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City Council Meeting Minutes May 21, 2019 surfaces, biofiltration and stormwater storage - can help to capture and clean runoff, lessen localized flooding, cultivate biodiversity, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enliven public space. Particularly in a town that prioritizes the health of its local waterways, it is important that the city itself set an example that both the public and private sector can follow. Contrary to popular belief, urban areas like our historic downtown contribute positively to regional stormwater quality first and foremost through their ability to decrease stormwater per capita and support many jobs and residents in a smaller footprint than more land consumptive development patterns. But right now there is a disconnect between downtown and the river. Generally seen as gray zones where dirty runoff is rushed away and underground into storm pipes before heading for waterways, urban areas are perceived to be at odds with ecological health. However, this perception can change through the use of incremental green infrastructure improvements to build a better, more connected story of water cycles. And public right of way and city projects like those in the CIP are opportunities to do just that. Rather than relying solely on hidden, upsized storm pipes or concentrated stormwater controls, green infrastructure can distribute rain load by capturing runoff closer to its point of origin and at the same time enhance public space with educational opportunities and improved aesthetics. As it relates to the CIP, please encourage the use of urban biofiltration planters or swales along rights-of-way in lieu of typically crowned vegetated strips; permeable surfaces in projects that would otherwise call for impervious surfaces, such as the reconstruction of city parking lots (id 169); and more specifically, permeable pavers in the alley reconstruction project (id 415), not just within the section that is kissing alley but for the entire length that is being rebuilt from Hopkins to Hutchison and University. Similar sized towns across the US - like Longmont, CO and Dubuque, Iowa - have championed the use of permeable pavers in urban alleys throughout historic downtowns to lessen flooding, protect waterway health and better manage maintenance. It isn't everyday that alleys are completely rebuilt and by taking advantage of this project to improve the unique gathering space that is Kissing Alley as well as other adjacent segments, San Marcos could learn from and launch into this noteworthy network of cities that are using green alleys to make communities more resilient. Thank you for your review of this matter." City of San Marcos page 2