Economic Development Corporation

FINAL - MINUTES OF THE NEW BRAUNFELS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REGULAR MEETING OF THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER President Meurin called the meeting to order at 5:04 PM. 2. ROLL CALL Present: President Kathy Meurin, Stuart Hansmann, Larry Hammonds, Shane Hines, and Don Austin (5:10 PM) Absent: Kristen Carden Also Present: Mayor Neal Linnartz 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A) Approval of the May 18, 2023 regular meeting minutes President Meurin introduced this item. Director Hines motioned to approve the May 18, 2023 regular meeting minutes. Director Hansmann seconded the motion which was approved unanimously. 4. CITIZEN'S COMMUNICATIONS This time is for citizens to address the Board on issues and items of concerns not on this agenda. There will be no Board action at this time. None. After the close of Citizen's Communciations, President Meurin presented outgoing Director Neal Linnartz with an award of appreciation recognizing his leadership, compassion, and care during his tenure on the NBEDC. A photo was taken to document the moment. 5. TREASURER'S REPORT A) Presentation and discussion of the June 2023 Treasurer’s Report President Meurin introduced this item. Thursday, June 15, 2023 New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation Regular Meeting  Jared Werner, Assistant City Manager, presented a PowerPoint addressing the June 2023 Treasurer's Report. Mr. Werner identified that April's gross sales tax collections deceased by .6% and that projections for monthly sales tax collections have been reduced from 2.5% to 0% for the remainder of the fiscal year. Mr. Werner shared that May is the month when sales tax collections typically increase due to the start of summer tourism. Despite the projected 0% growth, the NBEDC is tracking to arrive at $480,000 above budget at the end of this fiscal year. Additional data and graphs were provided to show existing project expenditures and projected revenues from FY 21 to FY 25. 6. DISCUSSION AND ACTION A) Public hearing, discussion, and possible action approving an expenditure of up to $474,920 to the City of New Braunfels for a professional services agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for a project authorized under 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code; and authorizing the President to execute said agreement. President Meurin introduced this item. Garry Ford, Transportation and Capital Improvements Director, shared a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the Downtown Right-of-Way (ROW) Enhancement Project - Phase 1. This project is set to develop hardscape and softscape elements within the ROW to enhance the pedestrian experience and safety Downtown. Mr. Ford summarized the Downtown streets where this project will occur to include Academy Ave from San Antonio St. to Bridge, Mill Street from Academy to Market, and Market Ave from Mill to Tolle St. Additional traffic signal improvements will also be implemented to San Antonio Street at Market and Academy Avenues. Mr. Ford provided an overview of the Phase 1 estimated costs and noted that funding for some of this project have been leveraged through the 2023 Bond with plans to obtain additional funding through the TxDOT Safety Improvement Program. Mr. Ford answered questions from the Board. President Meurin opened the public hearing. Mr. Jonathan Alorta, a New Braunfels resident, spoke at this time. Mr. Ford provided clarification to the Board relating to Mr. Alorta's comment. President Meurin closed the public hearing. Thursday, June 15, 2023 New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation Regular Meeting  Director Austin made a motion to approve the project expenditure, of up to $474,920, for the Downtown Right-of-Way Enhancements Phase 1. Director Hines seconded the motion which was approved unanimously. B) Presentation and update on existing Capital Projects and Initiatives Garry Ford, Transportation and Capital Improvements Director, shared a PowerPoint presentation providing status updates on NBEDC funded Capital Projects and identified several projects which may receive federal funding through AAMPO. Mr. Ford shared about the Sports Complex preconstruction phase, reminded the Board about the Sports Complex workshop with City Council on July 6th, and indicated construction is set to begin in late 2023. Mr. Ford updated the Board about the Kohlenberg Road project to include estimated final design costs and right-of-way acquisition, with an anticipated construction start date in 2026. The Dry Comal Creek Trail Segment 2 is another project that is in the works with a feasibility study and conceptual design underway - additional plans may extend the trail to the city limits at Altgelt Lane but will require additional discussions. The Alligator Creek Trail West project is in a final design stage at present; open house and HOA meetings have occurred recently with attendees mostly in favor of the trail. Anticipated construction is scheduled for late 2023 with a current construction estimate of $1.5mil. Mr. Ford answered questions from the Board. 7. EXECUTIVE SESSION In accordance with the Texas Government Code, Section 551.071, the Board reserves the right to retire into executive session concerning the items listed on this agenda to consult with its attorney. In addition, the Board may convene in executive session on any of the following items, with any final action being taken in open session: A) Deliberate and consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property, in accordance with Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code: 1. Gruene 16, Block 1, Lots 1-3 2. A-154 SUR-34 H Foster: a. 2.437 and .942 acre parcels, Comal County Appraisal District Property IDs of 70693 and 70689 3. 678 Gruene Road 4. 0 Gruene Road Thursday, June 15, 2023 New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation Regular Meeting  5. 720 Gruene Road Deliberate issues regarding economic development negotiations in accordance with Section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code: 1. Project Care Package 2. Project Unicorn President Meurin introduced this item. The Board retired to Executive Session at 5:28 PM. The Board entered Executive Session at 5:32 PM. Items were discussed in the order of their appearance on the agenda. No action was taken. The Board returned to open session at 6:43 PM. 8. ADJOURNMENT President Meurin adjourned the meeting at 6:43 PM. By: ______________________________ KATHY MEURIN, PRESIDENT Thursday, June 15, 2023 New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation Regular Meeting