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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/01/1994 City Council 00825 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 1, 1994 The Regular Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on the 1st day of August, 1994, at City Hall with the following Council roll call: William W. Manning, Mayor Present Mike Lynch, Mayor Pro-Tem Absent Toby Pollard, Councilman Present Kay Hardin, Councilman Present Rob Burchard, Councilman Present John Dillard, Councilman Present Lynda Tate, Councilman Present and with six present, a quorum was established and the following items were addressed: WORK SESSION: 1. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT THE INTERSECTION OF FARM-TO-MARKET 423 AND STATE HIGHWAY 121 AS PRESENTED BY CENTEX CORPORATION Roger Sefzik, Vice President with Centex Development company introduced Steve Bilheimer, President of Centex, David Wilson with Cencor and Tom Metcalfe with the Weitzman Group. Mr. Sefzik said Centex is excited about the development of the property at the intersection of SH 121 and FM 423 and they are confident they can get it completed. He said the approximate 36 acres across the front will be developed in commercial businesses and restaurants and back (northern) portion will be devoted to multi-family development. Mr. Sefzik said the long range plan for the north west corner of this intersection is entertainment type businesses, such as a cinema, bowling alley, hotel, etc. David Wilson with Cencor, cited several other successful developments in this area, with which they have been associated. He said they hope to start with a grocery store anchor, a service station and possibly a bank. Mr. Wilson stated this is all preliminary and that expansion of the development will depend on the residential growth and the extension of Josey Lane from Carrollton to The Colony. He said the Business Park (BP) zoning classification on this property will not work well for the shopping center development and went on to explain why they will probably be asking for Light or Heavy Commercial. Mr. Wilson also advised that they would like to recommend some changes to our sign ordinance which would allow visible signage from SH 121, particularly after that road becomes a freeway. He said the changes would not be intended to affect other parts of the city. Councilman Burchard asked how far north along FM 423 they would propose to implement the changes regarding signs and stated that he would be opposed to any change 005,'25,.0 in the ordinance that would allow any changes along FM 423. Councilman Pollard suggested amending the sign ordinance to add a section that specifically addresses the business corridor. Councilman Pollard asked about the curb cuts and if any multi-family is planned east or west of this development. Mr. Wilson said they have proposed 6 cuts and would like the city's help in asking the State for a median cut on SH 121. He noted there may be three curb cuts along Blair Oaks. Mr. Sefzik said the corporate user is the target for the property between Blair Oaks and Paige Rd. Councilman Pollard said the city has a finite amount of land available for commercial development and will have to be careful how it is developed. Mr. Sefzik said he cannot say there will "never" be any other use, but that right now the plan is to target corporate users. David Wilson said they would like to see the multi-family start first, which would help the commercial development and that they hope to see it start within ()ne year or sooner. Councilman Pollard asked if they had considered an access road inside the development to keep traffic from stacking up on SH 121. Mr. Wilson again stated this is very preliminary and there will probably be changes to the plan, but noted that a road inside will not help the congestion, and reiterated that SH 121 will be a freeway in the future and that road as we know it today will be the access road. Councilman Burchard asked if the drawing reflects the landscaping accurately. Mr. Wilson said they are concerned with the number of large trees required by our landscape ordinance. He said they want to work within the ordinance, but they need to have good visibility for the stores in the center. Councilman Hardin asked if the success of the project depends on the multi family -- development. Mr. Wilson said the two have to work together, noting that roof tops are essential to the commercial growth and development. Mayor Manning said there was a rumor the first project failed because Josey Lane was not extended. Mr. Wilson advised there is one proposed user that would like to delay building until Josey Lane is extended and went on to say they hope to overcome that problem. Mr. Wilson said that's why they need as much housing as possible to insure the traffic for the development. He said the big users will be a long time coming in unless they know they can draw from north Carroltton by way of Josey Lane. He said all the businesses recognize this intersection is a very good location, but that the benefits