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Regular Meeting July 12, 2004 32. Page 3 of making the decision regarding this project. 6) Bob Wilson read a letter from Marsha Thompson, Board of Realtors, in support of the project. 7) Lindsey Glass stated she is a student at Texas State University-San Marcos. She stated the approval of this project would mean jobs for the residents of San Marcos. She stated currently the college students have to travel to surrounding cities for part-time jobs. She feels the money that is earned in San Marcos would be spent in San Marcos. 8) Jim Kimmel stated he is the Director of the Planning and Tourism Department at Texas State University-San Marcos and the owner of a new Café in downtown. He stated he will be able to see the Hotel/Conference Center from his back yard. He encouraged the Council to pay very close attention to the Economic Development of this project. He also encouraged the Council to allow the public to vote on this project. 9) Jerry Kimmel stated she isthe neighborhood representative for this area and stated they would be highly impacted by this project. She stated some of the residents are for this project, and some are against this project. She stated most of the residents are concerned with the noise, traffic, City budget and taxes. She encouraged the Council to keep the residents informed. 10) Susan McNichol stated she lives one mile from the proposed location. She stated the residents are beginning asked to ante up $24 million on top of the School Bond. She stated there are already three conference centers in this area and twelve golf courses. 11) Ray Smith stated he is a developer. He stated the developer of this project will answer every question the citizens have and especially the questions regarding the river. He stated he supports this project, and feels it would be a big boost for the City. 12) Ofelia Vasquez-Philo stated she feels San Marcos will grow no matter what the City does. She stated she supports this project. She feels a low paying job is better than no job. 12) Amy Kirwin stated the Land Development Code was discussed at the CONA meeting. She stated the citizens who attended the meeting want to see a feasibility study. She stated they also want to be able to vote on this project. 13) John Wade encouraged the Council to move forward with the project. He also encouraged the Council to vote on the project. 15) Carmen Imel stated she feels the Council should check the salaries paid at Mr. Hammond's other resorts; She stated she supports this project. 16) Jim Lehman stated he feels the proposed location is the better location for this type of project. He stated the environmental protection is in place. He stated he supports this project. He encouraged the Council to make the decision for the future of San Marcos. Mr. O'Leary provided a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Thomaides inquired whether the City would own the land the conference center sits on. Mr. O'Leary stated the City will own the property the conference center sits on. Mr. Thomaides inquired whether the City would borrow money to pay the shortfall. Mr. O'Leary stated yes, the shortfall would be paid for by borrowed money unless we find another source. He stated the preliminary site plan shows exactly who will be responsible and how it would be paid for. Mr. Bose inquired if Economic Development grants were available. Mr. O'Leary stated he met with Senator Wentworth and Representative Rose about grants available through the Texas Enterprise Fund. Mr. Diaz inquired how the City could address the