On the agenda: San Marcos meeting — License Plate Reader (Jan 6)

City of San Marcos

630 East Hopkins
San Marcos, TX 78666

Workshop Agenda - Final
City Council
Tuesday, January 6, 2026

5:30 PM

City Council Chambers

630 E. Hopkins St. - Workshop
http://sanmarcostx.gov/421/City-Council-Videos-Archives or watch on Grande channel
16 or Spectrum channel 10.

I. Call To Order
II. Roll Call
III Citizen Comment Period
To speak during the Citizen Comment portion of the meeting:
• Remote Participation: Sign up at www.sanmarcostx.gov/citizencomment by 12:00 PM on the day of the
meeting to receive a Zoom link.
• In-Person Participation: Sign up online at www.sanmarcostx.gov/citizencomment in advance or in person
at the City Clerk’s office until 5:15 PM.

PRESENTATIONS
1.

Receive a staff presentation and hold a discussion regarding the Paid Parking Pilot
Program in the City Park parking lot, and provide direction to the City Manager.

2.

Receive a staff presentation and hold a discussion regarding Managed Access in Rio
Vista Park, including but not limited to fencing options, layout and potential fees, and
provide direction to the City Manager.

IV. Question and Answer Session with Press and Public.
This is an opportunity for the Press and Public to ask questions related to items on this agenda.
To speak during the Question and Answer portion of the meeting:
• Remote Participation: Sign up at www.sanmarcostx.gov/citizencomment by 12:00 PM on the day of the
meeting to receive a Zoom link.
• In-Person Participation: If attending in person, no sign up is required.
NOTICE: In accordance with Section 2.045 of the City Code, speakers must state their name, and must
limit their remarks to three minutes. The allotted time will commence from the beginning of the speaker's
remarks and will include any time spent in discussion between the speaker and council or board or
commission members. Issues taking longer to communicate can be addressed outside the meeting to the
city staff or to individual members of the council or board or commission, or submitted in writing.

V. Adjournment.

City of San Marcos

Page 1

Printed on 12/31/2025

City Council

Workshop Agenda - Final

January 6, 2026

POSTED ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025 AT 4:30 P.M.
ELIZABETH TREVINO, CITY CLERK

Notice of Assistance at the Public Meetings
The City of San Marcos does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to
its services, programs, or activities. Individuals who require auxiliary aids and services for this meeting
should contact the City of San Marcos ADA Coordinator at 512-393-8000 (voice) or call Texas Relay
Service (TRS) by dialing 7-1-1. Requests can also be faxed to 855-461-6674 or sent by e-mail to
[email protected]

City of San Marcos

Page 2

Printed on 12/31/2025

City of San Marcos

630 East Hopkins
San Marcos, TX 78666

Legislation Text
File #: ID#25-841, Version: 1
AGENDA CAPTION:
Receive a staff presentation and hold a discussion regarding the Paid Parking Pilot Program in the City Park
parking lot, and provide direction to the City Manager.
Meeting date: January 6, 2026
Department: Parks and Recreation
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: Click or tap here to enter text.
City Council Strategic Initiative: [Please select from the dropdown menu below]
Public Safety, Core Services & Fiscal Excellence
Quality of Life & Sense of Place
Choose an item.
Comprehensive Plan Element (s): [Please select the Plan element(s) and Goal # from dropdown menu
below]
☐ Economic Development - Choose an item.
☐ Environment & Resource Protection - Choose an item.
☐ Land Use - Choose an item.
☐ Neighborhoods & Housing - Choose an item.
☐ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities - Funding and staffing to ensure quality public safety and community
services
☐ Transportation - Choose an item.
☐ Core Services
☐ Not Applicable
City of San Marcos

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File #: ID#25-841, Version: 1

Master Plan: [Please select the corresponding Master Plan from the dropdown menu below (if applicable)]
Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan
Background Information:
The purpose of this presentation is to provide the City Council with an update regarding the Paid Parking Pilot
program that was implemented in City Park Parking Lot on July 1, 2025.
A comprehensive memo regarding the pilot program is attached to this item for review.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
Click or tap here to enter text.
Alternatives:
Click or tap here to enter text.
Recommendation:
Click or tap here to enter text.

City of San Marcos

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City of San Marcos
City Council Workshop
January 6, 2026
sanmarcostx.gov

1

Presentation
Item #1
Receive a staff presentation and hold discussion regarding the
Paid Parking Pilot in City Park Parking Lot, and provide
direction to the City Manager.

sanmarcostx.gov

2

Purpose
Provide the City Council with an update regarding the
Paid Parking Pilot implemented on July 1, 2025.
We will cover:
• Brief History of Project
• Review of Implementation
• Council Direction regarding expanding City Park
Parking Lot Permit eligibility
sanmarcostx.gov

3

History & Background
•

May 21, 2019 - City Council adopted Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan.
– Goal FF-1: Ensure funding for well-maintained parks/trails.
– Action FF-1.5: Evaluate fees for riverfront parking.

