[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6630285,"mediaKeyId","2696734-17c679ba2adb9b7875d0f89975a1898f","parentId",2696734,"title","Council approves rezoning of 14.79 acres on FM 110 for manufactured‑home community","audioSeconds",281,"startMs",3120000,"endMs",3401000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2696734-17c679ba2adb9b7875d0f89975a1898f&start=3120&end=3401","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2696734-17c679ba2adb9b7875d0f89975a1898f/thumbnail_3120000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6630285/San-Marcos-City/Hays-County/Texas/Council-approves-rezoning-of-1479-acres-on-FM-110-for-manufacturedhome-community","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630285-135b11088589e980fe4c74dad2601a8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189296&Signature=YFONU6O73~FGX1529qqf7SKoq9wM1gaOyZBXoGffzaJ8UEsJObDpimXFTlwrHSP~Rpf-v9U4BarRl6u~1SU8DUzVWRSu0fUeL7X38oAM8k9uEDnbq4kXy7VrkMjSYfS3xb2lx4iJnvsVDiMNrSp4nO~8MgMit3C4KwAhRXcK77lQwHCtrF3r6XOiFjaY-8-GPrODNLPOhPt~hpJX6P9IevJcpvPGTs3W8CQw-~7DkEUc1WY9vU3RAOkgHaE3tAtV779Cu905J20V60cZiTcLzc6gU92OzOrvD~OQI5lzbzBqViuc9bham1P4ozTkcIeHQH9pd-70yHoUjFWAxzyvog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Marcos","date","2025-03-18T18:00:00Z","article","SAN MARCOS, Texas — The San Marcos City Council on Tuesday approved on first reading an ordinance amending the official zoning map to rezone roughly 14.79 acres along FM 110 from light industrial to a manufactured‑home district.

The applicant told council the rezoning would allow an additional phase of an existing manufactured‑home park currently in permit review. Amanda Hernandez, director of Planning and Development Services, said the property is designated Neighborhood‑Medium in the comprehensive plan; manufactured‑home zoning is shown as “not preferred” in that designation because it tends to mimic single‑family zoning, but staff said a preferred scenario amendment was not required and recommended approval.

Location and context: The site is near the Harris Hill Raceway and surrounded by agricultural and rural residential uses in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. Traffic and driveway access along FM 110 will be reviewed and permitted by TxDOT, staff said in response to council concerns about sight lines and driveway spacing.

Public comment: David Joyner, representing the developer, spoke in favor and said he was available to answer questions. Council members asked about water service; staff noted Maxwell Water Supply will serve the development via master meters to the community with individual smart meters on lots.

Council action: Councilmember Mendoza moved to approve the ordinance on first of two readings; Councilmember Scott seconded. The motion passed 6–0 with one member absent.

Why it matters: Rezoning puts the parcel in alignment with an adjacent manufactured‑home phase and clears a zoning discrepancy between the comprehensive plan map and the existing land use. Council discussion focused on infrastructure, driveway access approval by TxDOT and ensuring permit conditions address compatibility and safety.

