03.17.2015 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2015 City Manager, Jared Miller, led this evening's pledges. V. 30 Minute Citizen Comment Period Ruben Becerra, addressed the Council as a downtown business owner and stated that they are home grown success stories. He feels that the GSMP is essential to their growth and success. He asked that the Council please continue supporting the GSMP. Brian Olson, thanked the Council for postponing consideration of the GSMP Contract. He asked that the Council continue to fund and support the Greater San Marcos Partnership. He stated that every single Council Member has campaigned on the idea of creating jobs and economically smart growth. He asked the Council to support the citizens of San Marcos and not cut the legs out from under something that is already working. Mr. Olson suggested increasing their budget by $51,000 per month. He also addressed the Council considering to increase their compensation and stated that this was not their job, but their civic duty which they chose to do. Rob Roark, addressed the Council and thanked the City Employees for their work over the last couple of months. He praised Amy Kirwin and Kaylie Head for the Purgatory Creek Watershed clean up. He asked the Council to use caution and restraint. He stated that he believes in business for all. He does not believe in government being too involved in the private sector. There are a lot of questions of the transparency, accountability when we are contracting out services of the City. Business is good and he enjoys seeing that trickledown effect, but we have an issue with the marketing. Jon Sprencel, greeted the Council and thanked the Council for their service. He addressed the Council as the Chair of the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce. He stated that the Chamber Board stands in support of the Greater San Marcos Partnership. They feel that they are still the best option for San Marcos and Hays County. As elected officials you have the task to balance issues and this isn't just a good invest, it's good business and good for San Marcos. John Meeks, addressed the Council and mentioned that the Economic Development efforts over the last 20 years have been lacking, but he is convinced that under the direction of Adriana Cruz that San Marcos can fill that gap. Over the years San Marcos has gained CFAN, the HEB Distribution Center, Butler Manufacturing and the Outlet Mail. We've seen sale tax increased, employment increased our bond rating increased as well. He mentioned that this was accomplished by a 5 organization collation. It was created by the City Council, Chamber, County and University and Gary job Corps. He recommended renegotiating the contract with GSMP. He stated that the contract should state clear goals and commitments. Vikash Patel, addressed the Council stating that a good community is a place where we can live, work and play. He said that he feels that the GSMP is a good liaison to help with getting through the red tape and helps get projects done. He stated that when developers come into the city from out of state that the first glimpse of San Marcos is usually through the Greater San Marcos Partnership and they help sell San Marcos. He feels that the Council should increase their budget and not decrease it. He feels that the Partnership is doing good job. The City of San Marcos did plant this seed with the partnership and help it thrive. Greg Clayton, addressed the Council to revisit the dog leash ordinance, and simply add something that if you are at a City park and your dog is not being a nuisance and under reasonable control that you can play fetch or some other activity that's not outside the scope of what dogs normally do. David Landers, Jr., with Epic Piping, he thanked the GSMP and Council for having them here. He mentioned that they will be bringing 500 jobs to San Marcos over the next 10 years. He gave a brief overview of their company, what they do, how they get involved in the community and City of San Marcos page 2