HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda CC 10.27.2009 WorkshopNotice of Meeting of the
Governing Body of the
City of Georgetown, Texas
OCTOBER 27, 2009
The Georgetown City Council will meet on OCTOBER 27, 2009 at 4:00 P.M. at the Council Chamber at 101
E. 7th Street
If you need accommodations for a disability, please notify the city in advance.
Policy Development/Review Workshop -
A Presentation and discussion on Lake Georgetown Project -- Kimberly Garrett, Parks and Recreation
Director and Randy Morrow, Community Development Director
B Presentation of "Community of Choices" DVD -- Patty Eason, Councilmember District 1 and John
Marler, President of MarFam Computer Solutions
Executive Session
In compliance with the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes,
Annotated, the items listed below will be discussed in closed session and are subject to action in the regular
session.
C Sec.551.071: Consultation with Attorney
1. Advice from attorney about pending or contemplated litigation and other matters on which the attorney
has a duty to advise the City Council, including this week's agenda items
2. First Citizens Bank & Trust Company v. City of Georgetown,Cause No. D-1-GN-08-02325, 53rd
Judicial District, Travis County, Texas
D Sec 551.072: Deliberation about Real Property
- 1. Discussion concerning the acquisition of a 31.61-acre parcel of land in fee simple for road right-of-
way and a 0.487-acre parcel for a permanent utility easement, both parcels being out of a 164-2/3 acre
tract of land owned by James David Honeycutt described in Document No. 199983673 of the Official
Records of Williamson County, Texas, in connection with the Southeast Arterial One Roadway Project -
Terri Glasby Calhoun, Real Estate Services Coordinator and Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for
Utility Operations
- 2. Discussion concerning the acquisition of 0.180-acre parcel of land for a permanent utility easement
and a 0.468-acre parcel of land for a temporary construction easement out of a tract of land described as
Parcel 5, a called 12.50-acre tract of land owned by Delia Cocke Griffin and Fayette Francis Griffin,
husband and wife, as described in Document No. 2002072799 of the Official Records of Williamson
County, Texas, in connection with the 16" Sun City Irrigation Line Project - Terri Glasby Calhoun, Real
Estate Services Coordinator and Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations
- 3. Discussion concerning the acquisition of a 30-foot-wide permanent wastewater utility easement
consisting of 1.59 acres and three (3) 20-foot-wide temporary construction easements adjacent thereto
consisting of (1) 1.062 acres along the entire eastern boundary of the easement; (2) 0.695 acres along a
portion of the western boundary of the easement; and (3) 0.045 acres along a portion of the northern
boundary of the easement; all on land owned by APW Corporation described as "Drainage and Park
Area" in University Park, Section, a subdivision of record in Cabinet G, Slide 163, Plat Records of
Williamson County, Texas, in connection with the SPG-1 Wastewater Line Project - Terri Glasby
Calhoun, Real Estate Services Coordinator, Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations
E Sec. 551.074 Personnel Matters
- Discussion regarding the goal setting criteria for the City Manager
F Sec.551.086 Competitive Matters
- Discussion regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Georgetown and
City Public Service (CPS Energy) of San Antonio related to power supply issues -- Jim Briggs, Assistant
City Manager for Utility Operations
Adjournment
Certificate of Posting
I, Jessica Hamilton, City Secretary for the City of Georgetown, Texas, do hereby certify that this Notice of
Meeting was posted at City Hall, 113 E. 8th Street, a place readily accessible to the general public at all
times, on the _____ day of _________________, 2009, at __________, and remained so posted for at least
72 continuous hours preceding the scheduled time of said meeting.
__________________________________
Sandra Lee, City Secretary
City of Georgetown, Texas
October 27, 2009
SUBJECT:
Presentation and discussion on Lake Georgetown Project -- Kimberly Garrett, Parks and Recreation Director
and Randy Morrow, Community Development Director
ITEM SUMMARY:
This workshop will give an overview of the report the City of Georgetown received on the Lake Georgetown
Project from an independent consultant in the camping industry.