•

January 13, 2020 - Joint meeting: Parks & Recreation Board + Parking Advisory Board
held.
– Discussed paid parking in the riverfront parks and benefit districts within the
Kimley-Horn On-Street Paid Parking Implementation Plan.
– Parks and Recreation Board adopted recommendation to create River Benefit
Parking District and implement paid parking.

•

July 7, 2020 - City Council discussed Parks & Recreation Board Recommendation.
– Council provided consensus to move forward with a River Benefit District and
directed the two boards to form a joint subcommittee to work together to present
options.
sanmarcostx.gov

4

History & Background
•

July 2020 – April 2021 – Parks & Recreation Board and Parking Advisory Board
worked on an updated Recommendation to City Council related to paid parking in the
river parks.

•

May 4, 2021 – City Council discussed the Parks & Recreation Board updated
Recommendation following subcommittee work.
– Council directed to proceed with compiling information for a paid parking program
at City Park parking lot, not Rio Vista, (free for San Marcos residents) and to
evaluate fees to be charged during University home football games.

•

June 7, 2022 – City Council received update from Staff on initial data/vendor analysis.
– Council agreed to pilot program; Parks and Recreation Board to draft
implementation plan.
sanmarcostx.gov

5

History & Background
•

December 15, 2022 - Parks Board approved implementation plan.

•

January 17, 2023 – City Council discussed implementation plan.
– Provided consensus to proceed with a paid parking pilot in City Park
Parking Lot and to continue coordination with the Parking Advisory Board.

•

January 2023 – May 2025 – Parks & Recreation Staff and the Multimodal
Parking Initiatives Manager worked through the implementation plan with
both boards, City Council and the city's procurement department.

sanmarcostx.gov

6

History & Background
•

May 20, 2025 - City Council was provided an update that the Paid
Parking Pilot would be going live on July 1, 2025.

•

October 8, 2025 - Staff provided an End of Summer Season report. City
Council discussed expanding the eligibility of City Park paid parking permits
to include drivers outside of the corporate city limits (seeking Council
direction during this item).

sanmarcostx.gov

7

Implementation Overview
• 3,637 - active resident parking permits*
• $171,764.95 - Parking fee net revenue*

• Paid parking is currently operated every day year-round.
• Enforcement is done using closed system License Plate Readers
(LPR) to capture license plate information as drivers enter/exit.
Violations for non-payment are then reviewed and adjudicated by City
Staff.

*as of December 23, 2025

sanmarcostx.gov

8

Implementation Overview - Revenue
• All revenues are deposited into a Special Revenue account
that supports the cost of technology and administration of the
program.
• Future use of revenues from this program will be guided by the
forthcoming River Benefit Parking District creation, which will
be presented to Council in the coming months following review
and approval by the Parking Advisory Board.

sanmarcostx.gov

9

Implementation - Citations
• October 9, 2025-Staff began issuing citations for non-payment
• 1,502 - citations issued*

• $19,234.45 - citation revenue received*
• City Staff adjudicates contested citations. If the person contesting the
citation disagrees with the final disposition of the citation by Staff, they
may appeal to the Municipal Court Judge within 30 days of decision
by staff.
• To ensure clear adjudication processes for parking violations across
the organization, staff will be working with the Parking Advisory Board
on recommended Ordinance amendments.
sanmarcostx.gov
*as of December 23, 2025

10

Questions Regarding
Implementation or
Enforcement?
sanmarcostx.gov

11

City Park Parking Permit Eligibility
•

October 8, 2025 – During Work Session, City Council expressed the desire
to expand the permit eligibility to either those with a 78666 zip code or San
Marcos Consolidated Independent School District (SMCISD) boundary.

•

If eligibility is expanded to include those who reside outside of the City Limits
but have a 78666 zip code it will add an estimated 33,836 households
according to estimated Census data.*

•

If eligibility is expanded to include those within the San Marcos Consolidated
Independent School District boundary it will add an estimated 20,591
households according to estimated Census data.

* U.S. Census Bureau (2023). American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Retrieved from Census Reporter Profile page for
78666 <http://censusreporter.org/profiles/86000US78666-78666/>

sanmarcostx.gov

12

City Park Parking Permit Eligibility
•

Option to expand eligibility to Martindale residents within the 78655 zip
code it will add an estimated 1,464 households according to estimated
Census data.

•

Martindale does fall within SMCISD Boundary.

