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4B Sales Tax Corporation Minutes - 06/10/2013MINUTES OF THE WICHITA FALLS 4B SALES TAX CORPORATION (4BSTC) June 10, 2013 PRESENT: Jim Ginnings, President § Members Dave Clark § "Pony Fidelie § Darron Leiker § Joe Nieto § Dustin Nimz § Glenn Barham, Mayor § City Council "Tim Ingle. Councilor District 4 § Q1 RECEIVED IN CITY CLERK'S OFFICE DATE: BY: _! — TIME: /A Kevin Hugman, Assistant City Manager § City Staff Kinley Hegglund, Senior Assistant City Attorney § Jack Murphy, Director, Parks and Recreation § Bob Sullivan, MPEC § Linda Merrill, Recording Secretary § Sandy Monson § Wichita Falls Streams and Valleys Ben Filer § Roby Christie § Stewart Harvey § Nonprofit Center ABSENT: Dominique Calhoun § Member 1. CALL TO ORDER. Jim Ginnings called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES With a correction noted by Mr. Ginnings on page 4 ("reach" instead of -ready"). Joe Nieto moved that the minutes of March 21, 2013 be approved. Seconded by Dave Clark, the motion unanimously carried. Kevin Hugman distributed the Board's current financial statement. Year -to -date sales tax revenues are at $1.8 million as of May. The sales tax history shows collections are 7.5% above last year at this time. Cumulative for the year, collections are just over 3% above last year. Mr. Hugman said the City would not move forward at this time on the new Castaway Cove attraction, but wants to keep the money encumbered. Mr. Ginnings recalled that the reasoning behind installing a new attraction was to keep the park in a good position to attract visitors. if water usage restrictions are lifted. Mr. 11ugman said the new ride does not require 11 'I_ legal \4A & 46 \4B Corp4R Minutesv20I T110116 I O'MinutesAli 2013.6 10.doc W F'EDC' -- Minutes of June 10. 2013 additional water, and Stage 4 drought restrictions would not affect it. The decision not to proceed was made from a public relations standpoint. Mr. Leiker said the Council takes a lot of heat over the water park, and members of the public would be upset over the installation of a new slide during a drought. Mr. Ginnings said the decision is in the hands of City government, but he feels if it is the right thing to do. it should be done. Mr. Ginnings said it was time to elect a new president and a vice- president. Mr. Hugman said the new appointments do not take effect until August 1. Joe Nieto had asked not to be considered for reappointment, Rick Hatcher was appointed to serve. Mr. Ginnings agreed to defer this action until August. 3. PUBLIC HEARING; CONSIDERATION OF WEE- CHI -TAH BMX TRACK PROJECT Mr. Ginnings opened the public hearing at 3;45 p.m. Presentation Sandy Monson of Wichita Falls Streams and Valleys thanked the Board for the opportunity make this presentation. She introduced Chip Filer (Hotter'N Hell), Roby Christie (Streams and Valleys and Hotter'N Hell) and Stewart Harvey (Nonprofit Center). Streams and Valleys, in conjunction with the Hotter 'N I fell, wants to construct a BMX track at Berend's Landing. It is a family friendly sport that would increase livability and attract industries. Wichita Falls is already famous for cycling events, and this is the next logical step. "There is not a BMX track within a 1' )0 mile radius of Wichita Falls. The track would be open three days a week': for practice. The owner of the adjacent Red River Cycling business would be the track manager. lie has experience in BMX racing. and would be paid $1 per head. consistent with industry standards. Dustin Nimz, noting the presentation indicated there were approximately 3,800 licensed racers in Texas and Oklahoma, asked whether there were enough riders to warrant this construction. Ms. Monson explained that when a tack gets a State race. all other tracks within driving distance close, and racers have to go to that track in order to get points. The point system ranks the BMX racers within their age groups. The Oklahoma City. Dallas and Fort Worth tracks will cross - promote with Wichita Falls and hold series races. forcing riders to go to each track for points. Mr. Filer added that if there is a double points race. riders will come for that, rather than race at their own track. Racers have to be licensed in order to compete and pay a fee to ride. The track and promoter are insured against injuries through the license. They have some donations to cover the license fee for kids who could not afford to pay. Darron Leiker asked how many of the licensed racers could participate on a track at one time. Ms. Monson said each track can accommodate all racers, races are held all day long, often at two -day events. The USA BMX is the sanctioning body for race events. Mr. Filer said that body would help build the track and put it on their schedule and in their magazine. Roby Christie said the track would be 150' x 300'. Ms. Monson added that the turns will be asphalted. Straightaways will have soil tack on them, a resin -type material that prohibits ruts WFEDC Minutes of June 10. 