HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/23/2006 City Council
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January 23,2006
MINUTES OF SPECIAL SESSION OF COUNCIL
HELD ON JANUARY 23, 2006
The Special Session ofthe City Council ofthe City of The Colony, Texas, was called to order at 7:00
p.m. on the 23rd day of January 2006, at City Hall, 6800 Main Street, The Colony, Texas, with the
following roll call:
John Dillard
Allen Harris
Scott Ward
Joe McCourry
Kirk Mikulec
Perry Schrag
Joel Marks
Mayor
Councilmember
Councilmember
Mayor Pro-tern
Councilmember
Councilmember
Councilmember
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
This meeting also included various members from the Community Development Corporation
Board of Directors, Cultural Arts Board, and the Building Committee.
And with seven council members present a quorum was established and the following items were
addressed:
1. Discuss the Civic Center project, possible acquisition of the Calvary Christian Church
property, issues related to the arts, and other capital projects.
City Manager Dale Cheatham stated that the most recent cost figures for acquisition and
renovation of the Calvary Christian Church were approximately $5-$6 million dollars and
would be cost prohibitive. He then reviewed available funding for the project with an overall
budget of $1.6 million dollars, with CDC committing an additional $80,000.00 for
furnishings and matching the Arts Foundation funds up to $150,000.00. Current financial
commitments to the architect and construction manager are estimated at $150,000.00, leaving
a balance of$I,450,000.00 for construction.
The Guaranteed Maximum Price from AUI (construction manager) is $1,580,000.00 with
this price being good until February 6, 2006. This includes 88 new parking spaces however
staff would like to increase that by 50 more spaces at an additional estimated cost of
$55,000.00. There are 415 parking spaces at the adjacent Hawaiian Falls facility that would
be shared parking.
Pam Nelson reviewed the proposed plans for an eight thousand square foot building, which
would be built at Five Star, east of Paige Road at Worley. Handout material was provided
which included possible future expansion ofthe Civic Center, as well as a possible recreation
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January 23,2006
center situated on the site in the future. The proposed building would seat approximately 200
people for banquet seating and 300 people for theater seating with a stage. The cost estimate
does not include several alternates (options) that may be added to the contract. Any work
necessary by utility companies will be over and above the quoted price. Pam also reviewed
estimated revenue projections and the rental fee structure.
Mayor Dillard asked for Christi Martin of the Lakeside Community Theater to give her
thoughts on the proj ect. She stated that the theater would have to change its existing location
in the near future, adding that the present site is too small and inadequate. She said this eight
thousand square foot building would suit their purposes for the next ten years. Christi said
the Arts Foundation has raised $23,000.00 to date but has suspended its fundraising efforts
until a decision is made by the city. Christi requested that the council move forward on the
project, adding that it has been a matter of discussion since 2000. John Sanders with the 4B
board also expressed his opinion that a final decision should be made, one way or the other.
Rob Bauman of the Chamber of Commerce informed the council that they often have
requests for rental facilities. Considerable discussion followed regarding storage areas in the
proposed building.
The following is a summary of citizen input:
Don Brody- city could use this type facility but believes it too small; operating cost is a
concern, particularly when other areas ofthe city operations are lacking. He is in favor ifthe
money is available.
Lisa Leary- asked council to make a decision to go forward or stop the process.
Bill Longo- believes the building should be just for the arts; suggested converting the fire
station (Blair Oaks) and build a new station.
Steve Parsons- believes this is for a specific interest group and is not a "city service"; other
city buildings are in need.
Mike Lynch- listed several streets that need repair; thinks the fire station is a viable idea.
Council members Marks, Mikulec, and Schrag all expressed their concern over spending
funds on a civic building when other city facilities and streets are in need. Council members
Harris, McCourry and Ward spoke in favor ofthe project stating it would add to the quality
of life for The Colony residents.
2. Possible action and provide direction to staff regarding the Civic Center project,
possible acquisition of the Calvary Christian Church property, issues related to the
arts, and other capital projects.
After a consensus of council, Mayor Dillard stated this item would be put on the February 6,
2006 agenda.
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January 23,2006
And with no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
ATTEST:
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