•

SMCISD Boundary includes: San Marcos, Martindale, Redwood, and Staples

* U.S. Census Bureau (2023). American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Retrieved from Census Reporter Profile page for 78655
< https://censusreporter.org/profiles/86000US78655-78655/>

sanmarcostx.gov

13

Direction
• Does City Council want to exempt those within the 78666 zip code
from paying for parking under the City Park Paid Parking Pilot?
• Does City Council want to exempt those within the SMCISD boundary
or Martindale only with the 78655 zip code from paying for parking
under the City Park Paid Parking Pilot?

sanmarcostx.gov

14

Next Steps
• Parks and Recreation Staff will be submitting the
proposed River Benefit Parking District application to the
Parking Advisory Board this month.
• The Parking Advisory Board will then hold a Public
Hearing and provide a recommendation on the request to
create the Benefit District to City Council.
• City Council will then hold a Public Hearing and
consider the creation of the Benefit District by Ordinance.
sanmarcostx.gov

15

Questions?

sanmarcostx.gov

16

PARKS AND RECREATION

MEMO
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:

Stephanie Reyes, City Manager
Jamie Lee Case, Director of Parks and Recreation
December 30, 2025
Paid Parking Pilot Implementation

SUMMARY:
This memo provides the history and current status of the Paid Parking Pilot Program
implementation in City Park parking lot.
BACKGROUND:
December 19, 2019 - Following the Cost of Recovery study in December 2019 the Parks
and Recreation Board began discussing and exploring ways in which to generate revenue
for the Parks & Recreation Department. During the Board’s Discussion on December 19,
2019, the prospect of paid parking within the River Parks arose.
January 13, 2020 – The Parks & Recreation Board and Parking Advisory Board held a
joint meeting to discuss the creation of paid parking benefit districts and paid parking
implementation. Following the Joint meeting the Parks & Recreation Board held their
regular meeting where they adopted Recommendation 2020-01RR supporting the
creation of a River Benefit Parking District with the implementation of paid parking within
the district.
July 7, 2020 – City Council discussed Recommendation Resolution 2020-01RR which
supported the creation of a river benefit parking district with the implementation of paid
parking within the district. Council provided direction to move forward with a River Benefit
Parking District and for the Parks and Recreation Board and Parking Advisory Board to
work together on the parking benefit district and eventually bring back recommendations
to Council. The Parks and Recreation Board and Parking Advisory Board both formed
subcommittees to work together on this effort.
November 19, 2020 - The Parks and Recreation Board Subcommittee provided regular
updates on progress to the board and ultimately recommended Recommendation
Resolution 2020-04RR to the board on November 19 during their regular meeting which
was subsequently approved and sent to City Council in December 2020.
April 15, 2021 - Following the November 2020 recommendation being approved and sent

to the City Council the two subcommittees reconvened and agreed to Part 5 on
Recommendation Resolution 2021-02RR which was approved by the Parks and
Recreation Board.
May 04, 2021 – City Council held discussion regarding Recommendation Resolution
2021-02RR and provided consensus to move forward with compiling information and
further studies on a paid parking program at City Park, not Rio Vista at no charge for
residents. Council also provided direction to look at a fee for parking during university
home football games at City Park.
June 7, 2022 – City Council received a staff update during the Work Session regarding
the results of data and vender analysis regarding the possible implementation of paid
parking within the City Park parking lot. Following discussion, the City Council provided
consensus for staff to proceed with a pilot program of paid parking in City Park parking
lot and for the Parks and Recreation Board to develop an implementation plan.
December 15, 2022 – The Parks and Recreation Board approved the attached
Recommendation Resolution which includes their recommended implementation plan.
Following adoption Staff is recommending replacing the term “Proof of Residency” with
“Proof of Address” during the implantation process. While the Board is recommending
specific documents as being “acceptable” it is not the intent of the body to negatively
impact anyone who wishes to register a vehicle. Staff will provide additional options for
Council’s consideration when Council decides to discuss this recommendation.
January 17, 2023 – City Council discussed the Parks and Recreation Board
Recommendation that was approved on December 15, 2022. Following discussion, the
City Council provided consensus to proceed with implementation of the paid parking
pilot in City Park parking lot. City Council also provided direction that Parks and
Recreation Staff work with Parking Advisory Board to review the technology being
considered, and that at least one machine be able to accept cash payment.
January 23, 2023 – Parks and Recreation staff discussed the Paid Parking pilot
program technology capabilities previously provided to City Council and the Parks and
Recreation Board with the Parking Advisory Board. Please refer to table below of
desired capabilities each body would like to see.

Technology Capability
San Marcos residents Free
San Marcos resident verification
System integrates with current
and future LPR cameras
Portable (can be removed)
Solar compatibility
Works with enforcement
Integrates with citation system
Accepts cash
Online management system
Flexibility for facility rental users
Flexible parking fees (ex. special
event rate)
Customer mobile application

Council
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

Parks and
Recreation Board
X
X
X

Parking Advisory
Board
X (limit to 5)
X
X

X
X
X
X

Nice to have
X
X
X
X

(limited to one
machine)

Recommended
Cashless
Technology

X
X
X

X
X
X

X

X

(at least one)

X
X
X
X
(and web application)

ADA accessibility
Include parks benefit in marketing
Insure everything is multilingual
Training

