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City Council Meeting Minutes December 15, 2020 <br />limits of San Marcos. <br />2. Receive a presentation and hold discussion regarding proposed amendments to the <br />Code of Ethics to require registration of lobbyists and requiring lobbyists to provide <br />periodic reports of lobbying activities; and provide direction to staff. <br />Michael Cosentino, City Attorney provided the presentation regarding the <br />lobbying ordinance. <br />Mr. Cosentino stated an ordinance amendment to the San Marcos Code of <br />Ethics is being proposed that would require lobbyists to register with the city <br />and provide periodic reports of contacts made with city officials in an attempt <br />to influence or persuade officials to take action or refrain from taking action <br />on matters of city business. He noted that the council has reviewed this draft <br />proposal a few times, the last being September 15, 2020. The Ethics Review <br />Commission has met and revisions have been made for council review. <br />Council Member Scott expressed his concerns with this ordinance and does not <br />like the micromanaging this creates and the requirement to report every citizen <br />that he has communications with. Mr. Cosentino stated this is a transparency <br />issue and not a way to prevent communication but to document them. <br />Mayor Hughson asked if friends or neighbors want to express an opinion <br />regarding a project occurring in their neighborhood, would that be an <br />exception from the reporting requirement?. She also asked if we are going to <br />record it, who and how is it going to be reported. <br />Council Member Derrick asked about reporting for those that serve on the <br />Workforce Housing Committee as they do talk with those that are lobbying to <br />obtain low income housing tax credits for their property. Staff would be <br />responsible for reporting on behalf of the committee and is important for <br />transparency purposes. <br />Council Member Baker spoke about the Greater San Marcos Partnership <br />(GSMP) and if they are required to report who they speak with regarding <br />lobbying efforts. He feels there needs to be a transparency policy in place for <br />all. <br />Mr. Cosentino presented the proposed changes on the Lobbying Rules and <br />Requirements for Lobbyists. These include an additional item that would <br />trigger lobbying registration, who would be responsible to report in the event a <br />lobbyist meets with multiple City officials or employees in a single meeting, <br />and exceptions to registration. <br />City of San Marcos page 3 <br />