In April 2009, the Mayor and Council directed staff to continue pursuing options with the Corp of Engineers
at Lake Georgetown on a long term lease to operate the lake parks. Staff contacted Brian Schaeffer,
President of Texas Advertising and Executive Director of the Texas Association of Campground Operators
to give the City an independent report of the feasibility of the project.
On July 28, 2009, Brian Schaeffer along with City staff and Parks Board members Kent Buikema and Bill
Mateja toured Russell Park, Cedar Breaks Park and Jim Hogg Park. The Parks and Recreation Advisory
Board reviewed the report at their October 8, 2009, board meeting. Mr. Schaeffer’s report is very favorable
in pursing a long term lease in operating the parks at Lake Georgetown.
Mr. Schaeffer’s recommendation is to meet with the Corp of Engineers Regional Offices to discuss specific
options on a plan that would work for the City of Georgetown.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
SUBMITTED BY:
Kimberly Garrett, Parks and Recreation Director ; Randy Morrow, Director of Community Services
ATTACHMENTS:
Lake Georgetown Report
Website References
Cover Memo
Item # A
Texas Advertising. net
Lake Georgetown Project
Upscale RV Park/Campground
Presented for:
Kimberly Garrett, Director
Georgetown Parks and Recreation
October 7, 2009
Presented by:
Brian Schaeffer, President
Texas Advertising
Attachment number 1
Page 1 of 13
Item # A
2
Background
The Corps of Engineers recently approached the City of Georgetown in
the hopes of securing a partnership / long term lease. Similar to
arrangements like the cities of Grapevine, Lewisville and several other Texas
cities and Corps of Engineer lakes where a separate entity would operate
and maintain lake parks in the form of an upscale RV campground to
include various types of revenue streams and services to the local
community and travelers who would bring added income to the area. The
Corps of Engineer is very interested in the City of Georgetown partnering to
upgrade, market and maintain a campground-type / meeting facility /
robust recreation area on Lake Georgetown in the vein of mutual trust and
adequate funding.
In the case of the City of Grapevine, they took over the Vineyards
Campground on Lake Grapevine in 2005 with a series of six month leases
while operating the campground. A CO bond was issued for the
improvements and paid back through revenue on the campground. An
enterprise fund was established to pay back the bond as part of expense
and debt service. Operational duties like landscaping were contracted
out.
Attachment number 1
Page 2 of 13
Item # A
3
The pros of operating a campground / recreational venue, from the
cities perspective, are the opportunity to use current facilities as a means to
attract residents for recreational opportunities as well as special events
providing additional revenue opportunities. The cons, also from the cities
perspective, will be the necessary upgrades needed to the infrastructure as
well as taking over maintenance and having to manage staff contracts.
As far as potential stoppages, Mother Nature, through droughts and
floods can be a problem. However, park areas at Lake Georgetown are set
on high bluffs so a potential flood should not inhibit the parks operation. As
for drought, the ramps are constructed to be open even under severe
conditions like those experienced in the past year.
As far as issues pertaining to the City of Georgetown specifically, there
are not many opportunities to develop new recreation areas with a venue
like Lake Georgetown. Therefore, taking advantage of existing
opportunities is important. That opportunity has materialized in the form of a
potential, city / Corps of Engineers partnership on Lake Georgetown.
Attachment number 1
Page 3 of 13
Item # A
4
Current Environment
There is currently day use offered at Russell Park on Lake Georgetown.
However, there is a desire to be more versatile from the Corps of Engineers
but funds are an issue. Camping at Lake Georgetown facilities has been
very stable despite the closing of some ramps on the lake, which was the
first time that had ever happened. In revenue, the current operations come
close to breaking even every year.
An interesting side note is that the Corps must honor various deep
discounts (up to 50%) whereas a partnership would provide higher, more
stable fees. There is an existing clientele in place for future operations
should an upscale campground be developed. Furthermore, the lake is
located near a major area (Austin) with a large population that needs to
recreate and that brings in activities like corporate retreats, family reunions
and various community events involving kayaking, rowing, boating, etc into
play.
