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City Council Meeting Minutes March 16, 2021 <br />Council Member Garza asked Mr. Lumbreras if the wording can be amended <br />on the requirements or is it a legal opinion. Mr. Lumbreras stated he answered <br />on the practical side, but the attorney is working on legal determination. He <br />said criteria was set and any changes will come back to council. Mr. Lumbreras <br />stated he will respond to council and will provide the status report on the <br />practical side and any legal issues, if changes will occur. Mayor Hughson stated <br />this is HUD money and would like to know what it would take to make the <br />changes and what delays could occur? <br />Mr. Cosentino stated the form indicates no one is guaranteed funds because <br />they applied. The program is used for money specifically for personal <br />protection equipment (PPE) and barriers to prevent the spread of COVID. <br />Council can change the criteria but there are policy questions but it does not <br />have to go back to HUD. It could be applies moving forward. Mr. Cosentino <br />stated there are no legal issues. <br />Council Member Baker inquired about the $1.9 trillion dollar bill and <br />expressed concern regarding business liability during the pandemic and would <br />like to see the businesses receiving funds to take any measures to reduce <br />employees getting sick. Mr. Lumbreras stated it is up to council for discussion <br />regarding any changes. Council Member Baker asked if the City is liable if an <br />employee gets sick. Mr. Lumbreras stated we are doing everything at the city <br />to protect our employees by following the guidelines, required testing and <br />provide vaccinations to essential workers. Mr. Cosentino stated he can't speak <br />on the business aspect if the owners fail to protect employees. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Derrick would like to receive a list of Revive SMTX recipients <br />and how much money is left. Mr. Stapp will provide information. <br />Council Member Garza asked if the program could be paused to make <br />amendments. Mr. Stapp stated 11 businesses have been reviewed and <br />additional documents are required to move forward. He stated 22 applications <br />have been received without any forms, but there is no due date. Mr. Lumbreras <br />suggested council to submit a request for a discussion item to be placed on an <br />agenda to discuss this. <br />Council Member Baker expressed concern with businesses not following the <br />safety guidelines and requiring customers and employees to wear masks and <br />will need to comply if applying for money. Mr. Cosentino stated council can <br />direct staff to add an action item for the next meeting. <br />City of San Marcos Page 4 <br />