Video index
A. WORK SESSION
Roll call (7 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
1. Follow-up discussion regarding the granting of economic development incentives to Atlantic Hotels (and/or its related entity) for a proposed hotel and convention center to be generally located on the east side of Hampton Road, North of the Jim Baugh Government Center and 10 Mile Creek and south of Charles Street (1024 Hampton Road).
Mayor Sherman called the meeting to order at 6:05pm and introduced Joe Gorfida, City Attorney, who provided an update to the developer's request of the City to implement a moratorium in a contract preventing other limited service hotels from being constructed for a period of time. Mr. Gorfida indicated that this request could not be guaranteed through a contract. However, the City can amend the Zoning Ordinance to include limited service hotels as well as go through the Special Use Permit (SUP) process where each request is reviewed on a case by case basis.
Mayor Pro Tem Valentine reiterated the City Attorney's statement noting that the Council could "create an illusion" of removing it; however, the applicant has the right to request the City to add it back to the Ordinance.
Both Councilmember McCowan and Councilmember Ledbetter urged the City Council to hear all of the information presented and requested to receive data/reports for City Staff.
Councilmember Respess stated that since the moratorium could not be part of any contractual agremeent, he suggested to table the item and move on to another topic.
Perry Molubhoy, Atlantic Hotels, indicated that the reason he is asking for this type of request was that he wanted to keep those types of products (i.e. Super 8 Motel, Motel 6) out of the area to create a quality atmosphere. Mr. Molubhoy stated that he does not mind "quality versus quality" competition. He also indicated that since the Council is unable to contractually honor his request, he is in favor of any other type of way to accomplish the request within the guidelines of the law.
Councilmember McCowan inquired about the average "rate of stay" at the developer's hotels to which Mr. Molubhoy replied "between $129-$149 per night".
Councilmember Ledbetter inquired as to the different types of hotels to which Mr. Mulobhoy responded that there are full, limited, extended and all suites.
Mayor Pro Tem Valentine inquired about the number of people that the MCM Grande could accomodate before going the Hilton Garden Inn to which Mayor Sherman explained that the statistics are contained in the PKF study that was distributed.
Council discussion and deliberation regarding EB-5 funding, ownership of the property, loan payback, net present value to the City, guaranteed minimums, and the construction of a "committee amongst ourselves" to analyze the findings. It was also discussed that this issue be given to City staff for review and returned with recommendations. However, City staff should be abreast of the types of questions that Council is asking before performing their research so that their time will be well spent.
Council discussion regarding the Town Center Project and Heliport project in comparison to the proposed hotel/convention center project.
Mayor Sherman stated that during his visits at the DeSoto Dining and Dialogue event that citizens were in favor of a hotel/convention center. He then read a letter from Lamarr Vines, General Manager of MCM Grande, who is in support of the project.
Both Councilmembers Respess and Zander indicated that the citizens at their tables during the DeSoto Dining and Dialogue tables did not support the hotel/convention center project.
Councilmember Ledbetter asked Mr. Molubhoy if he would construct a convention center without a hotel to which Mr. Molubhoy replied, "No".
Mayor Pro Tem Valentine stated that she saw the vision of the proposed hotel/convention center not just as a profitability of hotel and hotel taxes, but more as a "people generator" which in turn will bring people to the City who are not residents and will spend their money in the city.
Councilmember McCowan stated that she would like to see how places such as Rockwall, Southlake and Allen, "brought it all together". An example could be a type of conceptual drawing that would reflect retail and restaurants.
Councilmember Proctor stated that she believed that the hotel/convention center was a good idea; however, she was uncomfortable to move forward with the terms and conditions as presented. She also inquired about the next "phases" after the hotel/convention center is constructed.
Mayor Sherman adjourned the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
B. REGULAR SESSION - CALL TO ORDER
Roll call (7 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
Mayor Sherman called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. and informed the citizens of DeSoto that they will have an opportunity to speak during this portion of the meeting regarding the single agenda item by completing a "Request to Speak" card located at the back of the room held by Lora Stallings, Assistant to the City Manager.
Jerry Duffield, DeSoto Fire Chief, provided the invocation.
Councilmember Rachel Proctor lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag and the Texas Pledge.
City Council had an at length discussion with the Developer regarding the proposed hotel/convention center specifically highlighting the following:
Hotel taxes
Ownership of the property
Guaranteed revenue
Proposed revenue
Debt service and the impact on the City
Flood zone remediation
Traffic studies which effect the community
Disruption to the community in the form of noise levels
Individuals/customers paying the state taxes (i.e. school officials, elected officials)
Individuals that will use the facility
Impact on the City if hotel/convention center is not successful
State law requirements of how the funds are utilized
Timeline for a "quick close" on the land
Time frame of obtaining the financing to include EB-5 and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
Occupancy rates at Atlantic owned facilities in the area
Licenses of the Marriott Courtyard brand
Marketing for the hotel/convention center
Proposed room rates
Possible City programs that would be impacted
Revenue generated for 2011, 2012
Discussion regarding Atlantic owned hotels within the city and the process to obtain such hotels
Councilmember McCowan stated that the intent of her "motion" was not to limit the citizens input regarding the agenda item; however, it was her desire to accurately follow Robert's Rules of Order as the agenda was presented.