may be long term. Mayor Manning said the Council needs to give them an indication tonight if they think this is generally a good plan and if they should move forward. Mr. Wilson said any major problems can be worked out before they come to Planning and Zoning. Mr. Wilson said there has been a lot of fast food interest, but they want a good sit down type of restaurant and right now we do not have enough population. Councilman Dillard said he generally like the plan, noting he is also concerned with the number of large trees required along SH 121, not only for the visibility of the businesses but for the safety factor as well. He said the landscape ordinance needs to be amended and went on to say he is glad to see something starting at that corner. Councilman Pollard said this is the first time we've seen this and we may call in the next few weeks with questions. Mr. Wilson said the comments are helpful. Councilman Burchard said for the most part he likes the plan, this will probably be the first development .... 4 0059 along SH 121 and it will be a benchmark for future development so it should be top quality. Mr. Sefzik said they share those concerns and want the best possible project. He said Councilman Tare asked for clarification on the interest shown by fast food restaurants, noting that she would like to see something like a "Black Eyed Pea". Mr. Wilson said that would be their choice as well but that the most interested right now are fast food restaurants. He did say they want the right mix. Johnny Smith said the landscape ordinance allows for mitigation and asked Mr. Wilson if they would be willing to mitigate regarding the entrance into the city on FM 423. Mr. Wilson said they are very interested and willing to work on that. Councilman Tate said she would like to see the architectural style be homey and welcoming, not stark and straight lined. 7:20 p.m. Recess 7:45 p.m. Reconvene REGULAR SESSION: 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION TO HEATHER PERRY FROM THE COLONY POLICE DEPARTMENT At this time Police Chief Bruce Stewart and Mayor Manning presented Heather Perry with a Certificate of Commendation. Chief Stewart read the Certificate as follows: "This certificate is presented to Heather Perry in recognition of your actions on June 6, 1994, that may have saved the life of your sister, Zoni, when she went under water while swimming at Stewart Creek Park. When you noticed Zoni had gone under you pulled her out of the water and got the help of an adult who began administering C.P.R. Heather, you are truly a hero for helping save your sister's life. Thanks for a job well done!" Heather was applauded and given a standing ovation by all present. 3. CONSIDERATION OF ACTION REGARDING A SITE PLAN AS PRESENTED BY GUARANTY NATIONAL BANK FOR A FACILITY TO BE LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF FARM TO MARKET 423 AND DAILY DRIVE Johnny Smith said Guaranty National Bank has purchased the old T.U.E. building at the corner of FM 423 and Daily Drive and has purchased additional property for expansion. Tom Cravens said this site plan, reviewed by staff and Planning and Zoning, is recommended by both for approval. He noted they will be adding a fire sprinkler system to the building. Mayor Manning asked how their architect had reacted to the city's landscape ordinance. Mr. Gary Welder, architect, said he did not find it over excessive. 0 0 5,2 o Bryan Peterson said they hope to begin construction in late August and to be open in November 1994. Councilman Burchard asked about signage and Mr. Welder said it will be on the building itself. Motion to approve the site plan as presented - Burchard; second - Dillard, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 8. CITIZEN INPUT Jerry Rooney, 5301 Sagers, a 15 year resident said he is proud of the city but is concerned over the run down conditions that occurs on city property and that citizens have to remind the city to clean up that property. Mr. Rooney said he has reported violations on city property numerous times and he shouldn't have to do that. He said the city cannot expect citizens to obey the laws if the city doesn't show leadership in obeying them. 4. RECEIVE PRESENTATION FROM MARINA DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REGARDING PROPOSED MARINA ON LAKE LEWISVILLE Johnny Smith advised that over the last few months, staff had been contacted by a party interested in building a marina on Lake Lewisville in The Colony and that the Council desired a public presentation. Norman Becker, with The Colony Bay Development Team, introduced other members of the team, Larry Bailey and Nancy Carrothers. Mr. Becker proceeded to give a formal presentation (see Attachment "A") which gave a complete overview of the project. Mr. Becket also identified the contents of the marina site as follows: 1) quality docks (no more that 250) that are environmentally and aesthetically pleasing; 2) restaurant; 3) marina offices; 4) courtesy dock; 5) parking areas; 6) enclosed, dry stack facility; 7) repair area; 8) retail shops; 9) public fishing