X
X
X
X

The Parking Advisory Board agreed with all identified technology capabilities provided
and requested that the following be included to the list of functions: ADA Accessibility,
market information on where the funds go when people are paying to park, ensure
multilingual integration on everything (machines, marketing and applications), training
available for users. Additionally, they recommended that the number of vehicles
allowed per address should be limited to 5.
April 2023 – The City of San Marcos hired a Multimodal Parking Initiatives Manager,
Mr. Charles Campbell. Mr. Campbell’s vast experience with implementing and
managing paid parking programs ensures that a feasible implementation plan be
developed. Mr. Campbell spent a couple of months getting acquainted with the history
of paid parking discussions within our organization.
June 2023 - Staff from Parks and Recreation, Parking Enforcement, the City Marshal
and Public Works began to evaluate various vendors that provide the technology that
the City Council, Parks and Recreation Board and Parking Advisory Board would like to
see implemented.
December 18, 2023 – The Parking Advisory Board was provided an update from the
Multimodal Parking Initiatives Manager and Director of Parks and Recreation regarding
the recommendations for the City Park Paid Parking pilot program that staff had
evaluated. Staff recommended a centralized parking management system that stores
and controls all incoming and outgoing data from the parking kiosks, pay by text,
validation, and permit systems. This data would be used for reporting and enforcement
purposes. Staff recommended a multi-vendor solution for the kiosks, pay by text

validations permit system and enforcement system. Staff forecasted a “Go Live” date in
2025 to allow time for budget alignment and procurement of technology and equipment.
January 18, 2024 – The Parks and Recreation Board approved Recommendation
Resolution 2024-01RR-PRB recommending paid parking within Rio Vista Park.
April 16, 2024 – The City Council discussed the Parks and Recreation Board
Recommendation Resolution 2024-01RR-PRB recommending paid parking within the
Rio Vista Park area. City Council provided direction to proceed with evaluation and to
bring back a recommendation. Staff indicated that an update will be brought back to
City Council following receiving input from the Neighborhood Commission and Parking
Advisory Board.
December 3, 2024 – The City Council approved Ordinance 2024-55 amending Chapter
85, Article 4 of the San Marcos City Code by adding a new Division 4 to authorize the
issuance of tickets by mail for non-payment of parking fees within paid parking areas,
specifically City Park Parking lot currently. This new Division 4 will be sunset on April
30, 2028 unless renewed by City Council which would be the end of the 3 year pilot
program.
May 2025 - Procurement of Equipment:
City Staff completed all procurement and service contracts associated with the paid
parking pilot program. Kiosks (3 cashless and 1 cash accepting) went live on July 1,
2025. Bilingual signage instructional and informational signage was installed around the
parking lot notifying patrons of the lot being a paid parking lot.
Technology costs:
• $46,549: Flowbird Payment Kiosks
• $37,221.83 (YTD): IPS Enforcement Technology and Permitting Software
• Some fees still TBD: citation letters, follow up letters, registered owner look-ups,
PaybyPhone transaction fees
Resident Permit Enrollment
We began enrolling San Marcos residents for free parking permits on June 6 and
hosted six in-person registration events at the San Marcos Activity Center, each
averaging approximately 30 participants. In addition to these events, we have assisted
residents with the registration process in person at the Parks and Recreation Office,
via email, and over the phone. As of December 23, we have approved almost 3,700
residential parking permits.
Residents are allowed to register up to 5 plates under their account. If a license plate
needs to be updated or changed, the resident must contact our staff for assistance.
Each permit application is manually reviewed to verify eligibility. This process has been

carried out by a dedicated team of seven staff members from both Parks and
Recreation and Public Works, ensuring that all applications are processed within our
promised 3–5 business day turnaround.
Revenue and Payment Trends
As of December 23, the pilot program has generated $171,764.95 in paid parking net
revenue. Users currently have three options for payment: credit card, the PayByPhone
mobile app, or cash. The breakdown of payment method usage is as follows:
• Credit Card: 73%
• PayByPhone App: 26%
• Cash: 1%
These percentages reflect the proportion of total transactions completed using each
method.
The estimated annual contract cost associated with the paid parking program is
$57,000. We are pleased to report that we recovered the cost of the program to date.
Enforcement
Citations by mail began being issued on October 9, 2025, by staff and as of December
23rd, 1,502 citations have been issued for non-payment and citation revenue received
is $19,234.45 with net income after expenses being $12,615.95.
City Staff adjudicates all contested citations. If the person contesting the citation
disagrees with the final disposition of the citation by Staff, they may appeal to the
Municipal Court Judge within 30 days of decision by staff. All documentation
supporting the validity of the violation are provided to the claimant.
To ensure clear adjudication processes for parking violations across the organization,
staff will be working with the Parking Advisory Board on recommended Ordinance
amendments to ensure parking citation processes are clearer and easier to
understand by both staff and the public.

