Martindale forming river advisory committee

The city of Martindale wants to get input from residents and other people knowledgeable about the San Marcos River, but applications for a San Marcos River Advisory Committee are running thin.

“It’s surprising there haven’t been that many applications,” said Martindale City Council member Sonja Villalobos. “We’ve had three.”

Villalobos said the purpose of the committee is to “protect all aspects of the river.”

Villalobos is the driving force behind the committee, and given how vocal Martindale residents are about pollution and other issues related to the river, she said she hopes more people show interest in joining the committee. Martindale city officials and members of the public have held meetings to discuss the possibility of a can ban, similar to the one passed in New Braunfels, to alleviate pollution on the river. Tubing companies and events like Float Fest have also been the subject of debates among Martindale residents, particularly those who live along the river. It is this kind of concern that Villalobos hopes will lead people to get involved and share ideas and solutions.

“It’s something we’re working on and that I’m really pushing,” she said, adding that she wants the city council to pass a resolution supporting the committee and for information on the committee to be available at the Martindale city website, martindale.texas.gov. 

Anyone who lives in Martindale or its extra-territorial jurisdiction, or who has any expertise on the San Marcos River and its ecology is welcome to contact Villalobos at svillalobos@martindale.texas.gov or 512-667-5942.