Food safety code due for rewrite

The San Marcos food safety code is due for a revamp, and the city council will take a step toward doing just that tonight.

Council will vote on the first of two readings of an ordinance updating the food establishments section of the City Code by repealing current provisions and replacing them with provisions in line with the 2015 state food establishment rules. At its most recent workshop meeting, council heard a presentation on the proposed changes to the food code, which include a variance for electrical hookups for mobile food units and the availability of a seasonal food permit. 

Stacy Wright from the city’s environmental health department said that the city has 376 fixed food establishments — restaurants — that are inspected twice a year, along with 34 mobile units that are inspected twice a year, along with three farmers markets.

In other business, council will vote on the first of two readings of an ordinance revising the fire prevention and protection section of the City Code. The changes include a provision that the fire marshal is appointed by the fire chief and amendments to the 2015 edition of the International Fire Code. 

Council is also set to appoint a charter review commission and charge the group with making recommendations for or against an amendment conducting city elections only in November of odd-numbered years and providing a transition plan, and an amendment establishing term limits for the mayor and/or city council members. 

Cemetery plot prices could also change if council decides to follow a recommendation from the Cemetery Commission. The commission wants council to dissolve the perpetual care fund and modify the cemetery fee structure and schedule.

Council will meet in the council chambers at City Hall, 630 E. Hopkins St., at 3 p.m. and again for its regular meeting at 6 p.m. City council meetings are televised live on Spectrum Ch. 10 and Grande Ch. 16 or 123-16 and streamed online.