City Council

Belton City Council Meeting January 10, 2017 - 5:30 P.M. The Belton City Council met in regular session in the Wright Room at the Harris Community Center with the following members present: Mayor Marion Grayson, Mayor Pro Tern David K. Leigh and Councilmembers Craig Pearson, Paul Sanderford and Dan Kirkley. Councilmembers Jerri Gauntt and Guy O'Banion were absent. Assistant City Manager Gene Ellis represented City Manager Sam Listi. Other staff members present included John Messer, Amy Casey, Brandon Bozon, Erin Smith, Chris Brown , Angellia Points, Kim Kroll , Paul Romer, Bruce Pritchard , Byron Sinclair, Larry Berg , Judy Garrett, Matt Bates, Cynthia Hernandez and Aaron Harris. The Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag was led by the Belton Fire Department Honor Guard , and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas Flag was led by Fire Chief Bruce Pritchard . The Invocation was given by Dr. Keith Gavin, Pastor of Bethel AME Church of Belton. 1. Call to order. Mayor Grayson called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. 2. Public Comments. Rae Schmuck, 2200 Legacy Lane, said the 1874 Church Restoration Project will be taken over by the Better Belton Foundation in order to help complete the restoration project. 3. Presentations and Recognitions: Presentations by Fire Chief Bruce Pritchard: A. Fire Corps 8. Santa Pal C. Food Drive for Helping Hands Ministry Fire Chief Bruce Pritchard introduced the inaugural class of the Belton Fire Corps. He said that they were instrumental in Santa Pal and the recent food drive. The Fire Department provided gifts for 465 kids through the Santa Pal program and collected 6, 180 pounds of food for Helping Hands Ministry. Additionally, Chief Pritchard said that the Fire Department collected $10,540 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in spite of the constant rain during the event. Consent Agenda Items 4-7 under this section are considered to be routine by the City Council and may be enacted by one motion. If discussion is desired by the Council, any item may be removed from the Consent Agenda prior to voting, at the request of any Councilmember, and it will be considered separately. 4. Consider minutes of previous meetings: A. December 13, 2016, City Council Workshop Meeting 8. December 13, 2016, City Council Meeting Belton City Council Meeting January 10, 2017 - Page 2 5. Consider Appointments/Reappointments to the following Boards/Commis- sions: A. Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board of Directors - entire board was reappointed: David K. Leigh, Craig Pearson, Jon Burrows, Richard Cortese, and Blair Williams B. Central Texas Housing Consortium - Linda Angel C. Zoning Board of Adjustment - Michael Stock 6. Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the lease agreement with the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce regarding office space for tourism and retail development. 7. Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement with Kasberg, Patrick & Associates for the intersection design at MLK Jr Avenue at Main Street. Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tern David K. Leigh, and a second by Councilmember Craig Pearson, the Consent Agenda was unanimously approved by a vote of 5-0. Planning and Zoning 8. Consider a resolution declaring that the updated January 1, 2017, population of the City of Belton is 21 ,214. Director of Planning Erin Smith said that following calculations of data, the City's population for 2017 is estimated to be 21,214. She summarized the calculations she made to reach this number. Upon a motion by Councilmember Dan Kirkley, and a second by Councilmember Paul Sanderford, the following captioned resolution was unanimously approved by a vote of 5-0. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-01-R A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELTON, TEXAS, FINDING THAT THERE ARE 21,214 RESIDENTS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF BELTON AND PROVIDING AN OPEN MEETING CLAUSE. 9. Hold a public hearing and consider a zoning change from Commercial Highway to Planned Development Commercial Highway Zoning District for a recreational vehicle park on a 12 acre tract of land at 5353 South Interstate Highway 35 Service Road, located on the east side of South Interstate Highway 35, extending to Toll Bridge Road and approximately 0.45 mile south of Shanklin Road. Belton City Council Meeting January 10, 2017 - Page 3 Director of Planning Erin Smith said that there were still several unresolved issues related to this item, and she recommended that the Council reschedule the item for the February 14, 2017, City Council meeting. City Attorney John Messer said that the Council's motion needs to say that the item has been "tabled." Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Leigh, and a second by Councilmember Pearson, item 9 was tabled to the February 14, 2017, City Council meeting by a vote of 5-0. 