04.07.20 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes April 7, 2020 argument that has been brought forth by opponents to the ordinance, concerning restitution, is disturbing. Restitution is not something the city council, or even the police, can legally address. The only one who can legally address it is a judge --and every person who is cited WILL have to appear before one. Arresting someone, who may be forced to stay in jail due to an inability to pay bail, is prematurely dolling out punishment to someone who has been accused, but may not be guilty. It can lead to the illegal detainment of indigent people, resulting in a debtor's prison, according to our Texas Consitution. An officer should be guided on how to avoid any possibility of these illegal detainments. According to the same 2019 report, failure to appear often happens because people do not have transportation or people are not provided with clear instructions on when and where to report. When people are provided with clear and simple instructions, and texted before their appearance date, you can improve court appearances by up to 23% according to the report. But again --court appearance concerns are not for the city council or the police to make a judgment on. It is the judge and the local court's job to improve communications with defendants and decide on adequate punishment, not the community, and not the officers. I ask that the city council protect the constitutional rights of their community members by ensuring they will not be unduly arrested and punished with imprisonment by enacting the cite and release ordinance today." PRESENTATIONS 1. Receive a presentation and update on the following semi-annual Preferred Scenario Map Amendment application(s); and provide direction to staff: PSA -20-02 (Riverbend Ranch) - Request to amend the Preferred Scenario Map from "Area of Stability -Low Intensity" to "Growth Area -Medium Intensity" for +I- 1,142 acres of land, located approximately at the intersection of North Old Bastrop Highway and Staples Road. Shannon Mattingly, Director of Development Services, provided the Council with the Preferred Scenario Amendment (PSA) Application presentation for Riverbend Ranch. Ms, Mattingly provided Council with an overview of the request and a schedule of upcoming meetings and public hearings. The location of the property is located near the intersection of North Old Bastrop Highway and Staples Road. Approximately 1,142 acres Located within a Low Intensity Zone as designated on the Preferred Scenario Map City of San Marcos Page 13