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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-11-03 - Regular City CouncilMINUTES OF REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING City of Stephenville - City Council Tuesday, November 3, 2015, 5:30 P.M. The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, convened on November 3, 2015, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 298 West Washington Street, for the purpose of a Regular Business Meeting, with the meeting being open to the public and notice of said meeting, giving the date, time, place and subject thereof, having been posted as prescribed by Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes Annotated, with the following members present, to wit: Mayor Mayor Pro-Tem Council members Jerry K. Weldon II Russ McDanel Mark McClinton Boyd Waggoner Doug Svien Rhett Harrison Alan Nix Sherry Zachery Jerry Warren Others Attending Patrick C. Bridges, City Administrator Randy Thomas, City Attorney Cindy L. Stafford, City Secretary Call to Order. The meeting of the Stephenville City Council was called to order at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, by Mayor Weldon. The mayor began by saying, "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." He read Psalm 90:17, "May the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and confirm for us the work of our hands —yes, confirm the work of our hands." The mayor praised the organizers of the Sundown on the Square fundraiser. He reported that over $40,000 was raised to benefit the museum. Veterans Day will be celebrated next week with a ceremony at the courthouse on November 11 at 11am and a parade on November 14 at 2pm. II. Citizens' General Discussion. Fredie Goble, 413 Bluebonnet, Stephenville, expressed his desire for the council members to open each meeting with a prayer. He also expressed disappointment with the council members' attitude and encouraged them all to work together to get businesses to Stephenville and to clean up and beautify the city. Edith Stanfield, 3064 CR 126, Gordon, Texas, expressed her concerns about the operation of the Senior Citizens Center. Regular Business Meeting November 3, 2015 Stephenville City Council Mayor Weldon said that he felt compelled to respond by saying, "One of the reasons that our city was able to hold our tax rate where we were is because our city is growing. There are cities across the State of Texas that have either had to raise taxes or significantly reduce programs because their economies are not growing, and that is not the case in Stephenville." III. Presentation of the Gold Member City Award to Stephenville Parks and Recreation Department —Mark Lord, Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Mark Lord, Executive Director of the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, presented this award to Stephenville Parks and Recreation Department. Brenda Haggard, Recreation Superintendent, received this award. He said that since the inception of this award that Stephenville has won platinum three times, bronze once, and gold twelve times. From over 150 municipal parks and recreation associations throughout the state, Stephenville is the only one to have medaled every year. IV. Presentation for Bosque River Trail Learning Center —Conner McKinzie Conner McKinzie is a senior at Stephenville High School and serves FFA as Area IV President. He was one of ten agriculture students to participate in the Ford Leadership Scholars program, which was established to enhance the leadership opportunities of the Texas FFA members. One of the components of the program is a project to be completed by the student in their community. The project developed by McKinzie is an outdoor learning area along the Bosque River Trail. V. Community Services Annual Report —Jeremy Allen, Director Director Allen said he is very proud of the Community Services department and the work that the employees do for the benefit of the citizens. The report is attached MOTION by Russ McDanel, second by Alan Nix, to accept the annual report for the Community Services division. MOTION CARRIED. VI. Consider Confirmation for SEDA to Enter into a Financial Partnership with Ranger College in Support of the Skills Development Fund Grants —Ron Mullins, President, Stephenville Type B Economic Development Authority MOTION by Mark McClinton, second by Alan Nix, to approve SEDA entering into a financial partnership in the amount of $10,000 with Ranger College in support of the Skills Development Fund grant if and when it is secured. MOTION CARRIED. VII. Delinquent Tax Collection Report —Jeff Brown, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Jeff Brown, attorney, thanked the council for its continued business. Brown stated that the city currently has a tax collection rate of more than 98.5%. He reported that the firm has sent more than 434 warning notice letters to delinquent taxpayers. Twenty-two lawsuits against 29 parcels were filed seeking the collection of $18,003.96 in delinquent Regular Business