04121999 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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105 Regular Meeting April 12, 1999 Page 7 (legislation the City of San Marcos opposes) and Mr. Doiron seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. A separate Resolution will be provided for the Council's consideration at the next meeting regarding bills the City opposes. The Council then voted unanimously for adoption of the Resolution. Mr. Cox introduced a discussion regarding a requested amendment to the Taxicab Ordinance. Mr. Taylor advised one of the taxi services wants to reduced their hours. The request was made by Louise Green who wants the operating hours of requirement to be 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. It was noted the Ordinance sets the minimum number of hours, and that an operator may provide services at additional hours if they wish. The Council directed Staff proceed to prepare the amendment. Mr. Cox introduced a discussion regarding Comanche Street Wells. It was consensus of Council the discussion be delayed until after Executive Session. Mr. Cox introduced a discussion regarding Wonder World Drive Extension. Mr. Gilley stated Staff has discussed with TXDOT representatives and the City has asked TXDOT to fund the construction portion of the project. TXDOT has advised it may be three to five years before they could participate. Mr. Lenz has suggested the City and TXDOT look at changing who would do various pieces of the project. The City has funding for right-of-way and if the City handles the acquisition of right-of-way, it would expedite the project. Mr. Gilley stated routing, although Wonder World has been determined as a segment of the routing, needs to be determined. Mr. Gilley stated an enviromental assessment needs to be done after the routing is determined and mitigation costs if necessary. Mr. Cox stated we have political resources and should ask our representatives to expedite and enhance our project. The citizens and Council have identified this as an urgent need and we should explore involving the political system. Mr. Doiron does not think Council has fully discussed this matter as to what the City wants the roadway and greenbelt to look like and feels extensive discussion is needed. Mr. Hernandez stated it has been discussed and there are connections. Ms. Hughson stated the actual route has not been established but has been discussed. Mr. Mihalkanin stated it has been discussed as a means to get traffic from one point to another and does not think multiple cuts should be allowed and is concerned with the flow of traffic through the City. Mr. Hernandez stated the City can limit the connections and zone property so as to eliminate retail centers and can address a greenbelt and what the City wants. Mr. Gilley stated if this is a TXDOT roadway, the City will be unable to make this a restrictive roadway. The City could zone and establish greenbelts and can limit street cuts to some extent. If the City decides to contribute to the construction costs, typically the amount has been twenty percent. The Council will. need to determine if the City wants to do any or all, and if we want to have a hearing before the Transportation Commission, that generally takes about ninety days to schedule. The City needs to look at the environmental issues and routing. Mr. Gilley stated we can look at a large segment in an environmental study, or if we can determine specifically the routing, it would be less costly for the environmental study. Mr. Hernandez stated maybe the timing of what was on the ballot was inaccurate. Mr. Gilley stated some of the Council signed a letter stating they wanted this project to be expedited, and the Council has expressed interest in committing local funds if necessary. Mr. Moseley stated he thinks we need to move along and do the assessment and look at a political solution to help TXDOT along. Ms. Hughson stated she thinks the first step is environmental assessment and routing. Mr. Mihalkanin stated he is opposed to going to politicals to resolve, as we would lose control. He believes the citizens expect little access. Ms. Hughson stated she is not ready to ask for political help. Mr. Gilley