1.       Approve Minutes of previous meeting of March 2, 2009.

 2.     Executive Session: Pursuant to Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071 - 551.074 {Revised by SB1851, 1999 Legislative Session}, the Board will adjourn into Executive Session to discuss real property.

 3.       Possible action on Executive Session.

 4.       Public Discussion on Water Park.

 5.       Consider and possibly approve Water Park as a project.

 6.       Consider and possibly approve Resolution to Reimburse City of Glen Rose.

 7.       Discuss other potential projects.

 

Mr. Miller announced that he was moving Items 2 and 3 on the agenda to after the Public Discussion. Public comments would be received in the order that people signed in, and discussion would be limited to 3 minutes per person.

 

 1.       Approve Minutes: Mayor Miller moved to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion, which passed by a unanimous vote.

 

 4.       Public Discussion on Water Park:

 

 

 

 

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Mr. Miller commented that the way the 4B system works is that you can’t go out and get engineering bids or studies until you adopt it as a project.

 

Ms. Richardson asked what the difference is in adopting a project and signing on to do a project?

 

Mr. Miller said he thinks that is one of the faults of the 4B ~ there is no difference. 

 

Mayor Miller said that once you make the plan and state, “This is what we’re going to do,” then you are obligated to do that. The 4B Board can change their mind until then, but once bids go out, then it’s very difficult to change it.

 

            Joan Taylor: Who is going to own this facility?

 

Mr. Miller: Probably the City ~ that’s the way it typically works.

 

Joan Taylor: Who is going to maintain it?

 

Mr Miller: The City.

 

Joan Taylor: They’re not quite maintaining what we have now ~ that’s the reason I asked that. One other question: Has there been a feasibility study made at all on this type of project in a small town? Not an engineering estimate ~ a feasibility study.

 

Mr. Miller: Not to my knowledge. Not on this project.

 

Joan Taylor: Then you’re just going to jump off and do it, because it sounds like a good idea?

 

Mr. Villa: That’s what this meeting is for ~ to hear from the public. We’re not saying we are going to do it or we are not going to do it. The 4B hasn’t decided that this is what we’re going to do. We want to hear from you guys.

 

Mr. Miller passed a copy of the estimated costs of the project and asked that it be handed around so people could get a look at it.

 

Joan Taylor: What revenue are these dollar amounts coming from?

 

Mr. Miller: We don’t know. And that’s what’s hard. It is hard to anticipate the revenue stream on a poll like this, because you don’t know the usage.

 

Joan Taylor: Is it all going to be from 4B tax, or our taxes going to be raised?

 

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Mr. Miller: No, your taxes would not be raised. In theory, the bonds would be issued through the City, because of how they place them. There would be an intergovernmental agreement between the City and the 4B Board to reimburse the City for the debt service. But then all operations, maintenance, etc., would come from either the revenue of the park or from the City’s General Fund.

 

Joan Taylor: Then tell me somewhere 4B taxes have worked for a recreational facility.

 

Mr. Miller: Cleburne. And they are building the water park in Stephenville with 4B funds. Most places around here have a 4B board ~ it’s pretty common.

 

Joan Taylor: I meant for a water park.

 

Mr. Miller: The Cleburne water park was financed through 4B. So were the soccer fields and some of their other big projects.

 

Judge Maynard: Back to engineering services ~ wouldn’t that be professional services, and wouldn’t you go out for proposals before you approve it as a project?

 

Mr. Miller: You don’t have to approve the project; you have to select it as a project. Everything associated with the 4B …

 

Judge Maynard: You said you couldn’t go out for bids, professional services or not.

 

Mr. Miller: You are correct. Engineering services do not have to be bid out. We select a design firm and do it. But again, everything is associated with a project. All expenditures in the 4B are associated with a project.

 

Judge Maynard: So you are telling me that all 4B projects are done blindfolded, not knowing costs or anything?

 

Mr. Miller: No. Before you set up a finance plan, in the bonding, you say you want to proceed with a project, and at that point you will select a design firm and get all the dollar amounts done …

 

Judge Maynard: You said before you proceed with a project, so there is a point you can stop the project? (Yes) If it comes back in at $8 million, then you wouldn’t go ahead?