Next steps: The ordinance will return for a second reading; engineering and permit reviews will continue for infrastructure and water meter arrangements.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","San Marcos - City Council on 2025-03-18 6:00 PM - 630 E. Hopkins St. This will be an in-person and online meeting. To view the meeting please go to http://sanmarcostx.gov/421/City-Council-Videos-Archives or watch on Grande channel 16 or Spectrum channel 10. - Mar 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council approved first reading of an ordinance to rezone roughly 14.8 acres on the southeast side of FM 110 from light industrial to manufactured‑home district to match an adjacent phase under permit review.","taxTitle","San Marcos City, Hays County, Texas","taxId",9292,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6630289,"Family members press San Marcos City Council for action after officer‑involved shooting",347,264000,611000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2696734-17c679ba2adb9b7875d0f89975a1898f&start=264&end=611","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2696734-17c679ba2adb9b7875d0f89975a1898f/thumbnail_264000.jpg","/articles/6630289/San-Marcos-City/Hays-County/Texas/Family-members-press-San-Marcos-City-Council-for-action-after-officerinvolved-shooting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630289-dadbee579cfd19983c31d4bb500323b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189296&Signature=GdsBPerFTIpGB-jwdKci5jp4xqFGQJbf26Z00iyHgYmJ5D9hoEQmJFKf-17H~QsFV-p2klr81tKpJce-VtxbZ~-Di4a7TpKqfncx0kQRQIw1RM9rfh5ntcen~w4A0Z1ljP6RkU~veUQ1rfPz7iM1mON5Vfwp7HzZR1W4MVT36uRDvIf-CZ6jP-iAtfy~3wOqRA9Uya0vcy-~q73hOTcC4QwI3Az~gIVfnKoSGGeRQ7C~nbHCb7QAffNVRuZZnQJgTpDTjIN5RsNZZSXwD3YWk3~buCv9FjHeprCC2ym9GDVZjIwD~eY3W9rxC9U3hbjc440-PVaUfSyE8aN-SHfsoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SAN MARCOS, Texas — Dozens of speakers during the citizen comment period at Tuesday’s San Marcos City Council meeting urged officials to take action after the April 11, 2024, police shooting that killed 22‑year‑old Malachi Williams.

Family members and community advocates described Williams as a young man with ambitions and called for accountability for the officer involved, identified in public remarks as Achilles Ventura. Speakers repeatedly said the officer remains on the force and has received public recognition since the incident; they called that recognition an insult to the family and urged investigation or administrative action.

Miriam Williams, who identified herself as Malachi Williams’ sister, told council that her brother “did not deserve to die in an H E B parking lot” and asked officials to “look into this further and not let bad officers continue to give good officers bad names.” She said the family is seeking justice through public awareness and by engaging the council.

Shay Dixon, who identified herself as a family member, said the officer “has not only remained in his position but since been publicly recognized for a fitness award,” calling it “an insult” and “a painful reminder” to the family. “This is not about revenge, this is about accountability and justice,” Dixon said.

Other speakers echoed concerns about the department’s handling of the case, including questions about whether officers rendered medical aid and whether the department’s public statements accurately portrayed the incident. Sam Benavides urged council to weigh the significance of an officer unholstering a gun and asked what the city is doing to hold the department accountable for public messaging. Wayne Miller, who identified himself as a grandfather of Malachi Williams, asked the council to “check out the videos” and “call in chief Standridge and investigate.”

What council can do: Councilmembers and staff did not take immediate disciplinary action during the meeting; citizen comment is not a forum for council to conduct investigations. Several council members later said they had been briefed or were aware of prior public statements and asked staff about appropriate next steps, including whether administrative review and internal investigations were ongoing and how the family could obtain additional information.

Community context: Multiple speakers also tied their calls for accountability to broader concerns about police conduct and mental‑health responses in policing. Speakers asked that the council use its oversight authority to seek answers and expressed frustration with the pace of investigations and public explanations.

What was requested: Family members and community advocates asked the council to (1) seek independent review or additional investigation, (2) request transparent public reporting about department policies and the specific incident, and (3) consider whether administrative or personnel actions are warranted. Council members acknowledged the seriousness of the requests and said staff would document the speakers’ concerns and advise council on procedural options.