Meeting November 3, 2015 Stephenville City Council j taxes, penalties, and interest. Twenty-nine lawsuits were dismissed during this reporting period which involved in excess of $30,229.88 in taxes, penalties, and interest. Courtroom judgments have been taken in seven lawsuits concerning eight accounts involving more than $4,949.38. Judgments were released in seven cases concerning seven accounts involving more than $6,969.33. Four tax sales involving four tracts of real property were prosecuted involving more than $8,281.45 in taxes, penalties, interest and attorney'sfees. Brown summed up by saying, "By the use of all of our collection tools, including notice letters, specialized demand letters, and litigation, we have collected on your behalf just over $98,290.50 in delinquent taxes, penalty, and interest from September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015." Brown complimented District Judge Jason Cashon for coordinating court time to facilitate this process. Jennifer Carey, Erath County Tax Assessor -Collector, was also in attendance and answered questions from council members. MOTION by Russ McDanel, second by Mark McClinton, to accept the report on delinquent tax collection. MOTION CARRIED. Vill. Planning and Business Services Audit Report --Melanie Taylor, CPA/CFE, Boucher, Morgan & Young Taylor addressed the council concerning the Independent Accounts' Report on Applying Agreed -Upon Procedures that was conducted by her team to evaluate the permits and certificates of occupancy issued by the City of Stephenville for the period from September 1, 2014 to July 31, 2015. She noted that during this timeframe there were 626 building permits issued —only 327 had any documentation at all, and 299 had no documentation. Of the 327, only 192 had permits signed by a building official. The team investigated fees charged and found a disparity of valuation per square foot from $35 to $95 per square foot. Review was made to determine if all fees collected were deposited, and there was sufficient evidence that money recorded in the permitting software was being deposited. During this time, 58 certificates of occupancy were issued. There was documentation on 20, but only 7 actual certificates in the files, 2 of which were signed. There was no documentation found on the other 38. Council member Zachery expressed concern that there is no data to compare the recent information to and suggested a study be made of the period of time from September 1, 2013 to July 31, 2014. City Administrator Bridges reported that the cost of the agreed -upon procedure submitted is $13,000. Regular Business Meeting November 3, 2015 Stephenville City Council MOTION by Sherry Zachery, second by Boyd Waggoner, to duplicate this agreed -upon procedures for the period of time from September 1, 2013 to July 31, 2014. Mayor Weldon stated that attention should be given to look at the processes in the Planning and Building Department to ensure that it is customer service oriented and customer friendly. He further stated that council needs to come up with performance measures for our city. He asked if Council Member Zachery would be willing to add a process review to her motion. MOTION by Sherry Zachery, second by Boyd Waggoner, to amend the motion to add including a process review of the Planning and Building Services department. MOTION by Russ McDanel, second by Alan Nix, to table the motion and the amendment that are on the floor. MOTION FAILED by the following vote: Ayes: Council members McClinton, McDanel, and Nix. Noes: Council members Waggoner, Svien, Harrison, Zachery, Warren, and Mayor Weldon. MOTION CARRIED to amend the motion. MOTION CARRIED on the amended motion by the following vote: Ayes: Council members Waggoner, Svien, Harrison, Zachery, Warren and Mayor Weldon. Noes: Council members McClinton, McDanel, and Nix. MOTION by Doug Svien, second by Russ McDanel, to accept the Agreed -Upon Procedures conducted by Boucher, Morgan and Young. MOTION CARRIED. IX. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT —Consider Approval of Ordinance No. 2015-0-17 Amending Chapter 75, Parking Schedules of the Code of Ordinances MOTION by Russ McDanel, second by Alan Nix, to adopt Ordinance No. 2015-0-17. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. X. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT A. Proposal from MP2 Energy. MOTION by Doug Svien, second by Rhett Harrison, to engage in a contract with MP2 Energy to become our broker and to provide services January 2020 to May 2021. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. B. Consider Approval of Agreement with Enterprise Rent -a -Car for Unmarked Police Department Vehicles. MOTION by Doug Svien, second by Mark McClinton, to approve a long-term rental contract with Enterprise Rental for three new vehicles in the police department. