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City Council Meeting Minutes April 16, 2019 <br />seeing the Aquamaids at Aquarena Springs in the underwater theater. There is <br />an active market for Art & Creativity, Environment, and Entrepreneurial <br />within our Community. He urges Council to make San Marcos the Mermaid <br />Capital of Texas, but also remove barriers for artists to do business in this <br />community. <br />July Moreno, addressed Council as the founder of the Mermaid Society of <br />Texas. She supports the designation of Mermaid Capital of Texas. She is proud <br />to be born and raised in San Marcos and still considers this her home sweet <br />home. There is a long history of the Mermaids that date back to the 1950s. <br />Although referred to as aquamaids, the mermaid image was and still is iconic <br />to San Marcos. Over the last four years many have supported the revival of the <br />Mermaid symbol with events, festivals, retail goods, murals, and statutes. <br />These have contributed to the growing interest in making the mermaid our <br />mascot. The symbol of the mermaid represents a vibrant and prosperous <br />community that is united in celebrating out arts, culture, and heritage. She <br />believes the symbol will foster a strong connection and instill, in our youth, <br />guardianship for nature and community. The U.S. Census Bureau has <br />indicated Hays County is the 4th fastest growing County in the United States. <br />With so much growth and change it is good to foster ideas to preserve and <br />protect things that will keep our community unique. This designation will <br />promote beauty of the San Marcos River for generations to come. <br />Cory Glisson-Munier, spoke as a board member on the Mermaid Society of <br />Texas and appreciates the discussion Council will have regarding the <br />designation of Mermaid Capital of Texas. He stated many organizations work <br />with the Mermaid Society who share in their value of art, culture and history. <br />Many stakeholders throughout the community have embraced the mermaid by <br />way of drink, clothing, jewelry, and other offerings and these items can be <br />purchased all over San Marcos. With this designation new opportunities will <br />arise and bring in new visitors. With the increase in visitors, comes an increase <br />in tax collection. Wonder World Cave and the Mermaid Society have recently <br />joined forces to create something special for visitors as well. He commented on <br />the Splash Festival that attracted more than 5,000 people last year and he <br />believes with this designation, this number will only increase. <br />Ruah Gleason, spoke as a public educator for over 20 years and how the <br />mermaid symbol has such a positive effect on students. It helps them to learn <br />at an early age how to take care of our rivers. She then spoke on the <br />CDBG-DR item and she appreciates Council for securing these funds. However <br />she hasn't seen any infrastructure improvements in Blanco Gardens and she <br />City of San Marcos Page 2 <br />