agenda benbrook city council thursday, february 19, 2015 911

AGENDA
BENBROOK CITY COUNCIL
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015
911 WINSCOTT ROAD, BENBROOK, TEXAS
PRE-COUNCIL WORKSESSION 7:00 P.M.
CENTRAL CONFERENCE ROOM
1. Review and discuss agenda items for regular meeting
REGULAR MEETING 7:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ALL AGENDA ITEMS ARE SUBJECT TO FINAL ACTION
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Invocation To Be Given By Pastor Parkey Cobern Of Capstone Church
III. MINUTES
1. Approve The Minutes Of The Regular Meeting Held February 5, 2015
Documents: CC MINUTES-02-05-15.PDF
IV. CITIZEN PRESENTATION
1. Angela Zarate - Raise Awareness For Relay For Life Event
Documents: CITIZEN REQUEST ANGELA ZARATE.PDF
V. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER
A. GENERAL
G-2172 Accept Finance Report For Period Ending January 31, 2015
Documents: G-2172 FINANCE REPORT JANUARY 2015.PDF, G-2172 REVENUE
CHART.PDF, G-2172 EXPENDITURE CHART JAN 2015.PDF, G-2172 SALES TAX
COMPARISON.PDF
G-2173 Adopt Ordinance Readopting Tax Abatement Guidelines And Criteria
Documents: G-2173 TAX ABATEMENT GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA.PDF, G-2173
ORDINANCE TAX ABATEMENT GUIDELINES 2015.PDF
G-2174 Safe Room Rebate Program
Documents: G-2174 SAFE ROOM REBATE PROGRAM.PDF
G-2175 Approve Lease Transfer For Whitestone Golf Course
Documents: G-2175 APPROVE LEASE TRANSFER FOR WHITESTONE GOLF
COURSE.PDF, G-2175 WHITESTONE INTRODUCTORY LETTER 2 9 15.PDF, G-2175
TOUCHSTONE MANAGED PROPERTIES 2.10.15.PDF, G-2175 TSG 5929 SINGLE PAGE
(3).PDF
VI. INFORMAL CITIZEN COMMENTS
State Law Prohibits Any Deliberation Of Or Decisions Regarding Items Presented In Informal
Citizen Comments. City Council May Only Make A Statement Of Specific Factual Information
Given In Response To The Inquiry; Recite An Existing Policy; Or Request Staff Place The Item
On An Agenda For A Subsequent Meeting. The Exception To Informal Comments Is That Once
An Election Date Has Been Set By City Council Comments Relative To Elections Will Not Be
Broadcast On The City’s Cable Channel. However, A Copy Of The Tape Containing Citizens’
Comments Will Be Available At City Hall For Review Or Purchase By Interested Citizens.
VII. COUNCIL MEMBER AND STAFF COMMENTS
Announcements From City Councilmembers And City Staff May Be Made For Items To
On An Agenda For A Subsequent Meeting. The Exception To Informal Comments Is That Once
An Election Date Has Been Set By City Council Comments Relative To Elections Will Not Be
Broadcast On The City’s Cable Channel. However, A Copy Of The Tape Containing Citizens’
Comments Will Be Available At City Hall For Review Or Purchase By Interested Citizens.
VII. COUNCIL MEMBER AND STAFF COMMENTS
Announcements From City Councilmembers And City Staff May Be Made For Items To
Include: Expression Of Thanks; Congratulations; Condolence; Recognition Of Public Officials,
Employees Or Citizens; Information Regarding Holiday Schedules; Reminders Of Community
Events Or Announcements Involving An Imminent Threat To The Public Health And Safety Of
The Municipality That Has Arisen After The Posing Of The Agenda. No Discussion Or Formal
Action May Be Taken On These Items At This Meeting.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
MINUTES
OF THE
MEETING OF THE
BENBROOK CITY COUNCIL
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015
The regular meeting of the Benbrook City Council was held on Thursday February 5, 2015
at 7:30 p. m. in the Council Chambers at 911 Winscott Road with the following Council
members present:
Jerry Dittrich, Mayor
Renee Franklin
Larry Marshall
Rickie Allison
Jim Wilson
Mark Washburn
Ron Sauma
Also Present:
Andy Wayman, City Manager
Beth Fischer, Recording Secretary
Sherri Newhouse, Finance Director
Jenifer Reiner, Planner
Others Present:
Ed Gallagher
Bill Smith
Deepak Sulakhe, OmHousing
Mark Mourer
Kent Williams
I.
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 7:30 p. m. by Mayor Dittrich.
