07062010 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Jan Klein, Water Conservation Coordinator, reported that existing commercial incentive • programs include a plumbing retrofit program and the hotel /motel high efficiency toilet rebate. Potential programs for the Council's consideration are: • High- efficiency toilet rebates • Wash Smart rebate • Irrigation system upgrades • Water efficiencies technologies rebate • Heating /AC rebate • Commercial lighting rebate • Energy efficient technologies rebate Council directed staff to research our biggest water and electric customers to possibly target industries, determine what other rebates are being offered by other jurisdictions, and to provide more information ahead of time so that the Council may have ample opportunity to review prior to the meeting. 26. Presentation from Airport Commission Chair Chuck Nash and discussion regarding San Marcos Municipal Airport operations, and provide direction to staff. Chuck Nash, Airport Commission Chair, reported they went out with a RFP, but only one offer came in from Texas Aviation Partners. They did have several inquiries, but only one formal response. He believes this is the right thing for the airport. It is a contract with five year options • to market the airport as well as operate it. The only way they will make any money is to grow the airport. 27. Discussion on the possibility of waiving utility deposits for Veterans, and provide direction to staff. It was noted that the Veteran's Commission sent this recommendation to the Council for consideration. The Finance and Audit Committee also requested information regarding the budgetary impact. There are 11,000 veterans in the area, but we do not know how many are in the City. Jude Prather, with the Hays County Veterans Commission, stated that the intent behind waiving utility deposits is to encourage veterans to move to San Marcos. This will send a message, perhaps even nation wide, that San Marcos is a military - friendly community. Council consensus was to discuss this during budget, perhaps setting aside a budget amount to see how many take advantage of the program. 28. Discussion on expansion of the current Railroad Ouiet Zone proiect to a citywide Railroad Quiet Zone and provide direction to staff. An HNTB representative stated Federal regulation requires locomotive horns be sounded for 15- 20 seconds before entering all public grade crossings. The exception to the rule for sounding • horns (aka "Quiet Zone ") requires the railroad to minimize the use of horns if approved safety RM070610 Minutes Page 7