 

Storie Sharp: I’ve seen both sides of it. The positives are that it is something that our families here can enjoy, and it is using tax dollars to promote tourism, which

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is only growing in this community on a regular basis, and that it would pay for it. Using the pool for a swim team and for rehabilitation are positives. Do I think it will bring tourists to town? No, not always, but it’s going to help keep them. I know that from talking to the visitors who were here over Spring Break who could have or would have stayed had there been something more to do. And that’s more Hotel/Motel Tax that we should be pocketing.

 

Laura Huber: I would suggest that the City consider a management firm to oversee it. The City is not in the entertainment business, and there are firms that will provide that service. And do a feasibility study before you decide.

 

Carol Oldenburg: How are cost overruns handled? If we approve $4 million and spend $5 million, how do you come up with the extra million?

 

Mr. Miller: You select a firm for design, and you tell them to design something for whatever dollar amount you have. You include a 20% contingency. “Here is the money we are willing to spend. Design a facility for that amount.”

 

Marilyn Phillips: As always, there are two kinds of people – one happy, one unhappy, and there’s no getting around that. I also realize that many times the lack of communication is what dictates the unhappiness. It is obvious that a lot of assumptions and misconceptions are going around about this idea. Some that I’ve heard personally are:  

Why would the City buy that for a project for Jimmy Gosdin to make money?

The City is going to put in a water park at Stone View and let Larry Smith reap all the benefits.

The City is going to buy Oakdale Park and put a water park in there, and kill the idea of going on the highway.

The City is going to pay too much for Oakdale. By the time they redo everything there is not money left in the budget for anything else.

Barnard Street cannot handle increased traffic issues,

 

            and they go on and on. These are assumptions and misconceptions, and may be based on opinions, conversations, rumors ~ some may have a merit of truth ~ I don’t know. But I think before we get excited, upset or assume any more about what is going to happen, we should hear what the 4B Tax Committee is proposing, give them an opportunity to explain their reasons to us, and then if there is a concern, hopefully we can be heard at that time. If the 4B proposes the water park, I do not think it matters who will benefit other than the local citizens, tourists, businesses, probably all of Glen Rose. If it’s Larry Smith’s property, Gosdin’s property, Oakdale Park, my property or your property ~ it should not matter. What is the best outcome when everything is considered? To begrudge someone having a benefit is of small mentality and should not be part

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of the equation. What is the best possible location, and what is the cost of park property without taking into account who owns the property? That would be a more beneficial way to look at it. There may be some locations that have not even been considered yet. I would just like to ask everyone to keep an open mind, do it with common sense, common courtesy, balanced ideas, and work together to make Glen Rose all it can be and what it has the potential to become. If we all throw personal agendas out, and just not think what is best for me and mine, but what is best for everyone collectively, a common goal should be inevitable and attainable. Fighting one another does not do anything but divide. We have a lot of younger citizens interested in this and watching the way it is handled. I’m hopeful we can make a positive impression on them regardless of the outcome. When it’s all said and done, the final decision will be made by those who have been entrusted to represent the citizens of Glen Rose by being elected as our City Council and Mayor. I am confident they will make the best decision possible for Glen Rose.

 

(Applause)

 

Trena Shenk: Why does ours have to be so much bigger and more expensive than say, Cleburne, when we are much smaller than they are? I feel the location is bad, because if kids want to walk to it, they have a major road to cross. Maybe we need to reconsider purchasing and remodeling Oakdale.

 

Dwain Sandlin: For one thing, I’m against it. But the question is, where is our water coming from? That’s going to be a major user of our water. Another thing is, I’ve got a feeling you’re violating the Fire Safety Code with the number of people in this room.

 

(Laughter)

 

Bea Morrison: We do need to think about our children’s safety, and being right there on Highway 67. Why not remodel Oakdale Park? It’s in a perfect place, it’s close to downtown, and that’s where we want our people to go ~ downtown. Why not start there?

