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City Council <br />Meeting Minutes February 17, 2022 <br />Michael Cosentino, City Attorney confirmed this would be allowable. <br />2. Receive a Staff Presentation and hold discussion regarding American Rescue Plan <br />(ARP) Funding, and provide direction to the City Manager <br />Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Scott requested a breakdown of what has been spent <br />as of right now for American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funds. He inquired about <br />what these funds could be used for and he mentioned the city's Summer Fun <br />program and how valuable this is to our community. He would like to see <br />funds help with this program and any program that focuses on children and <br />families. He would like to know what the community wants so we can get a <br />handle on what the community needs and what will benefit citizens now and <br />into the future. He wants to ensure these funds are used for the community. <br />Discussion was held on the possibility of a community survey being developed <br />and shared to ensure funds are allocated properly. <br />Stephanie Reyes, Interim City Manager, outlined the allowable uses and <br />illustrated that infrastructure is something for the community, however funds <br />like Mr. Scott mentioned would be community services and staff does need <br />guidance on how council wants to utilize these funds. <br />Discussion was held on equity and some of the racial disparities that the <br />pandemic has brought to light. There was discussion on the possibility of a <br />future work session to discuss equity based budgeting and engaging our <br />community on equity and inclusion. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Garza spoke of <br />the potential to create an equity score card. Mrs. Reyes said trying to navigate <br />this has been somewhat challenging and if this is to be a successful initiative, <br />we may need to invest some of these funds to look at models and let someone <br />assist with navigating this process. Council noted that a work session may be <br />needed to totally review and discuss this topic. <br />Mayor Hughson stated that we are a caring community and the general <br />concept is not new to the council members who have served. A deeper look can <br />be taken. <br />Council Member Gonzales spoke about some concerns he hears from citizens <br />and many are concerned about their homes and the ability to make the repairs <br />necessary in order to stay in their homes. He said there are many stumbling <br />blocks on getting these repairs, such as roofing, piping and leveling so making <br />it easier to get paperwork filed would be beneficial to citizens. He noted that <br />some homes are passed on to the kids but the paper work isn't done. Mayor <br />Hughson noted that was an issue for many after the floods and the <br />City of San Marcos Page 2 <br />