06.01.21 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes June 1, 2021 prohibited from voting on a matter." The motion to postpone failed by the following vote: For: 3 - Mayor Hughson, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Scott and Council Member Gleason Against: 4 - Mayor Pro Tem Derrick, Council Member Baker, Council Member Gonzales and Council Member Garza MOTION TO POSTPONE: A motion was made by Council Member Gleason, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Scott, that Ordinance 2021-45 be postponed to the August 3, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting. The motion to postpone failed by the following vote: For: 2 - Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Scott and Council Member Gleason Against: 5 - Mayor Pro Tem Derrick, Mayor Hughson, Council Member Baker, Council Member Gonzales and Council Member Garza Mayor Hughson expressed her concerns with what may be missing from this Ordinance because this appears to only be concerned when there is money involved. Lobbying means influence and not just for money. Mr. Lollar stated this could be more than just financial. He also stated this Ordinance is for not only transparency for citizens but also a way for City officials and City employees to cover themselves as well. Mayor Hughson asked if this Ordinance covers influence when there is nothing about lobbying for money. Mr. Cosentino read the definition of lobbying and stated this is intended for any person who is doing the lobbying that is being compensated or is gaining an economic benefit. Mr. Cosentino spoke on the exceptions to registration located in Sec. 2.474 from the hypothetical question asked about a non-profit that is lobbying the City to purchase land (influence) but not directly receiving funds. Mr. Cosentino read Item 11 which states that Non-profit corporations and their representatives while generally exempt, shall nonetheless be subject to all disclosure, registration, and lobbying activity reporting requirements of this division if they contact city officials or employees to solicit public funding from the city. The hypothetical non-profit would not be required to lobby under this circumstance. Mayor Hughson remains concerned that asking the city to spend city funds is lobbying even if the funds are not going to that organization. There were comments on advocacy groups versus organizations that are gaining an economic benefit and a line needs to be drawn. Mr. Lollar stated discussions can identify anyone or anything as a lobbyist, but we need to focus on who is exempt from registration to make the conversation more fruitful. City of San Marcos Page 15