Quote: “My brother Malachi deserved better and we deserve justice now,” Shay Dixon said in public comment.","Several speakers during citizen comment urged the council to take action and hold San Marcos Police Department accountable following the April 11, 2024 shooting death of Malachi Williams by an SMPD officer.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6630293,"City receives clean annual audit; Deloitte closes CDBG‑DR after decade‑long program",130,2880000,3010000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2696734-17c679ba2adb9b7875d0f89975a1898f&start=2880&end=3010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2696734-17c679ba2adb9b7875d0f89975a1898f/thumbnail_2880000.jpg","/articles/6630293/San-Marcos-City/Hays-County/Texas/City-receives-clean-annual-audit-Deloitte-closes-CDBGDR-after-decadelong-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630293-637ce1c6c598dca51a4ac94bb4e061d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189296&Signature=N20cgGrQvv9EWuSR5-5N7~lkOGwV3dzG04PwfLhStztYvIbbSIjs5eat-WYf1EfXHNRFKdCVOpzVl6b9jjLgfXt0UXFyDaq9aOuzuYxpxqYeZLoewcBQRUJFhox8PXyCOdHt-knrx~CiBa0U7xJBvGlY1EixsDEQ-uBUAtzmxOQgeoTjZZ5t~Ua3QJoD6SQgiFSRmctc15VMCg8qS8Y0vtEzmAsUcbfy4z9U5egJEloDIRmtMAwUYK5wrCjXiBSRkD1c4TFgIrzwi1-93mTm2uC0az98KqaFKQLsDUkyH5LSMFIz2NubrCjFiEEXmmWG~SQOoaCc6-bekD3nm81nBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SAN MARCOS, Texas — San Marcos received a clean, unmodified audit opinion for its fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, and Deloitte presented final internal audit and closeout work on the city’s Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Recovery (CDBG‑DR) program.

Annual audit: Jeremy Barbato of ABIPP delivered highlights from the FY2024 annual comprehensive financial report. The independent audit firm issued an unmodified (clean) opinion on the city’s government‑wide financial statements and major funds. John Locke, the city’s finance director, told council the general fund’s total fund balance was about $43.8 million at year end, with $17.8 million unassigned — roughly two and a half months of operating reserves plus an additional contingency reserve that totalled about five and a half months of operating reserves overall.

Major program single‑audit: Auditor ABIPP also performed the single‑audit under OMB Uniform Guidance for the city’s significant federal awards (including WIC and ARP funds) and reported no compliance findings or questioned costs for the major programs audited.

CDBG‑DR closeout: Deloitte managers presented the joint Q1/Q4 internal audit report and a final risk assessment and closeout report covering the city’s CDBG‑Disaster Recovery funds tied to the 2015 flooding. Deloitte reported improved risk ratings across procurement, drawdown, audit readiness, monitoring and closeout refinement; one closeout observation remained for Blanco Gardens because work for that site was funded through an overlapping mitigation grant whose final invoice and certificate of completion had not yet been available at the time of the report. City engineering confirmed Blanco Gardens is complete and a certificate of acceptance has been issued, Deloitte said.

Quarterly financials and investments: Staff presented the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2024 financial report and an investment report. Highlights included improved sales tax receipts (a positive year‑over‑year fourth quarter), strong utility fund positions (electric and water/wastewater net positions up), and an ending city portfolio of about $401 million as of Dec. 31, 2024. The portfolio shift reflected maturities/calls of federal agency securities and temporary placement into money‑market accounts while reinvestment occurs.

Why it matters: The clean audit and wrap‑up of the CDBG‑DR closeout mark important fiscal milestones. Council members noted the long timeline of disaster recovery work stemming from the 2015 flood and thanked finance and programs staff for completing the final steps.

Votes and motions: The auditors’ presentations were received by council; no controversial findings were reported. Council thanked staff and auditors and moved on to other agenda items.","External auditors issued an unmodified opinion on the city’s FY2024 financial statements; Deloitte presented a final closeout and risk assessment for the Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Recovery (CDBG‑DR) program and noted most audit observations had been resolved.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6630296,"Council backs stormwater fee credits for school district in exchange for easements; rejects full fee waiver",543,4680000,5223000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2696734-17c679ba2adb9b7875d0f89975a1898f&start=4680&end=5223","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2696734-17c679ba2adb9b7875d0f89975a1898f/thumbnail_4680000.jpg","/articles/6630296/San-Marcos-City/Hays-County/Texas/Council-backs-stormwater-fee-credits-for-school-district-in-exchange-for-easements-rejects-full-fee-waiver","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630296-f2958a3f28a3a39e35032d7df599451c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189296&Signature=cn232NDW4tJ4sgfHU5aO3GMEzMUCEBgQTDMQQPiPN4WsrLfHGjkBOqckdQZiXiqSzKKbciWdcN5J~jvTYdsgOB0K5e7YP3-xGeLAfoqmfE~wPr2wfir0qdSmuI4EfnaFPf0vDM5AfRp5f9MLXfgvAvoXAJy3YkfPCPt53-VgZ93ZcGQ67RCIWzoZyrozASzFPe0xgjDCW-IOfZvv05ng8gDfcq4QVsO-deaEcJf6XMbO98w10-SEadxMzyUTEYp6fdvlQUsJDF0hWla7mQhOvkJ3tJ9HmHI2sTQ6nA9qrC5Q4cIBA4iwyckLcKRgr3y2nedi5fMFWQiAexoNq4Z6ZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SAN MARCOS, Texas — The San Marcos City Council on Tuesday directed city staff to pursue a stormwater‑fee credit approach for the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District (SMCISD) rather than approve a full or temporary fee waiver.

