. They also work with the staff of the courses to assure that they understand how to maintain the courses <br /> without damaging the environment. He felt that using this company could be a good way to maintain a high standard without <br /> having to hire an engineer to handle the job. <br /> Rick Robbins, a member of the Golf CART, mentioned that he supported the recommendations of this committee. <br /> He felt that golf courses are a very good use in industrial and commercial areas. They help to buffer other uses. The fact <br /> that Orange County does not have any large, unused commercial areas, is no reason to delete them from the Use Tables. <br /> Zoning does change and they are not a bad use in those areas. Golf Courses are sometimes singled out as a bad use of <br /> land; the science does not back up that concern. He requested that golf courses not be singled out for regulations over and <br /> above other uses. <br /> Dr. Charles Peacock, a member of the Golf CART, mentioned that he has been involved in golf course projects in <br /> many states across the country, teaching turf grass management as well as other areas. He also does work with the <br /> Audubon International program. There are two classifications for this program. The Cooperative Sanctuary System allows <br /> any existing course to enroll and gain certification in six areas-environmental planning,wildlife habitat and management, <br /> public outreach,water quality management,water conservation and integrated pest management. When a course submits <br /> their documentation proving that they have attained the minimum requirements,the course is certified as a Sanctuary. That <br /> designation means that they are taking the environmentally sound approach to golf course management. The Signature <br /> Status is reserved for new courses which have reached stringent requirements from a development viewpoint. This group is <br /> a non-profit, environmental group. It is voluntary, not regulatory. He feels it is an excellent program. <br /> John Hansel spoke in support of the game of golf itself. He mentioned that he appreciated the Task Force's efforts. <br /> He wanted to make sure that we do not discourage golf courses, especially public golf courses. <br /> John Sidorakis commended the work done by the Task Force. He felt that the Special Use Permit issue needs to <br /> be addressed so that there are not undue restrictions placed on the construction of new courses. This is a good source of <br /> revenue as well as being a great source of recreation for many citizens. He also asked who would be responsible for <br /> interpreting these regulations. <br /> Rick Brannon, a golf professional, commended the work of this Task Force. He asked that the Board of <br /> Commissioners keep the cost of building courses in mind when they set regulations. This needs to be a sport for citizens <br /> with average income. <br /> Craig Thompson, a Task Force member, commended the work of this group. He is a golf course superintendent. <br /> He feels that this is a good document. One concern that he has is over regulating golf courses while ignoring other <br /> potentially harmful land uses like Walmart and schools. The other concern he has is how the document will be interpreted <br /> and who will be charged with that task. He asked that the County Attorney look at these issues. He asked that the Special <br /> Use Permit not be used for the golf course process and that the definitions in the document be carefully established. <br /> Ben Lloyd spoke in support of the game of golf as a past time in our county. He mentioned that he has discussed <br /> this document with a builder in another state who felt that our regulations would prohibit him from building a golf course in <br /> our county. He felt that golf courses have many environmental benefits and are not harmful. He felt that this document was <br /> too strict. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Brown, to refer the proposed <br /> amendments to the Planning Board for a recommendation to be returned to the Board of Commissioners no sooner than <br /> May 5, 1997. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> to Re-approval Qf Special Use Permits <br /> 1) Article 8.8.24 Historic Sites Non-Residential Use/Mixed Use <br /> (Class A Special Use) <br /> This item was presented by Mary Willis for the purpose of receiving citizen comment on a proposed <br /> amendment which would allow the Board of Commissioners to re-approve Special Use Permits for non-residential use of <br /> historic sites upon receipt of a report from the Planning Staff that the use has maintained compliance with the provisions of <br />