SAN MARCOS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of the City and District luncheon, in which San Marcos City Manager Stephanie Reyes updated the public on the new workforce training complex, the reinstatement of quiet zones by June and the impact of the new City Hall on the skate and dog parks.
Reyes said that the railroad quiet zones, which were temporarily suspended due to noncompliance, will be reinstated soon.
“We started working on Hopkins Street and will complete construction at remaining intersections as soon as possible,” she said. “We hope to complete repairs as early as June. Thank you for your patience.”
Reyes said the city council voted to move forward with the creation of a new City Hall complex next to the library.
“We heard from many community members at the meeting who shared their love for the skate and dog parks,” Reyes said. “We understand and agree that those are important and well used community spaces that are visited by people of all ages. In particular, we understand the history that went into creating the state park, and we are not recommending a scenario that would require relocating again.”
An official with the city of San Marcos clarified that the dog park could be moved but that is not certain yet.
“The 23-member Hopkins City Center/New City Hall Advisory Committee, which includes community members and council representatives, reviewed several conceptual options for a new City Hall. Some of those affected the dog park and some did not. We have spoken with our consultants to explore alternatives to enhance these spaces and tie them together with the other recreation and city facilities in the area should it need to be relocated,” the official stated. “There has been no specific location identified, but we have discussed multiple potential sites in nearby parkland where a dog park could be located if the current location is affected. We have not yet discussed phasing as we are still in the very early phases of conceptual design, but the Advisory Committee and City Council have stated their preference in having any replacement in place before the existing location is affected.”
Reyes said the city is streamlining some of its processes to increase efficiency and make things easier for its residents.
“Whether you’re opening your first storefront, expanding your services or navigating the permitting process, we’re committed to being a partner every step of the way. To make that easier, we’ve added staff to streamline permitting efficiency, assist with business expansion and develop and manage grant programs,” she said. “We have dozens of special events that take place in our great city each year. This year, we created a special events coordinator position within the city manager’s office to facilitate the planning process for organizers and provide you a direct line of communication to add predictability and minimize disruptions to your operations when events take place.”
Reyes said the city took an important step this past year to increase the workforce training opportunities for residents.
“In March, we had the official ribbon cutting for our workforce training center at the City Hall Complex, and classes are scheduled to start this month. Partnering with Austin Community College and Community Action, we’ve been hosting HVAC classes at the library for the past few years, and this expansion will allow us to add welding, plumbing and automotive service courses,” Reyes said. “We are excited that this space will teach skills that will help our residents secure meaningful employment, while at the same time meeting the needs of our local businesses.”
San Marcos Assistant City Manager Rodney Gonzales said the city issued $19,000 in grants to 12 downtown businesses last year.
“This year, TIRZ funding will match what the city has developed to provide their grants, so we’ll have a total of $60,000 to help your personal downtown storefront and attract more customers,” he said.
Reyes emphasized that she is proud to serve as the San Marcos City Manager and is excited for the future ahead.
