Item 08: Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Texas State University for Implementation of Habitat Improvement Measures

[COSM_Admin]

Consider approval of Resolution 2023-126R, approving amendments to an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Texas State University for the implementation of habitat improvement measures associated with the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan; authorizing the City Manager or her designee, to execute the restated and amended agreement; and declaring an effective date.

 

[JHughson]

I see "All incurred costs to be paid to TXST for the completion of EAHCP work activities are reimbursed to the City by
the EAA."
Is there any cost to the city's budget that is not reimbursed by the EAHCP?

What ever happened to the fences that Council discussed at several meetings?
I recall interim memos, remind me what was the final decision by staff?

Please note that there is a lot of discussion by the public of the vegetation that is growing in the river that seems much thicker with the river level so low. People are going to hear that this item is on our agenda and may not fully understand what will be happening.
I plan to pull this item so that staff can explain to the public exactly what this change is and how it will improve the river.

 

[COSM_Admin]

Responses provided by Mark Enders, Habitat Conservation Plan Manager:

Is there any cost to the city's budget that is not reimbursed by the EAHCP?
All costs associated with work activities mentioned in the ILA ($276,000) are 100% reimbursed by the EAHCP program. The 2024 CoSM/TXST EAHCP workplan includes work activities in the amount of $1.065M that includes the $276,000. Future EAHCP workplans and funding applications will also include an allocation to cover the $276,000. The City budget does invoice a $40,000 river maintenance fund that helps to supplement EAHCP litter clean-up and riparian zone restoration.

What ever happened to the fences that Council discussed at several meetings? I recall interim memos, remind me what was the final decision by staff?
The riparian protection fences remain in place. Staff has worked with EAHCP contractors to maintain the riverbank vegetation within the fenced areas to remove non-native vegetation and thin native vegetation. Signage has also been installed along the river corridor to educate Park visitors of the EAHCP and importance of healthy riparian zones.

The responses to previous questions regarding the fencing are shown in the attached. Many of the efforts mentioned in the attached email have been implemented or are ongoing. As mentioned in the attached email, the staff recommendation is to keep the fencing in place to minimize impacts to endangered species and habitat in the river, especially during the low-flow conditions we are experiencing. Staff is open to discussion and direction regarding the fencing.