10271997 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

153 Regular Meeting October 27, 1997 Page 3 to these places they could put money in their budget. Mr. Guerra felt if we were a larger City there may be some value in going to other cities. Mr. Hernandez stated this Ordinance does not have to be done on emergency. He stated this account could be set up for expenditures to be pre- approved by City Council. Mr. Hernandez expressed the importance in these relationships and felt the exchange of gifts was appropriate. He stated he had been working with Santiago, Mexico, and they would like official City intent to enter the Sister Cities Program. Mr. Cox stated he had represented the City of San Marcos on two trips to Romania. He felt there was significant good will created by interfacing with other Countries. Mr. Cox stated intangibles are very important. Mayor Moore expressed there are several issues to deal with. Mr. Cox stated he attended the NAFT A Summit of Mayors which included Mayors from the United States, Canada and Mexico. He stated these types of arrangements will become more tangible. Mr. Hernandez stated he felt San Marcos was a big enough player to enter the program and he already had a delegation from Santiago visit the outlet mall. Mr. Guerra expressed his concern with day to day issues such as streets and utilities. Mr. Mihalkanin stated Texas is a fast growing state and his concerns deal with excessive travel. He felt this would be a good program if the City could get an advantage by being a member; however, he felt the City should discuss a specific city in developing a relationship. Mr. Mihalkanin moved to amend from $5,000.00 to $500.00 and to change to three readings. On roll call the following vote was recorded: AYE: Mihalkanin, Hughson, Moore, Guerra, Cox, Hernandez. NAY: Hart. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passes. Mr. Guerra stated he agreed with Mr. Mihalkanin regarding discussing a specific city which may be more economically beneficial to the city. Mr. Guerra stated he would like to table the Ordinance and receive more details from other cities involved in the program and Ms. Hughson seconded the motion. On roll call the following vote was recorded: AYE: Mihalkanin, Hughson, Hart, Guerra, Cox. NAY: Moore, Hernandez. ABSTAIN: None. Mayor Moore introduced for consideration removal from the table and approval of an Ordinance on first reading, the caption which was read as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, TEXAS, AMENDING SECTION 102.029 OF THE CITY CODE BY ADOPTING THE SECTOR TWO PLAN; INCLUDING PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR PENALTŒS. Mr. Hernandez moved to remove from table and approval of the Ordinance on first reading and Mr. Mihalkanin seconded the motion. Ms. Hughson stated her homestead adjoins the property most under controversy in Sector Two and removed herself from the Chambers. Mayor Moore asked Council how they felt about Ms. Phillip's request for a charette of stakeholders. Mr. Cox stated if the Ordinance was denied the City would still need a Sector Two Plan. Mr. Gilley stated staff conducted a facilitated discussion between stakeholders and representatives from the neighborhoods who looked at the property and how it may be marketed. All attendees agreed to the process; however no one has come forward as a buyer or developer based on the criteria of that meeting. Mr. Guerra stated this is a very emotional and unpleasant issue to deal with for everyone involved and felt Ms. Phillips' alternative may be helpful to the process. He expressed he hoped everyone would participate in dialogue and communicate in the process. Ms. Phillips' stated the facilitation would be given by professionals who encourage people to talk regarding the issues of neighborhoods. She stated it is a way to possibly look at new ideas that are more pedestrian oriented. Mayor Moore stated he had no problem with trying this idea if Council was interested; however, he expressed the City has qualified planners. He stated the Sector Two Plan