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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/31/1995 City Council00 76 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON July 31, 1995 The Work Session of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on the 31st day of July, 1995 at City Hall with the following Council roll call: William Manning, Mayor Present Bill Longo, Councilman Present Mary Watts, Councilman Present Kay Hardin, Councilman Present Rob Burchard, Councilman Present John Dillard, Councilman Present David Heiman, Councilman Present Also present were the following members of the Planning and Zoning Commission: Cindy DePrater, Joe Agnew and DeVille Hubbard. David Stanwick, Tommy Thompson and Gary McClure represented The Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. Developers in attendance included Derek Earle of Centex; Tim House of Matthews Southwest; James Blythe of JNC, Enterprises; Jim Weir and Shaul C. Baruch of Masterex Texas; Don Blackwood of Crow Billingsly and Roger Sefzik with Centex Commercial. Staff in attendance included Johnny Smith, Tom Cravens, Lori Harlan and Sam Chavez. Advisors attending were Boyd London of First Southwest and Hal Jones of Hunter & Associates. Businesses were represented by Garland Thornton of Guaranty National Bank, Jim McCormick of TU Electric, Don Flatt of First State Bank and John Gordon of Gordon & Gordon Insurance. With seven present, a quorum was established and the following items were addressed: 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY OF THE COLONY Mayor Manning expressed his appreciation to all in attendance and explained the meeting was called to bring together all facets of the city and get a consensus on the direction growth and economic development should take in our city. At this time, two short films were shown. The first was the original promotional piece developed by the Chamber of Commerce. The second was a new promotional tool created by volunteers with the help of a local media business. Lori Harlan, Economic Development Coordinator, reviewed the purpose and scope of the Economic Development Corporations stating they are to facilitate economic growth and oversee economic development projects. City Manager Johnny Smith expressed his views on what he considers the most critical issues under consideration at this time. The extension of FM423 south into Carrollton is necessary to create a larger demographic base for development. The proposed 2 one-half cent sales tax would fund the Economic Development Corporations and allow them to compete effectively with other communities. Development on SH121 needs to happen soon. We cannot afford to wait for development, we must do what is necessary to make it happen. The greatest physical asset in our city is the lake. We must develop recreational facilities taking advantage of this asset and enhance it. A final area of concern is the thoroughfare plan. Currently we show North Colony Blvd. extending across the railroad tracks into Frisco where it will turn south and intersect SH121. Frisco is considering changing their thoroughfare plan and not allowing North Colony Blvd to cross. Staff and the mayor have been in contact with their counterparts in Frisco. At this time, it appears we will need to amend our thoroughfare plan which will impact the development of the IBM area. At this time, the developers present were invited to express their needs and concerns. All present agreed that the areas outlined by Mr. Smith were also important to them. The extension of FM423 will enhance development in the southern sector of the city. They were also strongly in favor of the one-half cent sales tax for economic development. Each stressed the importance of having the means in place to afford the city the opportunities to compete with other communities for businesses. Often, without programs in place and ready for immediate implementation, the city will lose out during the time we are trying to put together and enhancement program. 8:05 pm Councilman Hardin left the meeting. The city's financial advisor and a representative of the utility company, echoed the sentiments of the developers for the tax plan. They also stressed the importance of utilizing the lake as a resource for development. Recess 8:45 pm Reconvene 9:00 pm Discussion concerning the roadways and their impact on development followed. Mayor Manning then asked each council member to express their opinion on the direction the city should take specifically in regard to the FM423 extension, the one-half cent sales tax, the golf course project and the marina. Councilman Burchard stated he believed the extension of FM423 is essential. He went on to propose that the previous failure of the one-half cent sales tax was because most citizens thought their taxes were already too high and because they were not sure how the money would be used. In order to pass the tax this time, it would be necessary to get the citizens the facts. His final concern was that the council and commissions remember they represent the citizens and not the developers. All development is not good development and it their responsibility to make sure we get our money's worth. Councilman Longo wanted more complete information from the staff, Planning and Zoning Commission and the developers before bringing items before the council. There 3 should only minimal questions by the time it gets to them. He also believes the sales tax proposal and the FM423 extension are necessary for the development of the city. He supports the idea of the golf course but, again, doesn't feel he has received enough information to make a decision on the current project as presented. He also believes a marina in the city would be attractive but not in the area under discussion at this time. It should be moved to another part of the city. Councilman Heiman agreed the extension of FM423 is needed but was concerned about the costs. He also agrees a marina in the city is a good idea. The sales tax is an important tool if used appropriately. He is most interested in the proposal of a public safety tax to be used to improve that area. Any other uses would require more consideration. Councilman Dillard agreed the extension of FM423 is necessary. He also believes the citizens will support the one-half cent sales tax if the benefits are explained to them. The purpose is not to raise money just to fund economic development. It is to facilitate economic development for the creation of jobs and a broader tax base for the community. He went on to state that he is on record as supporting the marina as proposed and has not changed his opinion. He also wants the golf course project to proceed. We have committed to the feasibility study and nothing further can be decided until the study is received. If it is favorable, we will go from there. Council member Watts stated she felt the extension of FM423 was critical to increasing our demographics which will enhance our ability to draw business' attention. She also is supportive of the golf course project and the Economic Development Corporation's involvement in getting it underway. The corporation would issue Revenue Bonds which are to be repaid by revenue from the golf course. It would also create jobs for citizens. She favors the marina as a means of attracting people from outside the area. These visitors would generate additional revenue and also pay the one-half cent sales tax. The one-half cent sales tax would enable us to enhance the recreational facilities available and, in turn, bring in more visitors. Mayor Manning asked councilman Heiman if he still had questions concerning the feasibility study and still wanted the item on the next agenda. Councilman Heiman said he is concerned that the city, through a quasi-governmental entity (the EDC), is paying for services and studies that should be paid for by private developers. Also, even though revenue bonds do not obligate the city to use tax dollars to repay the bonds, if the city (EDC) should forfeit it could impact the city's bond rating on future issues. Mayor Manning clarified his position on the key issues. He is solidly in favor of the FM423 extension. He supported the one-half cent tax proposal last time and will do so again. He has always been behind the development of the golf course through the many years, and developers. He supports the marina as proposed by Colony Bay. He believes with proper management and careful patrols, it would not be any more dangerous and could actually improve the safety of this area of the lake. The two recreational developments could improve our chances of getting a hotel facility and the city could become a destination, not just a pass through. Mayor Manning expressed his appreciation to all those who attended the session. He also thanked the volunteers who operated the camera equipment and those who watched at home. He would like to televise more of the sessions. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m. APPROVED: william W. Manning, Mayor ~ ATrEST: Sandie Chance, Deputy City Secretary 5