[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6299976,"mediaKeyId","2494326-287026608c29476e6d5fce428fa65da8","parentId",2494326,"title","Council hears overview of Farmers Branch Local Government Corporation and its role in property transactions","audioSeconds",577,"startMs",9758000,"endMs",10335000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494326-287026608c29476e6d5fce428fa65da8&start=9758&end=10335","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494326-287026608c29476e6d5fce428fa65da8/thumbnail_9758000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6299976/Farmers-Branch/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-hears-overview-of-Farmers-Branch-Local-Government-Corporation-and-its-role-in-property-transactions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6299976-73d4cd5a029d2ffad530f82364ad4754/orig.mp4?Expires=1771102499&Signature=WpB5T4NlLyevQ4f4FVKfo3Zn1CZ7d0UFEjAv493dBSVO9JW8mKAQ7df7SKo4LwbwYSIOcOW1GxZsMCIISo0KTGFt3AzT05zQuyULvDjPyHLQmbweVzb5caTBOSDpzFgWVVCk3bCWIgYcfJzuMNeCkGWKH3~5pjIFaxNIOfQyyzfd67X2Bt6-AG4g0-YZMMD12fj0vY5tMXA1O-9A~PRepYijP6XVQYblEuRkDCgB5LHdRaCHfUjZxFkHsYe7sxKZP6Bp3-4XX5C1xhKAKMGNGZXCYfYeeJPTW6siAGRyE31hI4JPGqK9x1Hiq2ozSNgx2ojmQyV1el0tZWHc~OIEGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Framers Branch TX","date","2025-03-05T03:17:51Z","article","The City Council received an informational briefing March 4 on the Farmers Branch Local Government Corporation (LGC), an independent nonprofit entity cities may use to facilitate development projects and certain property transactions.

Staff explained the LGC’s legal basis and use: local government corporations are authorized by state law to support public–private partnerships, convey property under development restrictions, and in some jurisdictions to issue debt or run redevelopment programs. The presenter noted that LGCs must comply with the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Open Meetings Act, and that the city typically appoints the LGC board and oversees budgets and audits.

City staff said Farmers Branch has used the corporation mainly to support real-property programs such as the demo-rebuild program and to create a vehicle for property conveyances that would be difficult under direct-city-sale rules in the Local Government Code. In typical transactions the city sells property to the LGC, which immediately conveys it to a developer under a recorded restriction agreement; those restrictions include clawback provisions so the city can reclaim property if the developer fails to meet agreed conditions.

Council members asked practical questions about current activity and finances. Staff said the LGC has no standalone annual operating budget and that there are residual funds from prior activity — staff referenced an approximately $40,000 balance that is being researched and reconciled. Council asked staff to clarify how LGC-related payments and closings are processed and to circulate the current LGC board roster and governance documents. The council did not take any formal action; staff said they would return with documentation if council wanted to consider formalizing roles and interlocal or services agreements.

Background: Several Texas cities use LGCs for a range of activities, and staff noted that multi-city LGCs are also common for shared facilities. The briefing stressed that LGCs are independent nonprofit entities but operate under public transparency laws when created by a municipality.

Follow-up requested: council asked staff to provide the LGC board list, current balance/accounting, and examples of recent property transactions handled through the corporation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting March 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff briefed council on the Farmers Branch Local Government Corporation (LGC): its statutory authorization, transparency requirements, typical uses — including property conveyances under restrictions — and the option to formalize roles through an interlocal or services agreement; council asked for follow-up on budget/account balances.","taxTitle","Farmers Branch, Dallas County, Texas","taxId",56808,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6299981,"Council rejects proposed city calendar after extended public debate over Pride Month recognition",5323,3087000,8410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494326-287026608c29476e6d5fce428fa65da8&start=3087&end=8410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494326-287026608c29476e6d5fce428fa65da8/thumbnail_3087000.jpg","/articles/6299981/Farmers-Branch/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-rejects-proposed-city-calendar-after-extended-public-debate-over-Pride-Month-recognition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6299981-4af4d8a0e43a01d5c24c1280f4eb782d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771102499&Signature=nn26T2CySKbhw0Edronb2am-x2vcDXtLY0dQc7~4W-pA8-7ZqWlW6vT7cOB4IgzcwITdGc8G~BZwhqI~t71Pkvpmm3lb5djEm26La5OkAz2qAbB1qb9sisj0HGJ-zJFJQVUpBtnKEird7DPNJe4rALYK9UPy7awigcRkjwHHkFg0zDxVgooldsONQZ8UgbWYEcagRJDY6NqMUH-QS1KbT2Wramb68fSuhqZpEP6kmg~nwHZZ3Ps1MBZQw4FUC~BQca9KZil~X9Ei9RzqpNAMAr-ZFl-IP49a89ABf8MnAZ-Qg9lU-3DKpe8HyRyu6SVSbynlWerqe4tG82j2gnYhBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Farmers Branch City Council rejected resolution R2025-045 on March 4 after extended public comment and council debate over whether the city’s official calendar of proclamations should include recognition of Pride Month and other cultural observances.

