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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1999-08-16 Minutes MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS TEXAS, HELD IN THE CITY HALL, 7301 NORTHEAST LOOP 820 - AUGUST 16,1999 - 6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Scoma called the work session to order August 16, 1999 at 6:00 p.m. Present: Charles Scoma JoAnn Johnson Lyle E. Welch Russell Mitchell Frank Metts, Jr. Don Phifer Matt Milano T. Oscar Trevino, Jr. Staff: Larry J. Cunningham Randy Shiflet Steve Norwood Greg Vick Patricia Hutson Steve Brown Larry Koonce Donna Huerta Jim Browne Bill Thornton Vicki Loftice Marty Wieder Paulette Hartman ROLL CALL Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member City Manager Deputy City Manager Assistant City Manager Managing Director of Community Services City Secretary Library Director Finance Director Director of Communications Parks Director Assistant Parks Director Assistant Parks Director Director of Economic Development Assistant to City Manager *EXECUTIVE SESSION DELIBERATION REGARDING REAL PROPERTY - PARK LAND ACQUISITION Mayor Scoma announced at 6:02 p.m. that the Council would adjourn to Executive Session for deliberation regarding real property as authorized by Government Code Section 551.052 for the purpose of discussing park land acquisition. City Council Work Session Minutes August 16, 1999 Page 2 BACK TO ORDER Mayor Scoma called the work session back to order at 6:30 p.m. DISCUSSION OF RECREATION CENTER AND PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF NATATORIUM The Parks Director presented an overview of possible conceptual designs of a recreation center located in the Town Center project. Recreational features and amenities that would be desirable to ensure the successful operation and function of a "state-of-the art" recreation center were reviewed. The Council was presented with facility development costs for an 80,000 square foot facility with and without an amphitheater and a 100,000 square foot facility with and without an amphitheater. Staff advised that the preferred option would be a 100,000 square foot facility with 75,000 square feet of recreation center amenities and 25,000 square feet of indoor swimming. Staff briefed the Council on the types of recreational facilities being constructed in other communities. The Council discussed whether they were willing to commit to the location of a new recreational center in the Town Center project. The overall consensus of the Council was they were ready to commit to a building a new Recreation Center in the Town Center Project. They also agreed that a larger portion of recreational expenses should be recovered than what is being currently recovered. The Council next discussed the building of a Natatorium and whether to solicit a partnership with BISD for the financing. The Council agreed they would like to build a Natatorium and that BISD should be contacted about partnering with the City. There was discussion on whether to maintain or sell the present facility on the south side of IH 820. The Council discussed that the current facilities should probably be sold at some time in the future, but that timing was important. Consideration should be given to continuing to operate in the existing facilities, possibly remodeling so the facility is functional for the services needing to be provided until such time that it is economically advantageous to sell the property. FINANCING OPTIONS FOR LIBRARY, RECREATION CENTER AND NATATORIUM The Finance Director discussed three funding options - 1) a TIF District with only the City participating; 2) Revenues from property taxes on Town Center and the addition of Park Sales Tax; and 3) Revenues from property taxes on Town Center & Park Sales Tax and the addition of BISD participating in the cost of the Natatorium. City Council Work Session Minutes August 16, 1999 Page 3 Mayor Scoma suggested Council consider Option 2, approach the School District and factor into the option, BISD's participation. There was not a consensus reached among the Council. The Council discussed that the construction of a recreational facility in the Town Center project should be in conjunction with the housing development. RECESS Mayor Scoma recessed the work session at 8:30 p.m. BACK TO ORDER Mayor Scoma called the work session back to order at 8:40 p.m. DISCUSSION OF LIBRARY FACILITY & POSSIBLE FACILITIES IN SOUTH SIDE OF CITY The Library Director presented an overview of constructing a Library in Town Center, and a range of options for providing library services at a south branch library or a Study Center/Library to serve the residents south of IH 820. The Council discussed whether they preferred to relocate or build a new main Library. The consensus of the Council was to proceed with the idea of a main Library at Town Center. The Council discussed their preferences on whether they wanted to provide a full service branch library or a modified study center. Options discussed were a 2,500 square foot neighborhood study center and an 8,000 square foot branch library and the feasibility and cost of the options. The Council discussed what should be done with the existing facility. The consensus of the Council was to leave the existing facility in operation and to reevaluate after the expansion of Loop 820, consider selling the property and making a decision on a south side facility. The Council also agreed to consider looking at federal and state grants and opportunities for a south side facility. The 8,000 square foot branch library was the Council's preferred option for a south side facility. City Council Work Session Minutes August 16, 1999 Page 4 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Scoma adjourned the work session at 9:36 p.m. ATTEST: @~&i0~ Patricia Hutson - City Secretary