II.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Invocation given by Mack Johnson with Tabernacle of Praise
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
III.
MINUTES
1.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held January 15, 2015
Motion by Mr. Allison seconded by Ms. Franklin to approve the minutes of the
regular meeting held January 15, 2015.
1
Vote on the Motion:
Ayes: Ms. Franklin, Mr. Allison, Mayor Dittrich, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Washburn, Mr.
Sauma
Noes: None
Abstain: Dr. Marshall
Motion carries 6-0-1.
IV.
REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER
A. GENERAL
G-2170
Accept Hotel/Motel Tax Report for quarter ending December 31,
2014
Sherri Newhouse gave the following report: Revenues for the City’s hotel/motel
occupancy tax fund totaled $38,258 for the quarter beginning October 1, 2014
and ending December 31, 2014. Revenue from the hotel/motel occupancy tax
totaled $36,858. The remainder of the revenue was from donations, the sale of
DVDs, and interest income.
Expenses for this quarter totaled $32,912. Visitor’s Center expenditures were
$29,942. The Benbrook Area Chamber of Commerce requested reimbursement
of $900 for the Barbeque/Cook-Out event. Winter Wonderland expenses totaled
$2,070.
For the first quarter of the 2014-15 fiscal year, revenues of $38,258 exceeded
expenditures of $32,912 by $5,346. The fund balance for the hotel/motel
occupancy tax fund increased from $295,608 to $300,954.
Motion by Mr. Washburn, seconded by Dr. Marshall to accept the Hotel Motel
Tax Report for the period ending December 31, 2014.
Vote on the Motion:
Ayes: Ms. Franklin, Dr. Marshall, Mr. Allison, Mayor Dittrich, Mr. Wilson, Mr.
Washburn. Mr. Sauma
Noes: None
Motion carries unanimously.
2
G-2171
Consider Resolution of support regarding apartment complex
(Villas at Boston Heights) at 3510 Boston Avenue
Jenifer Reiner gave the following report: OM Housing is again preparing an
application for tax credit financing for a proposed multi-family project on 10.5
acres of vacant land in North Benbrook on Boston Avenue. A portion of the old
Tandy Town shopping center is located to the north, single family residential lies
to the south, and a parking lot for Western Hills High School is located across the
street to the east. The western property abuts the City limits. Single family
residential in Fort Worth is located to the west.
The subject property is zoned D-PD Multiple Family Planned Development
District by court order in 1970. While the zoning allows up to 25 dwelling units
per acre for a maximum of 262 units, the developer has committed to limit the
development to a total of 150 units. At the direction of the City Council last year,
staff spoke with staff in Cedar Hill, Dallas, Irving, and Mesquite regarding their
experience with OM Housing and all of the comments were favorable.
The conceptual site plan shows four two-story apartment buildings and four
building which will be a combination of two- and three stories. Note that 2-story
units are located along the southern property line. The plan has not changed
from last year at which time the staff has provided the developer with a number
of comments and suggestions on the draft site plan, mostly related to fire access
and minimizing the impact on the residences to the south.
The proposed project will be required to comply with all City development
requirements and will require site plan approval by the Planning and Zoning
Commission.
Tax credit financing is authorized by Congress under Section 42 of the Internal
Revenue Code as a means to provide an incentive for the private market to
invest in affordable housing. Administered by the state, credits are awarded to
developers of qualified projects on a competitive basis. This is not Section 8
housing.
To raise capital for the project, the developer sells the credits to an investor,
reducing the amount that the developer must borrow and thereby reducing the
debt. The result is that the developer can offer lower rental rates. To qualify for
the credits, the developer must provide rental units to families that fall below
certain income limits and rents must be restricted as well.
The median family income in Tarrant County is $65,800. The rental rates are
affordable based on the local area and lower. Because rates are not subsidized,
renters must be employed or living on Social Security or another fixed income
source in order to qualify.
The City Council has three options regarding the request for a resolution:
1. Provide a resolution of support;
2. Prove a resolution of "no objection; or
3
3. Take no action
The application for tax credits provides differing point values for each of these
actions. The property has remained vacant for over four decades, indicating a
market-rate housing project is not economically-viable or may be result in a
lesser quality, higher density product. It is the staff's opinion that tax credit
funding offers the best opportunity to develop the property with the quality
desired in Benbrook.
Deepak Sulakhe, President and CEO of Om Housing addressed City Council on
the proposed Multi-family development at 3510 Boston Avenue to be known as
Villas at Boston Heights.
The property is currently zoned “D” Multiple-Family District on 10.51 acres. The
permitted density is 25 units/acre or up to 262 units. The property is listed on all
major marketing databases.