dock and picnic area; 10) public meeting/banquet/party facility; 11) surrounded by a nature trail, jogging and bike trails. Mr. Becket said their main goal is to build a quality project. Mayor Manning asked Mr. Becket to explain the repair facility. Mr. Becker stated this is for cleaning and minor repairs over a limited period of time. There will be no painting or sanding. Councilman Tate expressed concern over the depth of the cove. Mr. Becker said they have taken depth soundings over the entire area and found the depths to be more than adequate. He noted that sail boats will be kept at the southern most end where the water is the deepest. He went on to say the deepest area of the cove is in the area from the docks toward the main body of the lake. Mr. Becker further explained that in case of severe drought, the docks will be designed so they can be moved further out. Councilman Tate asked if they anticipate a lot of activity coming and going from the marina as opposed to actual boat traffic in the cove. Mr. Becker said on Saturday and Sunday there will always be varied activities in the cove. He said the no wake rule will curtail jet skiing, water skiing and it will slow down the boats in the area. He said this will bring about safety controls in this area. Councilman Tate asked if they have a preferred entry road to the marina. Mr. Becker said they would prefer an access road from the road that leads to Club 6 Fore driving range off FM 423. He went on to say the road will be locked when the facility is closed, stating that boat owners with slips at the marina will have 24 hour access, however the public hours will probably be 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., depending on the restaurant hours of operation. Mr. Becket did state there will be on site security at the marina to keep out unwanted visitors. Councilman Pollard expressed appreciation to the entire team for their willingness to work with the citizens and the council. He said he had been particularly concerned about a better location and noted they had taken him out and shown him the other areas and that he now has a better understanding of the project. Councilman Pollard went on to say he had phoned the Corps this date regarding what their study says in regard to an alternate site. He said the Corps is doing extensive review that will be done in about 2 weeks and then they may visit with City representatives about this project. Councilman Burchard asked how this will be different than Pier 121 Marina. Mr. Becker pointed out specific differences in the physical layout of the marina, the appearance of the marina and the environmental concerns. Councilman Burchard noted that having a no wake area will force the speeders to go to the open area of the lake and will cut down on free boating in the cove. Mr. Becket agreed, stating there will be some free boating, but no high speed activity. Councilman Burchard asked about the unstable water level of the lake and Mr. Becker explained that Ray Roberts Lake has opened and is now the flood control body and Lake Lewisville will not be the flood control body, which should keep this lake level from fluctuating. He said the Corps would like to make a constant level lake and are approaching Washington with that idea. Councilman Burchard asked about the traffic study, road material and the boat yard. Mr. Becker stated the study had been done by his associates and that the road will be a bituminous black top surface. Mr. Becket said the boat yard will be of pea gravel with 2 concrete pads with filters for washing boats, noting that residents in the Lake Ridge area will not be able to see into the yard at all. Further discussion regarding the access road, noting this would be through private property. Mr. Becket said they are prepared to build the road along with other normal development costs on the property within the lease area. Mayor Manning then opened the floor to the public who wished to speak, noting that several persons had signed input sheets but did not wish to speak, however they did want their opinion recorded. Opinions were as follows: In favor of marina - Jane & Bob Wetzel, Jorene & Gary Capps, Carlene & George Pesko, Jan Achilles. Opposed to the marina - Gary & Glenna Herman. Scott Clement, 4129 Gardner, said he is a future home buyer in South Shore, which is across the cove from the proposed marina. He said he would like to see brick screening on the boat yard so he does not have to look into it. He then requested that the council restrict access into Stewart Creek Park, because he thinks most of the people using the park are from outside The Colony. Mayor Manning explained this is a Corps of Engineer Park and access cannot be restricted to The Colony residents only. Mr. Clements also asked about a proposed roadway shown on the thoroughfare plan that goes around the lake from South Shore to Ridge Pointe. Mayor Manning stated that road is not on the newly proposed thoroughfare plan, which is coming before the council in the very near future. Melanie Abel, 4524 Lakecrest, asked about