 

Mauro D’Angelo: I think we need to do both. Oakdale has been here forever, and it’s like a tradition. Big Rocks is mobbed in the Summer when there is water in the river. Putting a water park in Oakdale and trying to get tourists to it is going to destroy Barnard Street. Tres Rios is a private facility now. People come in and ask where they can drop a trailer, etc., and there’s no place to do that now. Maybe expanding Oakdale Park with hookups for trailers would help. A water park on the highway would do wonders for tourists on the weekends. More people are staying home now because of the economy. I look at Granbury and I think Glen Rose has 300 times more to offer, but Granbury is 12 times the size.

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Many people don’t want that. I don’t know, but I think both ideas need to be considered somewhere down the line.

 

Clark Cole: I’ve had a few people question whether hospital therapy could use a pool, and it would depend upon dimensions, depths and access, so I would hope that you would consider those things before you consider that the pool could be used for therapy in any way.

 

Holly Hoefele: One of the things that makes Glen Rose so special is the rural character and its open spaces. This would just be adding one more thing that makes it more like all the bigger towns.

 

Roy McClements: (static) Oakdale is a wonderful idea. It would be nice to have more information on the water park.

 

Cherry Stephens: I’m raising my kids here, and actually, there is nothing here for the kids. Riding around years and years ago, we had nothing to do but pop out windows in town. I’ve got one coming up now, and what is he going to do? I don’t want to think of those windows again.  Keep in mind our local kids need to have stuff, too. Apart from getting a job, it would give them something to do. I go out of town to Granbury or Cleburne and spend $50 to $100 a pop when I go to one of those parks. How many times are you going to Fossil Rim after you’ve seen all the animals? We need something for our kids. My youngest one is a strong swimmer, but it’s no good here. 

 

Pat Condy: I understand there is a Comprehensive Plan in progress and it is not yet complete. On that basis, I have two questions: How do you determine this in the absence of the finished product of that plan? Secondly, how do you determine the best location for it in the absence of that plan?

 

Mayor Miller: I don’t know that we have answers to those questions….

 

Mr. Miller: This is part of the process. The public comment and what we’re doing right now is part of that determination and part of that assessment of what the community feels the needs are.

 

Mark Mills: First of all, I am for a water park. But I feel like the process should take a lot longer. There are quite a few stakeholders that have been mentioned that haven’t really signed on. I’ve seen no formal recognition of interest in the project from the School Board. We have not heard from the County Water District. It would seem that before making a commitment to this project, that all of the stakeholders should have made a formal statement of interest in the project. There are a lot of different opportunities for development of a water park in the county. If you look at the jewels of Somervell County: Town Lake, the

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Historic District, Big Rocks Park ~ it would be reasonable to ask what impact a water park would have on the entire county. Phase I of the Riverwalk has been approved, which is just a sidewalk from Heritage Park to the weir. There are a number of other projects that can be done ~ a pedestrian bridge idea floating around, the low water bridge project, sidewalks from Big Rocks Park to the downtown courthouse area ~ all those could easily be called part of a water park for the City of Glen Rose. That project needs to be considered at the same time you consider this one. I’m all for the parks, but I think we need to take a good look at the opportunities for parks before we commit any more projects. Finally, I think that the bond issue raises a lot of concerns with the economics we have today. Making a commitment to tax revenues projected off of current tax revenues may be a financial liability we are walking into, and should be considered carefully. And in considering that, we would have to take the size of our city and the size of the tourist dollar and compare that kind of revenue with this size city to the revenue that Cleburne and Stephenville are able to collect. All in all, there are quite a few questions that remain unanswered. I thank everyone who has participated in this in giving us the opportunity to talk, but I think the Board would improve the whole community by taking more time to consider it.