The proposed density is about 13.7 units/acres or up to 144 units. Approximately
$20 is to be financed by a combination of proceeds from
HTC, FHA221 (d)4 loan, local funding and developer equity. The cost per square
feet in hard cost is $95 in hard cost or approximately $140,000/unit in total costs.
The exterior finishes will have over 75% combination of stone and brick. The
project will comply with the City’s architectural, landscape, traffic impact analysis
and noise attenuation standards. Safety is provided through different means. Strict
screening of residents limits 1 in 7 to qualify.
Amenities include spacious Clubhouse, swimming pool, fitness center, business
center, community room with A/V, Bicycle Racks, BBQ Grilles, 9” ceilings, stainless
appliances.
The proposal is “Affordable Housing” and is not to be confused with “Section 8”
Public Housing.
The project is highly regulated with annual inspections conducted by the State,
FHA, the lender and investors to ensure that the physical quality and residency are
maintained.
The annual operations sets aside adequate budget for long-term maintenance and
up keep. The developer will involve local civic organizations to provide resident
lifestyle services to enhance the quality of living for residents.
Financing terms require the developer to be a long term owner and not a “Merchant
Builder” so there will be no absentee ownership.
The project is a $20 million investment, increased tax assessment, 150+
construction jobs, high quality housing for employees and local chamber for
construction bidding. The project will pay full city fees and taxes.
4
The project is to be LEED Certified/Eco-Friendly with preservation of trees, energy
efficiency, water efficiency, and improved indoor air quality for healthier living.
A Resolution of Support is required by February 27, 2015 to assist in applying to
TDHCA for tax-credit funding.
Motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Dr. Marshall to provide a Resolution of Support
for the project as presented.
Vote on the Motion:
Ayes: Ms. Franklin, Dr. Marshall, Mr. Allison, Mayor Dittrich, Mr. Wilson
Noes: Mr. Washburn, Mr. Sauma
Motion carries 5-2.
V.
INFORMAL CITIZEN COMMENTS
VI.
COUNCIL MEMBER AND STAFF COMMENTS
VII.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
APPROVED:
______________________
Jerry B. Dittrich, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________
Joanna King, City Secretary
5
Joanna King
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Andres and Angela Zarate <[email protected]>
Monday, February 09, 2015 9:33 AM
Joanna King
Feb. 19 City Council Meeting
Good morning Joanna,
Can I please be put on the next City Council meeting agenda? I would like to bring up the idea to 'Paint the Town Purple'
the week of our Relay for Life event, April 6 - 10, ending with the date of our actual event on April 10. We hope to raise
awareness for cancer research as well as promote the annual Relay for Life event.
A few examples of painting the town purple are putting purple ribbons around trees and light poles, placing yard signs and
banners at approved locations, including City Hall, Relay posters and balloons displayed at Benbrook businesses and the
city's support of wearing purple on April 10.
We have heard numerous times over the years that many of our Benbrook residents don't know about Relay for Life or
that it even exists in our community, and we hope to change that.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding my request.
Thank you so much,
Angela Zarate
Relay for Life of Benbrook, Event Lead
(817) 454-2510
1
City of Benbrook
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
DATE:
REFERENCE
NUMBER:
02/19/15
G-2172
SUBJECT:
PAGE:
Accept finance report for period ending January
1 of 2
31, 2015
GENERAL FUND
General Fund revenues for the month of January were $3,075,561. Property tax collections were
$2,648,758. Sales tax collected in December 2014 but received by the City and recognized as
revenue in January 2015 was $173,580 for the month. A separate summary of sales tax revenue
collections is provided for informational purposes. General Fund revenues collected through the
end of January were $9,432,518 or 58.81% of the budget.
General Fund expenditures for the month of January were $1,254,808.
January 31, 2015 were $5,044,250 or 30.80% of the adopted budget.
Expenditures as of
For the 2014-15 fiscal year-to-date, total General Fund revenues of $9,432,518 exceeded General
Fund expenditures of $5,044,250 by $4,388,268.
DEBT SERVICE
Debt Service revenues collected for the month of January 2015 were $83,098. Debt Service
principal and interest payments due February 1, 2015 and paid in January 2015 totaled
$1,395,196.
Total Debt Service revenues for the 2014-15 fiscal year were $248,939. Total expenditures of
$1,395,196 exceeded total revenues by $1,146,257.
EDC
EDC expenditures as of January 31, 2015 were $1,047,818. Total revenue was $1,317,103. EDC
revenues for the year exceeded EDC expenditures by $269,285.