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. Regular Business Meeting November 3, 2015 Stephenville City Council C. Consider Approval of an Equipment Purchase Program for Peace Officers. MOTION by Doug Svien, second by Russ McDanel, to approve the employee equipment purchasing program forsworn members of the police department. MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote. D. Tax Abatement—Creekside Townhomes Addition. This matter had been referred to the city attorney. City Attorney Thomas advised the council that residential projects are ineligible for tax abatement. XI. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT —EXECUTIVE SESSION. In compliance with the provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Law, Subchapter D, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes, Annotated, in accordance with Sec. 551.074 Personnel Matters (a)(1) to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee ---Consider Confirmation of Appointment of Planning and Building Services Director Committee chairperson Sherry Zachery stated that it would not be necessary for the council to recess in executive session. Zachery reported that the committee is recommending Noah Cullis for the position of Director of Planning and Building Services. Noah Cullis was present and introduced his wife, Kay Dee, and son, Ethan. He said they are looking forward to working and living in Stephenville. He said that he isvery interested in public outreach and getting to know the stakeholders in this community. He hopes to build long, lasting relationships. MOTION by Sherry Zachery, second by Russ McDanel, to appoint Noah Cullis as Director of Planning and Building Services. MOTION CARRIED by the following vote: Ayes: Council members McClinton, Waggoner, Svien, McDanel, Harrison, Nix, Zachery, Warren, and Mayor Weldon. Noes: None XII. CONSENTAGENDA MOTION by Doug Svien, second by Russ McDanel, to approve the Consent Agenda. MOTION CARRIED. A. Approve Minutes 1. Regular Council Meeting on September 29, 2015 2. Special Council Meeting on October 6, 2015 B. Approve the Purchase of three Police Department vehicles C. Approve the Purchase of a Rescue Pumper Truck D. Approve the Sale of City Property Regular Business Meeting November 3, 2015 Stephenville City Council 4 q E. Approve Professional Services Agreement for Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey XIII. Comments by City Administrator Stephenville Type B Economic Development Authority will meet on November 4. SPARD and Zonta Club will sponsor the 50th annual Arts, Crafts, and Gifts Fair on November 6 and 7. Nominations Committee will meet on November 17 XIV. Comments by Council members Mark McClinton thanked all those involved in the recent community activities —Bygone Days on the Bosque, Sundown on the Square, and Spirit Walk. Boyd Waggoner thanked Lisa LaTouche for attending the Community Services Committee meeting and making a very informative presentation concerning the library. Doug Svien thanked Lee Elliott for his help as Interim Planning and Building Services director. Russ McDanel thanked Jeremy Allen for his hard work covering so many different !!! departments. Rhett Harrison said that he would like to see the subject of prayer at council meetings on the next agenda. Alan Nix welcomed Noah and his family to Stephenville and thanked Pat Bridges for his diligence in bringing Noah on board. Sherry Zachery also thanked Lee Elliott for his service and welcomed Noah and his family. Mayor Weldon thanked those Tarleton students who attended the council meeting. He reviewed a process which he proposes be initiated to inform council members at the regular council meetings concerning projects and issues that are ongoing. XV. Adjourn. MOTION by Russ McDanel, second by Alan Nix, to adjourn the meeting. MOTION CARRIED at 8:09 p.m. L Jerry I . Wel n II, Mayor ATTEST: Cindy L. Stafford, ty Secrets Regular Business Meeting November 3, 2015 Stephenville City Council Community Services Recreation Parks Cemetery Library Senior Citizens Splashville Stephenville Clark Regional Airport Bosque River Trail Special Events Parks and Recreation (SPARD) Stephenville received the Platinum Member City Award - 2000, 2001 2003 and the Gold Member City Award in 2002, 2004, 2006 - 2015 1 Projects/Improvements ► Marketing Plan ► V of July Celebration Return Optimist/Jaycee Park Shade Structure ► Senior Center Remodel/Maintenance ► New Roofs: Senior, Library, Pavilion ► Lions Club Field Scoreboard ► Scoreboard Optimist ► Sound System McCI sky 11111111MM._ Projects/Improvements Century Park Lighting o Scoreboard Optimist Sound System McCI ky Field , New Pump for Splash ' e New Chemical Injection System Splashville ► New Field adjustments Median Maintenance (April) Community Services Magazine 14 2 Athletic Programs ► Youth Leagues Baseball Softball Flag Football Winter Basketball Summer Basketball Volleyball Special Events P Texstar Ford Concert Series o Easter Egg Hunt ► Pumpkin Carving ► Christmas Program ► Cross Country Track Meets ► Fish Day in the Park ► Antique Tractor Show ► School Related Events ► Tarleton TIAER Contest Zonta Penny Auction ► Many 5K runs on trail ,L-Movies in the Park ► Adult Leagues Softball Basketball Flag Football