The San Marcos City Council voted to postpone action on a package of new rules that included a controversial ban on the display and consumption of alcohol in city-owned parks and natural areas.
After hearing from about a dozen residents during the regular public comment section of the meeting, city council member Kim Porterfield moved to postpone further consideration of the measures including a public hearing that had been scheduled for 7 p.m. today.
“I do believe we have an overcrowding problem,” Porterfield said, adding that she wants more time to talk about the various versions of the ordinance that have been floating around.
Her motion was seconded by council member Shane Scott and passed unanimously. Council members also said they wanted to wait until Wayne Becak, who was absent from tonight’s meeting because his father died, is present for the vote.
The delay was a change of course for a city council that approved the rules 6-1 two weeks ago.
All but two of the resident speakers said they oppose the alcohol ban. Texas State University’s Associated Student Government adopted an emergency resolution last night opposing the alcohol ban. Said student Sen. Maxfield Baker, “We don’t think it solves the problems.”