Revenues include $999,472 from the sale of the property located at 8501 Benbrook Boulevard.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Total revenues received through January 31, 2015 for the Capital Projects Fund were $386,326.
There were no expenditures for the Capital Projects Fund in for the period from October 1, 2014
through January 31, 2015.
SUBMITTED BY:
DISPOSITION BY COUNCIL:
APPROVED
OTHER (DESCRIBE)
PROCESSED BY:
CITY SECRETARY
DATE:
CITY MANAGER
DATE:
02/19/15
REFERENCE
NUMBER:
G-2172
SUBJECT:
PAGE:
Accept finance report for period ending January
2 of 2
31, 2015
CASH & INVESTMENTS
On January 31, 2015, the City had $21,842,489 invested at varying interest rates; the EDC had
$6,180,060 available.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council accept the finance report for the period ending January 31,
2015.
Revenue Trend Comparison
18,000,000
16,000,000
14,000,000
12,000,000
10,000,000
8,000,000
6,000,000
4,000,000
2,000,000
0
(2,000,000)
2013-14
OCT
829,770
NOV
1,146,277
DEC
3,423,533
JAN
3,988,059
2014-15
YTD 13-14
FEB
1,778,115
MAR
1,383,675
APR
418,169
MAY
690,970
JUNE
1,027,439
JULY
188,781
AUG
624,663
SEPT
315,059
484,634
942,425
4,929,898
3,075,561
829,770
1,976,046
5,399,579
9,387,638 11,165,753 12,549,428 12,967,597 13,658,566 14,686,005 14,874,786 15,499,449 15,814,509
YTD 2014-15
484,634
1,427,059
6,356,957
9,432,518
% Change 2013-14 to 2014-15
-41.59%
-27.78%
17.73%
0.48%
Expenditure Trend Comparison
18,000,000
16,000,000
14,000,000
12,000,000
10,000,000
8,000,000
6,000,000
4,000,000
2,000,000
0
2012-14
OCT
992,734
NOV
1,086,638
DEC
976,247
2014-15
1,041,570
1,091,832
1,650,671
JAN
1,577,617
FEB
1,115,152
MAR
1,581,269
APRIL
1,259,666
MAY
1,140,737
JUNE
2,847,840
JULY
1,447,208
AUG
1,032,598
SEPT
1,121,186
5,748,388
7,329,657
8,589,323
9,730,060
12,577,900
14,025,108
15,057,706
16,178,892
YTD 13-14
992,734
2,079,372
3,055,619
4,633,236
YTD 14-15
1,041,570
2,133,402
3,784,073
5,044,250
105%
103%
124%
109%
% Chg 2013-14 to
2014-15
CITY OF BENBROOK
SALES TAX ANALYSIS
AS OF JANUARY 31, 2015
YEAR-TO DATE
OCTOBER
FIRST QUARTER
NOVEMBER DECEMBER SUB-TOTAL
JANUARY
SECOND QUARTER
FEBRUARY
MARCH
SUB-TOTAL
APRIL
THIRD QUARTER
MAY
JUNE
SUB-TOTAL
JULY
FOURTH QUARTER
AUGUST SEPTEMBER SUB-TOTAL
ANNUAL
TOTAL
2008-09
578,429
115,329
196,597
147,653
459,579
118,851
208,401
166,682
493,933
115,362
117,485
120,110
352,957
179,591
201,954
142,882
524,427
1,830,896
2009-10
525,481
130,551
172,053
106,827
409,432
116,050
173,780
126,019
415,849
110,808
212,181
132,414
455,403
138,682
194,432
152,442
485,557
1,766,240
2010-11
734,094
212,494
161,967
160,492
534,954
199,141
190,084
143,760
532,985
245,116
223,000
181,216
649,331
229,160
196,711
175,140
601,011
2,318,281
2011-12
818,149
218,564
161,430
186,638
566,632
251,517
168,551
171,053
591,121
236,986
178,165
188,604
603,754
218,557
178,708
161,070
558,335
2,319,841
2012-13
804,128
215,752
184,452
181,368
581,572
222,555
170,084
174,164
566,803
201,241
164,765
202,525
568,531
211,491
178,411
170,324
560,225
2,250,173
2013-14
789,117
215,869
177,403
161,342
554,614
234,503
154,780
155,432
544,714
229,367
176,980
175,792
582,138
217,955
199,305
187,172
604,432
789,117
2014-15
831,882
215,101
207,526
173,580
596,207
235,674
Change 2008-09 to 2009-10
-9.15%
Change 2009-10 to 2010-11
39.70%
Change 2010-11 to 2011-12
11.45%
Change 2011-12 to 2012-13
-1.71%
Change 2012-13 to 2013-14
-1.90%
Change 2013-14 to 2014-15
5.42%
Budget 2014-15
1,800,000
Projected 2014-15
1,800,000
Variance from Budget
-
City of Benbrook
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
DATE:
REFERENCE
NUMBER:
02/19/15
G-2173
SUBJECT:
PAGE:
Adopt Ordinance readopting Tax Abatement
1 of 1
Guidelines and Criteria
State law requires that no tax abatements can be granted unless the City has adopted guidelines
and criteria. Furthermore, the guidelines and criteria must be readopted every two years.