END

City of San Marcos

630 East Hopkins
San Marcos, TX 78666

Legislation Text
File #: ID#25-842, Version: 1
AGENDA CAPTION:
Receive a staff presentation and hold a discussion regarding Managed Access in Rio Vista Park, including but
not limited to fencing options, layout and potential fees, and provide direction to the City Manager.
Meeting date: January 6, 2026
Department: Parks and Recreation
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: Click or tap here to enter text.
City Council Strategic Initiative: [Please select from the dropdown menu below]
Public Safety, Core Services & Fiscal Excellence
Quality of Life & Sense of Place
Environmental Protection
Comprehensive Plan Element (s): [Please select the Plan element(s) and Goal # from dropdown menu
below]
☐ Economic Development - Choose an item.
☐ Environment & Resource Protection - Choose an item.
☐ Land Use - Choose an item.
☐ Neighborhoods & Housing - Choose an item.
☒ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities - Well maintained public facilities that meet needs of our community
☐ Transportation - Choose an item.
☐ Core Services
☐ Not Applicable

City of San Marcos

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File #: ID#25-842, Version: 1
Master Plan: [Please select the corresponding Master Plan from the dropdown menu below (if applicable)]
Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan
Background Information:
Purpose of Item
The purpose of this item is to provide City Council with an update on plans for Managed Access at Rio Vista
Park during the Summer 2026 season and to seek direction regarding the potential implementation of access
fees for out-of-town visitors.
Background
On September 17, 2024, during the Summer Season update, City Council provided consensus to explore
measures aimed at generating new revenue to offset operational and maintenance costs for riverfront parks.
These measures included:
·

Researching the installation of aesthetically pleasing perimeter fencing and creating designated
managed access points.

·

Charging non-residents for entry through managed access points.

·

Implementing a permit system for picnic areas.

On May 20, 2025, during a City Council Work Session, Council authorized the implementation of a Managed
Access Test Plan for weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Test Plan was
executed over 50 days during Summer 2025 (Fridays-Sundays and holidays).
On October 8, 2025, during the Summer Season update, City Council discussed the possibility of
implementing an access fee for out-of-town visitors and reviewed fee structures used by New Braunfels,
Wimberley, and Austin. While no consensus was reached on implementing a fee, Council expressed support
for exempting residents within the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District should a fee be
adopted.
Council also provided consensus to continue managed access at Rio Vista Park using aesthetic temporary
fencing to help educate park patrons on rules prior to entry. Observations from the 2025 Managed Access Test
indicated a visible reduction in litter and park rule violations.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
Click or tap here to enter text.

City of San Marcos

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File #: ID#25-842, Version: 1

Alternatives:
Click or tap here to enter text.
Recommendation:
Click or tap here to enter text.

City of San Marcos

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City of San Marcos
City Council Workshop
January 6, 2026
sanmarcostx.gov

1

Presentation
Item #2
Receive a staff presentation and hold discussion regarding
Managed Access in Rio Vista Park, including fencing options,
layout considerations, and potential fees, and provide direction
to the City Manager.

sanmarcostx.gov

2

Purpose
Provide the City Council with an update regarding
Managed Access plans in Rio Vista:
• Review Community Survey Outcomes;
• Provide Brief Background of Managed Access;
• Discuss Managed Access Fencing and Layout; and
• Receive Direction on Non-Resident Fee and
Exemption Area.
sanmarcostx.gov

3

Community Survey Outcomes

sanmarcostx.gov

4

Community Survey Outcomes

sanmarcostx.gov

5

Community Survey Outcomes

sanmarcostx.gov

6

Community Survey Outcomes

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7

Background Review
•

May 21, 2019- Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan was adopted
by City Council.
– Goal FF.1: “Provide adequate funding to allow for a well-maintained parks and trail
system; Action Item FF-1.2 under that goal is “Pursue additional potential funding
sources.”

•

November 6, 2019 – Proposed cost recovery analysis and implementation
for Parks and Recreation Programs and Services was provided to the City
Council. Council provided direction to proceed with proposed assumptions
and seek recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Board.
sanmarcostx.gov

8

Background Review
• January 13, 2020 - the Parks and Recreation Board adopted two
Recommendation Resolutions:
– Recommendation Resolution 2019-02RR recommending City Council approve the
FY2020 proposed fees for memberships, day passes, programs and activities
derived from the Cost Recovery Study

– Recommendation Resolution 2020-01RR recommending the implementation of
paid parking within riverfront parks system better recover operational and
maintenance costs.

• April 7, 2020 - City Council approved Ordinance 2020-14 for various Parks &
Recreation facilities.
• A fee study is currently underway to review Parks & Recreation fees.
sanmarcostx.gov

9

Background Review
• February 2024 - Single-Use Beverage Container Ordinance adopted and
effective May 1, 2024. Year one education period expired April 30, 2025.
• September 17, 2024 - City Council provided consensus to explore measures
to generate new revenue to offset the costs for operations and maintenance in
the riverfront parks.
– Support of staff researching the installation of aesthetically-pleasing perimeter
fencing along our riverfront parks and creating specific managed access points.
– Support charging non-residents to enter through the managed access points.

– Support of permits for picnic spots.

sanmarcostx.gov

10

Background Review
•

May 20, 2025 - City Council authorized implementation of the Managed
Access Test Plan on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day-Labor Day
for a total of 50 days.

