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City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 <br />Council Member Baker stated that all science uses models. If we think the <br />science isn't accurate and we need more studies, then those should have been <br />completed. We should listen to those with degrees and hydrologists on this <br />topic. He feels we should stick with the decision we've made. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Mihalkanin rebutted the statement that all science is based on <br />modeling, he provided the example of the speed of light that was measured as a <br />constant, not a model. Like in physics there is statistical certainty not absolute <br />certainty so not all science is based on modeling. He would like council to <br />indicate up or down on the topic. Do we direct staff to repair it and do we <br />request for the second time the city staff to work with the county on its park <br />proposal? <br />Council Member Baker asked why requests by Council regarding the <br />comparative studies are not being honored by Staff. Mayor Hughson stated <br />that Mr. Lumbreras addressed this earlier this evening. <br />Mr. Lumbreras reiterated that Staff has not made a decision to not move <br />forward. They have heard many things and they are trying to determine what <br />type of study is needed so the can create the scope for the RFP. There have <br />been numerous discussions on this topic. They were working on it and then <br />attentions had to turn to the Covid situation. Mr. Lumbreras stated that Staff <br />is not holding back on this issue and their plan was for this to be the topic of a <br />Work Session. <br />Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Rockeymoore is unclear why this is before us because <br />the science seems clear to him. If we are still trying to determine what type of <br />studies are needed and relevant information is still missing, why is this being <br />discussed this evening. <br />Council Member Gonzales stated that his concern is for safety reasons and he <br />hoped for information regarding the study, but ultimately it is safety. <br />Council Member Derrick was on the original council that voted to remove it. <br />She was hoping that getting a second opinion might put everyone's mind at <br />ease, but she doesn't understand why it is before us again. Decisions are made <br />all the time based on modeling and she trusts in the science. She believes it is a <br />safety hazard and it needs to be removed. The Park can still be created, but a <br />dam is not needed in order to have this park. The Hays County Bond <br />Committee is no longer seeking funding for the park project so how long is it <br />City of San Marcos Page 18 <br />