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The Texas State University Strutters led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Narvaiz presented the Strutters with a Proclamation proclaiming September 16, 2008 as Texas State University Strutters Day. 6. Citizen Comments Fr. Jonathan Niehaus, 100 Concho, Director of the Catholic Student Center, spoke regarding agenda item 26. He reported that the center is across the street from the project. He learned second hand that the issue was before the Planning and Zoning Commission last week; he did not receive any notification. As an immediate neighbor, he is concerned about traffic and parking. The Catholic Center is very busy. Recent changes by the university further complicate parking in the area. Traffic patterns are already difficult with one way restrictions to deal with. Camille Phillips, 620 Franklin, spoke regarding Concho Commons. It is a nice project, but he opposes any reduction in parking. It will hurt downtown to reduce parking. She is also concerned with the water/wastewater rate increase. Regarding charter amendments, Ms. Phillips expressed concern with amendment #5, providing compensation for council. If the amendment passes there would be no limitations on pay or raises with no oversight. Wendell Hethcalk, 1509 Hamilton, stated that the city has the distinction of having the highest water/wastewater rates in Texas. In the last three months, his average bill for water/wastewater was over $300/month or about $3,600 per year. He recognizes that the • city has to have money to operate, but we need to finesse this to see what we can do and study the situation for other alternatives. Ivory Foster, 702 Conway, spoke in opposition to #20. She stated that citizens cannot afford this increase with utilities already beyond their reach. Gladys Hall, 506 Mary Lane, said that she lives on fixed income and feels the same way. Becky Jenkins, San Marcos, asked Council to vote no to the increase. Dave Newman, 128 E. Holland, stated that San Marcos has the highest rates for a city our size in Texas. It is more than double what New Braunfels citizens pay. Commercial rates have also doubled, and he believes this is why businesses are reluctant to come to San Marcos. This increase would raise rates 9% per year for the next five years. There are arguments that the costs are necessary for maintaining the quality of our river, but there is still a nonchalant waste of our water. He cited an exampled of a water main break a couple of months ago. It was leaking at a rate of 60 gallons per minute. A public works employee explained that the leak was not something to worry about because it was on the city side. This illustrates the disparity. Allyn Gill, 102 W. Mimosa, opposes an increase in water rates this year. It is the wrong financial climate to increase water rates and the possible publicity of having the highest .