Benbrook’s current guidelines and criteria (Ordinance 1332) expired in February 2014 and should
be readopted.
Staff is not recommending any changes to the Guidelines. The readopted tax abatement
guidelines provide the option of negotiating tax abatements for new or expanded manufacturing
facilities with more than $3,000,000 in new investment, or ten or more new employees. The
guidelines also allow for abatements for new hotels with more than 50 rooms. Abatement
agreements are limited to ten years in length and a maximum of 100 percent of the new appraised
value. Businesses will still be responsible for taxes on the pre-improved value of their property.
Tax abatements are not allowed within the TIF District boundaries.
Although Benbrook has had guidelines for tax abatement agreements since 1992, no tax
abatements have ever been granted. However, having the abatement policy provides an
opportunity to attract potential commercial and industrial developments to the City.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the ordinance readopting guidelines and criteria for
tax abatement agreements.
SUBMITTED BY:
DISPOSITION BY COUNCIL:
APPROVED
OTHER (DESCRIBE)
PROCESSED BY:
CITY SECRETARY
DATE:
CITY MANAGER
ORDINANCE 1379
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND READOPTING CHAPTER 3.20 (TAX
ABATEMENT AGREEMENTS) OF THE BENBROOK MUNICIPAL CODE
(1985), AS AMENDED, READOPTING GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR
TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENTS AND DESIGNATION OF
REINVESTMENT ZONES, DEFINING QUALIFYING FACILITIES,
ESTABLISHING THE TERM AND LIMITS OF ABATEMENT, REQUIRING
AN APPLICATION, DELEGATING ADMINISTRATIVE AND NEGOTIATION;
ANDENDING CHAPTER 1.12 (FEES FOR PUBLIC SERVICES);
PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES, PROVIDING FOR
VARIANCES AND EXPIRATION; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Benbrook is a home rule city acting under its charter adopted
by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution and Chapter 9
of the Local Government Code; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to increase investment and general wealth within the City
through the attraction and expansion of industry and development of industrial lands in the
City; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to establish reinvestment zones for tax abatement as
an incentive to attract new industry to the City and encourage major expansion of existing
industries; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has previously adopted guidelines and criteria for tax
abatement in accordance with Chapter 312 of the Tax Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend and/or readopt those guidelines in
accordance with State Law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BENBROOK, TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
READOPTION
That Chapter 3.20 – Tax Abatement Agreements of the Benbrook Municipal Code (1985),
as amended), is hereby readopted in its entirety.
Page 1 of 2
SECTION 2
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the sections,
paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases of this ordinance are severable, and if any
phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance shall be declared void,
ineffective or unconstitutional by the valid judgement or decree of any court of competent
jurisdiction, such voidness, ineffectiveness or unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the
remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs or sections of this ordinance, since the
same would have been enacted by the City Council without the incorporation herein of any
such void, ineffective or unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section.
SECTION 3
PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE
The City Secretary of the City of Benbrook is hereby authorized to publish this
ordinance in book or pamphlet form for general distribution among the public, and the
operative provisions of this ordinance as so published shall be admissible in evidence in all
courts without further proof than the production thereof, as provided in Section 3.10 of the
Charter of the City of Benbrook.
The City Secretary of the City of Benbrook is hereby directed to engross and enroll
this ordinance by copying the caption, penalty clause, publication clause and effective date
clause in the minutes of the City Council and by filing the ordinance records of the City.
The City Secretary of the City of Benbrook is hereby directed to publish the caption,
penalty clause, publication clause and effective date clause of this ordinance for two (2)
days in the official newspaper of the City of Benbrook, as authorized by Section 52.013 of
the Local Government Code.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law, and it is so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 19th day of February, 2015.