 

Mike Jones: We’ve been talking for years ~ city, county and school ~ about trying to get a community recreation facility. Most ideas have been shot down. It is difficult to get cooperation between the three entities to start with. We can’t get Beck field to stay open year round with a playground down there, so between the county and the school we can’t get them to cooperate on that. It’s not against them; it’s just a difficult point when you are trying to get 3 entities to spend monies jointly. I can’t imagine that I’d support just a water park; I want something a little bigger than that. We’ve got 5 or 6 gymnasiums in town and the schools are able to keep one or two of them open during the Summer for Summer Leagues, but right now none of them are available. So my community recreation facility idea is not just a water park, but indoor pool and therapy pools, gymnasiums to shoot baskets, exercise equipment. But with all the hurdles you have to jump over ~ and oh my gosh, now we’re competing with Oakdale. That’s been slowing the idea down for some time. I was hoping we would buy Oakdale at one time, because that would eliminate that excuse. I was hoping we would get a community recreation facility started before the gymnasiums and exercise facilities opened in town, but now we are competing with that. So we get to the point that we’re just trying to build a swimming pool, and that is not enough. I don’t want all our facilities scattered out over the county; I want a large, central facility. I don’t know if Larry’s place is best, or if Oakdale is the best. I know that the county has land in the Industrial Park that is flat and available. I’m not worried about who makes money off the land. The Dodsons made money off the golf course, and that’s one of the best investments in Somervell County, but there are a lot of people who complained about that. I want a large, community

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recreational facility that takes into consideration year-round sports, indoor facilities, gymnasiums, pools, exercise equipment, aerobics course, karate course ~ get one place where I can take my daughter, my granddaughter and drop them off and I have something to do for an hour while they are being educated and exercised.

 

Rickie: I agree with Michael. Denton’s water park crashed. Lubbock’s water park crashed. During Spring Break here, we’ve had bad weather. What do the tourists do ~ what do we do ~ during Spring Break? If we had something with an indoor pool that’s big enough. You’re talking about our long-term plans for Glen Rose. What are you going to do with an outdoor water park if it doesn’t fit in with our long-term plans? If you start out with something that’s big enough and indoor, and can be extended, you don’t have to tear anything down. If it fits in with the long-term plan, you extend it. But if you build something that’s not going to fit in, then you’re going to be tearing it down. If you start something that’s indoor, then the tourists can join in as well and it fits in beautifully. Then they have something to do in the winter, as well. They come to Glen Rose year-round, not just when it’s pretty weather. So when they come see us they join in those facilities as well, because it’s indoors and I like that a lot better.

 

Debbie Harper: I don’t really know what the rush is and why you’re approving this so quickly. When I read the details of the last 4B meeting, which I didn’t attend, I saw that there was a comment about, “Well let’s put out something to the citizens to be able to comment about it,” and it was based partly on who attended that particular meeting, whether or not they might happen to see it in the paper and respond to it. I personally think that there ought to be something that is more detailed ~ perhaps a Town Hall meeting ~ or something that would give people time to hear and ask questions about what the proposal is for some of these projects. I don’t see any problem with saying perhaps it could be postponed until people were accurately polled in this community. I also agree with what Dr. Condy said, as well. Maybe they are two separate situations, but there is a long-term planning where those consultants are actively asking people in this community, “What do you want to see?” It was interesting to me to see that in the endless survey that came back that there was nothing about a water park. However, people did say that they wanted sidewalks, biking trails, greenbelts, etc. That was at the top of the list. Maybe you can’t wait until all the details come in on the long-range planning, but does there have to be such a rush to approve this right at this point before there is more information and more considerations have been done with more alerting and informing the public about the long-term planning.

 

David Polley: My family is putting a new retail facility in Glen Rose. I’ve done all the homework on Glen Rose that I can, and I think I pretty well have some insight into the community. What drew us here was the small town community. We live

