02202007 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regular Meeting February 20, 2007 Page 7 towards wireless meters and is currently in the transition of going wireless. The Council then voted unanimously for the adoption of the Resolution. Mayor Narvaiz introduced for consideration Item 17, removed from the Consent agenda, adoption of a Resolution, the caption which was read as follows: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS TEXAS, SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF THE GUADALUPE BASIN COALITION IN SUPPORTING CHANGES TO THE EDWARDS AQUIFER ACT THAT WOULD ENCOURAGE PROTECTION OF SPRING FLOWS AND LIMITATIONS ON PUMPING IN TIMES OF DROUGHT; AND OTHERWISE SUPPORTING MEASURES TO PROTECT THE EDWARDS AQUIFER AND SPRING FLOWS. Mr. Guerrero moved for adoption of the Resolution, and Ms. Robertson seconded the motion. Mr. O'Leary stated that in 1993 the Edwards Aquifer Coalition was created. He stated there is proposed legislation to allow increased pumping of Aquifer. He also stated San Marcos wants to protect the aquifer and the spring flows in time of drought. Mayor Narvaiz stated she feels the Council should support the efforts of the Coalition, but the City wants to restrict the pumping to protect our springs. She stated pumping during a wet year is not a problem, but during a drought future of the San Marcos River is affected. Mr. Jones stated he has done some research and feels the Council should not allow anyone to raise the pumping cap. He stated he feels the Council should take a strong position to come out stronger opposing anything with the caps. Mr. Thomaides stated that San Marcos is generally opposed to pumping and the most important thing is that the river is protected. He stated the increased pumping by our senator is the biggest proponent of the river. Ms. Robertson stated the Recovery Implementation Plan (RIP) seems to be causing a lot of discussion. She stated she feels the RIP project will give the City time to see if it works. Diane Wassenich stated that US Fish and Wildlife held a program to discuss the RIP where Senator Wentworth attended. She stated Senator Wentworth is not for raising the cap at this time. Mayor Narvaiz stated she attended a meeting where Representative Puente spoke on our behalf about this issue. She stated she can see an easing of their position and the position the coalition was taking was positive. Mr. O'Leary stated the Council knows how important the springs and the river are. He stated if the Council is going it alone the reality is that their effectiveness is small and the Coalition will have a better chance than entities would have on their own. Mr. O'Leary stated that there are a number of huge springs that have dried up and San Marcos River has the potential of becoming one. He also stated that the law may not be on our side. Mayor Narvaiz stated she feels the Council should support what is acceptable to the coalition to get to the next step. Mr. Jones stated he feel there are members in the House of Representatives who are on San Marcos' side. He stated he feels San Marcos should take the position of opposing raised caps to protect the river. Mr. Thomaides stated he agrees with Mr. Jones and feels San Marcos should lead the coalition. Mr. Thomaides moved to amend Pages 2, Part 1 and 3, to replace the word generally with strongly, and Mr. Jones seconded the motion. Mr. O'Leary