06281993 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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59 Regular Meeting June 28, 1993 Page 5 Mayor Morris introduced for consideration adoption of a Resolution, the caption which was read as follows: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY CHALLENGE GRANT APPLICATION TO THE TEXAS FOREST SERVICE; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS AND DOCUMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Moore moved for adoption of the Resolution and Mr. Guerra seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mayor Morris introduced a discussion regarding single-member districts and direction to Staff. Mr. Gilley provided the Council with voter information by precinct and ethnic breakdown from census information. Mr. Gilley stated Staff would work on gathering historic information of elections. Ruben Garza stated he received benefit from single-member districts in running for the School Board. He said he could go through the neighborhoods of the District and run the election less expensively. He encouraged the Council to seek single-member districts and stated it will benefit the city. He also stated even though he represents a single-member district, he still represents all citizens and taxpayers. Frank Arredondo agreed with Mr. Garza's comments and stated LULAC supports the Council establishing single-member districts. He said the Council needs more minority representation and in particular, Hispanic representation, and they do not want to wait until 1995 for an election by single-member districts. Mr. Moore stated there will be three seats on the May, 1994 ballot. Mr. Arredondo stated Hispanics only have representation indirectly. Mr. Hart stated the process begins with the individual effort of voting. Mr. Arredondo stated he wants to maintain the unity of San Marcos and representation and will take the roùte of the Court system if necessary. Dan Scales stated there is great apathy among voters, that they feel powerless. He stated Rick Hernandez lost his election in May because it fell on Cinco de Mayo. He requested Fred Guerra support a single-member district system. Lisa Coppoletta made reference to the recommendation of the Charter Review Commission to not change our election system and the makeup of the members of the Commission. She stated race and gender were not looked at and the present Council represents the wealthy class. She stated citizens want "their class" represented. Arvin Wallace stated in 1988 in a nonbinding referendum the people of San Marcos indicated they support single-member districts and want the Council to consider this. Mayor Morris introduced a discussion regarding acquisition of right-of-way on Hunter Road in connection with SMCISD school facility location and direction to Staff. Mr. Gilley advised Council Staff has met with the School District and discussed transportation. He stated the School District has no plans to do a traffic impact assessment, and they indicated their concern was to locate schools. They have some plans to widen some on Hunter Road only. Mr. Patterson stated Staff has a concern for traffic stacking between Stagecoach and Wonder World, but through the Subdivision Ordinance we may require the School District to conduct a traffic impact study. He stated the platting regulations and building permit processes would apply to the School District. Mr. Guerra stated our process was applied with Bowie Elementary. Mr. Moore stated the School District does not have funds available for transportation, only funds to educate children. Mr. Gilley stated the City has no requirement to be involved to facilitate the right-of-way acquisition process. He stated the city's only involvement focuses on the development of schools through the building and platting stage. Mr. Charles Walts of the School Board requested the City participate in r.o.w. acquisition. The city has no legal obligation to purchase or acquire for the School Board. Mr. Jenkins estimated a 5-lane roadway to the City limits would cost $400,000 to construct. Mr. Gilley was directed to work with the School District and to bring information to the Council when needed. Mayor Morris will write a letter to Mr. Walts advising him of the