10. Hold a public hearing and consider a zoning change from Planned Development Multiple Family and Retail to Planned Development Multiple Family Zoning District for an 88 unit apartment complex on a 6 acre tract of land, located on the west side of Commerce Street and just south of Sparta Road. The applicant withdrew his request prior to the meeting; therefore, no action was required by the Council. 11. Consider a preliminary/final plat for Three Creeks Subdivision. Phase Ill. an 18.85 acre tract of land, located generally east of FM 1670 and south of U.S. 190, and adjacent to the north bank of the Lampasas River, located in Belton's Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). Director of Planning Erin Smith said that this residential subdivision is proposed as Three Creeks Subdivision, Phase Ill. All of the lots are a minimum of 50' in width in compliance with the Development Agreement. Mrs. Smith explained that currently this subdivision has one entrance known as Three Creeks Boulevard with 120' of right-of-way (ROW) off FM1670 with 574 lots total in Phases I, II , and Ill. The Development Agreement states that the developer will dedicate 50' of right-of-way, grade and prepare with crushed limestone base 27' wide, and provide a 25' double penetration/seal coat travel surface of Rocking M Lane from Auction Barn Road to the Municipal Utility District's northern property line within two years from the completion and acceptance of the first roundabout on the arterial roadway known as Three Creeks Boulevard . She said that this requirement will be due April 2018. Mrs. Smith said that the developer has provided a total of 91.98 acres of parkland that contains several trail networks and pavilions for the residents. This parkland exceeds the Subdivision Ordinance requirements and is consistent with the master plan in the development agreement. She added that the lots in this subdivision are served by City of Belton water and sewer, and Bell County is responsible for the streets and drainage. She said that since this proposed subdivision is located in Belton's ETJ, the Bell County Engineer's Office has also reviewed this plat. After Council action, this plat will be taken to Bell County Commissioners Court for action . Belton City Council Meeting January 10, 2017 - Page 4 At its meeting on December 20, 2017, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of this plat subject to the conditions contained in the letter to the applicant's engineer and subject to the terms of the development agreement. Staff concurs in their recommendation. Mayor Grayson asked if the third road would be constructed soon. Mrs. Smith said that the second road, Rocking M Lane, would be constructed next, and it would be considered a City of Belton road even though it is outside the city limits. The Mayor asked how many houses have been constructed. Mrs. Smith replied that she was unsure of the total number of permits, but it was over 100. Scott Brooks of Yalgo Engineering said that they are currently designing the phase that contains Rocking M Lane which he expects to be built in 2018. Mrs. Smith said that the two builders currently building homes in the subdivision are DR Horton and Stylecraft. Upon a motion by Councilmember Paul Sanderford, and a second by Councilmember Kirkley, item #11 was unanimously approved upon a vote of 5-0. Mayor Grayson announced that she would be abstaining from item 12. She gave control of the meeting to Mayor Pro Tern Leigh and left the room. 12. Consider a final plat for Dawson Ridge, a 59.265 acre tract of land, located north of Sparta Road, south of Lake Road/FM 439, and west of the existing Dawson Ranch subdivision. Director of Planning Erin Smith said that this is a single family and town home subdivision , containing a total 129 lots, proposed as Dawson Ridge subdivision . The developer is proposing to construct this subdivision in two phases. Phase 1 is proposed to contain 8 patio home lots, 63 single family lots, and Tract A with proposed lift station #1. Phase 2 is proposed to contain 58 single family lots and Tract D with proposed lift station #2. Mrs. Smith said that there are three entrances proposed to this subdivision from Chisholm Trail Parkway, Canyon Heights Road and Spring Canyon Road. Currently, Chisholm Trail Parkway pavement ends at Spring Canyon Road. The developer is proposing to connect Canyon Heights Road to Chisholm Trail Parkway. The collector street portion of this Chisholm Trail Parkway will end at Spring Canyon Road and transition from a 37' wide collector street into a 31 ' wide local street. The proposed patio homes will be located on Lots 1-8, Block 6, fronting Chisholm Trail Parkway. This portion of Chisholm Trail Parkway will contain a 31' pavement width and function as a local street. The remaining 121 lots will contain single family homes. Spring Canyon Road is a collector street with 60' of ROW and a 37' pavement width. Mrs. Smith explained