Motion to Table refer to the City Manager and his team for further investigation and analysis of all data including data presented by the Developer as well as data collected by staff followed by a report to Council at a future City Council Work Session and Meeting. Moved by Councilmember McCowan, seconded by Councilmember Respess.
Vote to Table refer to the City Manager and his team for further investigation and analysis of all data including data presented by the Developer as well as data collected by staff followed by a report to Council at a future City Council Work Session and Meeting. (Declined)
The following individuals wished to speak:
Scott McDonald
1609 Tenderfoot
DeSoto, TX 75115
John Gault
211 Charles Street
DeSoto, TX 75115
Lamarr Vines
1515 North I-35
DeSoto, TX 75115
Johnnie King
1243 W. Pleasant Run Road
DeSoto, TX 75115
Dr. Chad Tucker
712 W. Hampton Road #100
DeSoto, TX 75115
Antonio Wingfield
6302 Brookcrest Drive
Arlington, TX
Mayor Sherman also read the names of the individuals who wanted to voice their opinions; however, did not wish to speak during the Council meeting.
Carl Williams
Arthur/Tybra Sanchez
Ann Polk
Jesse Ingram
Pamela Bennett
Lucious Williams
1. Discussion and action regarding the granting of economic development incentives to Atlantic Hotels (and/or its related entity) for a proposed hotel and convention center to be generally located on the east side of Hampton Road, North of the Jim Baugh Government Center and 10 Mile Creek and south of Charles Street (1024 Hampton Road).
Motion to Table refer to the City Manager and his team for further investigation and analysis of all data including data presented by the Developer as well as data collected by staff followed by a report to Council at a future City Council Work Session and Meeting. Moved by Councilmember McCowan, seconded by Councilmember Respess.
Vote to Table refer to the City Manager and his team for further investigation and analysis of all data including data presented by the Developer as well as data collected by staff followed by a report to Council at a future City Council Work Session and Meeting. (Approved)
Mayor Sherman adjourned the meeting at 9:16p.m.
C. PRESENTATIONS
D. CONSENT AGENDA
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
F. REGULAR AGENDA - New Business
G. REGULAR AGENDA - Old Business
H. CITIZEN APPEARANCES
I. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
J. ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR SESSION
K. EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RESULTING POTENTIAL ACTION
Apr 30, 2013 City Council Special Meeting 2013-04-30
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A. WORK SESSION
Roll call (7 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
1. Follow-up discussion regarding the granting of economic development incentives to Atlantic Hotels (and/or its related entity) for a proposed hotel and convention center to be generally located on the east side of Hampton Road, North of the Jim Baugh Government Center and 10 Mile Creek and south of Charles Street (1024 Hampton Road).
Mayor Sherman called the meeting to order at 6:05pm and introduced Joe Gorfida, City Attorney, who provided an update to the developer's request of the City to implement a moratorium in a contract preventing other limited service hotels from being constructed for a period of time. Mr. Gorfida indicated that this request could not be guaranteed through a contract. However, the City can amend the Zoning Ordinance to include limited service hotels as well as go through the Special Use Permit (SUP) process where each request is reviewed on a case by case basis.
Mayor Pro Tem Valentine reiterated the City Attorney's statement noting that the Council could "create an illusion" of removing it; however, the applicant has the right to request the City to add it back to the Ordinance.
Both Councilmember McCowan and Councilmember Ledbetter urged the City Council to hear all of the information presented and requested to receive data/reports for City Staff.
Councilmember Respess stated that since the moratorium could not be part of any contractual agremeent, he suggested to table the item and move on to another topic.
Perry Molubhoy, Atlantic Hotels, indicated that the reason he is asking for this type of request was that he wanted to keep those types of products (i.e. Super 8 Motel, Motel 6) out of the area to create a quality atmosphere. Mr. Molubhoy stated that he does not mind "quality versus quality" competition. He also indicated that since the Council is unable to contractually honor his request, he is in favor of any other type of way to accomplish the request within the guidelines of the law.
Councilmember McCowan inquired about the average "rate of stay" at the developer's hotels to which Mr. Molubhoy replied "between $129-$149 per night".
Councilmember Ledbetter inquired as to the different types of hotels to which Mr. Mulobhoy responded that there are full, limited, extended and all suites.
Mayor Pro Tem Valentine inquired about the number of people that the MCM Grande could accomodate before going the Hilton Garden Inn to which Mayor Sherman explained that the statistics are contained in the PKF study that was distributed.
Council discussion and deliberation regarding EB-5 funding, ownership of the property, loan payback, net present value to the City, guaranteed minimums, and the construction of a "committee amongst ourselves" to analyze the findings. It was also discussed that this issue be given to City staff for review and returned with recommendations. However, City staff should be abreast of the types of questions that Council is asking before performing their research so that their time will be well spent.