Funding
Funding, significant improvements and extensive maintenance are
tough at the moment which is why the Corps of Engineers is very interested
in a partnership regarding maintenance and funding of upgrades. A
partnership with the city, which has already proven successful on another
project, has less risk than a private enterprise needing to fund the project
through a bank.
Attachment number 1
Page 4 of 13
Item # A
5
However, it will be up to the city, the corps and perhaps an outside
consultant to fully review options for partnerships. The mutual goal is to
provide a better consumer experience and enhance the community
standing through existing assets while exploring untapped opportunities. A
key goal is to keep funds within the local project rather than having them
go to various ‘general’ funds.
The RV Industry
To properly analyze the RV industry, one must analyze every step of the
RV purchasing and owning process. The campground segment as a whole
has not seen the same volatility as the rest of the economy over the past
12-15 months. Certain businesses
did see a decline in business but those were largely related to RV dealers
and manufacturers. However, even this worst performing sector has seen a
recent increase in business. RV shipments from manufacturers increased
16% in August 2009 over July 2009 (USAToday.com, 9/30/09) and 5.3% from
August 2009 to August 2008 (Dow Jones, 9/28/09). In fact, recent RV
consumer shows around the country over the last six months have set
records for attendance. So the life style appetite is as strong as ever.
However, it’s important to remember that RV sales and shipments do
not correlate to RV campgrounds. People still own RV’s, and in some cases,
were prevented from selling them because of the economy. Regardless,
RV’ers still chose to use their motor homes and travel trailers as much or, in
Attachment number 1
Page 5 of 13
Item # A
6
some cases, more than ever before because camping is still the ‘best-
value’ family vacation or staycation.
The two largest RV park and campground operating companies
(franchisors), Kampgrounds of American (KOA) and Leisure Systems, Inc
(Yogi Bear Jellystone) both expect increases over last year’s occupancy in
the amount of 1.1% and 5% respectively (WisBusiness.com, 9/30/09). A more
relevant indicator would be campground business in Texas which is
experiencing strong occupancy numbers and revenue with some parks
seeing a 13% increase (San Antonio Business Journal, 9/29/09).
It is worth noting that parks with the most robust activities scheduled
and the widest variety of amenities are the parks whose business has
increased 10-20% annually over the last three years – despite the economic
downturn.
Cabin and Cottage Rentals
Lake Georgetown currently utilizes a few primitive cabins for lodging
use. However, these cabins are currently being, or will be, upgraded and
be completely furnished with beds and linens along with other furniture. By
raising prices to between $80.00-$120.00 per night, the cost of upgrading
the current cabins should be made up between 12-18 months. Additionally,
Attachment number 1
Page 6 of 13
Item # A
7
by adding additional furnished cabins (park models) and slightly increasing
the nightly rate, the costs should be recouped in 24-36 months.
The cabins bring in business such as family reunions, church retreats,
corporate retreats, etc. These are folks looking to experience the camping
life style without an investment in an RV. This would also increase usage of
meeting rooms, pavilions, and other facilities on Lake Georgetown which
should be priced separate with discounts tied to the number of cabins or
camp sites being used.
Kayaking, Rowing and Golf Carts
Kayak rentals are another revenue stream to be investigated. For
example, the Vineyards Campground purchased four kayaks for the past
summer season at a total cost of approximately $2,400. During the summer
season, rental fees collected were approximately $3,000 putting the park in a
pure profit position going forward.
Attachment number 1
Page 7 of 13
Item # A
8
Rowing clubs and state, regional, and national events are another
source of revenue as these visits result in cabin rentals, RV site rentals and
revenue to camp stores throughout the development.
In a project that is spread out like Lake Georgetown, it affords the
opportunity to rent two-person and four-person golf carts. These are
particularly popular with family reunions and group rallies.