Kick -ball ► July 4th Family Fun ► ASA Softball Tournaments ► Texas Teen -Age Baseball Tournaments ► Tennis Tournament ► Rodeo Heritage Week ► Relay For Life o United Way Fish Fry ► Arts & Crafts Show ► Veteran's Day Program ► Karate Tournament ► Theatre in the Park ► Farmhouse Fraternity Homerun Derby ► Chamberlin Carnival 3 1+4j �-j I n Recreation and Individual Sports Youth Baseball and Softball 6/74 7/78 6 / 65 14/171 15/159 15/ 158 4/37 na na 6/75 10/110 10 / 111 4/47 4/24 3 / 26 2/28* 3 / 31 4/47 2/27* 3 / 28 2 / 24* 2/26* 1/14* na 7/85 7 / 84 6 / 65 5/59 6 / 66 6 / 65 4/51 4/47 5/68 56/680 60/641 57/629 * Played with Tri County Parks (Basque River Trail) _ Update Extension and 5 Basque River Trail ► Bosque River Trust • Recreation • Education • Restoration Bosgrje River Trail Outdoor Learning Center Conner McKenzie • Ford Scholarship Program 11 Library Library . Book Club . Movie and a snack, . The SPL Time Machine r Boo for Books . Holly Jolly Christmas Pokemon club • Oscar Picks Contest . Why I Love My Library Contest Take Your Child to the Library Day -stories TSU Horticulture Club presented Come Plant with us n 7 Library African Safari Music Program with Elizabeth Kahura Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with Nature Art! Texas Summer Reading Dino Dig with Kathy Lenz from Dinosaur Valley State Park A Visit from The Stephenville Fire & Police with Sparky the Fire Dog, A Special Story Time with Ronald McDonald Library 2011 2012 2013 2014 201 Head Count 41525 41419 35161 36004 4502 Computer Usage 16762 21184 21568 30901 2223 Items Checked Out 41895 44024 46155 46947 4719 New Patrons 992 1200 1219 1253 125 Patrons Renewed 1703 2288 2027 217 New Items 2651 2734 3212 3119 265 Event Participants 2425 2223 1908 1880 392 Senior Citizens Center n 0 Senior Citizens Center The Stephenville Senior Center for Senior and Community Activities is an adult activity center with social, recreational, and educational programs specifically for adults ages 50 and up. The building includes meeting space, banquet room, kitchen, an arts and Crafts room. In additiCn, the facilityis a available for rental for your next baby shower, wedding shower, business luncheon or reception. Senior Citizens Center The Senior Center holds up against many compariable cities with 22 ongoing activities for seniors to participate in throughout the week. The Center also organizes a number of special events. The City supports the Center with staff to organize the activities and special events. The City's budget is $115,000 for the Senior activities promote seniors, activities, and special events. 10 Senior Citizens Country & Western Dance Line Dancing . Exercise . Art Class . Contact Bridge . Bingo Computer Classes Yoga Karate ► Travel Club . Widow Club . Dinner Club . Musical Jamboree . Water Exercise . Lap Swimming . Potluck Lunch . Drive Safely . Tax Assistance ► Art Display Senior Citizens Remodel ► Fix Roof . Fix Walls ► ADA Restrooms . ADA Doors . Fix Awning . Fix Kitchen Ceiling . Fix Windows ► Cosmetic 11 Splashvil(e 3 Year Participation History w�17171 2015 25,244 78 17 2014 21,551 88 18 2013 25,483 81 9 2012 271741 88 5 12 ***Staffing Pool Manager 1 1 1 1 1 Lifeguards & Swim 54 66 48 51 56 Instructors Cashiers/Attendants 13 14 18 20 17 Pool Maintenance 6 6 13 9 11 Total Employees 74 87 80 81 85 Total Staff Hours 9,794 13,345 14,152 13,216 Total Staff Payroll $103,994 $82„328 $109,635 $112,420 $109,543 Financial Personnel $103,994 Contractual $39,168 General Services $16,786 Machine & Equipment $17,215 Maintenance Total Expenditures $177,163 Total Revenue $138,187 13 Stephenville Clark Regional Airport General Information Fixed Based Operator (FBO) — Stephenville Aviation — Bill Smith and Todd Downs Mon— Fri 8 am — 5 pm, Sat 9 am-4 pm, Sun oncall Runw th 4,200 feet, width 75 feet 38 Hangers, large box hangars + 1 priv a rnercial hangar 38 tie down spaces 14 n n 15 General Information • Ramp Grant - 50/50 grant for airport maintenance items • AWOS — Weather information • The Weather Channel • via telephone at (254) 965-8672 • Airport Advisory Board - 7 members • 90/10 Runway Extension Matching Grant 57.500,000 • Environmental Study Completed • Project Funded 2016/2017 Future = Trail Extension (Letting in June) ► Fix Main Parking Lot ► Fix Low Water Crossing ► Security Along Trail ► Adding Ball Field ► Beginning Airport Extension Process (May) ► Bosque River Trust Team River Clean-up ► Look for Ways to add value to our services LITE Program 16 The Business of Community Services Business Approach to Community Services Raise % Recovery of each dept. • Reduce spending • Increase revenues • Attendance • Sponsorships • Partnerships • Be Elite/Unique n The Business of Community Services To progressively provide cost effective programs and services that encourage the highest quality of life to our citizens. n 17 Community Services • What age do you need to be to participate in the programs at the Senior Center? • What is the addition to the Library buy way of resources? • How long is the current Bosque River