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188. Regular Meeting March 7, 2006 Page 9 2006 CDBG funding request Workshop on Monday, April 10, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. -9:00 P.M. Mayor Narvaiz introduced a discussion regarding receiving a presentation on the Hammons hotel schematic package. Jim Lohmeyer, J.Q. Hammons, Inc., provided a powerpoint presentation of the proposed hotel design. David Horst, J.Q. Hammons, Inc., stated this hotel will include a day spa with seven rooms, steam heat and many other amenities. Mr. Guerrero inquired as to the stone in the design. Mr. Lohmeyer stated the stone will be a native stone for this area. He stated J.Q. Hammons, Inc. has taken photos and done research on native stones in this area and samples will be brought back to Council for consideration at a later date. Mr. Diaz inquired as to the height of the conference center. Mr. Lohmeyer stated there will be a 25 foot ceiling in the ballroom and a schematic design will also be provided to the Council at a later date. Mr. Jones inquired whether the E should be on the front of the hotel. Mr. Lohmeyer stated the E is put on the North and South side of the hotel, so travelers can see it while they are going down the highway. Mr. Thomaides stated he has been to one of J. Q. Hammons, Inc.'s hotels and conference centers, which he feels is a first rate hotel. He stated he feels this hotel will also be a first rate hotel. The Council thanked Mr. Lohmeyer and Mr. Horst for the update on the hotel. Mr. O'Leary stated if the Council has additional feedback, they can contact him. Mayor Narvaiz introduced a discussion regarding a Downtown parking. Mayor Narvaiz stated a citizen has signed up to speak regarding this item. Larry Rasco stated he is a Downtown representative. He encouraged the Council to support Scott Gregson's proposal. He stated the downtown vendors are losing business, because there is no parking for customers. Mr. Morris stated the Texas State Alliance of Student Government has passed legislation supporting the parking garage proposal. Scott Gregson thanked the Council for the opportunity to present what the Main Street Advisory Board and a cross section of leaders in San Marcos view as a priority in the City and for the downtown area. He stated one of the City's top priorities is parking and has been for many years. He stated currently there are an estimated 66 residents in the downtown area. He stated over the past eight years there has been $17.4 million in private capital spent along with $6.7 million in public funds for a total of $24 million that has been invested in the downtown area. He stated in spite of the continued investment and growth, shoppers spend their time searching for a place to park, while others spend their days watching the time to avoid parking tickets or being towed. The proposed parking garage land is currently owned by the City of San Marcos and the Texas State University Support Foundation. The Foundation has expressed a willingness to participate with the City in a development of this project. With both properties the proposed garage would be 45 feet tall, a four-story facility with 360 parking spaces. He stated the structure could be designed in an