Marinas
Attachment number 1
Page 8 of 13
Item # A
9
The surface acreage of Lake Georgetown is approximately 1310 or 18%
of Lake Grapevine’s 7280. Currently, Lake Grapevine has approximately
1,300-1,400 commercial boat slips operated by Marinas International. This
company feels there is potential for commercial marinas on Lake
Georgetown, although the process would be expensive and time-
consuming; we believe that a feasibility study should explore this revenue
stream as well. In addition to the income from the marina, there may also
be income derived from boat trailer storage areas. Constructing marinas
including fuel and food options is an expensive proposition, but if done
right, by the right partners – these type of amenities can elevate the
project to a whole other level of operations and profitability.
Attachment number 1
Page 9 of 13
Item # A
10
Camp Stores
At locations such as Lake Georgetown, the presence of camp stores
can prove very helpful to patrons and profitable to the operators. Although
Lake Georgetown is close to the city, it is a proven fact that many RVers,
campers, and day-use clients like the convenience of having a camp store
on-site. As a side benefit, many campground rating institutions, such as
Woodall’s and Trailer Life allow extra ‘points’ within their rating system for
developments that have camp stores. Camp stores are a proven revenue
stream, particularly within franchised operations such as KOA and Yogi Bear
Jellystone Parks.
Initial Assessment – Lake Georgetown
The consultant recently visited the area to assess the feasibility of
greatly improving / renovating / building an upscale RV park /
campground facilities / various ancillary revenue streams. In the initial tour,
it appears that all potential locations have good roads, shelters and
infrastructure which will greatly expedite the construction / upgrading
process. There is also a base of business that exists that has been
Attachment number 1
Page 10 of 13
Item # A
11
developed with minimal marketing. The upside potential of the project is
almost limitless, especially if the right partnership is struck. This would include
a balance of funds for upgrades, maintenance, marketing and general
operations.
The Next Step
There would have to be some initial feasibility work done but not near
as much as a project from scratch. The reason being there are current
facilities along with prior examples of city / Corps partnerships. Any
feasibility study would ultimately dove-tail into a Request for Bids process.
What must occur first is a determination of what type of specific
mechanism would be used to establish a partnership between the City of
Georgetown and the Corps of Engineers. Options might include a standard
parks and recreation lease, wherein the Corps would be removed from
operations and funding which would give the city maximum control over
the project but also encompasses the most risk. On the other hand, an
association partnership, wherein the city and Corps would work together
and a new entity / association (typically in the form of a 501 (C) 3
corporation - controlled by the city) could take advantage of Corps
funding, city funding, and added revenue streams to maximize
improvements, maintenance, marketing and day-to-day operations. The
latter concept is being used more often in current city / Corps projects
Attachment number 1
Page 11 of 13
Item # A
12
partly due to changes in regulations effecting Corps properties and
standard leases and it allows all funds from all sources to stay with the
project.
It is also possible to mix and match arrangements within a project of this
scope. It should be noted that developing a new 501 (C) 3 corporation
can take a couple of years, so time is of the essence.
Bottom line, the consultant recommends that meetings occur with
Corps of Engineers regional offices in Lewisville and specific options be laid
out with some general projections included for further consideration by the
city. In effect, this would be a miniature feasibility study focused primarily
on the best method of moving forward. The Corps does not require
‘feasibility studies’ – they are looking for a ‘logical plan’ – as is the City of
Georgetown – further exploration should provide these answers.
A final word regarding timing is that the advantages of moving forward
at this time is that over the next couple of years the cost of raw materials
should be lower than they have been in the past due to the economic
down turn. In addition, the cost of labor should be lower and more readily
available in the short term. Finally, the campground sector (as noted
above) has been, for the most part, recession-proof while related RV
industries have seen an uptick in business. Waiting until a full economic
Attachment number 1
Page 12 of 13
Item # A
13
recovery is a possibility but material, labor and financing costs would most
likely be higher.
