[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6583992,"mediaKeyId","3093068-a182e530c070c2ee136352eefae2c554","parentId",3093068,"title","EDC approves minutes and takes routine votes; tables park fountain update","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",9180000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3093068-a182e530c070c2ee136352eefae2c554&start=9180&end=9180","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3093068-a182e530c070c2ee136352eefae2c554/thumbnail_9180000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6583992/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/EDC-approves-minutes-and-takes-routine-votes-tables-park-fountain-update","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583992-95e8eed41b446728e1e193339e85feb3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175517&Signature=ku1JbfavuaatEtJFqBE7yMQTmeGfg8CLz0jY~DtMPNzQarBgtNHrVDAmFom5Jgpht6jNlf~rKiNadxwCTuWqmABPQV2HusT2M4dqilwtXbnMm3IPIHETr~JG~hdLuNfFFhvTuQUpd4-FPh2EaEh7dvgZDjttppooIpqQvo0boLT-NTFux5FvGS2AfKlRm7aTJOsUusQk-8WEkJ5foKenYHsJh~UmGmAL7j-5sX-24DbI~DZvDeNTPvyRMjS438QbKcIc3MY76IhymC13xJwSqY525Ov01oAok2t0j1E~jw3gxIE0Yp0ZYfRjxRUy-27ZE8kJAB7LAp22AqrB3uzc6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stafford","date","2025-04-22T00:00:00Z","article","The board took several routine procedural actions during the meeting:

- Approval of minutes: The board approved the minutes of the March 25, 2025 regular meeting after a motion and second. No roll‑call vote was recorded in the transcript; the chair called for all in favor and considered the motion approved.

- Tabling of park item: The board moved to table the agenda item on parks/water fountain replacement until the next meeting; the motion was accepted and the item was set for a future meeting.

- Resolution/contact about drainage: A board member offered to authorize the president to draft a letter to city council requesting an update on the SEDC drainage project. The motion was discussed but the board paused because the agenda did not list that action item; the mover withdrew the motion and agreed to pursue the discussion as a future agenda item.

- Adjournment: The board moved, seconded and voted to adjourn at the close of the meeting.

These votes were housekeeping and procedural; no new ordinance, contract award or appropriation was adopted during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stafford - Economic Development Corporation - Apr 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the meeting the board approved the March 25, 2025 minutes, moved to table the parks water fountain item to the next meeting and adjourned. A previously proposed motion requesting a council update on the drainage project was discussed and withdrawn.","taxTitle","Stafford, Fort Bend County, Texas","taxId",69474,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6583997,"Stafford Center reports revenue gain, plans memorial concert and business symposium",375,861000,1236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3093068-a182e530c070c2ee136352eefae2c554&start=861&end=1236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3093068-a182e530c070c2ee136352eefae2c554/thumbnail_861000.jpg","/articles/6583997/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Stafford-Center-reports-revenue-gain-plans-memorial-concert-and-business-symposium","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583997-3f10faa3ece435077e3b860cce62e883/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175517&Signature=I2rpL5FoK~alIz4oagKGB6ErhxCaEnc-SFgvX2iroVKAEoa~CwKO4B9aDL4H2ZnkX2H5cV8gRfkxu5xwuGcv0mg3lpY2Ktu24Uhm3W2U6k3dUmjUQbnl4AVT51eb9G3sYxviOkLskACjJ6ncbklSqiY4rW8X0PgfKu2HKPoS5fWDJd1jhcldOCs9aTklosiwUO~2hgVHmV4nQRo7s513f1L9qfaOCDuRR9bStbCb7nEZgdw-2wtXoPW6AMHV67HaLL8pMsQQT11xKRDDmCGEziSufxlRUB5jCwd3b~7E2EWK8Jvkb5VpLuVQnyAq-7RYH3eNREKzCaPLl-CkXTrQIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brian Blum, president of FM Square and the Stafford Center operator, updated the board on programming and operations. He reported the center had generated about $164,500 more in revenue through six months of the fiscal year than at the same point last year and showed a net operating profit of about $56,000 versus a loss at the same point last year.