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just outside Glen Rose in the county. First of all, if you don’t know it, Glen Rose is a destination town. Last week during Spring Break, I think everyone in town who has a retail facility was shocked. The weakening economy probably enhanced this Spring Break for us. I think any growth that happens in Glen Rose is going to enhance old downtown Glen Rose. Nothing in the past in the way of growth has hurt downtown ~ it has helped it. The more you can put out that is visible, the more you can push people downtown. Downtown is very important to me. After living in the Metroplex, it’s a 30-pound blood pressure pill. I like walking across the courthouse lawn. I’ve never heard anyone say, “I’m going to Stephenville and spend a week,” or “I’m going to go to Cleburne on vacation.” I hear a lot of people say, “Yeah, I go to Glen Rose all the time. We don’t have to go to Colorado, and we have money left when we get home.” Will it continue to happen? I’m betting a lot of money it’s gonna happen ~ my whole family is. Tonight everybody seems to be pulling together, either for it or you want to be heard what your concerns are. They are all important questions that must be answered. The community must always be the winner. This is a business venture. It is not personal. I personally think it’s a good idea. I also love the Riverwalk. That’s what makes Glen Rose what it is. Are you going to be able to charge admission for it? No, no. But somebody is going to eat an extra meal. They’re going to buy an extra remembrance of the trip. The tickets won’t pay for the water park, but those extra nights in hotels, the extra meals, extra gas sales, they’re going to pay for it. I feel confident about it. You will decide if you know enough about it or if you need more information about it. As a former mayor ~ I’m glad I’m not mayor here ~ I feel real good right where I am. Seriously, look at it with open eyes, and take everyone’s comments to heart. But you have to remember that growth is inevitable. If you embrace it, the entire community will be better for it.

 

Chris Hulls: One of the things I’ve always enjoyed about Glen Rose is that I grew up in a small town, and I love small town atmosphere and being active in church and community. The way Glen Rose has grown so far has been really good. But I think that the appropriate comment would be to maybe slow down a little bit. No one builds a house just by looking at it and saying it looks great, without finding out how much it costs, what their needs are, what they can afford and how well things are going to work. You go out and look at several different plans and do things. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an Olympic sized pool. You could use Oakdale Park and incorporate it into the Riverwalk. But I think it needs to be thought out enough that the other aspects of town can be incorporated into it, to make it smooth and make it of value to any project. I have no horse to race ~ I don’t have a child in the system right now that would use this. But what I don’t want to see is us ending up like New Braunsfels. The main thing is, if you want your kids to be active and be able to use this water park, you want safety. If they have to travel on foot or bicycle, I sure wouldn’t want them crossing Highway 67 unless there were a safe way to do it. But right now, this is not an emergency ~ nothing is on fire.    This does not have to be acted on right now.    You’re doing

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really good by doing a public agenda where you get a lot of different ideas and input. I applaud you for that. You got a lot of different viewpoints tonight to work with. You don’t want to come out 5 years down the road and regret what you did because it wasn’t thought out enough.

 

At 6:55 PM, Mr. Miller announced that the Board would adjourn into Executive Session and that the room must be cleared. The Regular Meeting will continue following the Executive Session. 

 

The Committee resumed the Regular Meeting at 7:45 PM.

 

5.         Possibly Approve Water Park Project: Mayor Miller moved to table the decision of the water park pending completion of a feasibility study, and that the decision will be made at the next meeting on the first Monday in May. Mr. Villa seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

 

6.         Mr. Miller struck Item #6 from the agenda.

 

7.         Other Potential Projects: Pat Barrow, representing the Somervell History Foundation, proposed that Barnard’s Mill be considered as a 4B project because of its historic, economic impact, education and tourism values. She said they are not asking for funding to restore the Mill; in fact, they are quite proud of having put the bronze on the Square with fund raisers and private donations.  However, they have discovered that the outside wall of the Mill has deteriorated to a point that they are actually losing some ground at the site. A grant-funded year-long study with the Texas Preservation Trust Association has been done to prioritize their needs for the Mill, the first building in Glen Rose. Tourism is steadily increasing at the Mill, Ms. Barrow added. The same tourists create an economic impact by spending money in Glen Rose. She introduced Paul Petigo of Larson & Petigo Architects in Dallas.