that the developer is proposing to extend this collector street to Belton City Council Meeting January 10, 2017 - Page 5 just north of the proposed lift station #2 with a 5' wide sidewalk along the east side of this street. The developer is also proposing to construct a 12' wide asphalt drive to proposed lift station #2 from where the street pavement ends for Spring Canyon. The Spring Canyon Road ROW is 60 feet to the southern plat boundary. The roadway is difficult to construct after this point without creating an off-site embankment due to the steep elevations in that area. Smith added that a development agreement will be proposed among the City, Developer and the HOA, and will be presented to City Council at a future meeting. A component of the development agreement will be for the developer to provide funding for the remainder of Spring Canyon roadway and the 5' wide sidewalk from where it will terminate to the southern plat boundary. The developer has agreed to construct a ribbon curb where the Spring Canyon roadway will terminate to protect the structural intewity of the asphalt. Smith said that City staff and the developer met on December 14t to discuss staff comments, and all came to an understanding of the items that still need to be addressed . Drainage is proposed to flow off-site into a proposed detention pond onto the adjoining private property south of this development. Smith said that Staff reviewed the drainage plan, and the technical comments are included in the letter to the applicant's engineer dated December 14, 2016. She added that an off-site drainage easement is required prior to final plat recording. The developer is proposing to construct a 6' wide concrete trail along the north side of Chisholm Trail Parkway to Waggoner Drive, and convey Tracts B and C to the City of Belton for current and future trail extension. The developer will construct a bulb-out turnaround on Tract B to allow for bike and pedestrians to turn around where the trail ends at Waggoner Drive. Tract C will allow for a future trail extension to the west. This concrete trail extension will provide a substantial benefit to the Belton community. In conjunction with the proposed 6' wide concrete hike and bike trail, the Dawson Ranch HOA Community Park, which will contain a proposed pool, basketball court, playground structure, and pavilions on Lot 2, Block 1 of the Dawson Ranch-Regatta Oaks HOA Addition, will satisfy the parkland requirements. Smith explained that this subdivision is located in 439 WSC CCN, and a letter has been submitted stating this area can be serviced by 439 WSC. City of Belton sewer will serve this subdivision. Tracts A and D are both proposed to contain lift stations. Once the lift stations are constructed, and all inspections are approved, the City of Belton will be responsible for maintenance. On December 14th, staff met with the developer to discuss the plat comments. At this meeting, the developer requested to provide a trailer mounted generator to serve both lift stations. At the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, staff recommended approval contingent on resolution of the issue regarding the generator. The developer contacted staff and stated they would like to proceed with their original request to provide a permanent generator at each lift station. Staff concurs with this method to provide emergency back-up power to the lift stations. Belton City Council Meeting January 1O, 2017 - Page 6 The Right-of-Way Management Ordinance was adopted by Council on July 26, 2016 and would typically not allow non-city services in the right-of-way. The Right-of-Way Management Ordinance was under development when the Dawson Ridge subdivision plat was under review. The 439 WSC water lines are proposed to be located within the City's ROW for this subdivision. Since this plat was under review during the development of the Right-of-Way Management Ordinance, these water line locations are grandfathered for this subdivision, allowing placement in City street ROW. Prior to installation, the developer will be required to submit a Right-of-Way Permit to install the water lines in the proposed City's ROW. If any repairs or maintenance are needed in the future, 439 WSC will be responsible for obtaining a ROW permit from the City and will need to repair/reconstruct the ROW and waterline per City requirements. Other than this issue, the final plat was favorably recommended by P&ZC, and staff concurs. Mayor Pro Tern Leigh asked about the gulley area between Phase 1 and 2. City Engineer Angellia Points said that it is a section of concrete rip-rap to help stabilize and conserve the integrity of the ridge in that area. Mr. Leigh expressed concern about water flowing close to the lift station. Mrs. Points said that the water will be piped and will run beside the lift station and discharge below it. Engineer for the developer, John Bandas, said that the pipe could handle a 15-inch rain with no problem . Mr. Leigh also asked if the patio homes would include enough parking space to prevent on street parking. The developer's representative, Jared Bryan, said that there would be plenty of parking space because the garage will be turned sideways. Mr. Leigh asked about fire hydrants in the area and whether 439 WSC will have enough pressure to provide protection. Mrs. Smith said that 439 WSC will be able to adequately serve the area with water and fire hydrant pressure. Mr. Leigh asked if the City of Belton would be tying into the 439 waterline. Mrs. Points said that the City has a close connection to the 439 waterline. Director of Public Works Byron Sinclair said that 439 WSC did not want a valve system that would allow cross connection, but he added that it should only take 1.5 hours to construct a connection in the event of an emergency. Upon a motion by Councilmember Pearson, and a second by Councilmember Sanderford , item #12 was unanimously approved upon a vote of 4-0-1 with Mayor Grayson abstaining. Mayor Grayson returned and took control of the meeting. Miscellaneous 13. Consider approval of a park sponsorship request from the Belton Lions Club to sponsor Heritage Park. Belton City Council Meeting January 10, 2017 - Page 7 Director of Parks and Recreation Matt Bates said that at the October 11, 2016, City Council Meeting, Council unanimously approved a Park Sponsorship program which enabled businesses and civic clubs in the area who wish to donate to the City a platform to do so. Staff established criteria for a minimum donation amount based on the classification of the various parks in Belton. Donors need to have met or plan to meet the minimum donation amount within an agreed upon time in order to be eligible to sponsor the park of their choosing. Mr. Bates explained that shortly after the Council's approval of the Park Sponsorship program, Belton Lions Club submitted a request to sponsor Heritage Park and provided financial statements showing the club's recent donations which met and exceeded the $50,000 minimum donation. The final step for sponsorship is to determine whether the sponsoring entity aligns with the City's mission and values. Mr. Bates said that the Belton Lions Club has a long-standing record of dedicated service to the Belton community including several events each year that help raise money for scholarships for local students, eye exams, and Texas Lions charities. At its meeting on January 4, 2017, the Parks Board unanimously recommended approval, and Staff concurs in their recommendation. Upon a motion by Councilmember Kirkley, and a second by Councilmember Pearson, item 13 was unanimously approved by a vote of 5-0. 14. Consider authorizing the purchase of a specialized Sewer Vacuum/Jet Rodding Truck for the Sewer Collection Department through the Houston- Galveston Area Council of Governments Purchasing Cooperative. Director of Public Works Byron Sinclair said that in FY 2016, the City Council authorized a Capital Equipment Replacement Fund, and the transferring of funds to sustain this program. The 2017 budget contains $350,000 to fund the purchase of a new Vacuum/Jet Rodding Truck. Mr. Sinclair said that there were five (5) different models demonstrated and tested by the Sewer Department and Fleet Maintenance Department. While all of the trucks had many similarities and performed well, the Vac-con was selected as the best overall value. The cab will be a Freightliner which is known for its dependability and longevity. The truck will be purchased from Freightliner of Houston using the Houston- Galveston Area Council of Governments Purchasing Cooperative Contract. Director of Finance Brandon Bozon said that funds for this purchase, in the amount of $350,087, will come from the Water and Sewer Equipment Replacement Fund. Belton City Council Meeting January 10, 2017 - Page 8 Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Leigh, and a second by Councilmember Sanderford, item 14 was unanimously approved by a vote of 5-0. 15. Consider a resolution authorizing the City Manager to take all steps necessary to submit an application for grant funds through the Office of the Governor. Criminal Justice Division for the Body-Worn Camera Program. Assistant City Manager/Chief of Police Gene Ellis said this application is for grant funds to purchase body-worn cameras (BWC) and digital video storage through the Office of Governor, Criminal Justice Division, Body-Worn Camera Program. Chief Ellis explained that BPD has spent the past year and a half researching BWCs to determine the most effective solution to meet the department's needs. After reviewing and wear-testing numerous brands of BWCs, the current in-car camera vendor, Watchguard, has been determined to be the best BWC solution for Belton. Chief Ellis said that BPD recently purchased the first three BWCs as part of an integrated system with in-car cameras on their newest vehicles. He added that this grant opportunity will allow us