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211. Regular Meeting December 17, 2001 Page 4 reconnected before Monday morning Chief Griffith stated the officer would use a bullhorn or shout through the door and services would be reconnected as soon as the disconnect and reconnect fees are paid. The Council voted unanimously for approval of the Ordinance on first reading. Mayor Chiu introduced for consideration 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, ADDING A NEW ARTICLE 6, REGISTRATION OF LARGE PARTIES IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS, TO CHAPTER 34, ENVIRONMENT, OF THE SAN MARCOS CITY CODE, INCLUDING PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Mayhew moved for approval of the Ordinance on first reading and Ms. Hughson seconded the motion. Ms. Hughson stated the definition in the Ordinance for registrant means a person who registers a gathering and needs to add that it is someone who has lawful right to occupy these premises. Mr. Cox asked when and how you would register a large party if more guests showed up than invited. Chief Griffith stated the owner or occupant would need to notify the Police Department by fax, e-mail or by telephone at that time. Mr. Mihalkanin stated no punishment should be given to those who exceed 50 and call in. Mr. Mayhew asked Chief Griffith to explain the history of some of these parties. Chief Griffith explained the police go to these parties and waste time trying to locate the owner or occupant, and there has even been a few times when the Police Department has been left with an empty house to secure. Mr. Montoya stated in his culture there is not always planning for parties, so how would we let people know they have to register a party. Chief Griffith stated the Ordinance would be used as a tool to help get the word out. Ms, Hughson asked what would happen if the offenders ignore the registration, in which case we are right back with the problem we are trying to solve. Chief Griffith stated the Police Department would try to cite the responsible person and try to educate people to act responsibly. Mayor Chiu stated a right to assemble is a right that should be protected. Officer Carl Deal stated in some areas of San Marcos 50 people is fine, but in other areas the Police Department needs to know whose responsible for the party, so we can cite for serving minors, cars blocking the street, etc. Ms. Hughson stated she wanted to know what we have enforced already. Mayor Chiu agreed it would be helpful to know what we are working with. Chief Griffith agreed to get the present information back to the Council before the next meeting. On roll call the following vote was recorded: AYE: Mihalkanin, Montoya, Hughson, Cox, Mayhew, Tatum. NAY: Chiu. ABST AIN: None.