The proposed calendar, presented by Stacy Henderson, director of administrative services and city secretary, would have listed a small set of proclamations and a broader set of social-media recognitions across the year. The packet showed proclamations proposed for Black History Month, National Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month and Native American Heritage Month; other holidays and observances were listed for social-media posts.

The item drew large public turnout. Supporters said including Pride Month would offer acknowledgment to LGBTQ+ residents and help foster an inclusive community. Martha Palmer said she “100% endors[ed] Pride Month,” and multiple speakers framed the item as a call to inclusion and respect. Several speakers also noted public-health and safety concerns for LGBTQ+ youth. Mary and James Davis and other supporters described Pride recognition as a welcome signal to marginalized residents.

Opponents framed the issue as a moral or religious question and warned the city against using official proclamations to endorse particular beliefs. Several speakers, including Brenda Broderick and others, urged the council to reject a Pride designation and argued religious doctrine opposed such recognition. Other opponents argued the proposed calendar was selective and would exclude many heritage groups, and suggested the city adopt only a short national/state calendar instead of picking specific groups.

Council discussion touched on legal and policy limits: Councilman Neal noted the city’s proclamation policy says proclamations should not be issued for items that are political controversy, ideology, religious beliefs or individual conviction. Councilmembers disagreed over whether the proposed calendar fit the city’s proclamation guidelines. Councilman Roman, who brought the item to the dais, argued the calendar was meant to increase recognition and inclusion; he said the goal was not to remove existing observances but to allow more people “to sit at our table.”

The council first considered a motion to table the proposed calendar so staff could compare it with state and federal calendars; that motion failed. A subsequent motion to reject resolution R2025-045 passed on a council vote recorded at the meeting.

What it means: With the rejection of R2025-045 at least for now, the city will not adopt the calendar presented March 4. Councilmembers asked staff for more information about the city’s proclamation policy and suggested alternatives such as aligning with a state or national calendar or limiting proclamations to events that reflect citywide achievements or public-awareness campaigns.

Public comment in full: Dozens of residents appeared at the dais for three minutes each; supporters of Pride called the calendar a necessary step to recognize contributions and protect vulnerable residents, while opponents cited religious objections or argued the city should not single out particular identity groups for proclamations.","After more than an hour of public comment and council discussion, the council voted to reject a proposed calendar of proclamations and social media recognitions that included Pride Month; council cited policy and concern about excluding other groups.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6299985,"Council approves $634,175 plan to rebuild Dutch Village Park playground after fire; insurance payout under review",275,2194000,2469000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494326-287026608c29476e6d5fce428fa65da8&start=2194&end=2469","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494326-287026608c29476e6d5fce428fa65da8/thumbnail_2194000.jpg","/articles/6299985/Farmers-Branch/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-approves-634175-plan-to-rebuild-Dutch-Village-Park-playground-after-fire-insurance-payout-under-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6299985-12bec9a2e374d15ec2c40866fdc18814/orig.mp4?Expires=1771102499&Signature=FG8m4SoDjgyelxPJ3tlZ9A8uKHLyqaMGx6Yj0y5bJCWyktWtyoPlPMO12vH7oPv90pqNazNp7StarKG4O0vZVKtOv25WrZ0RzTuEdHH7h9nCJqTyMohPhEQURYJ8Db8Nm5cDsGVzJnwvfwgr-uBQB2RsbTnTA0ZCSk3~CQM~vXDIVKelZrXh9dVnTpp5LRn61uOfHmJTtNs~L8TZ7LP1beEIx5RvY4GpNG8wvn4LmnpuGi64Y1sZ1qfBMR4-w7ZlujZezGyQ94ODqSnP1yRYWab8iz0kHGroAzoURyE99j~ZrXhMrZ5bzp6qG~jOC43oRULw1ejM94VLGbdGcppDNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Farmers Branch City Council on March 4 approved a resolution authorizing purchase and installation of a new playground system at Dutch Village Park following a January 2024 fire that destroyed the prior structure.

Parks planner Tara Bradley told council the playground design includes separate play areas for ages 2–5 and 5–12, a new sidewalk, sensory walls, rubber safety surfacing (pour-in-place), and a new 14-by-20 pavilion. Staff presented an equipment-only price of $549,175 and a projected total project cost of $634,175 when site work and sidewalk installation are included. Bradley said insurance reimbursement would offset part of the cost and initial budget documents showed $180,000 in insurance proceeds; the remaining balance would come from the city’s CIP funds.

During council discussion Park Superintendent Mark Moffett reported that the city had recently received an updated insurance estimate of roughly $262,500. Council members pressed staff on the cost breakdown, particularly the apparent parity between the pavilion kit cost and its installation. Frank Zamora, a PlayWell Group salesperson, explained that the installation price includes concrete piers, anchor bolts, a reinforced pad to prevent settling, permitting and inspections, and other site-specific work; he said piers for the shelter can be deep to meet wind-load requirements.

