HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/02/1996 MEDC
MINUTES OF THE MUNICIPAL ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
HELD ON
JANUARY 2, 1996
A meeting of the Municipal Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors for the City
of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 6:40 p.m. on the 2nd day of January, 1996, at The
Colony Chamber of Commerce. The following persons were in attendance:
Gary McClure, President
David Stanwick, Vice President
Jerry Sebastian, Secretary
Ronnie Fischer, Treasurer
Tommy Thompson, Executive Vice President
Mary Watts, Executive Vice President
Lori Harlan, City Staff Liaison, Director of Economic Development
Executive Vice President John Dillard arrived at 7:00 p.m
1. DISCUSSION CONCERNING ONGOING NEGOTIATIONS WITH PENINSULA
GOLF PARTNERS
Ms. Harlan verified that Peninsula Golf had not yet responded to the EDC's December letter
requesting their position on "big hit" negotiating items. The purpose of the current meeting was
stated to prepare for a requested work session with the City Council that has been scheduled for
January 8, 1996. The EDC requested the meeting to discuss the lack of progress in negotiating a
concession agreement with Peninsula Golf. Vice President Stanwick gave board members copies
of a letter he had drafted to Peninsula Golf to explain the board's frustrations.
Board members also expressed concern that Peninsula Golf is still not communicating directly
with the EDC. Instead, they are dealing with the city attorney who has no responsibility or
direction to negotiate on the EDC's behalf. It is the board's opinion that it is premature to have
the city attorney working on contractual details. Instead, his role will be to place the final
agreement negotiated by the EDC and Peninsula Golf in appropriate legal format prior to its
presentation to the City Council.
Board members felt it was unwise to place a final negotiation date on Mr. Stanwick's letter prior
to meeting with the City Council. Instead, they unanimously voted that Ms. Harlan should remove
the termination date on the letter and send the letter to the city attorney, Mr. Eckert, and
Peninsula Golf. The letter will advise the city attorney to refuse further communication from
Peninsula Golf without the EDC's approval. Peninsula Golf is directed to communicate directly
with the EDC and work more effectively toward an agreeable solution to issues discussed in
negotiations.
Board members briefly discussed the value of the Plano golf course agreement provided at a
previous EDC meeting. All agreed it is an excellent guide for any future agreement although
certain items will require significant personalization for the unique characteristics of The Colony
project. Ms. Watts asked several questions concerning Plano's decision to go with private
ownership and management of this new course. Ms. Harlan agreed to contact a Plano
representative to discuss their perspective on private ownership.
The board then discussed goals for the City Council work session. Ms. Harlan offered to prepare
a time line of negotiations with Peninsula Golf. The time line along with a history of
communication problems and an update on the current situation with Peninsula Golf will comprise
the EDC's presentation to Council. Board members unanimously agreed to recommend to
Council that the EDC set a January 31 deadline for negotiation and agreement upon the specific
issues identified by the EDC as important to the future of the golf course agreement. If Peninsula
Golf cannot meet that schedule, the EDC recommends proceeding with revenue bond funding for
the project.
The next meeting of the Economic Development Corporation will be Tuesday, January 16, 1996.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Lori H an, Director of Economic Development