11.16.21 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes November 16, 2021 location for San Marcos residents with the most need. Review applicable Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications and initiatives." PUBLIC HEARINGS 14. Receive a Staff briefing and hold a Public Hearing to receive comments for or against Resolution 2021-230R, authorizing Pedernales Electric Cooperative ("PEC") to use a portion of the Purgatory Creek Natural Area to install an access path beginning at Wonder World Drive and continuing for a distance of approximately 1,155 feet within the northern portion of the natural area for PEC's vehicles, equipment and crews to access existing PEC Electric Distribution Facilities within an existing PEC easement, also located in the natural area, such access path enabling shared use by the City for park related purposes; authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to approve final plans for such installation consistent with this Resolution; and declaring an effective date, and consider approval or Resolution 2021-230R. Jamie Lee Case, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, provided the presentation regarding Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) requesting access to the Purgatory Creek natural area to the right-of-way to install a gate. Ms. Case stated this will provide the city additional access for maintenance and for first responders. Mrs. Case stated, under Section 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife code, a public hearing is required to be conducted. She noted the requirements for the hearing and stated all have been met. Mrs. Case stated there will be improved distribution lines through the area that provides electric utility to the Willow Creek area by allowing PEC access to the right of way. The coordination for improvements to lines came after the winter storm. Much of the vegetation removal will be under the path of the overhead power line within the right-of-way. There will be some small portions as indicated removed for access only. They will also require some trimming of tree limbs along a portion of one of the hiking trails in the park and PEC's Arborist and the City's Urban Forester are in contact with one another and will work together regarding any impacts to trees within the Natural Area. Mayor Hughson opened the Public Hearing at 6:19 p.m. Those who spoke: Joey Thompson, PEC Representative, Project Manager, stated they also had to gain permission from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Conservation Officers, San Marcos upper watershed district and confirmed with Aquarena Springs and all groups gave consent to approve the plans. He stated an upgrade to the size of the poles is necessary to bare the weight of the conductor that will tie the line from Wonder World Drive to another line at Willow Creek. In case of a power outage PEC staff can push power on either direction to better serve the people in San Marcos and their PEC members. City of San Marcos Page 4