AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Discuss and consider appointments to the Hopkins City Center/New City Hall Steering Committee; and provide direction to Staff.
Body
Meeting date: November 6, 2024
Department: City Manager’s Office
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Background Information:
At the September 17, 2024 meeting, City Council provided direction on the composition of the Hopkins City Center/New City Hall Steering Committee in addition to the process to advertise and solicit applications.
Hopkins City Center Steering Committee
Committee Purpose: Like other temporary steering committees, the Council has utilized before such as the Bond Committee ahead of the 2017 General Obligation (GO) Bond election, this group will serve in an advisory capacity and provide guidance and feedback to staff.
The role of the members of the Steering Committee include:
• Act as an advisory body to staff offering guidance, recommendations and feedback to staff as the project progresses
• Input should be provided throughout the process to share constructive feedback, representing individual perspectives as well as any groups
• Finally, as the project moves into the public engagement phase, members will be asked to promote the project and share their experiences within various community groups to which they belong
Please note that the Steering Committee is advisory only and does not replace the critical role the City Council plays in ultimately setting vision and making final decisions at key milestones of the project.
Committee Membership: The Hopkins City Center/New City Hall project should benefit the whole community, as such the committee should be diverse and reflective of the residents of San Marcos. The ideal committee member should be invested in the future success of San Marcos, have the time to commit to attending regularly scheduled meetings on the project, and have sincere interest and participatory experience in projects of this nature.
Time Commitment: Committee input will be most valuable during the concept development phase of the project, which is anticipated to last 12-18 months. During this period, the group will meet every other month. Members are encouraged to attend public engagement meetings and events such as site visits associated with the project. Once the project concept has been fully developed, Committee members may be asked to assist with future efforts to generate community awareness and support for the project.
Recommended Committee Makeup: The City Council provided direction that they wish to appoint two members per Councilmember, plus the addition of two Councilmember representatives, one of which may be the Mayor. Staff recommends Council consider representation from the following groups:
• Residents of San Marcos who specifically live in the surrounding neighborhood (Rio Vista)
• Residents of San Marcos reflective of the community who may be underrepresented in the City’s engagement and outreach processes.
• Community Partner groups such as (but not limited to) Chamber of Commerce, Texas State University, San Marcos River Foundation, etc.
• Business leaders or member of the Downtown Association
• Members of the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Library Board (selected by that appointed body)
Committee Role & Process and General Public Engagement: The Committee will play an important role in providing guidance and feedback as the overall project concept is developed. However, a large and comprehensive general public engagement process is also planned.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
n/a
Alternatives:
n/a
Recommendation:
The Council may choose to make appointments to the Hopkins City Center/New City Hall Steering Committee.