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City Council Meeting Minutes May 5,2026 <br /> Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP),which manages the impacts of aquifer <br /> pumping and river uses endangered species. The current Incidental Take <br /> Permit(ITP) expires in 2028, and partners are preparing a revised plan and <br /> new permit application. <br /> HCP Manager Mark Enders gave an overview of the_program and renewal <br /> effort, noting that the ITP provides liability protection for incidental impacts <br /> on listed species and that partners are seeking a renewal of up to 30 years. He <br /> summarized the regional plan area, partner agencies, and key permit <br /> requirements. <br /> He reviewed spring-flow targets and EAA drought measures. He also outlined <br /> local conservation measures carried out by the City and Texas State University <br /> and noted that the renewed HCP may include controlled access during extreme <br /> low-flow conditions. <br /> Manager Enders briefly summarized costs funded through Aquifer <br /> Management Fees, and noted that cost-sharing discussions for San Marcos <br /> measures continue. He outlined next steps, including draft submittals in 2026 <br /> and a return to Council in 2027 for final approval before the 2028 permit <br /> expiration. <br /> During Council discussion, Council Member Paselk asked about renewal costs, <br /> and Manager Enders estimated approximately$2 million to date. Council <br /> Member Rodriguez highlighted the benefits of the program and asked about <br /> capacity to continue required measures; Manager Enders confirmed they <br /> reflect ongoing work. Mayor Hughson asked about potential access restrictions <br /> during low flows and about past Council direction to stop promoting summer <br /> river recreation. Staff confirmed promotional content had been removed and <br /> will research the history of that directive. Council Member Scott asked about <br /> fencing along the river, and Manager Enders reported that most fencing has <br /> been in place for years,with newer, more visually compatible segments <br /> installed through HCP funding. Mayor Hughson asked for confirmation that <br /> those newer segments were paid for by the HCP program. <br /> 2. Receive a Staff presentation on the City's Water and Wastewater Impact Fees. <br /> Assistant City Manager Joe Pantalion introduced the impact fee update, noting <br /> that significant construction costs have increased since the City's last update in <br /> 2018 require revisiting the fee to ensure new development pays its proportional <br /> share. He introduced engineering consultants Freese and Nichols (wastewater) <br /> City of San Marcos Page 2 <br />