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Page 13 of 13
Item # A
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City of Georgetown, Texas
October 27, 2009
SUBJECT:
Presentation of "Community of Choices" DVD -- Patty Eason, Councilmember District 1 and John Marler,
President of MarFam Computer Solutions
ITEM SUMMARY:
This video is shown to all new Main Street Managers in Texas (The Main Street Program is a national
program designed to promote economic development through Historic preservation).
Chris Dyer at the Williamson Museum showed this DVD at the Museum for the whole month of May, which
is Preservation Month.
This video shows how communities can benefit economically by maintaining their unique character.
It gives examples of how towns have worked with national chain stores and restaurants to build local
establishments that blend in with the communities. It does not have to be a choice between economic
development and compatibility with the communities unique character.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
SUBMITTED BY:
Patty Eason, Councilmember District 1
Cover Memo
Item # B
City of Georgetown, Texas
October 27, 2009
SUBJECT:
Sec.551.071: Consultation with Attorney
1. Advice from attorney about pending or contemplated litigation and other matters on which the attorney has
a duty to advise the City Council, including this week's agenda items
2. First Citizens Bank & Trust Company v. City of Georgetown,Cause No. D-1-GN-08-02325, 53rd Judicial
District, Travis County, Texas
ITEM SUMMARY:
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
SUBMITTED BY:
Jessica Hamilton, City Secretary
Cover Memo
Item # C
City of Georgetown, Texas
October 27, 2009
SUBJECT:
Sec 551.072: Deliberation about Real Property
- 1. Discussion concerning the acquisition of a 31.61-acre parcel of land in fee simple for road right-of-way
and a 0.487-acre parcel for a permanent utility easement, both parcels being out of a 164-2/3 acre tract of
land owned by James David Honeycutt described in Document No. 199983673 of the Official Records of
Williamson County, Texas, in connection with the Southeast Arterial One Roadway Project - Terri Glasby
Calhoun, Real Estate Services Coordinator and Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations
- 2. Discussion concerning the acquisition of 0.180-acre parcel of land for a permanent utility easement and
a 0.468-acre parcel of land for a temporary construction easement out of a tract of land described as Parcel 5,
a called 12.50-acre tract of land owned by Delia Cocke Griffin and Fayette Francis Griffin, husband and
wife, as described in Document No. 2002072799 of the Official Records of Williamson County, Texas, in
connection with the 16" Sun City Irrigation Line Project - Terri Glasby Calhoun, Real Estate Services
Coordinator and Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations
- 3. Discussion concerning the acquisition of a 30-foot-wide permanent wastewater utility easement
consisting of 1.59 acres and three (3) 20-foot-wide temporary construction easements adjacent thereto
consisting of (1) 1.062 acres along the entire eastern boundary of the easement; (2) 0.695 acres along a
portion of the western boundary of the easement; and (3) 0.045 acres along a portion of the northern
boundary of the easement; all on land owned by APW Corporation described as "Drainage and Park Area" in
University Park, Section, a subdivision of record in Cabinet G, Slide 163, Plat Records of Williamson
County, Texas, in connection with the SPG-1 Wastewater Line Project - Terri Glasby Calhoun, Real Estate
Services Coordinator, Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager for Utility Operations
ITEM SUMMARY:
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
SUBMITTED BY:
Jessica Hamilton, City Secretary
Cover Memo
Item # D
City of Georgetown, Texas
October 27, 2009
SUBJECT:
Sec. 551.074 Personnel Matters
- Discussion regarding the goal setting criteria for the City Manager
ITEM SUMMARY:
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
SUBMITTED BY:
Jessica Hamilton, City Secretary
Cover Memo
Item # E
City of Georgetown, Texas
October 27, 2009
SUBJECT:
Sec.551.086 Competitive Matters
- Discussion regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Georgetown and City
Public Service (CPS Energy) of San Antonio related to power supply issues -- Jim Briggs, Assistant City
Manager for Utility Operations
ITEM SUMMARY:
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
SUBMITTED BY:
Jessica Hamilton, City Secretary
Cover Memo
Item # F