03202007 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regular Meeting March 20, 2007 Page 4 ESTABLISHING A RIVER FUND; DATE. AN ANNUAL FRANCHISE PROCESS; SETTING A FEE; ESTABLISHING PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE Mr. Guerrero moved for approval of an Ordinance on first reading, and Mr. Jones seconded the motion. Mayor Narvaiz stated a citizen has signed up to speak on this Item. 1) Mike Rhoades, Lions Club, stated 100% of profits for Lions Club stay in the community. He stated they work closely with the Parks Department and have not increased their rates in the past five years. He stated the Lions Club has already had 20,000 brochures printed for hotels, and would have to reprint if this Ordinance changes. Mayor Narvaiz inquired to whether non profit organization could be treated at a different level than other businesses. Andy Quittner, Interim City Attorney, stated the law requires that all competitors be treated equal. Mr. Jones inquired to whether the vendors were aware the Ordinance amendment was coming to Council. Mr. Quittner stated the vendors were not aware the Ordinance was coming before the Council tonight. Mr. Jones inquired to whether the Ordinance could be adopted with no financial impact for a year. Mr. Quittner stated the Ordinance could be amended to allow this. Mr. Jones stated he feels businesses should have a chance to prepare by setting the effective date for next year. He inquired how this Ordinance would be enforced. Mr. O'Leary stated there could be stickers required for trailers, and if Code Enforcement sees them operating without it, they would cite them. Mr. Bose inquired to how this Ordinance would be implemented. Rodney Cobb, Director of Parks Department, stated the implementation for this is being worked out He stated the permitting processes will not be an issue. He also stated once a route is designated, then the issues of working out the number of drop off points and the different times will still need to be worked out. Mr. Thomaides stated from a safety standpoint, this proposal seems sound. He thanked the Lions Club for their services and for their help in trying to make the river a family friendly atmosphere. He also stated he feels the tubers are not creating the problems. He stated he feels the Council needs to look at this issue like a hotel tax, which would lessen the burden for the rest of the citizens. Mayor Narvaiz inquired to whether the Council wanted to offer an amendment, or is there a grandfathering for a period of time. Mr. Quittner recommended the Council go with a fee waive for existing vendors for one year. Mr. Guerrero inquired to the number of vendors inquiring about shuttling services. Mr. Cobb stated there are currently four vendors inquiring about the requirements of doing business in San Marcos. Mayor Narvaiz inquired to whether there are two businesses who pay a franchise fees, and two that are not charged. Mr. Quittner stated there was not a way to enforce the franchise fees. Mr. Thomaides inquired to the amount of increase. Mr. Cobb stated the Lions Club would have a $1600.00 increase. Mr. Jones stated he feels this issue should be tabled to allow Staff to review additional information. Mr. Thomaides inquired to whether the Park and Recreation Advisory Board have had discussions on this issue before tonight. Mr. Cobb stated the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board ha