•

End of summer feedback - Residents and volunteers reported visible
reduction in litter and better compliance with park rules.

•

October 8, 2025 -Discussion Items at City Council
– Consensus to continue managed access in Rio Vista Park with aesthetic
temporary fencing. Expressed desire to review the fencing prior to procurement
and placement.
– Discussion of possible implementation of a fee for non-resident visitors. Desire to
ensure those within the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District are
exempt.
sanmarcostx.gov

11

Managed Access Fencing
•

Oct 8, 2025: Council
gave direction
to continue Managed
Access and to install
aesthetically pleasing
temporary fencing.

•

Pictured is the
temporary fencing to
be acquired.

•

Managed Access
in 2026 – 36 Days*
* only for Saturdays, Sundays, Holiday Weekends and Holidays

sanmarcostx.gov

12

sanmarcostx.gov

13

Why a Fee? Currently Funded Efforts
•

Park Ambassador Personnel: $136,303

•

Park Ambassador Uniforms/Supplies: $10,336.83

•

Parks Maintenance Holiday Weekend Crews: $21,960.59

•

Public Works Holiday Street Closures: $38,728.80 (Overtime)

•

Contract Deputy Marshals: $81,454.40

•

Police Officers & Fire Marshals (Overtime): $37,557.04

•

Signage (FY25 One-Time): $3,493.33
sanmarcostx.gov

14

Why a Fee? Currently Funded Efforts
•

In-Stream litter removal contractor (Headwaters to Stokes Park): $19,800

•

EPSI weekend/holiday litter removal: $117,736.96

•

Portable Toilet Rental: $30,018.00

•

Fencing Rental: $11,179.77

Total General Fund Cost: $508,568.72

sanmarcostx.gov

15

Total Park Operations Budget:
$955,875*
*Does not include personnel costs

sanmarcostx.gov

16

Millions

Adopted
Tax
Rate
65.15¢
$140
$135

$132.7

$130
$125

$138.6

$127.2
$123.0 $123.0

$123.1

$122.3

$123.3

$120

$115

$0M*

$4.1M

$10.4M

$15.3M

2027

2028

2029

$110
2026

Total Revenues

Total Expenses

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17

Access Fee for Out-of-Town Visitors
• City of New Braunfels:
– $2 per non-resident user River Management Fee
– 2023 Revenue $509,938
– 2024 Revenue $438,348
– October 2024 discussed increase to $3, but increased parking
rates instead.

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18

Access Fee for Out-of-Town Visitors
• Proposed fee previously presented:
– $25 per group (up to 10 people of any age)
– $5 per individual (age 6 and older)
– Only for Sat/Sun, Holiday Weekends and Holidays.
• Ticketing Software: $30,000 upfront and continuous annual cost to
make it as easy as possible for visitors and staff.

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19

Fee Exemption
•

October 8, 2025- City Council expressed the desire to expand the permit
eligibility to either those with a 78666 zip code or San Marcos Consolidated
Independent School District (SMCISD) boundary.

•

Staff recommendation: To streamline permit approvals, staff recommends
City Council include 78666 (San Marcos area) and 78655 (Martindale) zip
codes.

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20

Direction
•

Is City Council comfortable with moving forward with the fencing layout
as proposed by staff?

• Does City Council want to implement the proposed fee on weekends
and holidays for visitors to help offset increased service costs?
• If so, does City Council agree with exempting households within the
78666 and 78655 zip codes, or broader to include anyone within
SMCISD boundary, and issue them Resident River Passes?
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21

Questions?

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22

City of San Marcos
City Council Work Session
October 8, 2025
sanmarcostx.gov

1

Presentation
Item #1
Receive a staff presentation regarding the 2025 Summer
Season in the Riverfront Parks and provide direction to the City
Manager.

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2

Purpose
Provide the City Council with an update regarding the
2025 summer season in the Riverfront Parks System.
We will cover:
• Previous City Council Direction
• 2025 Summer Season Experience
• River Access Fees for Out-of-Town Visitors
• Brief update on City Park Paid Parking since July 1
implementation
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3

The Past

Previous Parks Related Direction
•

Single-Use Beverage Container Ordinance adopted February 2024, went into
effect May 1, 2024, with the first year being education only. Year one
education period expired April 30, 2025.

•

City Council provided Consensus on September 17, 2024, to explore
measures to generate new revenue to support costs to provide a safe
environment and clean up riverfront parks.
– Support of staff researching the installation of aesthetically-pleasing
perimeter fencing along our riverfront parks and creating specific
managed access points.
– Support charging non-residents to enter through the managed access
points.
– Support of permits for picnic spots.
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5

Previous Parks Related Direction
•

City Council provided consensus on May 20, 2025, to implement staff
recommended Managed Access Test Plan at Rio Vista Park beginning
Memorial Day Weekend and operating weekends and holidays until Labor
Day 2025.