_______________________________
Jerry B. Dittrich, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Joanna King, City Secretary
Page 2 of 2
City of Benbrook
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
DATE:
REFERENCE
NUMBER:
02/19/15
G-2174
SUBJECT:
PAGE:
Safe Room Rebate Program
1 of 1
Benbrook has recently been awarded $93,000 to provide rebates for residents who wish to
construct safe rooms. The following is a summary of the program:
Authorization of the Safe Room Rebate Program
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is authorized under the federal Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and provides opportunity to fund mitigation
measures to reduce loss of life and property. Safe rooms are an eligible activity under the HMGP.
Safe room construction projects can provide immediate life-safety protection for people and private
structures from tornado and severe wind events.
These projects include retrofits of existing
buildings or newly-constructed safe room projects in owner-occupied single-family or multiplefamily residences.
Benbrook Individual Safe Room Rebate Program
The City of Benbrook has been selected by the Texas Division of Emergency Management
(TDEM), and approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to receive
funding to implement the Individual Safe Room Reimbursement Program (SRRP) in Benbrook.
The grant of $93,000 will fund rebates for approximately 30 safe rooms. Qualified projects are
eligible for a 50 percent rebate ($3000 maximum) of the installed cost of an individual safe room.
Implementing the Benbrook SRRP accomplishes one of the tornado mitigation projects of the 2012
Benbrook Hazard Mitigation Plan. In addition to owner-occupied single-family residences,
duplexes and townhomes also may qualify for the program.
The program will be administered by the Planning and Inspections Departments, the Fire
Department, and the Finance Department. Property owners will submit an application to the City
for interior, exterior, or below-ground residential safe rooms. Eligibility of a specific property will be
based on a first-come, first-serve basis and criteria based on use and location. Properties within
the floodplain are not eligible. All safe rooms will be built to FEMA standards. The City will
document each site for compliance with environmental laws in accordance with the Texas Division
of Emergency Management, Texas Individual Safe Room Rebate Program Handbook. The City
will receive an administrative fee of $100 for each safe room. It is estimated that the program will
take 24 months to administer. Other than staff time, there would be no other costs to the City.
RECOMMENDATION
No action is required.
SUBMITTED BY:
DISPOSITION BY COUNCIL:
APPROVED
OTHER (DESCRIBE)
PROCESSED BY:
CITY SECRETARY
DATE:
CITY MANAGER
City of Benbrook
CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
DATE:
REFERENCE NUMBER: SUBJECT:
PAGE:
02/19/15
G-2175
1 of 2
Approve Leave Transfer for Whitestone Golf Course
In late November 2014, City Council was informed in an executive session of a possible change in
lease holder for Whitestone Golf Course pursuant to a pending foreclosure by Lynx Grantor Trust.
The pending foreclosure was related to a note held by Lynx Grantor Trust. At the time, the note
had matured, but Meditrust Golf Group II (borrower and leaseholder) had not paid the outstanding
principal and accrued interest on the note. The City of Benbrook and Meditrust Golf Group II, Inc.
entered into a lease agreement for the construction and operation of Whitestone Golf Course on
August 7, 1998.
The foreclosure took place in December and Lynx Grantor Trust assumed the Whitestone Golf
Course lease. The transition was seamless, despite occurring during the holiday season.
According to the lease, the City has certain approval rights in the event a leasehold mortgagee,
such as Lynx Grantor Trust, obtains possession of the leasehold estate. In such event and in
accordance with the lease, the leasehold mortgagee will engage competent management of the
golf course, and the entity providing the management is subject to written approval of the City,
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed so long as such management entity
and its principals have five or more years of experience in operating golf courses and are
considered by the City, using reasonable judgment, to be competent and capable operators.
Pursuant to the Lease, Lynx Grantor Trust has retained Touchstone Golf, LCC (Golf Management
Companies - TouchstoneGolf.com) to manage the Golf Course. Upon review of qualifications
(attached), Staff believes that Touchstone Golf easily meets the approval standards under the
lease. Touchstone Golf manages 35 golf courses in 11 states including 8 golf courses in Texas.
Principles of the company have over 30 years of golf course operations experience.
In addition, Lynx Grantor Trust and the City Attorney are finalizing a lease assumption agreement
binding Lynx Grantor Trust to the covenants and conditions of the original golf course lease
agreement.
SUBMITTED BY:
DISPOSITION BY COUNCIL:
APPROVED
PROCESSED BY:
OTHER (DESCRIBE)
CITY SECRETARY
DATE:
CITY MANAGER
DATE:
02/19/15
REFERENCE NUMBER:
SUBJECT:
PAGE:
G-2175
Approve Leave Transfer for Whitestone Golf Course
2 of 2
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Approve Touchstone Golf, LLC as Whitestone Golf Course operator on behalf of Lynx
Grantor Trust; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a lease assumption agreement, once finalized by the
City Attorney and Lynx Grantor Trust.