Council discussion regarding the Town Center Project and Heliport project in comparison to the proposed hotel/convention center project.
Mayor Sherman stated that during his visits at the DeSoto Dining and Dialogue event that citizens were in favor of a hotel/convention center. He then read a letter from Lamarr Vines, General Manager of MCM Grande, who is in support of the project.
Both Councilmembers Respess and Zander indicated that the citizens at their tables during the DeSoto Dining and Dialogue tables did not support the hotel/convention center project.
Councilmember Ledbetter asked Mr. Molubhoy if he would construct a convention center without a hotel to which Mr. Molubhoy replied, "No".
Mayor Pro Tem Valentine stated that she saw the vision of the proposed hotel/convention center not just as a profitability of hotel and hotel taxes, but more as a "people generator" which in turn will bring people to the City who are not residents and will spend their money in the city.
Councilmember McCowan stated that she would like to see how places such as Rockwall, Southlake and Allen, "brought it all together". An example could be a type of conceptual drawing that would reflect retail and restaurants.
Councilmember Proctor stated that she believed that the hotel/convention center was a good idea; however, she was uncomfortable to move forward with the terms and conditions as presented. She also inquired about the next "phases" after the hotel/convention center is constructed.
Mayor Sherman adjourned the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
B. REGULAR SESSION - CALL TO ORDER
Roll call (7 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
Mayor Sherman called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. and informed the citizens of DeSoto that they will have an opportunity to speak during this portion of the meeting regarding the single agenda item by completing a "Request to Speak" card located at the back of the room held by Lora Stallings, Assistant to the City Manager.
Jerry Duffield, DeSoto Fire Chief, provided the invocation.
Councilmember Rachel Proctor lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag and the Texas Pledge.
City Council had an at length discussion with the Developer regarding the proposed hotel/convention center specifically highlighting the following:
Hotel taxes
Ownership of the property
Guaranteed revenue
Proposed revenue
Debt service and the impact on the City
Flood zone remediation
Traffic studies which effect the community
Disruption to the community in the form of noise levels
Individuals/customers paying the state taxes (i.e. school officials, elected officials)
Individuals that will use the facility
Impact on the City if hotel/convention center is not successful
State law requirements of how the funds are utilized
Timeline for a "quick close" on the land
Time frame of obtaining the financing to include EB-5 and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
Occupancy rates at Atlantic owned facilities in the area
Licenses of the Marriott Courtyard brand
Marketing for the hotel/convention center
Proposed room rates
Possible City programs that would be impacted
Revenue generated for 2011, 2012
Discussion regarding Atlantic owned hotels within the city and the process to obtain such hotels
Councilmember McCowan stated that the intent of her "motion" was not to limit the citizens input regarding the agenda item; however, it was her desire to accurately follow Robert's Rules of Order as the agenda was presented.
Motion to Table refer to the City Manager and his team for further investigation and analysis of all data including data presented by the Developer as well as data collected by staff followed by a report to Council at a future City Council Work Session and Meeting. Moved by Councilmember McCowan, seconded by Councilmember Respess.
Vote to Table refer to the City Manager and his team for further investigation and analysis of all data including data presented by the Developer as well as data collected by staff followed by a report to Council at a future City Council Work Session and Meeting. (Declined)
The following individuals wished to speak:
Scott McDonald
1609 Tenderfoot
DeSoto, TX 75115
John Gault
211 Charles Street
DeSoto, TX 75115
Lamarr Vines
1515 North I-35
DeSoto, TX 75115
Johnnie King
1243 W. Pleasant Run Road
DeSoto, TX 75115
Dr. Chad Tucker
712 W. Hampton Road #100
DeSoto, TX 75115
Antonio Wingfield
6302 Brookcrest Drive
Arlington, TX
Mayor Sherman also read the names of the individuals who wanted to voice their opinions; however, did not wish to speak during the Council meeting.
Carl Williams
Arthur/Tybra Sanchez
Ann Polk
Jesse Ingram
Pamela Bennett
Lucious Williams
1. Discussion and action regarding the granting of economic development incentives to Atlantic Hotels (and/or its related entity) for a proposed hotel and convention center to be generally located on the east side of Hampton Road, North of the Jim Baugh Government Center and 10 Mile Creek and south of Charles Street (1024 Hampton Road).
Motion to Table refer to the City Manager and his team for further investigation and analysis of all data including data presented by the Developer as well as data collected by staff followed by a report to Council at a future City Council Work Session and Meeting. Moved by Councilmember McCowan, seconded by Councilmember Respess.
Vote to Table refer to the City Manager and his team for further investigation and analysis of all data including data presented by the Developer as well as data collected by staff followed by a report to Council at a future City Council Work Session and Meeting. (Approved)
Mayor Sherman adjourned the meeting at 9:16p.m.
C. PRESENTATIONS
D. CONSENT AGENDA
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
F. REGULAR AGENDA - New Business
G. REGULAR AGENDA - Old Business
H. CITIZEN APPEARANCES
I. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
J. ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR SESSION
K. EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RESULTING POTENTIAL ACTION
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