01.12.2015 Conservation/Drought Response Plan Workshop

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City Council Meeting Minutes January 12, 2015 and circulate it via the newspaper recently. She stated that Canyon Lake is very much connected to the overall water situation in our area. The lake can be dry in 18 months if we continue the way we have been. She stated that models from the 1950's are following the same trek. She advised to we be careful that we use that temporary excess water to ensure that we have that surplus water during those times. Gena Fleming, San Marcos, asked the council to maintain the current restrictions while we are in the middle of a prolonged drought:. We will need to acquire more water through HCPUA. One reason that water restrictions are even a question is because of the Council has approved the lease of ground water during stage 4 drought restrictions. She believes that this was a bad precedent to set by leasing our rights and then the water be drawn closer to the city of New Braunfels. She stated that we need a sustained water management plan and to be more focused on out ecosystem than economic profit. Don Meador, San Marcos, spoke as a member of the Board of Directors for GBRA and the proprietor for the Dream Cather Ranch. He spoke about irrigation out at the ranch and how they have operated during this drought. He stated that he also believed that within 18 months the lake could be empty. He mentioned that there are 2 springs that feed the lake and as soon as those springs drop it will have an impact. Marsha Thomason, San Marcos, asked that the council remember that we use very little of our EAA rights that we sell those rights to other entities. She stated that we should want our town to attract employers and businesses. We don't use much water late fall to early spring. We should be educating folks about xeriscaping and drought tolerant plants. She state that we do not live in cookie cutter community. We need to secure more water rights, and that the Council cannot deny citizens their right to use their water. She stated that she wants the plan to reflect where the water comes from. We don't want this to be the community with the best foresight that looks the worst. Ben Kvanli, San Marcos, thanked the Council to look at this issue. Spoke in favor of the Council selling the water, but not to waste it. He asked the Council to please be proactive now. The thing that makes our community is our river. Let's make sure that everyone is accounted for but charged accordingly as well. Ed Riding, West Valley City, Utah, in town as a representative of the Veteran's Group here in town and asked the Council to care for the River. He stated that they come to town to use it as therapy and training ground. Thanked the council for their time. Corinne Schwartz, San Marcos, written comment. 1. Receive a Staff presentation and hold discussion regarding the Conservation Ordinance, Drought Response Plan and Water Use, and potential associated charges; and provide direction to Staff. Tom Taggart, Executive Director of Pubic Services, provided the Council with a presentation on the water supply and drought ordinance. Scott Gregson, Vice - Chairman of the Citizen's Utility Advisory Board, read their recommendation to the City Council. It attached for ease of reference. Due to the large amount: of content the Workshop was not completed. The Council directed Staff to schedule a continuation of this Workshop and to also plan to include Dr. Tom Hardy from the Meadows Center so that he may present. W. Question and Answer Session with Press and Public. None. City of San Marcos Page 2