the parking areas, the proposed R.V. area and lighting. Mr. Becker said there is no plan to include an R.V. area, noting that the architect that originally drew the plans was asked to indicate what he thought the best uses would be. The team has subsequently made changes to those plans. He said there will be no tower lighting, explaining there is no reason for lighting to be above hip level in the parking areas and walkways. Mr. Becker said the only higher lights will be pointed out toward the lake for incoming boats. He said parking spaces will be governed by regulations of marina authorities and the city codes. He pointed out the proposed areas and noted all would be a hard surface. Ms. Abel asked if the city has any proposed uses for the area surrounding the marina and Mayor Manning said there are none at this time, noting however, that there was once talk about a recreational complex in this area. Councilman Burchard asked Mr. Becker if the marina will be built if this Council chooses to deny the request for this location. Mr. Becker said this has been given long, hard thought and after much study, the team cannot see this marina at any other location on Lake Lewisville. He stated that the team has committed to build a smaller marina for fishing and smaller boats in another location, after this marina has been operational for a year. Councilman Hardin asked if there will be a lighthouse. Mr. Becker said he does not know, but that there had been a plan to build a structure that would be a focal point, noting many marinas do have light house structures. He said it has been talked about but stated it would be a structure that only appears as a lighthouse, not a functioning light house. Stan Schumacher, 5024 Lakeshore Blvd., encouraged studying the other locations further and getting a formal presentation from the Corps as well as a public hearing. Joel Marks, 5622 Foster, said he does not live in the area of the marina but thinks it would be an advantage because it would help ensure safety in the cove. He used a map to show the city limits of Lewisville and how far Pier 121 has encroached over the city limit line. Mr. Marks said it is important that The Colony annex the properties in and around the lake so we can have control over that portion of the lake. He said it will be important for the developers to work with the residents and noted that the biggest help we will have with taxes is economic development. Mr. Marks asked the Council to consider all the city and not to let this become another Braums and force these people to go somewhere else to build this marina. Sam Riggs, 5092 Lake Shore Blvd., said he has a feeling the Council is not representing him and is not obeying the Open Meetings Act. Mr. Riggs said this may be a good project, but if decisions were made behind closed doors then he doesn't think everybody will think this is a good project. Mr. Riggs said he asked Mr. Smith how much property we annexed and could not get an answer and said it is apparent the city has talked to these developers. Mayor Manning said the city is very sensitive to how Closed Door Sessions are to be handled and that action has never been taken in Closed Doors. He said the action taken on July 18 was to direct the City Manager to pursue annexation, noting that there has not been any land annexed at this point. Johnny Smith stated the engineer is currently putting together the metes and bounds for annexation. David Forest, 5077 Ridgecrest Drive, asked about the second road stubbed out on the map toward the Lake Ridge subdivision. Mr. Smith said it is his understanding the first preference is for an access road through the private property between Club Fore and FM 8 423 and if not there, then by way of South Colony Blvd. He said it is safe to say there will be no traffic through the Lake Ridge area. Mayor Manning said he appreciates all the input and asked the citizens to stay in touch with their councilmen. He went on to say it looks like this is going to be a first class facility. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD JUNE 27, JULY 18, 25 AND 26, 1994 Councilman Pollard pulled this item for discussion and stated he wants a statement regarding impact fees as a source of funding for the wastewater treatment expansion added to the June 27, 1994 minutes. Motion to approve the June 27, 1994 minutes as amended and the July 18, 25, and 26 minutes as written - Pollard; second - Dillard, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. B. CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING AN ADDITIONAL 60 DAY OPTION TO MATFHEWS SOUTHWEST WITH REGARD TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GOLF COURSE ON WYNNEWOOD PENINSULA Motion to approve the 60 day option to Matthews Southwest - Pollard; second - Dillard, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. C. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION SEEKING FAIR-SHARE ALLOCATION OF STATE SOLID WASTE FEES Motion to approve the resolution as written - Pollard; second - Dillard, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. D. