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56. Regular Meeting October 9, 2000 Page 8 Mayor Chiu introduced for consideration Item 9.D. (1) removed from the consent agenda, adoption of a Resolution, the caption which was read as follows: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, TEXAS, AWARDING A CONTRACT TO WESTFALIA SEPARATOR, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF A SLUDGE THICKENING CENTRIFUGE SYSTEM FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT; AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASING MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS AND A MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Ms. Hughson moved for adoption of the Resolution and Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. Ms. Hughson asked if this would solve the odor problems, and Mr. Gilley advised it would help. The Council voted unanimously for adoption of the Resolution. Mayor Chiu introduced for consideration Item 9.E. removed from the consent agenda, approval to proceed to obtain appraisals for exchange of right-of- way to be abandoned for adjacent property between the 300 Block of LBJ Drive and Guadalupe Street (Forrester-public hearing held September 25, 2000). Mr. Moseley moved for approval to proceed with obtaining appraisals and to include the conditions contained in Amy Kirwin's letter dated October 6, 2000 and Ms. Tatum seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mayor Chiu introduced a presentation by Dr. Thomas Arsuffi regarding the possible establishment of a Texas Science and Technology Center in San Marcos and direction to Staff. Dr. Arsuffi stated he is the President of the Board of Directors for the Texas Academy of Science which has over 1,000 members. There is a need to establish a science and technology center in Texas. The public needs to be informed, there is a need for new scientists and Texas does not have such a center. Dr. Arsuffi thinks San Marcos would be a good location for a science and technology center and a partnership would be the way to go with such a center. He envisions an interactive learning center, which can be visited for fun and learning something new. Southwest Texas State University has endorsed the concept and Dr. Arsuffi asked for the Council's support. He stated this could make San Marcos an environmental/science education mecca with a wetlands boardwalk and Texas River Center. He stated there are many ways to fund such a center, and as example, stated Maryland raises $600,000 a year through $10-$15 entry fees. Mr. Moseley stated he would like to see the Board of Directors' inclusion of Austin and San Antonio, and Dr. Arsuffi agreed that we must think regionally. Mr. Moseley also stated he would like to see an affordable entry fee. Ms. Hughson stated she is supportive of an environmental education center. Dr. Arsuffi stated they are presently in a conceptual, developmental phase, and with the Staff's help and support will get moving on this center. The Council directed a Resolution of support be prepared for the next meeting.