February 9, 2015
Dear Benbrook City Council:
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Chris Robertson, I am Touchstone Golf’s
Regional Vice-President and it’s my privilege to lead the team that has recently been appointed as
the managers of Whitestone Golf Club. We are pleased to be involved with this well respected
Club, its loyal patrons and the great community of Benbrook. I wanted to take an opportunity to
introduce our management group to you and to begin the process of transferring the land lease to
Lynx REO, LLC.
Touchstone was founded in 2005 by two brothers with extensive backgrounds in, and a profound
love of the game of golf. Our firm’s first client was the PGA Tour for whom we provided
consulting services relating to the marketing of their destination TPC branded courses. Upon
completion of that assignment we took on management responsibility of our first course, Painted
Dunes Golf Course in El Paso – a property we manage to this day. Currently, we manage or lease
35 courses located in eleven states that we operate for municipalities, single and multi-course
owners and financial institutions. I am based in Frisco and our finance and accounting office is
located in Austin. Touchstone’s CEO and COO, Steve Harker and Mark Luthman live in
Northern California.
In addition I would like to introduce our new General Manager, Chris Hopper. Chris has been
working for Touchstone as our general manager at Wedgewood Golf Course in Conroe since
January 2013. He is a graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in Turf Management. He is married
with two children and will move his family to the area, once school is over in the summer. Chris is
an excellent operator and will be great addition to the Whitestone team.
The intent of this letter is to formally request the transfer of the land lease under the terms of
foreclosure in the agreement. The lease was foreclosed on by Lynx REO, LLC on December 2,
2014 and we have been operating since that day. If possible, we would like to attend the February
19th council meeting to discuss our firm, answer any questions you may have about Touchstone
and begin the transfer process.
I look forward to meeting with you and continuing to make Whitestone the pride of Benbrook.
Sincerely,
Chris Robertson
Regional Vice President
Touchstone Golf
Currently Managed Facilities
Name
Type
Web
Site
Glen Annie, Goleta, CA
Daily Fee
www.glenanniegolf.com
Name Painted Dunes, El Paso, TX
Type Municipal
Web www.painteddunes.com
Site
Name
Type
Web
Site
Makalei, HI
Daily Fee
Name Wedgewood, Conroe, TX
Type Daily Fee
Web www.wedgewoodgolfcourse.com
Site
Name
Type
Web
Site
Taberna CC, New Bern, NC
Private
www.tabernacc.com
Name Valley International,
Brownsville, TX
Type Daily Fee
Web www.valleyinternationalgolf.com
Name
Type
Web
Site
Landings, Warner Robins, GA
Daily Fee
www.landingsgolfclub.com
Name South Padre, Laguna Vista, TX
Type Daily Fee
Web www.spigolf.com
Site
Name
Type
Web
Site
Brandywine, Toledo, OH
Private
www.brandywinecc.com
Name Monument Hill, Monument, CO
Type Private
Web www.monumenthillcc.com
Site
Name
Type
Web
Site
Eagle Ridge, Galena, IL
Resort
www.eagleridge.com
Name Pagosa Springs, Pagosa Springs,
CO
Type Resort
Web www.golfpagosa.com
www.makalei.com
Name Battleground, Deer Park, TX
Type Municipal
Web www.battlegroundgolfcourse.com
Site
Name Applewood, Golden, CO
Type Daily Fee
Web www.applewoodgc.com
Site
Name The Cascades, Tyler, TX
Type Private
Web www.cascadesoftexas.com
Site
Name San Marcos, Chandler, AZ
Type Resort
Web www.sanmarcosresort.com
Site
Name Grey Rock, Austin, TX
Type Semi-Private
Web www.greyrockgolfclub.com
Site
Name The Ranch Club. Missoula, MT
Type Private
Web www.ranchclub.com
Site
Currently Managed Facilities
Name Thunder Canyon, New Washoe
City, NV
Type Private Resort
Web www.thundercanyon.com
Name Rancho Carlsbad, Carlsbad, CA
Type Daily Fee
Web www.ranchocarlsbadgolf.com
Site
Name Eagle Point, Eagle Point, OR
Type Daily Fee
Web www.eaglepointgolf.com
Site
Name Franklin Canyon, Hercules, CA
Type Daily Fee
Web www.franklincanyongolf.com
Site
Name Riverwalk, San Diego
Type Resort
Web www.riverwalkgc.com
Site
Name The Reserve, Stockton, CA
Type Daily Fee
Web www.reserveatspanospark.com
Site
Name Stoneridge, Poway, CA
Type Private
Web www.stoneridgeclub.com
Site
Name Blacklake, Nipomo, CA
Type Resort
Web www.blacklake.com
Site
Name Willow Park, Castro Valley,
CA
Type Municipal
Web www.willowgc.com
Name Presidio, San Francisco,
CA
Type Resort
Web www.presidiogolf.com
Name Shoreline, Mountain View, CA
Type Municipal
Web www.shorelinelinks.com
Site
Name Fox Acres, Red Feather Lakes,
CO
Type Private
Web www.golfclubatfoxacres.com
Name Dos Lagos, Corona, CA
Type Municipal
Web www.doslagos.com
Site
Name Deer Creek, Littleton, CO
Type Daily Fee
Web www.playdeercreek.com
Site
Name Lake Chabot, Oakland, CA
Type Municipal
Web www.lakechabotgolf.com
Site
Name Mare Island, Vallejo, CA
Type Daily Fee
Web www.mareislandgolfclub.com
Site
Name White Stone, Benbrook, TX
Type Daily Fee
Web www.whitestonegolf.com
Site
Welcome!
