Inclusive agenda touches on city codes and charter amendments
Some major changes, including potential amendments to the city’s fire and food codes, potential amendments to the city charter, appointments to two new committees and changes to the structure and charge of the Neighborhood Commission are on the agenda for the San Marcos City Council.
The city council’s 3 p.m. work session will include a presentation and discussion on proposed changes to the city’s code of fire prevention and protection ordinances. The agenda states that the proposed amendments would adopt best practices.
“Based on an ever-changing fire and life safety environment, combined with technology and science, updates to the code are necessary,” the agenda reads. “Also, the proposed amendments bring the city more in line with local neighbors and best practices across Texas.”
Council will also hear a presentation on proposed updates to the city’s food establishment and food vending machine regulations.
“The state law referred to as the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) were revised in 2015,” the agenda states. “The City of San Marcos Environmental Health Division proposes changes to our local code of ordinances, food establishments section, to better align with the current state law. There is no redline of the existing code. The new code is basically a complete rewrite.”
Other agenda items for the work session include staff presentations on the city’s Sustainability and Clean Air Initiative and on shared mobility platforms — specifically, dockless electric scooters.
During its regular meeting at 6 p.m., council will hold a discussion regarding possible city charter amendments. The council decided in February not to appoint a charter review commission but to discuss potential amendments at a future meeting. The last time the charter was amended was in November 2017. This time, there are potential changes regarding election practices and term limits for elected officials. The council’s packet includes a look at practices in other cities, including Seguin and New Braunfels.
Council is also set to discuss and consider appointments to the city’s Census 2020 Complete Count Committee and to create and consider appointments to a Sustainability Council Committee in connection with the sustainability plan discussed during the council’s work session.
In other business, council is set to discuss the Neighborhood Commission’s composition and duties.
“The Neighborhood Commissions’ charge needs revision to clearly define their role as a vital advisory board to City Council,” the agenda reads. “... The Neighborhood Commission is currently discussing its role, and the Council’s input would be desirable to define areas the commission can make (advisory) recommendations to Council in the future.”
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.
