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47. Regular Meeting February 10, 2003 Page 8 Ruben Ruiz, Jr. thanked the Council for serving the City of San Marcos. He stated he feels times have changed and he encouraged the Council to adopt the Ordinance. He stated this Ordinance would allow the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to build a headquarters on two acres of parkland, which is something that has been done before. He stated he can remember when the property City Hall sits on was part of the Little League Fields. 3) Phillip Steed stated when he moved to town and started his business, he joined both Chambers of Commerce and the Board of Realtors. He stated he feels the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a unique asset to the City and hopes the Council will support this Ordinance. 4) Jane Hughson stated she is against the lease of parkland. She stated she supports the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce mission to build a headquarters, but does not support the lease of greenspace on Hopkins. 5) Sherwood Bishop stated he is on the Parks and Recreation Board. He stated the Parks and Recreation Board voted unanimously for City parkland not to be used for other than park purposes. He stated he feels if the Council would allow the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to build on parkland, they would be setting a precedent. Ms. Narvaiz stated she looked at leased building and dedicated parkland use. She stated she is concerned with setting a precedent. She is concerned about protecting the intent of citizens when land is established as parkland. She stated she feels the timing is not right for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to build a headquarters. She stated she supports the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in having a building. Mayor Habingreither stated this matter has troubled him. He feels the voters should be allowed to make the decision of what to do with their parkland. He encouraged the Council to allow this Ordinance to move forward. Mr. Taylor inquired whether the land would remain parkland as written. Mr. Mark Taylor stated only the premises stated in the lease and would require another vote if changed. Mr. Taylor stated he is concerned with setting a precedent with other organizations asking for land, but is willing to deal with the issue. He feels placing the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on a major thoroughfare would be good for the economy. He stated he feels the voters should decide. Ms. Tatum stated she has been struggling with this issue. She stated she is looking long-term at parkland. She feels this is a sensitive decision and the voters put Council in office to make tough decisions. She stated it is hard to give dedicated parkland to the Hispanic Chamber, because once that door is opened, it will be hard to close. Mr. Mayhew stated his position has not changed and is opposed to placing this request on the ballot. He feels this will set a precedent that will open the flood gates with other requests for use of parkland. He also stated he is troubled that this is the only solution the Hispanic Chamber can come up with. Mr. Montoya stated he has not changed his mind. This is an issue for voters. He does not feel this is a Council issue since it is dedicated parkland, and the Council would only be taking a step by placing the issue on the ballot. Mr. Mihalkanin stated he has also been troubled by this issue. He also stated he respects Mayor Habingreither's efforts to improve Economic Development. He stated if this issue was placed on the ballot, in the future it would make it difficult for the Council to turn down requests for use of dedicated parkland. He stated he feels Council was elected to make certain decisions and is opposed to placing this issue on the ballot. Mr. Mayhew moved to