Staff presented four options in response to a school district request: (1) perpetual exemption, (2) temporary exemption, (3) an alternate rate/tier for school districts, or (4) a credit program that would offset stormwater fees in exchange for easements or property used for city drainage capital improvement projects. Council indicated unanimous support for option 4 — fee credits tied to CIP participation — while emphasizing the need to protect the stormwater fund’s capital program.

Why it matters: San Marcos’ stormwater utility funds flood control, drainage maintenance and water quality programs. City staff told council the fee is considered the best practice in Texas for equitable cost allocation because it is based on impervious area or equivalent residential units (ERUs). A full exemption for school districts would reduce stormwater revenue by about $378,000 annually and would remove capacity for roughly $5 million in CIP work in later years, staff warned.

What council decided: Rather than lowering or eliminating fees outright — which staff said would materially reduce available CIP funding — council favored a credit mechanism that keeps project‑funding inside the stormwater enterprise. Under option 4 staff would develop an approach to grant stormwater credits in return for school district property or easements that the city can use for detention, conveyance or water‑quality infrastructure. Councilmembers said this approach preserves operating and capital capacity while creating a path to mitigate drainage problems adjacent to schools and neighborhoods.

City‑school background: Staff described prior city support for SMCISD over recent years: safety resource officers, crossing guards and some capital support. The city reported it has contributed more than $1.4 million to district needs across FY23–FY25 to date, including safety staff and a generator installation. Board representatives said the district is willing to pursue easements for the Sunset Acres drainage project and will take proposed credit arrangements to the school board for approval.

Legal/regulatory context: The Texas Clean Water Act, state local government code provisions, and court precedent require drainage charges be nondiscriminatory and legally defensible; staff cautioned that a different rate for school districts could present legal challenges.

Next steps: Staff will draft a credit program framework tied to specific CIP projects (for example, the Sunset Acres drainage work) and seek a formal agreement with the district. Council also encouraged staff to prioritize outreach to East Side neighborhoods most affected by chronic flooding. No formal roll‑call motion was necessary; council reached consensus to proceed with option 4.

