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City Council Meeting Minutes October 15, 2019 <br />Mr. Wright began by explaining that this presentation and the maps, <br />comments, and strategies are conceptual only. The information contained in <br />the work is only to explore the potential of a more comprehensive master plan. <br />He explained that the vision presented here; Seeks to promote the <br />rehabilitation and interpretation of the Thompson/Cape dam, mill race, <br />Thompson/Cape mill site and turbine structure, as a special place; the very <br />beginning of San Marcos industry. <br />Mr. Wright explained that Cape's Dam is a Crib Dam and explained that it is <br />meant to be porous and that water is meant to flow through it as well as over <br />it. Mr. Wright reviewed the Master Plan Process and the steps that would be <br />taken: historical & environmental assessments, strategy and design. Then <br />public engagement online and meetings with stakeholder groups. The last step <br />would be drafting up the master plan document. <br />He spoke about the rehabilitation concept of the dam and how it could provide <br />safe access for people of all abilities. He continued by explaining the <br />conceptional improvements for the Mill Pond and Thompson Dam. He <br />reviewed the possible improvements to safety, access and bank stabilization in <br />the area. <br />Mr. Wright provided that the overall goal of the rehabilitation is not related to <br />recreation, but instead to prioritize the historic features and environmental <br />beauty of the area. <br />Mr. Wright explained that the overall goals of the visioning study are: <br />achieving a balanced approach for historic structure rehabilitation, educational <br />interpretation, and leisurely activities while preserving the ecological integrity <br />of the San Marcos River through pragmatic conservation and restoration <br />initiatives. Providing a special & diverse asset to be enjoyed by San Marcos <br />and Hays County residents, accessed by trails reaching out in all directions. <br />Providing comprehensive safety and access, focusing on ADA, EMS servicing, <br />Trails, & Water Access. <br />Mr. Wright reviewed the general study area, and explained that one of the <br />goals is to maintain this section of the river as a quieter place with less access. <br />He explained that there would be less parking & access and that the study <br />addresses the balance of environmental protection with historical and <br />recreational assets. <br />Mr. Wright reviewed the first goal of achieving a balanced approach and <br />explained that the Vision Study caters to three main areas: environmental <br />City of San Marcos Page 3 <br />