Touchstone Golf is one of the country’s
preeminent firms specializing in golf course
management and advisory services, with
an emphasis on turning around financially
distressed or underperforming golf courses.
With creativity, responsiveness and quality
as our cornerstones, we leverage the diverse
expertise and unparalleled experience of
our senior management team to customize
cost-effective, realistic business solutions
designed to achieve the unique goals of
each project.
Why Touchstone?
With experience managing every type of golf course property in
communities nationwide, from municipal courses to exclusive
private and resort clubs, Touchstone Golf:
n Takes a fully integrated, highly personalized approach to
golf course management
n Focuses on protecting and enhancing the owner’s interests
and options
n Identifies opportunities for rapidly improving both the financial
performance of the property and the quality of the experience
n Works to position the property for long-term profitability, or for
disposition at a higher price
Management Services for Distressed Properties
Touchstone has established itself as a leader in turning around
challenged golf courses. Leveraging our extensive experience and
expertise working with public and private club owners, lenders,
private equity funds, court receivers, bankruptcy lawyers, real estate
developers and investors, we customize our management approach
based on the goal of the owner to sell or hold the property.
Options may include:
n Preparing annual budgets and business plans for owner
approval
n Providing timely financial reporting on a daily, weekly or
monthly basis
n Leveraging our national account relationships to achieve
preferred pricing
n Supporting efforts to transfer the property
Touchstone Leadership
Steve Harker, President & CEO
n Nationally recognized golf industry leader with 30+ years
of experience in golf operations and marketing management
n Demonstrated track record in optimizing facility revenue,
net income and value
n Class A PGA professional
Mark Luthman, Executive Vice President & COO
n Success leading multi-course regions for two national
management companies
n Capital investment followed by exit (18-36 months)
n Led KemperSports’ efforts at Chambers Bay, resulting in
U.S. Open & Amateur, numerous awards, and financially
sound operation
n Value investment with ongoing management
(typically 5+ years)
n 18+ years of golf industry experience as a superintendent,
general manager and regional operating executive
n Capital investment with ongoing management
(typically 5+ years)
Carol McGrail, Corporate Controller
Our property assessment, financial benchmarking and departmental
improvement capabilities enable us to make the necessary adjustments to quickly improve the financial performance of the asset.
n Extensive golf finance and accounting experience and was
a successful accounting leader for CCA (Club Corporation
of America)
This includes:
n Implemented policies and procedures to ensure accuracy
of the financial statements
n Value (limited) investment followed by exit (6-18 months)
n Defining the current and optimum market position to grow
revenue and profitability
n Proposing new marketing and sales initiatives to quickly
improve revenue
n Identifying “quick wins” - changes that can be made
immediately to improve both the financial performance
and the guest/member experience
n Establishing standards and training for improved guest service
and quality
n Leads Touchstone’s golf finance & accounting department
Chris Robertson, Regional Vice President
n Expertise in optimizing financially challenged properties
n More than seven years of experience as a golf manager,
regional executive and consultant
Lynn Shackelford, Vice President of Development
n Extensive background in golf course development
n 10+ years of experience as owner/operator of a golf facility
n Installing strict financial and cash handling controls for
on-site staff
n Recommending capital improvements to increase asset value
and generate an immediate return
1052 Overlook Road, Berkeley, CA 94708 • 510.548.1010 • www.touchstonegolf.com