03032009 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Savannah Lightfoot. Austin, TX, spoke on behalf of rescue organizations. She has been working with Paw Match, and they have offered an innovative shelter. San Marcos kills over 70% of their shelter animals. Paw Match only loses 2%, and those are because of illness or behavioral issues. Andy Odam, Del Valle, TX, founder of Paw Match, stated they help out shelters around Texas. They take animals from shelters and bring them to areas of traffic to get them into loving homes. There is a part of the ordinance that will not allow them to do this in future. They adopt out a lot of animals - 60 animals saved per month per location in San Marcos. He asked Council to please consider rescue operations. David Rogers, Austin, TX, attorney for Paw Match, reported that just last week he had an incident about the enforcement of this ordinance, even though the effective date is not until April 1. He noted there is no definition of rescue groups in the ordinance. He proposed the following definition: A non-profit organization, which working in conjunction with humane societies, city shelters and other not-for-profit pet organizations, seeks to find permanent adoptive homes for animals that might be otherwise euthanized. He also has a concern with the way ordinance is written now that effectively does not allow Paw Match to operate at Walmart because of the entrance to the food area of Walmart. He recommended that section 6.064 state, "This section does not apply to rescue groups". • David Badal, Wimberley, TX, with the Civil Air Patrol extended his organization's appreciation of Scott Gallagher for his excellent service and support. He is a pleasure to work with and is passionate in his desire to improve the airport facilities. He is a valuable asset to the City. Michael Occhialini, 521 Stagecoach Trail, encouraged the Council to focus on the critical issues of our town. He stated that it is essential to put aside personal interests. The reality is we need jobs for our adults, better education for our children and affordable healthcare. Council should stop wasting time on the micro chipping of pets, dogs in back of pickup trucks and possession of graffiti implements. He reported that 70% of the SMCISD is economically disadvantaged. Council needs to bring to San Marcos jobs, education and healthcare. Council needs to 1) vote for the project that brings jobs to San Marcos, 2) have dedication to the children of our community, and 3) compassion for those that need affordable healthcare. Dan McCarthy, 905 Hillyer, thanked Council for the reconsideration of the animal ordinance. He reported there are 300 people outside that he helped to gather. Harris Katchen, 251 Deertrail, spoke regarding the condition of the construction zone on Lime Kiln Road. Approximately a month ago, he called the County Commissioner, Karen Ford, and discussed the condition of the road. He also noted that the school light is not working. The speed limit is 45 mph, and there is no step down in the highway speed. The guard rail has been ripped off, and people like to drive that road at 70 mph. He reported that Commissioner Ford said it was San Marcos' responsibility. As he was driving to town yesterday at 6:30 p.m., there was a big rock in road. The bridge still has caution tape. He got to Travis Elementary, and the RM030309 Minutes Page 3