•

City Council also provided consensus in exploring the creation of a river
access fee for out-of-town visitors during the time that managed access is
active, weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

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6

The Present

2025 Summer Season Experience
There are four dedicated City teams, one contractor and the Edwards Aquifer Habitat
Conservation Plan (Texas State/City funded) Conservation Crew who are on-site in
our riverfront parks during the Summer Season.
• Parks & Recreation Department
– Park Ambassadors
– Parks Maintenance Crews
• Marshals Office
– Deputy Marshals
– Park Rangers
– Contract Officers
– Parking Technicians
• ESPI (formally known as Easter Seals)
• EAHCP Conservation Crew
sanmarcostx.gov
• Public Works – Traffic Control on Holiday Weekends
8

The Present &
The New

Managed Access Test Plan
• Installed temporary chain link fencing with gates that served as managed
access points.
• Park Ambassadors operated managed access points on Fridays,
Saturdays, and Sundays from Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day.
• Did not operate managed access points Monday – Thursday (except
during extended holiday weekends).
• Managed Access allowed for Park Ambassadors to educate park patrons
about park rules preemptively to reduce violations.
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10

Managed Access Test Plan
• Outreach strategies were immediately implemented to help educate about
the plan.
– Prominently displayed on our home page and secondary pages
– Press Releases and media interviews
– Continued promotion of accidental litter videos created by the Destination
Services team
– Parks and Recreation Staff created an all-encompassing San Marcos River
Parks Recreation story map to guide residents and potential visitors through
everything they needed to know about changes, park rules and other
commonly asked questions
– Ran Social media ads educating potential visitors
– Installation of park rule signage on fencing in English and Spanish
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11

12

New Gates Installed on Cheatham
Street and Sidewalk Improvements

sanmarcostx.gov

13

New Gates Installed on Cheatham
Street and Sidewalk Improvements

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14

Before Managed Access Test Plan

Photo taken by David Zambrano, Eyes of the San Marcos River – Monday, May 19

sanmarcostx.gov

15

After Managed Access Test Plan

Photo taken by David Zambrano, Eyes of the
San Marcos River – Monday, June 9

Photo taken by Tod Miller, Eyes of the San
Marcos River – Monday, June 9 sanmarcostx.gov
16

2025 Summer Season Operations
Plans
All Weekends
• Operated Managed Access Test Plan with Park Ambassadors.
• Utilized contract peace officers to supplement on-site Deputy Marshals.
Holiday Weekends
• Close Cheatham Street between Riverside Street and CM Allen
Parkway.
• Ramon Lucio Baseball Fields and Rio Vista pavilions usage and rental
dates were blocked out for use.
• Children’s Park parking lot used for staging and emergency vehicle
ingress/egress.
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17

The Present &
The Experience

2025 Summer Season Experience Park Ambassadors
• Third year of this program.
• Added 10 additional personnel for a total of 20 seasonal
staff members from mid-May through September 7.
• Attended a 3-day training developed by the City Marshals
Office that built upon and expanded previous training
developed by the Parks and Recreation team.
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19

2025 Summer Season Experience Marshals Office
• Chief City Marshal – Oversaw daily operations and
Holiday Weekend Operation Plan Implementation
• Deputy Marshals – Staffing levels varied throughout
season and were supplemented with contract officers
• Park Rangers – Three (3) part-time staff

• Parking Technicians – Two (2) full-time and two (2) parttime
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20

2025 Summer Season Experience ESPI (formally Easter Seals)
• On site from May through September weekends and
holidays from 2pm – 11pm
• Primary duties included:
• Empty on-site trash cans and bagged trash areas.
• Remove litter that is not properly placed in trash cans.

• Assist with sanitation services for park restrooms
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21

Environmental Impacts - Litter

sanmarcostx.gov

22

Environmental Impacts - Litter

*Sept 2025 reported through
Sept 1, 2025
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23

2025 Summer Season Experience
Staff Insight:
• Crowds were lighter compared to the 2024 season
• Managed Access provided the opportunity to inform patrons of park rules as they
entered the park which led to reduction in common violations such as glass,
styrofoam, charcoal, tables and alcohol.
• Reduction in life-safety and intoxication related injuries
• Litter was more manageable, but still experienced lots of glass, micro-trash and other
litter
• The number of vehicles continued to exceed the number of parking spaces available
Resident/Business/Visitor Insight:
• The riverfront parks felt safer and more peaceful
• The weekend and holiday crowds seemed more manageable
• Temporary fencing used was not aesthetically pleasing
• Volunteer groups saw less trash, but still room for improvement

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24

Questions Regarding
2025 Summer Season
Experience?

sanmarcostx.gov

25

The Future

Managed Access Fencing
•

Staff
recommends continuing
Managed Access with
the use of more
aesthetically pleasing
temporary fencing with
gates that served as
managed access points.

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27

Council Direction - Fencing
• Does Council support continuing Managed Access at Rio
Vista?
• Does Council support staff acquiring temporary fencing as
recommended?

