08.17.21 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes August 17, 2021 Department Health Services and Hays County. He mentioned they haven't broken it down from COVID-19 versus delta variant. Mr. Fitch stated the hospital capacity for Austin and San Antonio is between 16%-18% and in San Marcos it is 16%. Mr. Stapp stated the Governor's orders stopped making reference of the percentage of 15% for seven days straight but staff is tracking the percentage on a daily basis. The state is doing random testing across the state for the delta variant and we haven't received much information yet. It is likely that we have a number of delta variant cases. The concern is the number of those hospitalized and we should encourage mask wearing, etc. regardless. Council Member Baker would like for staff to reach out to Hays County to discuss the issue with reporting. Council Member Garza noted there is a lot of misinformation in the public about the vaccines. She asked how the COVID-19 Outreach group and COVID Council Committee can collaborate. Mr. Stapp stated the committee was created when COVID presentations were pulled from the agenda and he would like direction on how to proceed. Council Member Baker noted it was good to see the Chamber of Commerce asking people to wear masks to the next event at the Conference Center and would like to see mask wearing encouraged at all such events. He noted the SMCISD Board of Trustees has voted to require masks in school. He inquired about the Governor's Order and mask wearing in relation to the Disaster Order/Emergency. Mr. Cosentino noted related topics should be discussed in Executive Session. He also inquired about misinformation appearing in comments on a City Hall Facebook posting and would like staff to engage with citizens to provide the correct information. Mr. Lumbreras stated he would get with staff and view posts to respond appropriately. 30. Hold discussion related to deferment of some American Rescue Plan funding to a future date, and provide direction to Staff. Mayor Hughson asked Council if they would be willing to bring item 30 forward since it is related to Covid; Council concurred. Bert Lumbreras, City Manager, provided a brief introduction and stated the COVID update provided earlier indicated how the number of cases are surging in our community due to the Delta variant and he stated this surge is being felt in the hospitals. Mr. Thomas McKinney of Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Marcos reached out to determine if the City could be of any assistance. During previous peaks of COVID-19 in our area, the State of Texas provided nurses, staff and resources to assist. Hospitals are now being advised by the Texas Department of Emergency Management to reach out to local City of San Marcos Page 4