12062004 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. Regular Meeting December 6, 2004 Page 2 Transportation regarding light synchronization and the Wonder World I project. He stated originally TxDOT had some concerns regarding ADA issues. He stated these issues have been resolved, and the light synchronization should begin in October or November of 2005. He also stated the overpass for the Wonder World project will begin in February of 2005. Mayor Narvaiz introduced for consideration a public hearing and approval of an Ordinance on second reading, the caption which was read as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, TEXAS, CHANGING THE DATE FOR REGULAR CITY ELECTIONS FROM THE SECOND UNIFORM ELECTION DATE IN EACH CALENDAR YEAR TO THE FOURTH UNIFORM ELECTION DATE IN EACH CALENDAR YEAR; AND INCLUDING PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS. Mayor Narvaiz opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak. 1) Jane Hughson stated she opposes the election date change. She stated she is concerned the City election would become a partisan race. She also stated the State Legislature stated municipalities could change their election date, not should change the date. Mayor Narvaiz asked if anyone else wished to speak. No one did, so Mayor Narvaiz I closed the public hearing. Mr. Guerrero moved for approval of the Ordinance on seconded the motion, and Mr. Diaz second reading. Mr. Taylor stated he supports the election date change. He also stated he feels the Council should hold their elections in November in the off years from the Presidential and Gubernatorial elections and hold Charter Amendments during the Constitutional Amendment election years. He stated he feels any increase in voter turnout is better for the citizens. Mr. Mihalkanin stated he feels if the City elections are held in off years, then this is defeating the voter turnout reason for changing the election date. He stated he has concerns regarding changing the terms of Office for the Mayor and Council. He stated he feels the Council will not be saving money by changing the election date. He also stated the San Marcos School District will still be holding their election in May, which will cause their expenses to increase if the City elections are changed to November. Mr. Thomaides stated he feels changing the terms of the Council should be voted on by the citizens. Mayor Narvaiz read a portion of the letter from the League of Women Voters, supporting the election date change. She also read a portion of the Texas Reform Issue Report, supporting the election date change due to voter fatigue. She stated she would like to request an Attorney General's Opinion. She stated she feels an AG's Opinion is I needed regarding whether the election date can be changed back to May, if the Council feels the November date is not best for the City. She also stated an Attorney General's Opinion will take six months. She