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28

Access Fee for Out-of-Town Visitors
• Previously staff recommended the creation of an Access Fee for outof-town visitors to generate revenue that will offset the annual cost for
securing, cleaning and maintaining our riverfront parks.
• Staff compared other communities with riverfront parks or lakes
for further consideration
• The proposed fee previously presented:
– $25 per group (up to 10 people of any age)
– $5 per individual (age 6 and older)
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29

Access Fee
City / Park

Fee Type

Resident
Rate

Non-Resident Season Pass
Rate

Notes

New Braunfels –
River Access

Tubing Wristband

Free (with Resident
River Pass)

$2/day

Resident River Pass

Resident River Pass
valid for 3 years

New Braunfels Individual Picnic
Space

Picnic Space includes tables,
blankets, chairs
and/or canopies

Waived with proof
of address for first
space.
$25 if second
space is used.

$25/space

No

Fee charged Easter
weekend through
the first weekend of
October. Free
outside of those
times.

Wimberley - Blue
Hole

Half- Day
Swimming Pass
(4 hrs.)
9am-1pm or
2pm -6pm

$6 / Half-Day
78676 Zip Code
Only

$12 Adult (ages 1359), $8 Youth (ages
4-12), $8 Senior (60
+), $8 Military (with
valid ID), Free (Ages
3 & under)

Yes; Limited to 400
passes per season.
Wimberley
Residents (all ages):
$100

Season pass
holders can swim
all open swim
hours (9am-6pm)

Adults (ages13-59):
$150
Youth/Senior/
Military $125

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30

Access Fee

City / Park

Fee Type

Resident
Rate

Non-Resident Season Pass
Rate

Notes

Wimberley – Blue
Hole

Picnic Table

$20

$20

Not included in
Season Pass

Limestone tables
on swim lawn

Wimberley – Blue
Hole

Umbrella

$20

$20

Not included in
Season Pass

In fixed locations
on swim lawn

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31

Access Fee
City / Park

Fee Type

Resident Rate

Non-Resident
Rate

Season Pass

Notes

Austin – Barton
Springs Pool

Entry
(Spring Break
– October 3)

$5 Adult (ages 18-62),
$3 Junior (ages 12-17),
$2 Senior (62 +) & Child
(ages 1-11),
Free Honorably
Discharged Veterans &
Children under 1

$9 Adult (ages 18-62),
$5 Junior (ages 12-17),
$5 Senior (62 +),
$4 Child (ages 1-11) ,
Free Honorably
Discharged Veterans &
Children under 1

Resident:
$190 Adult
$125 Junior
$65 Child
$65 Senior (62 –79)
Free Senior (80+)
Free Honorably
Discharge Veterans
$370 Family of 4
(2 adults and 2
children/juniors)*

Free Nov–midMarch; NonResident Season
Passes for Seniors
(80+) & Veterans
are not available.

Non-Resident:
$280 Adult
$155 Junior
$95 Child
$95 Senior (62 –79)
$515 Family of 4 (2 adults
and 2 children/juniors) *

*Additional family

Unknown if
Season Passes
are limited to a
specific number.
members
are required to
purchase
the individual pass
for their age group
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32

Access Fee - Staff Recommendation
Fee Type

Resident Rate

Non-Resident Daily Rate

Non-ResidentSeason Pass

Group Rate

Free with
Resident River
Pass

$25 (Up to 10 People of
any age)

N/A

Individual

Free with
Resident River
Pass

$5 Adult (ages 12-59)
$2 Child (ages 3 –11)
$2 Senior (60+)
$2 Military with valid ID
Free Children (2 &
under)

Adults (ages1359): $100

Child/Senior/
Military: $75

Notes

Season Pass
calculated based on
48 days of managed
access operation
(Memorial Day –
Labor Day)

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33

Council Direction Requested - Visitors
• Does Council support charging out-of-town visitors to
enter through the managed access points?
• Does Council want to consider an exception for those
with a San Marcos zip code outside of city limits?
• Does Council support the proposed rate structure?
• If yes, staff will draft the fee ordinance and bring it back to
Council for adoption along with implementation plan.
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34

City Park Paid Parking
• Went live July 1, 2025.

• To date we have over 3,500 active resident parking
permits and receive new applications daily.
• Revenue received as of 09/29/2025: $156,907.40.
• We will begin issuing citations for non-payment this
month.
• Following implementation staff received comments from
ETJ residents with San Marcos zip codes.
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35

City Park Paid Parking
• Parks and Recreation Staff will be presenting the
proposed River Benefit District application and boundaries
to the Parking Advisory Board this month.
• The Parking Advisory Board will then hold a Public
Hearing and provide a recommendation on the request to
create the Benefit District.
• City Council will then hold a Public Hearing and
consider the creation of the Benefit District by Ordinance.
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36

Council Direction Requested - Parking
• Does Council want to consider an exception for those with
a San Marcos zip code outside of city limits?

• If yes, would Council like to establish a permit that could
be purchased annually or see another solution
recommended?
• Any other direction related to City Park Paid Parking?
sanmarcostx.gov

37

Questions

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38