Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/22/2000 City Council 00737(, CITY OF THE COLONY DENTON COUNTY, TEXAS MAY 22, 2000 The WORK SESSION of the City Council of the City of The Colony, Texas, was called to order at 6:35 p.m. on the 22nd day of May, 2000, at The Tribute Golf Course with the following council roll call: William W. Manning, Mayor Present John Gordon, Councilmember Present Lewis Jue, Councilmember Present David Stanwick, Councilmember Present Al Garcia, Councilmember Present John Dillard, Councilmember Present Dave Kovatch, Councilmember Present and with seven present, a quorum was established and the following items were discussed: ITEM DESCRIPTION SOURCE STATUS 1.1 Discussion and review of a proposed county development Council district Mayor Manning called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. He explained that he would be signing an affidavit stating conflict of interest on this issue before any votes will be taken. He further explained that he would conduct the meeting but not take part in any discussion. Jack Matthews, Matthews Southwest, introduced Tom Leonard and Frank van Court, attorneys, DonBlackwood, developer, and Tim House, also representing Matthews Southwest. Tim House began the presentation explaining the plans for the Tribute with the benefit of a county development district (CDD). The area is eligible since CDD's are established in counties with a population of less than 400,000. Until new census figures are officially published, which will show Denton County with a population greater than 400,000 a CDD could be created. The developers initially intended a smaller scale development for the Tribute, however, with a CDD a more upscale development can be built including a hotel/conference center. According to Tim House, the figures show an estimated $300,000 average for housing. Don Blackwood added that he hopes the development finishes out near a $1 billion investment. Jack Matthews stated that the CDD will speed up development and provide a higher quality development. Tom Leonard, attorney, explained that the CDD creates the format of a special district with its own governing 00737o board appointed by the commissioners' court. The City would disannex the tract, create the CDD andreannex in 8-9 years. During that period of time,no taxes would be collected by the City. The City wouldreannex the tract and assume no debt, however, any improvements (infrastructure, fire station, wateJ tower, etc.) would become the City's assets. For the City's benefit, it is extremely important that while the CDD is in place, service agreements be created for water and sewer and emergency services provided to the area. It is estimated (according to Matthews Southwest) that the debt will be paid off in 2022, however, no help from the City would be needed after 2009. This type of funding can help increase the quality of the development which will ultimately equate to higher valuation and more taxes for the City of The Colony. An election within the boundaries of the district will need to be held. The developers want an August, 2000 election, however, Councilmember Stanwick disagreed with rushing to hold the election. He requested a mutually agreed upon date for November, 2000. The developer will help with legal fees if they know the City will work in the direction of the CDD. There followed lengthy discussion and several questions asked by Councilmembers. It was agreed that the meeting was beneficial but just scratched the surface. Another work session will be scheduled soon. With no further discussion Mayor Manning adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. AP, gROVED: William W. Mann' g, y~ - ATTEST: 2