10.21.2014 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2014 comes from the Edward's Aquifer we shouldn't be expected to restrict water as if it our sole source. He stated that it makes about as much sense as if we placed our restrictions on the tide level in Galveston. He is ok with leasing the water outside of San Marcos if it is a fair price, and that he believes the price is too low. He thinks that we have lost potential businesses because of how our town looks. Amy Stanfield, addressed the Council about the growing concern about our water. She stated that we store water from GBRA and this has reduced the average pumping from Edward's aquifer by 75 %. She stated that she is not an expert on what triggers a drought response, but it just doesn't make sense for us to have those restrictions when we are not using ground water. She is not asking to water her lawn every day and waste water. She would however like to keep San Marcos beautiful. She would like to start with her property as a contribution. Perry Moore, addressed the Council regarding transparency and the importance of preventing misperceptions. He stated that conservation is very important in San Marcos, but it doesn't trump transparency. He feels that we are not be truthful about the pumping and delivery of our water and that we still have a third to go on our permits. He stated that the GBRA doesn't have any restrictions on the San Marcos water being pumped from Canyon Lake. However we have restrictions that are for ground water which we don't use. He asked the Council to revisit the conservation plan and come up with something more in line with what we are actually doing. Rob Roark, addressed the Council regarding item #7 on the agenda and thanked the Council for reducing the speed. He continued by speaking about the debates that were recently held and a recent email that he sent to the council regarding the 7 habits of highly effective governments. He stated that he hopes for a paradigm shift. Rick Hernandez, read the letter that was presented previously by Kathy Morris on October 13th. A copy is attached. Dianne Wassenich, stated that lots of Councils have made the river flowing a priority and obtaining more water so that our future is bright. She stated that lease to Martin Marietta is 10 weeks and allows the City to recover some of the cost of the HCP. The best way to dry up our rivers is to start pumping the water from the springs. She provided an example of what the drought of the 1950's looked like at Canyon Lake. None of our water sources are as firm as you would like them to be. Jim Spencer, addressed the Council regarding drought restrictions. He and his wife would like to see more green yards and explained how they have zeroscaped and planted drought resistant plants. He state that he is not happy that the citizens are being placed under such tough restrictions for trying to keep San Marcos beautiful and taking pride in their property. Citizens pay for water from both sources and the water restrictions are punitive more than any other city. He stated that the Council restricts the water and then increases the rates to recover the costs lost. Russell S. Haney, he addressed the Council about hazard of attempting to cross Hopkins St at the library. He stated that it's not safe. He asked the Council to build a crosswalk and increase the safety of the intersection. Gena Fleming, addressed the Council that she wants the drought restrictions upheld, but that we shouldn't be approving the Martin Marietta item. She would like to see more meetings about the Habitat Conservation Plan. She sympathized with the people that are here about the restrictions. We are having restrictions and then this aquifer recovery which is allowing the City of San Antonio to maximize their withdraws every year. She asked the Council to please stop selling our water. City of San Marcos Page 3