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A DEVELOPER'S CONTRACT WITH STEWART PENINSULA DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS REGARDING THE SOUTHSHORE SUBDIVISION Councilman Pollard pulled this item for discussion. He said during the approval phase of South Shore, Councilman Lynch had asked about some work to be done at the Holden Circle drainage ditch and noted that work was not addressed in this contract. Mr. Tom Cravens explained the drainage plans were approved by the city and have not changed. He said this contract is for landscaping only and has nothing to do with drainage. Councilman Pollard asked about the land between Avocet Way and the homes. Mr. Cravens said when the road is dedicated, it will belong to the city along with the easement between the road and the homes on Holden Cir. Mr. Cravens said the homeowners association will maintain the landscaping in that area. Motion to approve the contract as written - Pollard; second - Dillard, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 6. CONSIDERATION OF ACTION REGARDING A PROPOSAL FOR THE ' PURCHASE OF A FIRE ENGINE Johnny Smith said he is asking the Council to consider purchasing a new fire engine, noting he has been here just over 3 months and in that time we have twice been forced to call upon a neighboring city to provide a fire engine on loan while one of our trucks was being repaired. Mr. Smith said growth and development are going to start happening at a faster pace and we must have infrastructure and service capabilities in place. Mr. Smith also noted that our insurance key rating is very high and that a new engine might help to lower that rate. Mr. Smith said he has provided financing options in the council packet to purchase the demonstration model which has been used over the past few weeks by the Fire Department personnel. Mr. Smith said he does believe that an emergency exists and if the council agrees, they must then declare an emergency, which will allow the city to purchase the engine without going out for competitive bids. Continuing, Mr. Smith said if we order a truck, delivery will take 9 - 10 months. Chief Van Morrison and Fire Marshal Dave Wallace addressed the council stating the Pierce engine is very adequate for our needs, and that is has a lot of custom features. Fire Marshal Wallace discussed the commercial chassis vs the custom chassis, stating the commercial chassis is not built to take the kind of stress that is placed on a fire engine. He went on to say that used equipment just cannot be considered, noting that if it was quality equipment then it would not be for sale. Chief Morrison said the life span of the new engine would be 15 - 20 years, but that can be increased with additional new equipment because more equipment decreases the stress on all equipment, thereby giving each piece more longevity. Councilman Pollard asked about guidelines which suggest a closed cab is very important to the safety of the drivers and also asked if Chief Morrison thinks the condition of our engines has contributed to water main breaks. Chief Morrison said there have been law suits in other cities from employees whose hearing has been damaged by riding in an open cab and he also stated there is a theory that the old engines could have caused the main breaks. Councilman Dillard asked about the age and status of the current engines and Chief Morrison said both were purchased in April 1981 and right now both are on line. He said engine number 1 has been down over 2 months this year and at least 30 days in 1992-93. During those times, we had to borrow from our neighbors. Councilman Dillard said he is concerned for the fire department needs and that he is generally in favor of purchasing this engine. Councilman Burchard asked the average life of a commercial chassis and the cost of one fully equipped. Chief Morrison said the life span is about 10 years so ours is 4 years over the average. Fire Marshal Wallace said two years ago a commercial chassis with no equipment was $225,000. He said engine number 2 will probably have to be replaced in two or two and one half years. ..-, 10 Councilman Tate said she is glad to hear the Fire Department has prepared an equipment replacement plan and encouraged other city departments to do the same. Councilman Pollard said we are being asked to treat this as an emergency and to bypass the bid process. He said there is no reason for that and that we should be putting money back each year to replace equipment. Johnny Smith agreed and said we will keep the old trucks running as long as it pays to do so, but that it is very important we plan for replacement to help bring the key rating down. He said the Fire Insurance Board will be conducting an inspection in the next 2 months and he hopes this will help. Mr. Smith said we also need to plan for more people, noting we really need 6 more in the Fire Department. He said it is important for economic development for us to look at our public safety services. He then discussed the options to pay for the engine. The emergency equipment