 

            Mr. Petigo explained that he and his staff have been working on the Mill for over a year. A report from their structural engineer says that the building is overall in very good condition. There are some areas that need some help, i.e., the roof of the north wing of the hospital area is dropping and causing the walls to spread. This is not terribly difficult or expensive to correct, he said. The bigger problem is repointing all the inner joints. The mortar has deteriorated over the years; some of the work to repair it over the years was done incorrectly and could potentially cause damage to the stone itself. Estimated cost to completely correct that problem is $76,000. Not only is it causing water penetration into the stonework itself, he said, but small animals such as squirrels are getting through some of the joints in the building and doing extensive damage. Their original effort was to apply for a development grant from the State Historic Trust. They started the procedure; however, the problem is that the Trust has lost a lot of money in the

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economic downturn, and what they have left has been directed toward repairing the damage in Houston caused by Hurricane Ike. They have put a hold on their money at this time. The contractors they have spoken with have agreed to abide by the State’s requirements for repointing projects.   Mr. Petigo said they have actually gone much further in their “wish list” of things to do for the Mill; however, he said he’d rather wait until a later time to discuss them.

 

Ms. Barrow added that repairs need to be looked at now, particularly replacement of windows, of which there are 105; recaulking to keep out small animals; repair of the overhangs; and installation of a drain through the breezeway that joins the Mill and the old hospital so that water will run under, rather than over the floor. Total cost is estimated at just over $100,000. Ms. Barrow added that if the need were not urgent they wouldn’t be asking for funding, and that they are only asking for help in completion of Phase I of the renovation effort.

 

Mayor Miller asked if they are requesting the entire $100,000. Ms. Barrow said of course, they would like to have that donated, but they are not necessarily asking for the whole amount. However, they feel like they should be able to bid into the scheme of what the taxpayers of Glen Rose feel like they have to spend, and they feel their project fits into that scheme. The $100,000 is to complete Phase I; it is not necessary that Phase II be started at this time. They are also applying for additional grants, she said; however, they are rather scarce due to the economy. All or part of the projected expense ~ every little bit will help.

 

Mr. Miller said that he has briefly checked into the 4B regulations, and this appears to be a gray area. He moved to table a decision on this matter until the May meeting. Mr. Bryant seconded the motion, which passed 5/0.

 

Other Potential Projects: Mark Mills asked for consideration of a pedestrian bridge across the Paluxy River, which would also provide a secondary path for children to get across the river to the junior high. His second request is for consideration of a low water bridge from the Square to the Riverwalk, so that the river itself could be enjoyed by visitors. Such a low water bridge could include a weight, balance, stairway, and could easily be a focus for downtown. A third project is installing sidewalks from Big Rocks Park to the Square.

 

Mr. Bryant made a motion to do a feasibility study on Oakdale Park at the same time one is done for the water park, since it is obviously something that has interested many citizens. Someone asked where this “expert” is going to come from, to conduct these studies. Joan Taylor suggested looking at Burnett, Texas, and added that firms can be found on the Internet. Judge Maynard said he did have all the information on Burnett, and that he would look for it. (He said, “another thing…” but static drowned him out.)

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Someone asked what happened to the bridge that was put at the golf course. Judge Maynard said that it is not long enough to span the river.

 

Bob Drake said that he grew up in Borger, and one of the things people want is for things to stay the way they are. But you have to grow, he said, or your become stagnant. But you can control the growth. At one time, Borger had the “longest Main Street in Texas,” and people went up and down Main Street all night long. Then they put planter boxes in the middle of Main Street and it destroyed the ambiance of the longest Main Street in Texas. Stores started closing because the boxes interfered with parking. So if you want to keep the flavor of Glen Rose, you must be careful, because the changes you make may stymie what you want. You can’t please everybody, but just make sure you have a firm hand on what you want, where it is going, and the methodologies to get there, and you’ll probably feel good about it once you do it.

 

Judge Maynard mentioned that the City has acquired a permit and will be cleaning out the island in the middle of the river. The mud will have to be piled on the bank and dried before it can be removed, he added.

 

Mr. Miller expressed his thanks to everyone for coming to the meeting. He added that this was by far the largest crowd he had ever seen in the building. 

 

            Mr. Bryant reminded Mr. Miller that no one had seconded his motion on the Oakdale feasibility study. Mayor Miller provided a second, and the motion passed 5/0.

 

Mayor Miller moved to dismiss. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion, which passed by a vote of 5/0. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.

 

 

 

                                                                                    Connally Miller