to fully implement BWC technology immediately rather than our original plan of a phased in approach over several years. Chief Ellis explained that the BWC grant program requires a 20 percent match which is approximatley $8,800. BPD budgeted $10,000 in the current police budget to purchase BWCs, so matching grant funds are available. The grant deadline is January 16, 2017, and funding is expected in March or April 2017 if the grant application is approved. Mayor Grayson asked if the camera stays in the car between shifts. Chief Ellis said that BPD will set up a charging station at the Police Department, and it will automatically assign the cameras to officers coming on duty. Councilmember Sanderford asked if the camera has a GPS component. Chief Ellis said that it does. Upon a motion by Councilmember Kirkley, and a second by Councilmember Pearson, item 15, including the following captioned resolution, was unanimously approved by a vote of 5-0. RESOLUTION 2017-02-R A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELTON, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE OFFICE OF THE GOVENOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACt AS THE CITY'S EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE CITY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE GRANT PROGRAM. 16. Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the contract with Kasberg, Patrick and Associates for the Sparta Road project. Belton City Council Meeting January 10, 2017 - Page 9 Director of Internal Services/City Engineer Angellia Points said that Kasberg, Patrick & Associates is proceeding on the design of the Sparta Road project. As a part of that project, increases to the scope have been requested. The contract amendment includes these additional scope items: • Industrial and Main Street valley gutter improvements, including TxDOT review coordination; • Industrial Park Road right-of-way surveys, boundary surveys, and field notes; • Addition of a detour road plan and design in order to close the intersection of Sparta and Commerce during construction of the concrete roundabout; • Additional Sparta Road scope including the extension of the right turn lane on westbound Sparta Road and redesign of a driveway; • Multiple meetings with property owners for right-of-way discussions; • Roundabout circle aesthetic features including a 3D model of a Fire Fighter Memorial; and • Scope of services from Studio 16: 19 for the roundabout circle aesthetic features. Due to the nature of this project and the many variables that may cause need for additional engineering services, especially during construction administration, Staff is also requesting Council's approval to consider authorizing the City Manager to approve additional amendments to the professional services contract of up to 10% of the revised contracted amount. Mayor Grayson asked how much the additional 10% would be. Mrs. Points said it would be approximately $35,000, to which Mayor Grayson responded that she thinks the Council should review it before approval. Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Leigh to approve Amendment No. 1 but not authorizing the additional 10%, and a second by Councilmember Pearson, item 16 was unanimously approved by a vote of 5-0. Mayor Pro Tern Leigh said that there has been a lot of traffic going off the road especially in front of Jack and Jill Donuts. He said that the rut has become pretty deep in some areas, and asked Public Works to look at fixing that issue. 17. Consider the following: a. Adopt a resolution that authorizes submission of an application to the Texas Department of Agriculture for a 2017-18 Texas Community Development Block Grant Program - Community Development Fund grant of up to $275,000 to construct sewer and water system improvements, commits a match contribution of $55,000 from the City's Water and Sewer Fund, and designates the City Manager as the City's authorized signatory. b. Adopt a Citizen Participation Plan and Citizen Complaint Procedures to be followed during implementation of Texas Community Development Block Grant Program projects. Belton City Council Meeting January 10, 2017 - Page 10 Grants & Special Projects Coordinator Aaron Harris explained that the City is applying for the next cycle of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Belton is considered a non-entitlement city and must compete regionally for funding on a two year cycle. Funds may be used for a variety of purposes which benefit primarily low and moderate income individuals with a special focus on water and sewer projects. He said that the City has successfully completed three phases of the Miller Heights sewer line in previous CDBG awards. For this cycle, staff recommends updating and resubmitting the previous application for the Mary Jane Street Water/Sewer line replacement from West Ave I to US 190 Frontage Road. The existing clay sewer pipe is deteriorating as the top of the pipe is continually caving