fund, ambulance subscription program, has around $14,000 in it with monthly collections around $1200.00. The fund would have enough in it to meet an October 1995 payment and would continue to generate about half of the annual cost. He said we will have to budget the remainder each year. Mr. Smith encouraged the council to consider self-funding. He said currently the city is receiving an investment interest of about 4.3% and advised that we could finance the purchase of the engine at a cost of $242,863.00 at the same interest rate instead of the 6.2% interest through private financing. Mr. Smith said that would save approximately $27,265.00 over the term if the financing. He said if the investment rate varies so would the rate we pay ourselves. Mayor Manning asked how much money is in our contingency funds. Mr. Smith said there is about 1.7 million total, which he does not really consider contingency funds. He said any disaster would be covered by insurance and while it is nice to have 1.7 million dollars in case of an emergency, he feels our immediate emergency is to provide services. Mayor Manning said if we self-fund we would hope future councils will pay back the city. Mr. Smith will check into putting a safeguard in place to ensure that the loan is repaid. Councilman Pollard asked Mr. Smith about going with private funding now and then paying it off with self funding later without a penalty. Mr. Smith said he could check on that, but that he sees no benefit in paying the higher interest for the first year. Motion to declare an emergency situation and waive the competitive bidding requirements - Dillard; second - Burchard, carried with a unanimous roll call vote. Motion to instruct the City Manager to negotiate for the purchase of a Pierce fire engine at a cost not to exceed $250,000.00 by the self-funding method - Dillard. second - Burchard. Jerry Rooney commended the council for taking this step, as did Joe Agnew. Mr. Agnew said this was a wise decision and a good use for some of the savings account. He said a replacement plan is important and suggested advertising the subscription program to help offset this cost. Johnny Smith said it is important to have good neighbors and that the borrowed trucks have been appreciated. Councilman Tate said she thinks the self financing plan is most prudent and said we must be sure these funds are repaid so we can borrow from ourselves again. 11 Motion carried with a unanimous roll call vote. 7. CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTION TO BE GIVEN TO THE CITY MANAGER IN REGARD TO CORPS OF ENGINEERS WATER RELATED AREAS Johnny Smith said over the past few weeks he has been in discussions with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding Lake Lewisville State Park and the Eastvale Park. He said the facts and figures at this time indicate the State park to be operating with a deficit. He said it is his understanding that the Corps will not close the park. Mayor Manning asked if we can annex the park and not take over operating. Mr. Smith said we probably can, and noted he has trouble recommending taking over the park when it is losing money. Councilman Pollard said he thinks there is potential there and that he is not ready to let it go until we have pursued this a little further. Councilman Hardin agreed, stating we need to look at ways to increase the revenue. Johnny Smith said if we do want to pursue this, we will need a plan. All agreed to pursue taking over Lewisville State Park further. Regarding Eastvale Park, Mr. Smith said we can pursue that also, noting it will also require manpower and will be a budget consideration. 9. CITY MANAGER AND STAFF REPORTS 1. Proposed Budget Work Session Schedule was handed out. At this time, the City Manager and Department Heads will report to the Council on general items on interest. APPROVED: William W. Manning, Mayor ATFEST: Patti A. Hicks, TRMC, City Secretary 12 ATTACHMENT "A" 0 (~ 5~ q~ ~ ~' THE COLONY BAY MARINA AND RECREATIONAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT Formal Presentation and Remarks - by: Norman M. Becker Before the City Council of The City of The Colony, Texas August 1, 1994 Honorabele Mayor Manning and Members of The Colony, Texas City Council. My name is Norman Becker, I reside at 3385 Sam Rayburn, Carrollton, TX. I represent The Colony Bay Development Team which is made up of Nancy Carrothers, Larry Bailey and myself. The Colony Bay development project is being brought to The Colony Texas because its the right time and the right place. The right time because pleasure boating activity is on the rise - 17% increase 1993 over 1992 and 8% increase the first quarter of 1994 over the same period 1993; the right place, because the boating market is in and iround The Colony, and the market is growing. New business in The Colony means more tax revenues for the City. Quoting the March 15, 1994 Wall Street Journal: "Ironically, city officials say, nimby-movement leaders often complain about higher taxes and lack of police and fire protection - both ot which can be linked to