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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/05/1999 City CouncilMINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF COUNCIL HELD ON AUGUST 5, 1999 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 5th day of August 1999 at City Hall, with the following council roll call: William A. Manning, Mayor Present John A. Gordon, Councilmember Present Lewis Jue, Councilmember Present David Stanwick, Councilmember Present A1 Garcia, Councilmember Present John Dillard, Councilmember Present Jeff Meyers, Councilmember Present and with seven present a quorum was established, the following items were addressed: ITEM DESCRIPTION SOURCE STATUS 1.1 Discussion of a contract for the purchase of property Council from JNC properties Mr. John Hill explained the comments (See Attachment "A") made by his office regarding the proposed sales contract. He stated the most important sections addressed are 6.2 and 8.5. Mr. Hill advised 6.2 currently states the city would be responsible for the cost of remedying any hazardous conditions found on the property. The attomey recommended that section be deleted entirely and section 6.1 be amended to require the city to provide a copy of any Phase I report which may be obtained to the seller. Section 8.5 deals with development of the property. Mr. Hill recommended removing the negotiation of a development agreement as a condition to closing from this section. Councilman Stanwick noted that the city should get the earnest money back in any case and that the venue should be Denton County, not Dallas County. Mr. Lambert gave a brief history of the property, stating this was part of the 143 acres proposed to be purchased in 1998. The council denied the proposal at 1 that time. Mr. Lambert said the plan was to use the $1 million already in hand, received from the Billingsleys and the $300,000 to be received from them over the next few years to finish the payments. Mr. Lambert went on to say the proposal now is to buy 80.5 acres, noting that JNC has given 35 acres to the city and the northern section of the original 143 acres has been sold to The Legends. He noted the city would have substantial development costs for infrastructure. Pam Nelson, Parks & Recreation Director, advised the original plan for this property would be changed based on the smaller amount of land. She said the development is proposed to be done in phases, not all at one time. Mayor Manning said we need to go forth with buying this property and agreed the development should be done in phases. He stated this should be a first class development, a landmark for our city, not rushed. Discussion regarding timeline requirements followed. Mr. Bill Sheveland, representing JNC, said he would give John Hill's comments to his attorney. Mayor Manning advised the closing date might need to be moved back due to the city's financing capabilities. Councilman Gordon said the city should not have to pay to clean up any hazardous conditions found on the property. Mr. Sheveland said that would be negotiable. It was noted that had been no environmental problems on the property so far. Councilman Stanwick reiterated that 8.5 regarding development costs is the most important issue to be discussed at this meeting. Mr. Sheveland said they (JNC) would listen to any suggestions the city may have. He said he believes the results will be a 50/50 split on paving and water costs, but until detailed engineering is done, the "hard" costs are not available. Tony Johnston, Finance Director, presented financing options (See Attachment "B"). He presented three options: #1 Using City Money #2 Using Loan Money #3 Using City/County Money 2 After discussion of the options and pros and cons of each, council agreed that Option No. 2 would be best. They decided to shoot for an October 8, 1999 closing date. Mayor Manning directed staff to. bring a final sales contract and financing documents to council at the August 16, 1999 meeting. Mr. Hill cautioned staff to discuss this with bond counsel. Mr. Lambert then presented a development schedule. Councilman Stanwick said all the focus should not be on athletics and all council agreed with that. Ms. Nelson reminded them that if the city cannot acquire the other 30 acres (sold to The Legends) then the whole plan will have to be revamped. With no further business to address, Mayor Manning adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. APPROVED: William W. ~an~ihg~ May~--- ATTEST: Patti A. Hicks, TRMC/CMC/AAE City Secretary