2013 being formed on the track. Racers will want to come to Wichita Falls because the smooth track will allow them to get faster race times. Streams and Valleys has the land and utilities. They have $83,930 pledged toward the $139,000 needed for Phase 1, and are requesting the 413STC to fund the remaining $55,070. Phase 2 would include portable light pods to allow for night races. Phase 3 would consist of a cover for the track. This would be only the fourth covered track in the country. They have a matching gift of $10,000 from Hotter'N Hell, and a $5,000 anonymous matching gift. There may be another donor who will give $5,000. as well. Mr. Nieto asked if they are soliciting support from corporate America, or local hotels and restaurants that will benefit from these events. Ms. Monson said she has tilled out a grant for Blue Cross Blue Shield. Tony Fidelie asked where Streams and Valleys had invested $83.000. Ms. Monson said it is an in -kind donation of the land, tractor. and buildings. He asked how much money the organization had in the bank. Ms. Monson replied $10,000. Dave Clark asked about the "sources and uses" in the report. Mr. Filer said that category contained the starting gate and the tower. Mr. Nieto asked how much water the track would use. Ms. Monson said they would wet the track occasionally while racing: the track would not be a major water user. Mr. Ginnings closed the public hearing at 4:16 p.m. Discussion Mr. Clark moved to open the item for discussion; Mr. Nieto seconded the motion. Mr. Nieto expressed concern that granting money for this request might result in more non- profits approaching the Board. Mr. L,eiker said his concern was whether the organization would have the wherewithal to sustain the operation with just volunteers. However. Streams and Valleys and Hotter'N Hell have proven track records of being able to get things done. He does not have as much concern with this particular not for profit. MPF.,C Director Bob Sullivan said he had experience with BMX events at a prior job, and he also grew up in a city in northern Illinois (pop. 130,000) that had a BMX track. 'These tracks do a lot of business and draw families in from out of town. Ile cautioned it is important to ensure there is safe space for the kids to practice, and to set up pit areas. Jack Murphy said there was a BMX track in Kiwanis University Park in the 1980's. The City leased land to the Top of Texas Parents Club. It was a nice facility, but faded out after three to four years. This track's construction sounds far superior, particularly including the cover. The sport was not advanced enough at the time to have sanctions or licenses. There was no tourism aspect. He did note that the City now owns and maintains certain features in town that were originally privately owned — including Castaway Cove and the Wee- Chi -Tah sculpture. Mr. Ginnings noted the other side of the coin is represented by the Radio Control Club. The 4BSTC funded certain improvements, the Club raised money on its own, and they now have a first -class operation. WFEDC -- Minutes of June 10. 2013 Mr. Fidelie said if the Board did decide to fund to some degree. it could follow the example set by the Priddy Foundation and require a matching fund scenario. It puts the burden back on the requestor to get their funding to a certain level. Mr. Ginnings recalled Mr. Leiker's comment about the proven track record of those who are touting this project. "They have a cadre of volunteers. Dustin Nimz was initially concerned about the request, but is more comfortable knowing the people involved. The cost to participate in this activity is concerning. Although they had raised donations to defer some of the cost, the licepse and entry fee, plus the cost of the bike, could be cost prohibitive for some people in this community. Mr. Clark