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City Council Meeting Minutes January 19, 2021 <br />use drought -tolerant turf grass species in new developments, requiring minimum soil <br />depths in new developments, adding a definition for turfgrass, and making other minor <br />edits for clarification; providing a savings clause; providing for the repeal of any <br />conflicting provisions; and providing an effective date. <br />A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Derrick, seconded by Council Member <br />Baker, to approve Ordinance 2021-05, on the first of two readings. <br />Mayor Hughson inquired about Turfgrass section E(1) related to turfgrass <br />areas and the list of other drought tolerant grasses. Since we require particular <br />turfgrass who makes this determination? Ms. Klein, stated the specific grasses <br />are well known, but this will be left open if there are any new species of <br />turfgrass. Mayor Hughson asked isf someone wants to use another <br />drought tolerant turfgrass, what is the process? Ms. Klein stated there is a <br />landscape approval process. Mayor Hughson suggested additional language <br />stating the use of other drought tolerant turgrass has to be approved through <br />the landscape approval process. Mayor Hughson is concerned about the <br />increased cost because we want homes to be affordable and asked if someone <br />could justify the cost to potential homeowners. Mr. Taggart stated in reducing <br />the area of turfgrass and the savings in the irrigation system the costs are off <br />set in future utility bills. <br />Mayor Hughson suggested a document to provide to the builders that they <br />could pass onto customers. Staff can make illustrative cost tables to be <br />provided to homebuilders. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Derrick suggested additional language in the ordinance <br />referencing where homebuilders can find other options for grass and where to <br />look to ask for a variance? Mr. Taggart stated staff will modify the ordinance <br />to reference the different grass types options and where to look. <br />Council Member Gonzales asked about the consequences for going to another <br />grass? Mr. Taggart stated it doesn't matter what grass option is used, but it <br />would need to meet ordinance requirements. <br />Council Member Gleason stated that he is happy that minimum soil depth is <br />included. <br />The motion to approve carried by the following vote: <br />For: 7 - Mayor Pro Tem Derrick, Mayor Hughson, Council Member Baker, Council Member <br />Gonzales, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Scott, Council Member Garza and Council <br />Member Gleason <br />City of San Marcos Page 10 <br />