Trail? • How manv Youth baseball fields do we currently have? • On average how many flights land at our airport a month? • Out of all the Community Service Dept, which is the most "profitable"? • Which Community Service do you participate in? W MINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING City of Stephenville — City Council Monday, November 30, 2015 — 4:00 p.m. The City Council of the City of Stephenville, Texas, convened on November 30, 2015, at 4:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers at Stephenville City Hall, 298 West Washington Street, for the purpose of a Special Council Meeting, with the meeting being open to the public and notice of said meeting, giving the date, time, place and subject thereof, having been posted as prescribed by Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes Annotated, with the following members present, to wit: Mayor Jerry K. Weldon II Mayor Pro-Tem Russ McCanel Council members Mark McClinton Boyd Waggoner Doug Svien Rhett Harrison Alan Nix Sherry Zachery Jerry Warren Others Attending Pat Bridges, City Administrator Cindy L. Stafford, City Secretary Call to Order. The meeting of the Stephenville City Council was called to order at 4:05 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2015, by Mayor Weldon. II. Burditt Consultants LLC—Property located at 1217 US 67 Charles Burditt and Shane Howard presented their report as contained in the attached document. III. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 5:37 p.m. V. :tMayor ATTEST: Cindy L. Sta ord, City Secre Special Council Meeting November 30, 2015 Stephenville City Council I Feasibility Study: Multi -Event Arena and Site Plan Development Preliminary Project Summary Study Purpose: In September 2015, Burditt was engaged to study the feasibility of Stephenville developing a spectator -focused rodeo/multi-event arena and improved conference facilities on Glen Rose Road and adjacent to the Stephenville Airport. Both candidate site and building analyses were to be accompanied with financing concepts primarily focused on the potential use of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) around the candidate site. Finally, the initial intent was also to review the feasibility of constructing a dog park and animal shelter on the candidate site. After meeting with the Director of Community Services, Mayor, staff, and Chamber Executive Director in early October, the determination was made that the dog park and animal shelter were not good fits for the focus areas of the candidate site. Also, subsequent meetings with the Airport Advisory Committee expanded the scope of study to include potential airport optimization concepts consistent with a broader master plan approach to the site. As a result, this study contains both feasibility elements as well as conceptual master plan elements focused on capturing a vision articulated by the Mayor and staff centered on creating a destination -based development and optimized airport commercialization. O N N Study Process: � This Study is comprised of three components: y1. Planning Assessment oa. Site adequacy and appropriateness, —may b. Review of program needs for facilities as well as strategic goals for the project. Meetings with staff, o advisory committees, user groups, and citizen stakeholders serve as the primary driver of these e reviews, m a c. Potential annexation and land acquisition targets and opportunities related to the candidate site, md. Consideration of commercial reserve opportunities on site for increased economic development, e. Development of conceptual site plan to include feasible land uses and mobility connections m throughout the candidate site to include potential parking solutions. c v 2. Building Assessment c wa. Study and development of new arena facility and supporting amenities on proposed candidate site, r b. Evaluate efficacy of utilizing existing 15,000 SgFt building as a conference center in conjunction with other amenities serving as destination opportunities, c. Rendering and modelling of proposed facilities and amenities to establish visual foundation of 3 potential outcomes, co d. Establish general estimate of unit costs associated with proposed facilities. a 3. Financing Assessment lLL OWBURDITT a. Explore use of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) as furandng tool for thoroughfare development/redevelopment as well as economic development incentive tool, b. Explore potential impact of commercial reserve opportunities (leasing, pad site development, etc) for activation of the candidate site, a Ensure proposed facilities are optimized for public -private partnership or external investment opportunities. Burditt's team consists of a range of disciplines and personnel including: Charles Burditt — President/Planner j. Shane Howard —Sr. Vice President -Strategy & Development Eric Geppelt — Architect Diana Wilson — Director of Planning Paul Howard — GIS Specialist/Planner Luis Nunez — Director of Economic & Community Development Summary of Findings: Planning