Blum said he would like the board to recognize the late promoter Charles Marvin Hall (CMH Productions), who presented dozens of shows at the Stafford Center and helped bring national acts to the venue. Blum said a charity concert benefiting Hall’s foundation and the animals he rescued is planned for later this year in coordination with Hall’s family.

Blum outlined upcoming events at the theatre and ballroom: a Stafford Business Symposium spearheaded by Councilman Bostic in conjunction with Workforce Solutions and the Texas Workforce Commission on May 1 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.), a cultural series that included performances by international groups, school band concerts, a benefit performance and tribute acts through October. The symposium will include up to 90 businesses, a keynote on human resources, a business expo and a career fair; Stafford businesses can register for a free booth.

Board members applauded the center’s recent programming success and asked Blum to propose a memorial plaque or recognition at the venue in coordination with the planned charity event for CMH Productions’ foundation.","The Stafford Center reported stronger revenue and a net operating profit through six months, outlined a busy calendar of multicultural events and said it will host a Stafford Business Symposium on May 1 in partnership with Workforce Solutions and Texas Workforce Commission.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6584002,"SEDC reports 86 applicants for economic development director; panel interviews planned for spring",326,1593000,1919000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3093068-a182e530c070c2ee136352eefae2c554&start=1593&end=1919","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3093068-a182e530c070c2ee136352eefae2c554/thumbnail_1593000.jpg","/articles/6584002/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/SEDC-reports-86-applicants-for-economic-development-director-panel-interviews-planned-for-spring","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584002-d4e7206948857a569a62105726f095b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175517&Signature=dGDQlwTSePUsP~Dk9aS5s1X4L2qyahlH7yashMgI6U8bdE9oRTH2K952XSCDNKpOHgIEGxXiMZO1lfDsRlnB7Mc35vDbrMlCSXrekuZRMoKNqJvcRBbCYyyTYKB~lUkSXoScdABtV8rE6vLbtJz1VHi8HWb1rzpZ26MO41IlNvjZlydiGzWAJyBwuLYa8afnXANd-4SKsUoh8Qd9552CSqRZlKJ8RE8A0ocvot7Imy8FJOUNF3eAPNSba-uhpcfghVyxYJ7xsT~JSW-WL9pebLRkbzafITpKttTObsyQ1hDzpi0TMfaA3rbrsre4ABEKgPcdi4ChExP27S2xPuwtqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff reported that the economic development director position was posted Feb. 25 and that, as of the meeting, the city had received 86 applications. The HR representative said the hiring team has been slow to receive highly qualified applicants but that recent submissions better matched the board’s stated priorities — especially redevelopment experience and the ability to attract businesses.

HR proposed narrowing candidates to a top six for panel interviews. The recommended panel would include two SEDC board members, one council member (selected by the mayor), a subject‑matter expert (an executive director or comparable EDC professional from another jurisdiction), and the director of public works because of the close working relationship between public works and the economic development function. After the panel interviews, HR recommended narrowing to two finalists for a joint meeting with council and SEDC, with the mayor having final authority to extend an offer.

Board members raised a conflict‑of‑interest and disclosure issue for outside experts: the board asked that staff check whether any proposed external subject‑matter expert has close ties to candidates and, if so, that the panel disclose the relationship before the expert gives an opinion.

