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City Council <br />Meeting Minutes October 15, 2019 <br />provided that if the Council would like to move forward with this option that <br />there would be several things that would needs to happen. He referenced the <br />previous study completed by Dr. Thom Hardy that recommended a second <br />opinion, and mentioned that there would be some more structural engineering <br />work that would have to happen. He referenced issues with hydrology in the <br />area, environmental concerns, habitat concerns, and flood impact concerns. <br />3. Is Council interested in the concept plan that was presented? <br />Mr. Lumbreras then introduced Ms. Kate Johnson, Chair of the Hays County <br />Historical Commission. Ms. Johnson introduced Hays County Commissioner <br />Debbie Ingalsbe. <br />Commissioner Ingalsbe thanked the Mayor and Council for allowing her to <br />share a few words. She stated that one of the things that she hoped that would <br />occur is for the City and the County to continue to work together on this <br />concept. She stated that they would like the Council's input and that she feels <br />it's important to get the public's input as well. She stated that she feels that <br />there is a great opportunity to provide this vision to part of our County and <br />City that has been underserved in the past. She stated that she is not trying to <br />create any kind of division, but that she feels that the eastside of I-35 has <br />lacked in some of these opportunities. She provided that this is an opportunity <br />to provide these kinds of recreational opportunities for the citizens that <br />haven't had access to passive recreation like hike & bike trails and educational <br />opportunities. She stated that she hopes that we can all come together on this <br />vision. Commissioner Ingalsbe also provided that it is equally important to <br />her that we protect, we preserve, we restore our river, and all of the <br />components that Mr. Lumbreras mentioned previously. She stated that we <br />have a treasure in our river and that we need to do all that we can to protect it. <br />She provided that she would be happy to respond to any questions that <br />Council may have. <br />Ms. Johnson thanked Mayor Hughson and thanked the City Council for <br />allowing them the opportunity to pursue a conceptual plan for the park area <br />encompassing Thompson's Island, the Dam, the Mill Race, Stokes Park and <br />Cape's Camp. She stated that she hopes this will be the beginning of a <br />partnership between Hays County and the City of San Marcos. She introduced <br />Mr. Mitch Wright with Vista Planning & Design who provided the Council <br />with the presentation of the Visioning Study. Ms. Johnson provided that his <br />firm was selected for their ability to balance high quality design with <br />environmental stewardship. His firm also has extensive experience with public <br />engagement should the project go to the next level. <br />City of San Marcos Page 2 <br />