into the flow line of the pipe causing interruptions in sewer service and back-ups. The existing potable water line is made of asbestos cement and has become very brittle with regular line breaks. The proposed project will replace the existing water line and sewer line with fire hydrants and appropriately placed valves for efficient pipe line management. Mr. Harris explained that as a requirement for funding, the City must adopt a Citizen Participation Plan and Citizen Complaint Procedures (Item 17B) to be followed during implementation of the project. A public hearing was conducted November 30, 2016, in order to receive community input prior to submission of the application, and no public comments were received . The total estimated cost of the proposed project is $330,000. Mr. Harris said that, if awarded, the City's match will be $55,000, and will be funded from the Water & Sewer fund balance. A budget amendment will be requested at the time of grant award if approved. Upon a motion by Councilmember Sanderford, and a second by Councilmember Pearson, items 17A&B, including the following captioned resolution, were unanimously approved by a vote of 5-0. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03-R A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELTON, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A TEXAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACT AS THE CITY'S EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE CITY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE TEXAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM. 18. Consider authorizing an lnterlocal Cooperation Agreement between Bell County and the City of Belton regarding the disbursement and expenditure of the Bell County hotel occupancy tax. Belton City Council Meeting January 10, 2017 - Page 11 Director of Finance Brandon Bozon said that the County imposes a hotel occupancy tax upon the cost of occupancy of any room or space furnished by any hotel within the County. The County has approached the City about the disbursement of a percentage of the County's hotel occupancy tax to the City for use in any manner that directly enhances and promotes tourism and the convention and hotel industry in the City of Belton. Mr. Bozon explained that under the Texas Tax Code, the County may, by contract, delegate to another governmental entity, the management of the programs and activities funded with revenue from the County hotel occupancy tax. This would be handled through an lnterlocal Cooperation Agreement between the City and the County. The County would agree to assess and collect the County's hotel occupancy tax on eligible properties within the City of Belton. The County would pay to the City, on an annual basis, 17% of the net County Tax receipts collected from hotels in the City for management by the City in providing City programs. The City must present an annual budget and maintain complete records of each expenditure of the County's hotel occupancy tax. The City must also maintain a separate account established for this purpose and may not commingle the funds with other City revenue. Mr. Bozon added that the initial term of the lnterlocal Cooperation Agreement will terminate on September 30, 2017, but will automatically renew for successive one year terms unless either party provides 30 days' notice of termination. Upon a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Leigh, and a second by Councilmember Pearson, item 18 was unanimously approved by a vote of 5-0. 19. Consider authorizing the Belton Economic Development Corporation to execute a contract with A. E. Tanner and approving a corresponding budget amendment for the purchase of property located at 117 N. East Street. BEDC Executive Director Cynthia Hernandez said that the BEDC has been searching for space for BEDC offices since 2010. In 2006, BEDC relocated from the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce into the Central Texas Council of Governments building occupying 790 sf of office space. BEDC's intent was to move back into a downtown location at some point in the future. In 2010, the BEDC began planning for relocation in conjunction with the Chamber renovation project. This project was put on hold, due to other pressing matters, and in 2014, office locations were once again evaluated. Mrs. Hernandez said that in more recent evaluations, the Board has sought out existing buildings to renovate, contributing to the revitalization synergy and curb appeal of Belton's downtown. After a thorough and extensive search, the BEDC began negotiations with A. E. Tanner for the building located at 117 N. East Street. She said that the 8,600 sf structure will need a lot of work including a new roof. A 90 Belton City Council Meeting January 10, 2017 - Page 12 day feasibility period has been negotiated to allow the Board time to evaluate the condition of the building and the overall investment needed to make this building one that the