Assessment Stakeholder Meetings and Feedback - The initial project programming meeting was conducted on October S by Burditt team members including Charles Burditt and architect Eric Geppelt with members of City Staff, Mayor Weldon, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and local business leaders. The meeting was used to discuss prior examples of feasibility studies and specific design deliverables and, more importantly, to begin to develop programming and visioning statements that express the needs and goals of the project. Programming requirements ,'2 involved determining from participants those facts, goals, concepts and needs that should be documented and t0v included in future prescriptions for any facility or assembly of site components For the subject parcels of land. N a An introduction to the meeting was given by Mayor Weldon wherein he spoke to his overall thoughts and hopes for the City of Stephenville. His comments not only addressed the site development potential for amulti-event arena c d and conference center but also aspirational statements of the subject property that it become a new, and additional to n the existing City parks and public spaces, "a place of'gathering that brought the citizens and the communitj, together". d This programming and visioning session was led by Burditt planning and architect staff members. Consensus was c reached around the following initial program discussions: a u 1. Any contemplated project or improvements should be envisioned as a Public / Private Partnership, N 2. Project implementation and assistance should include the support of local Industry members, c 3. The resulting facilities should be easily and highly marketable to the Private Sector, including both conferences and events, 4. Themes of venues or facilities should "tap in" to the Stephenville Equine Industry and Cowboy Heritage, m S. The facilities should be envisioned as open year round, including any outdoor components, 4'+ 6. A proposed Rodeo Arena should be focused on major rodeo events, practice facilities, and smaller community events rather than a single competition facility, r 7. The new should be designed as an "open air" venue, S. The Dodge City, Kansas rodeo complex was recommended as a precedent facility to study, y 9. Approximately 40,000 square feet in a 160' x 2S0' configuration would be ideal for the arena Boor, a 10. An Operations Office for 3-4 people would be appropriate, a v 11. Concessions may include or be supplemented by the use of food trucks to the premises, U` IfBURDITT 00 12. Shared parking for the arena, future conference center, etc., should be utilized, 13. Proposed improvements should act as "catalyst" for economic development, 14. Senior Center construction or use should be considered, 15. Naming of facilities was considered important to marketing and community interest, 16. The possibility of using excess frontage acreage at the City Service Center was discussed, 17. Matters relating to site access, potential acquisitions and airport adjacency were discussed, 18. Airport involvement and coordination are key and advised for next group meeting. On October 23, a team including Burditt, J. Shane Howard, Diana Wilson, and Paul Howard met again with the Mayor, Director of Community Services, and Airport Advisory Committee. Significant findings resulted from the discussion including consensus around the following conclusions: 1. Airport a. The Airport is a fundamental component of the economic development mission in Stephenville, b. The Airport lacks a clear gateway and arrival experience, c. Flight activity is robust and steady, d. Demand for hangar space remains high and is expected to increase, e. Extension of the runway to 5,000' opens the airport to all private commercial jets in the market and most mid-range/regional turbo-prop/jet cargo aircraft (e.g. Cessna Caravan), f. Demand for larger hangars will increase upon runway extension, g. FBO operations and facilities are currently adequate but innovation and expansion of Bight operations will easily exceed existing capacity and operation, h. Security and fencing is a priority as activity increases on surrounding property, i. Ramp expansion and commercialization of airport property is highly desirable in the future, j. Airport Advisory Committee is supportive of multi -event center and complex on the candidate site and is willing to participate in land -sharing of existing property to accommodate needs in exchange for support of airport commercialization and optimization, k. Funding continues to be the primary challenge for activating opportunity. Vision and Goals Established by the group a. Economic Development i. Airport optimization and commercialization, ii. Road frontage commercial development framework and opportunities, iu. Capture existing and pending market demand, iv. Create framework for redevelopment of depressed sites as well as new investment, v. Explore potentiality of TIRZ as financing vehicle for development. b. Community Development i. Establish a destination of