insufficient growth in the local tax base." Dallas City Council Member Chris Luna who was quoted in this article said: "People are opposed to any change, and that creates absolute instability as we go out and try to promote economic development for the city." As leaders of The Colony, you are directly responsible for the growth and development of your community. You are surrounded by dynamic growth. You either grow or you regress, you cannot remain stagnate. - 1 ,OOb.2c o With the construction of this quality waterfront development, as it is proposed, the tax obligation in the first fiscal year will exceed $175,000. $98,000 in school tax, $57,000 in tax direct to the city and $20,000 in Denton County tax assessment - all generated during the construction phase of the $6.5 million project. Once in full operation, the sales tax obligation will garner an annual tax obligation in excess of $95,000, with over $20,000 going directly to The Colony. This does not include sales tax obligation of other retailers benefiting from the development, such as the onsite restaurant and the many merchants and businesses in The Colony selling goods and services to those coming to and from The Colony Bay. As developers of this project, we are good for The Colony. Why, because the Development Team has and desires to work closely with the community leaders and residents for a top quality development that works for everyone for many years to come. This project was born in January of 1991, as the result of community leaders and area boaters saying to members of the development team: "a new marina in The Colony would bring growth and new tax revenues to the city and improve the quality of boating on the lake." The Colony is located on the shores of a very popular water recreation area - the City should, yes it must bring this project to the community to fully benefit from its location; after all the City's logo is "City by the Lake". This project will help the local economy by importing tourist dollars from a wide geographic area which will create employment, profit, and tax revenues for the community. O0$".r' During construction, over fifty jobs will be required to bring the project on line. Once up and operating the marina and its landside facilities will conservatively generate fourty jobs with more during the boating season - May through September. This will create additional educationally related jobs for your high school and college students. Consider the added buying power brought to The Colony by those coming to use their boats and their guests; and those visiting the restaurants and other services at the complex and in the community. This new business will generate additional jobs at area vendors and businesses. Yes, there are some concerns regarding this development. Permit me to address these specifically with solutions: 7. Water craft traffic, speed and conjestion. Boating traffic will not increase simply Jecause of The Colony Bay. Boating is going to increase because the local economy is growing and recreational boating along with it. This activity is going to increase on the southern area of the Lake (Corps Marina Demand Study) because this area is convenient, accessable and close to the user. There are laws in place to ensure safer boating. Boating safety and speed controls on the water from the east shore to Stewart's Creek Park point will be greatly enhanced. The Colony Bay will give to The City of The Colony an emergency and safety patrol boat with dockage. With this vessel, speed and unsafe boating practices can be checked, with fines assessed and paid to The Colony. While a nearby marina appears to be choking off the channel to the main body of the lake, there are many boating harbors throughout the nation where dozens of -3 ' OCI,5 Go marinas and water front recreational facilities rely on a single channel for access to open waters - they survive quite nicely. Why, because boating safety rules and regulations are enforced with the results being a safer boat operator. A "no wake" area in the cove between Stewart's Creek Park Point and the eastern shore line will greatly enhance safer boat operating conditions. Marinas are the access to public recreational waters, as such marina operators have an obligation to make boating enjoyable and safe! The Colony Bay gives the community a choice in the selections of a quality water recreational facility. 2. While the development will place structures on the water and the land at the site, the structures will be built and designed to be pleasing to the eye and blend aestheciaily with the natural colors of the existing landscape and environment. Buildings will not look like steel sheds, we don't want that. The buildings will be designed to fit a theme that is in harmony with the location. No four or five story buildings will be built; the maximum height of the boat storage building will be no more than two storys. Each building will be appropriately enhanced with landscaping, trees and shrubs that will garner appreciation for eye appeal and overal appearance. The development will be designed with the latest in structural materials and techniques. The floating docks will feature state-of-the-art ingredients, making these structures environmentally up to date and structurally sound for years to come. Telescoping anchor poles securing the floating docks will not stick up in the air like so many bear trees. The entire project will be built with its environmental impact of prime concern, including the entrapment of water runoff from parking lots through a filtering system prior to entry into the sewer system. 