BEDC and community will take pride in. She explained that the location offers excellent visibility of the BEDC, easy access for visitors, and an opportunity to further expand BEDC's programs and services within the community. The terms of the contract provide for the purchase of the building, as is, at $175,000. BEDC will have a 90 day feasibility period, upon City Council approval of the contract, and the buyer and seller will split the cost of the survey ($3,000 each). A special called BEDC Board meeting was held on Monday, January 9, 2017, for final consideration of the contract. The contract was unanimously approved by the Board, and BEDC seeks Council's consideration and authorization of the contract. A budget amendment to purchase the building and pay for half the survey cost will also require approval. Councilmember Kirkley asked about parking. Mrs. Hernandez said that parking has been an issue at every building they have considered. There is a parking lot across the street from the building that seems to always be full, but she feels that the additional downtown parking signage that will soon be installed will free up some parking for BEDC visitors and staff. She added that there is also a parking lot behind the building. Mayor Pro Tern Leigh said that buying a building without an understanding of the costs involved for remediation/renovation of the building is not wise. He said that he is a little reluctant to purchase the building without knowing these costs. Mayor Grayson reminded him of the 90 day feasibility period that will allow BEDC to review the building's issues and develop cost estimates. Mrs. Hernandez said that BEDC will use the 90 day feasibility period to determine if this building is a good investment. Mayor Grayson said that this building is 8,600 sf, and there is no way the BEDC will use all 8,600 sf. Mrs. Hernandez said there is a possibility that a portion of the building could be used for other BEDC projects or possibly to house additional tenants. Mrs. Hernandez said that the Board will be very involved in the feasibility review of the building. They will have to determine if they want to move forward with a budget amendment for the renovations to the building. Mr. Leigh asked if the BEDC would come back to the Council with a proposed budget amendment for the renovation costs prior to purchasing the building. Mrs. Hernandez said there is no requirement to return to the Council for approval of renovation costs prior to purchasing the building. Councilmember Pearson said that the budget amendment for renovation costs will be brought to the Council for approval at a later date. Mayor Pro Tern Leigh said that it could potentially be after the building has been purchased. Belton City Council Meeting January 10, 2017 - Page 13 Mayor Grayson said that Council needs to remember that BEDC is a separate entity with a board who will make those decisions. Mr. Leigh said that he is in complete agreement with the intent of the purchase, but he is concerned about the unknown cost of the renovations that may be required in order to occupy the building. Mayor Grayson said that the BEDC will do their due diligence. Councilmember Kirkley said that the 90 day feasibility period will provide BEDC the time that is needed to determine if the building is cost effective. He said that he is comfortable with the professionals on the BEDC Board making this decision. City Attorney John Messer said that the Council can approve the contract allowing them to move forward with the 90 day feasibility study and then add a condition that they have to return to the Council with the results of the feasibility study and the costs to renovate the property prior to the purchase of the property. Councilmember Pearson said that he believes the BEDC Board will make the decision as to the building's feasibility, and if they believe that it is cost effective, then the BEDC will return to the Council for approval of another budget amendment for the renovation costs. Mrs. Hernandez clarified that, assuming during the feasibility period that it is determined to be feasible to move forward, BEDC will close on the purchase of the building. The budget amendment will come to the Council for approval after the BEDC owns the building. Director of Finance Brandon Bozon said that the Council will meet in joint session with the BEDC prior to the end of the 90 day feasibility study. The Council could request an update from BEDC on the costs for building renovations at that meeting. Mayor Pro Tern Leigh maqe a motion to authorize the contract for purchase with a 90 day feasibility study, the associated budget amendment and a report due back to the Council on the feasibility of the purchase before closing on the property. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sanderford and was unanimously approved by a vote of 5-0. There being no further business, Mayor Grayson adjourned the meeting at 6:54 p.m. ATIEST: ~f':;rJa;; A~i~