Council members raised concerns about overall cost per square foot and whether the project represented a “want” versus a “need.” Bradley and Moffett said the design upgrades — rubber surfacing instead of wood fiber, a shade structure to extend equipment life, and a larger pavilion — were intended to increase durability and reduce long-term maintenance.

The council approved resolution R2025-026 to purchase the playground system under the BuyBoard cooperative purchasing program; council recorded the motion as passing. Staff said they expect to finalize financials and schedule installation for summer 2025 pending procurement and final insurance reconciliation.

Clarifying details noted during the meeting: a) equipment-only purchase $549,175; b) total estimated project cost including sidewalk/pavilion $634,175; c) staff initially cited an insurance reimbursement of $180,000 but then noted an updated figure of $262,500; d) the pavilion kit price and its installation were raised as specific cost questions by council and explained by the vendor as including deep concrete/piers and permitting.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the insurance reimbursement amount, confirm CIP funding, and proceed with the BuyBoard purchase and summer installation schedule.","Council approved replacement and upgrades at Dutch Village Park — equipment budgeted at $549,175, total project about $634,175 including sidewalks and pavilion. Staff said insurance reimbursement estimates changed during the meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6299990,"Council accepts Rotary donation and approves accessible merry-go-round for Gussie Field Waterworth Park",7638,917000,8555000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494326-287026608c29476e6d5fce428fa65da8&start=917&end=8555","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494326-287026608c29476e6d5fce428fa65da8/thumbnail_917000.jpg","/articles/6299990/Farmers-Branch/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-accepts-Rotary-donation-and-approves-accessible-merry-go-round-for-Gussie-Field-Waterworth-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6299990-b821ab5d764913fa0b6e3aa9eccbfb64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771102499&Signature=YnHs2A4JwvjlsK7apOcZIatUeNDJrs0Rg2dIMdDUX8MVWI0uZmupVe6nKFAlygvRsrXSf~WU92lc8SSirDPTPU1DrYbslpTmTWLyc-g1LaAxAtSlAhZhA2WzbQfF6-gF0iEIKcF6~58vGpFN50FAoxTT8QTfbheYBLzxSgSn6vtiiQHPXQZztMARgVY5KS-EoyjGXjlmQHZgFGgipDlQMzQFrMXZdVUFlsZXKGp5xPxi-xIVlz1G~wQ7-YwZwoijrdMhNOqPxJTz1cMFMZ-4uZeI6dxfVM4ap0UHXTmS5PWGvwmIGbjrw979iFb8d1pR-ePtoJerJKdyfvYfxHFW-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Farmers Branch City Council voted unanimously March 4 to accept a $40,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch toward installation of an accessible “We-Go-Round” playground at Gussie Field Waterworth Park and approved purchase of the unit through the BuyBoard cooperative program.

The donation was accepted by resolution R2025-024 before the council then approved a separate purchase resolution, R2025-025, authorizing the Parks and Recreation Department to buy a We-Go-Round unit from Landscape Structures at an estimated price of $93,042. After the Rotary contribution, the city’s net cost was presented at $53,042.

Why it matters: The We-Go-Round is a grade-level rotary play unit designed for children who use mobility devices so they can board and ride with other children. City staff and Rotary representatives said the equipment will increase inclusive play options at a park located adjacent to City Hall.

Parks and Recreation Director Robert Diaz introduced Rotary representatives and outlined the group’s decade-long partnership with Farmers Branch on accessible playgrounds. Scott Smith and Elizabeth Villafranca spoke for the Rotary Club; Villafranca described Rotary as “one of the largest service organizations in the world” and thanked city staff for the partnership.

Tara Bradley, parks planner, told council the equipment “accommodates users of mobility aids and assistive technology” and recommended the unit for Gussie Field Waterworth Park. Mark Moffett, park superintendent, described the finished installation: the We-Go-Round will be set flush with the rubber pour-in-place surface so a wheelchair user can roll on and ride safely with others.

Council members praised the Rotary donation and the project’s inclusivity. The motion to accept the Rotary gift passed unanimously; the subsequent motion to authorize purchase of the unit also passed unanimously.

The city will purchase the unit through BuyBoard, and staff said installation and final scheduling would follow standard procurement and site-preparation steps. No specific installation date was given at the meeting.

Votes at a glance: Resolution R2025-024 (accept donation, $40,000) — approved unanimously; Resolution R2025-025 (purchase We-Go-Round unit, $93,042 gross / $53,042 net after donation) — approved unanimously.

What’s next: Parks staff will finalize the BuyBoard order and schedule site work; Rotary representatives said they will continue to support fundraising and volunteer outreach for accessible play improvements.","The City Council accepted a $40,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch and approved purchase of an accessible \"We-Go-Round\" playground unit for Gussie Field Waterworth Park, with the council committing the remaining funds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears overview of Farmers Branch Local Government Corporation and its role in property transactions

Council rejects proposed city calendar after extended public debate over Pride Month recognition

Council approves $634,175 plan to rebuild Dutch Village Park playground after fire; insurance payout under review

Council accepts Rotary donation and approves accessible merry-go-round for Gussie Field Waterworth Park