0052Ct, 3. The location of the development is considered by some to be inappropriate. The location of any business expected to develop a return on the investment is critical. The user market for this development is located in The Colony and its surrounding communities to the south and eas'lq'. We know that a market exists for a marina at this location. In these times, a person's recreational time is limited. The market does not exist for a development of this nature at any other location on Lake Lewisville. From a construction standpoint, the economics of building the number and size of floating docks and landside structures at The Colony site works simply because the user will buy the services and facilities offered at that location. The user will not buy the same services nd facilities at another location because of surface travel time to/from other locations _ad because of in-the-water hazards existing adjacent to other sites. (If time, mention burden on development costs of utilities, break water structure and clock layout. 4. Public boat launching in the area will continue to be available only at Stewart's Creek Park and NOT at the Colony Bay. There will not be traffic pulling boats into and out of the complex on a daily basis. Once an owner's boat is placed in the wet slips or dry storage building, he/she is parked until they move or relocate. Clean water and shore environments are essential to good boating experiences and marina success. All boats and shoreside marina facilities impact the ecosystem. But while their contributions are relatively small - when compared to other nationwide sources - it is important to reduce all significant pollution loads. - 5 - 0 O52 However, because marinas concentrate boating access, they often are the main focus of public attention and hence regulatory control. The Colony Bay Development Team strongly advocates marina environmental compatibility through proactive environmental action. Marinas serve people from a wide area, but the primary demand for marina slips and services comes from nearby residents and communitities. Even if relatively few local people own watercraft at the time a marina is developed, experience shows that many will purchase a boat once suitable facilities are available. Thus, a marina not only stimulates the local economy but also fulfills a local demand for boating facilities. The public services provided by the City of The Colony, such as municipal water and sewage systems, public streets, and police and fire departments are needed by all commercial enterprises. Compared to a manufacturing or commercial facility, marinas use relatively few of these services, and the cost of providing them is far outweighed by.,, the economic beneflt a manna brn o , · ' i gs t t e community. If the same afba were used for residential housing, the demand on public water and sewage systems would be much greater than for a marina· Boats require very few services during off-season storage and are seldom used at their dockage space. A 1990 study in Michigan found that boats in use were under way 88 percent of the time. The same study reported that the number of persons on board averaged 2.8, which is smaller than the average household. In conclusion, The Colony Bay brings numerous economic benefits to your community. Its construction and operation will not only stimulate employment and income but also provide additional property, income, sales and other tax revenues to state and local government. When this marina and landside support facilities are built, employment and income will be generated as well as a "ripple" or secondary effect. Area workers and suppliers of materials and services used in construction will spend their earnings locally. Once in operation, the complex provides direct as well as indirect employment that also contributes to the economy of The Colony. Recognizing that The Colony desires economic growth and development, you will not find any other developer who can and will bring the quality of facility we can -- of which the entire community will be proud. Families in The Colony will have the opportunity to enjoy most of the facilities that the development features, including the fishing dock, nature and exercise trail, public meeting hall, and the beauty of the setting. Your vote in the affirmative for this development is a step in the right direction, because its the right time and the right place for The Colony Bay. I thank you for the time and energy you contribute in public service - We are anxious and ready to get underway.