Quote: “This gives both parties flexibility and keeps the money inside the stormwater fund so projects do not get delayed,” City Manager Mary Reyes told council. “It’s the best way to ensure we can continue scheduled drainage improvements while providing relief to the school district.”","After a multi-hour staff briefing on the city’s stormwater utility fee, the Council directed staff to pursue a fee‑credit approach for San Marcos Consolidated ISD in exchange for drainage easements or property participation in CIP projects, rather than a full exemption.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6630301,"San Marcos Council approves $340,000 feasibility study on Capes Dam complex",4970,5760000,10730000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2696734-17c679ba2adb9b7875d0f89975a1898f&start=5760&end=10730","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2696734-17c679ba2adb9b7875d0f89975a1898f/thumbnail_5760000.jpg","/articles/6630301/San-Marcos-City/Hays-County/Texas/San-Marcos-Council-approves-340000-feasibility-study-on-Capes-Dam-complex","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630301-df2d89fe8777fe04353b7f28ad8b07f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189296&Signature=MOkkp07BCXkV4pWlLaXmc52cRMIHc9FXKSUmc~tO9j6N4HL~uKYrHaOIG6vBWY4Sg5DefMIpH0k68ajC6pfXvWrARXiC4-ZoHA3GNjfmpBmt4fIxSRUI-t9NQWLW9UghA7O-CGLSF0JRNFINdAZ0-rOv928TaHhgaFITZqVsB6876BmYxjWJP1pRbxOy6WmZHW3xHcQ1vxzNYOSCNOf2rfMQm96klCnxW~M6aT527pVeiOJ4KD-OHiUqwzGqTjimpgET0rTCLb2FLAs9jjyTup5AJJ7~5UeiK5YRfRjs5UWwRNa-141bZgDl8bGBTHMAEE1SOKXb3-5l~o327FBvNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SAN MARCOS, Texas — The San Marcos City Council on Tuesday approved a contract not to exceed $340,000 with Friese & Nichols Inc. to perform a preliminary feasibility study on the Capes Dam complex and related mill race.

Council members said the study will examine safety, environmental, historical and recreational aspects and return options including rehabilitation, partial removal and full removal. The vote followed hours of public comment and council discussion about safety, permitting and long‑term community benefits for the city’s East Side.

Why it matters: The Capes Dam complex is a longstanding point of contention in San Marcos. Supporters of rehabilitation say a restored site could provide a neighborhood recreational asset and preserve historical features; opponents point to environmental concerns and increasing federal scrutiny of in‑river structures. Council members repeatedly raised the immediate public‑safety risk posed by metal and debris in the river and urged staff to move quickly on interim hazard mitigation.

The study will include a conditions assessment, conceptual alternatives analysis, engineering opinions of probable cost and a permitting pathway review to identify regulatory hurdles and timing. Chance Parks, Friese & Nichols project lead, told the council the scope will assess permitting risk: “We will identify whether a given alternative is likely to get permitted, the timelines and the vulnerabilities that could result in added cost or delay.”

Councilmembers said they expect the study to yield opinions of probable cost for each alternative and to inform whether the city should pursue rehabilitation or removal. “If it turns out rehabilitation is unfeasible or unsafe, the study should tell us that,” Councilmember Scott said during debate.

Immediate safety work: Council asked staff to continue interim safety measures already underway, such as targeted debris removal and signage, while the study proceeds. Staff said about $500,000 is already allocated on the CIP for Capes Dam work; the $340,000 study would come from that allocation.

Public input and next steps: The project includes a stakeholder engagement element and at least one public workshop to present conceptual alternatives and collect feedback. Staff said permitting analyses likely will require technical modeling and could trigger further field surveys and additional cost; a field‑level hydraulic/topographic survey would carry its own budget and schedule implications.

Council direction and timing: Councilmembers expressed varying preferences but a majority favored exploring rehabilitation as a primary alternative while still requiring the study to evaluate removal and other options. The contract anticipates about a 10‑month schedule for the preliminary feasibility phase, with conceptual alternatives and permitting pathways included. Councilmember Mendoza moved to approve the contract; Councilmember Scott seconded. The motion passed with six votes in favor and one absence.

What’s next: With the contract approved, staff and the consultant will begin technical assessments and public outreach. Council directed city staff to continue targeted safety work pending study results and to coordinate with Hays County and other stakeholders during the study and public engagement phases.","The City Council voted to hire Friese & Nichols to study whether the Capes Dam complex can be rehabilitated, partially removed or fully removed. Council members emphasized public safety while asking staff to continue near‑term hazard mitigation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves rezoning of 14.79 acres on FM 110 for manufactured‑home community

Family members press San Marcos City Council for action after officer‑involved shooting

City receives clean annual audit; Deloitte closes CDBG‑DR after decade‑long program

Council backs stormwater fee credits for school district in exchange for easements; rejects full fee waiver

San Marcos Council approves $340,000 feasibility study on Capes Dam complex