said he is concerned about the sources and uses; he wishes they had broken down that category more. He does not feel the 4BSTC should pay for vehicles or similar items. but rather. for improvements. Mr. Nieto felt some of the projections of revenue were compared to a market (Ft. Worth) that is very different from Wichita Falls. Mr. Ginnings felt the group made their projections based upon this area. Mr. Ginnings said the two organizations coming before this Board today would not want to invest monev into something that they would not think would be a success. This has the capacity to bring lots of people into Wichita Falls who will spend money and generate sales tax revenues. The dedication of these people bears some risk, and the money they are seeking is insignificant compared to the potential results. Motion Mr. Fidelie said he has no problem investing in this project, but suggested the group be required to raise another $10,000 before the Board would grant them $45,000. They already have another $5,000 waiting in the wings from the anonymous donor. Dustin Nimz said he was almost inclined to grant the full amount. Mr. Leiker suggested the motion back off by at least the $5.000 amount promised by the anonymous donor. Mr. Clark wondered whether a motion from the Board should include that the money be used for capital equipment and not for things that can be driven away. Mr. Ginnings did not feel that was necessary. as the group already had that type of equipment. Mr. Nimz moved that the Board grant the sum of $50,000 toward the construction of a BMX Track. The motion includes the Findings and Allocations and Authorizations that were included in the Board's Notice of Meeting. Seconded by Mr. Fidelie, the motion unanimously carried. Mr. Ginnings read a letter from Eagle Scout Ben Roche, thanking the 4BSTC for the money it contributed toward the pergola at the Wild Bird Rescue. This pergola was his Eagle Scout project. Mayor Barham said he attended the Eagle Scout ceremony. and it was money well spent. Mr. Ginnings agreed. WFEAC - Minutes of June 10. 2013 Mr. Clark asked for a status report on the open projects. Mr. Hugman complied. 1. South Weeks Park Pond Project. Essentially complete; working on the parking lot. 2. Kell House renovation. Mr. Hugman believes at least the first phase of renovation has occurred, but no paperwork has been submitted for reimbursement. 3. District 5 Park Improvements. Jack Murphy said the City has acquired acreage next to Lions Park. The Engineering department is designing a bridge across the creek to connect the park with Kate Ilaynes School. The Expressway Village pond design is completed and will go out to bid in the next several months. City View Park requires the acquisition of six vacant lots adjacent to the park. Property Management is having difficulties contacting two property owners who live in California. The low -water crossing has been completed in Sunset Terrace Park. 4. Downtown Travel Center. Progressing;'; will open later this year. 5. Vernon College parking. The 4BSTC granted $100.000 toward parking lot improvements; the College is trying to put together funding for the entire parking lot. 6. Kemp Center for the Arts. Dave Clark said the Kemp has raised just under $1.6 million and is anticipating a response from the Priddy Foundation on its $500.000 request. 7. Museum of North Texas History — Curtiss Jenny Exhibit. Jim Ginnings said Bob Seabury has a letter that says the addition would cost around $435.000. The 4BSTC agreed to a 50/50 match up to $336.000. Mr. Seabury has raised $198,000, so he needs about $15.000 more. 8. MSU Baseball Field. MSU is moving forward with the architect, but Mr. Hugman is not sure where they want to place the field. 9. River Bend. They are looking at the project to determine how to raise more funds. 10. Wayfinding Signage. The consultant. with City staff input, has developed plans for TxDOT to review. This project should be let for bid within the next few months. 11. Castaway Cove. The update on this project has already been provided. Mr. Hugman said staff would like to schedule a 4BSTC meeting on July I or 3, to present the Board its draft budget for FY 2014. This would not be an action item. The Board agreed on July 1 at 3:00 p.m. Mr. Ginnings noted he would not be able to attend due to previously -made plans. 7. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 4:59 p.m. AS, dent