significance and place for regular events of size that serve the v community and its underlying culture, n t j B. Provide additional meeting and conferencing space than currently available in a cohesive site that also can compete for regional and smaller conferences and a .y conventions, in. Establish a new "Gathering place to serve the community" ® I/BURDITT P c. Mobility Improvements I. Establish premise via candidate site development for improving gateways and mobility connections on the outskirts of Stephenville. Entryway/Gateway/Site Circulation — Opportunities for enhancing the entrance to the airport and existing industrial tracts are being explored primarily as a crucial formalization and increased utility for the airport, commercial, service entrance, and event ingress/egress. Site circulation is a major component of the conceptual plan. Airport Optimization/Commercialization — Conceptual land -use plans are being incorporated into the conceptual site plan including connections to the other parts of the candidate site. Building Assessment Conference Facility — Access to the current facility has been limited. However, ongoing development of conceptual site plans and amenity connections account for an assumption of repurposing the existing building. Rodeo/Multi-Event Arena — An open-air, 3,000 seat rodeo, multi -event arena is being explored for optimal placement on the site along with associated support facilities and parking. Museum — Integration of a Cowboy Museum is being explored for feasibility within the context of the overall site concept. Senior Center — The City has explored development of a senior center and library through a separate study. Analysis and discussion has determined that the library should be considered for another site while the senior center is certainly a reasonable candidate to occupy the proposed development. Relocation of Service Center Facilities — Potential relocation of non -essential storage units and sheds at the existing service center facilities may be required for site optimization. Financing Assessment TIRZ Concept —a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone is authorized in the Texas Tax Code under Chapter 311 allowing local taxing entities to identify specific properties for promotion of development/redevelopment within the boundaries of the zone. Incremental growth in property values in the zone are taxed as usual but the incremental revenues are assigned to a separate fund for development/redevelopment purposes. These increases in value are not counted towards the entity's effective tax rate calculation thereby reserving the incremental growth to the fund without jeopardizing the tax rate strength of the entity. Other entities that have taxing authority of the zone properties may also participate via interlocal agreement to "pledge" portions of thew entitled ad valorem tax rate to the zone. Finally, sales taxes within the zone may also be dedicated to the TIRZ fund. A TIRZ is not the authorization of a separate, new, or increased tax. Rather, it is simply a legal mechanism by which to dedicate assessed value growth within a defined geographic area to a development/redevelopment fund. Establishment of a TIRZ includes substantial public and property owner input to ensure a transparent and accountable process. TIRZ Analysis - Burditt examined 114 parcels of property along the corridors affecting the candidate site. The current assessed value of the target properties is just over $80 million. A very cursory analysis of growth of just 2%, and not accounting for any major public or private investments, results in approximately $ 39 million in new growth over a 20-year period. The values are widely spread between different uses and most properties in the proposed TIRZ WBURDITT C have extensive `potential energy" built in; meaning the potential for value growth through investment is extremely high making a 2% growth estimate substantially conservative. Likewise, value growth can be further substantially influenced through public investments in the candidate site resulting in immediate impact on surrounding property values as well as private investment through new development or expansion. Summary Conclusions: The feasibility of this site serving as a major economic and community development anchor is highly attractive. All programming consensus points have merit and significant potential for success. The establishment of a TIRZ is not only feasible but could serve as an important financing tool with great potential for growth and efficacy. The rodeo/multi-event arena appears to be feasible from a market standpoint. Ensuring the correct "fit" on the site is highly important and the ability of the city to acquire adjacent parcels is a meaningful pivot point. Next Steps: Burditt will deliver a conceptual site plan and draft report on November 30 with color renderings, alternate design scenarios requiring Council feedback, and additional financial information relevant to the construction and finance of the proposed development. ® 11BURDITT