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112. Regular Meeting July 23, 2001 Page 2 Mayor Chiu introduced a public hearing regarding revising and updating Article 6, Edwards Aquifer Protection Regulations, of Chapter 94, Development Standards, of the City Code. Mayor Chiu opened the public hearing. Jim Kimmel expressed his involvement and interest in tourism and water resources and how closely related the two issues are, and stated his background is in water resource and master planning at SWT. He stated the Council is responsible for prudent management of water quality and the City needs a strong Aquifer Protection Ordinance. He expressed an interest in working with the City on this issue. Dianne Wassenich stated all surfaces that are built increase water velocity, deteriorates the soil and causes erosion. She stated we must limit impervious cover and need to develop intelligent recharge rules and not allow development along streams. Tom Wassenich stated we must retain water quality and prevent erosion. He stated Austin has allowed homes to be constructed on the edge of creeks, and when they have been flooded, the City of Austin has been asked to pay for them. Amy Kirwin, President of the Neighborhood Association, stated she is in support of limiting impervious cover along waterways. Carol Coughlin stated she is in favor of keeping this Ordinance strong to protect our water and to provide safe water to drink. Dan Praver stated he supports the statements of all the previous speakers. He stated he is concerned about water quality and wants the Ordinance to be as strong as it can be. No one else wished to speak. Mayor Chiu stated the Council is only holding a public hearing and is not considering the Ordinance at this meeting, because the Council is waiting to receive the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Taylor advised the Council it may be beneficial to allow a continuation of the public hearing through the August 27 meeting when the Ordinance is scheduled to be considered on first reading. It was consensus of Council to do so. Mayor Chiu introduced for consideration a public hearing and approval of an Ordinance on first reading, the caption which was read as follows: AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A PERMIT AND CONSENT TO EL PASO GAS TRANSMISSION COMPANY, ITS WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS AND WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY GENERAL AND LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS, AND THEIR SUCCESSORS, LESSEES OR ASSIGNS, TO MAINTAIN, USE AND OPERATE EXISTING NATURAL GAS AND/OR NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS TRANSMISSION PIPELINES ALONG, ACROSS AND UNDER PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY IN THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, TEXAS; INCLUDING PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mayor Chiu opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak. No one did, so Mayor Chiu closed the public hearing. Ms. Hughson moved for approval of the Ordinance on first reading and Ms. Tatum seconded the motion. Mr. Mayhew asked if a representative of El Paso Gas was present to answer questions. Mr. Taylor advised no one was present. Mr. Mayhew asked if other products could be transmitted other than natural gas, and Mr. Taylor stated this Ordinance would authorize them to transport a variety of things through the lines, and that these are not new lines.