03032009 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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B. Deliberation on offers of 'possible incentives to entities considering locating or expanding in the San Marcos community. The Executive Session adjourned at 6:38 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. 4. Reconvene and Consider Action on Item Discussed Durin Executive Session The San Marcos City Council reconvened into regular session at 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. No action was required from Executive Session. 5. Invocation Pastor Bruce Wilson, of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, provided the invocation. 6. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Narvaiz led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. 7. Citizen Comments Camille Phillips, San Marcos resident, spoke regarding the proposed re-zoning of Purgatory Creek. She stated that all zoning changes are voluntary and discretionary. This is prime commercial land and is better suited for commercial. Lisa Marie Coppoletta, 516 Harvey, stated that San Marcos has mobilized on micro chipping. They are only asking to strike out that mandatory element from the ordinance. They don't want to be criminals in their own homes. Over 300 people have rallied outside with issues of personal responsibility, health concerns, and religious concerns. Dr, Katherine Albrecht, Nashua, NH, reported that she had sent a packet of information to the council to share her years of research and the recent findings that micro chipping is not as safe as indicated by the manufacturers. She told of a dog that died under the Los Angeles mandatory ordinance (citizens receive six months in jail if their pets are not tagged). She said there are cases of why people may choose not to microchip, not least of which is a possible link to cancer with lab animals. There have also been cases surfacing on the internet of dogs contracting cancer after their owners have them micro chipped. She asked that Council consider switching to a voluntary program. Melanie Gutermuth, San Marcos resident, presented a picture of her pets, Sadie and Sidney. They are members of her family. Both have been micro chipped and registered with the Pet Recoverv Center. Both animals were adopted from the Animal Shelter. Sadie was unable to be claimed because she had no identification. Sidney had a tattoo but there was no central data base to identify her. She feels this is a safety measure for her and her pets. Admittedly, it will be hard to enforce. She proposed that San Marcos consider a reclaim fee like the one used at the Town Lake Animal Shelter for spaying and neutering. This would allow the owners to choose whether to microchip their pet or pay a higher fee when claimed. RM030309 Minutes Page 2