HR placed a tentative schedule on the table: panel interviews in May, a possible offer in mid‑June, and a typical 30‑day notice period for an external hire. The board agreed to include two SEDC board members on the interview panel and to ensure coordination with council for finalist interviews.","Human Resources reported 86 applicants for the city’s economic development director position and outlined a multi‑stage screening and interview plan. The board discussed panel composition, conflict‑of‑interest disclosure for outside experts and a target timeline for interviews and hiring.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6584006,"SEDC fund balance up; board told about $12.0M unencumbered for new projects",281,133000,414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3093068-a182e530c070c2ee136352eefae2c554&start=133&end=414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3093068-a182e530c070c2ee136352eefae2c554/thumbnail_133000.jpg","/articles/6584006/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/SEDC-fund-balance-up-board-told-about-120M-unencumbered-for-new-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584006-1a5442a647b27327b26f3b814ff663ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175517&Signature=Wah2IDXvH3THcZt0xaAEqlyh71UxazqZmG8GfiuBfE3XqwN0E6koeTjkML33FTMxxC2FUw1sr~EgZ6YpL4VJUr8CpxW1F9CI8KYCr2s-Kvh0FTxtUDMJo6njBIp57a~2ecVe50vutz6MI59DHs63K~RQTqFEWg3rJzrAiyl~0smO0Car0KPJlhucSxDC4TLyS4vQpR5YN42EnXqx2iK0oMqEeBphzUGrdHsE0KlDSYjj7L8sxhF7pJh7fyeCudDmQLfL-iPDx3biEAuTQMaD~o7WLc1wuwTxfjpSuraOGCxIDV-ChnjlK9NokcdxZuW94ovDDl5eSoFuI5RmdVIhhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SEDC finance staff presented financial statements for the period ending Feb. 28, 2025, reporting a combined fund balance of $21,056,950 and growth of roughly $2.9 million compared with the prior year. The presentation broke the holdings down by fund and by investment vehicle: approximately 55% invested in the government pool (\"Logic\"), about 10% in brokered certificates of deposit, 25% in government agency securities, 10% in U.S. Treasury securities and a small remainder in the city depository.

Crucially for project planning, staff clarified that the $21.06 million includes assigned and encumbered funds. The board asked what was available for new projects; staff said the unassigned, unencumbered fund balance is $12,026,000.

The operating fund was described as showing stronger revenue: year‑to‑date sales tax revenue of about $2.7 million, 7.38% above the same point last year, and year‑to‑date interest income and other receipts supporting operations. Year‑to‑date expenses in the operating fund included about $513,596 for services (administration, consulting, landscaping), $20,461 for utilities, $10,525 for marketing (an annual payment to Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce was identified as the marketing line), and transfers to the debt service fund.

On debt service, the board was told an annual interest payment of $72,033 was made in February; the next payment will be in September (recorded as the usual schedule). The capital projects fund showed revenue of $1.5 million, mostly reimbursement by Lovett Agency for the Pike Road project and interest earnings; capital expenditures of about $831,026 were reported for Pike Road construction and engineering.

Board members asked about the audit timeline and whether to present a budget amendment next month using unaudited numbers. Finance staff said the city had begun the procurement process for auditors; selecting and completing an audit would take a minimum of about three months after the procurement completes. She offered to bring an unaudited budget amendment next meeting if the board preferred to act sooner.

The board did not take a formal vote on a budget amendment at the meeting but directed staff to bring a draft amendment if the board chooses to move forward before audited numbers are available.","Staff presented financial statements showing combined fund balance growth to about $21.06 million and clarified approximately $12.03 million of that is unassigned and available for future projects. The board discussed audit timing and whether to present an unaudited budget amendment next month.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6584010,"Stafford EDC presses for finish work in Island District, considers $3M–$4M street program",685,2163000,2848000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3093068-a182e530c070c2ee136352eefae2c554&start=2163&end=2848","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3093068-a182e530c070c2ee136352eefae2c554/thumbnail_2163000.jpg","/articles/6584010/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Stafford-EDC-presses-for-finish-work-in-Island-District-considers-3M4M-street-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6584010-8069d5bf737aa1f9a9f5309d0cd6b744/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175517&Signature=ZOw49ULW1NK6uKGi0dURKhIBpJZ2p-~PJ2BSpMhDCFKpkDvG6UX5A6PP9RS3-fETaxQYKzjrtRqchVIRjGbkOszQSpd5mytpTe2T2mZ8LLP4sXABqLJuUQ83ojTTlOXGspAQ4RIza9OpOV0cdGPaa8Gkd9U2PWse5Niq8mpbD4AINyvCS7~QmEQaMt6MHQwwaDHaBK3I-ALvh1e3z2k7Qn9uu8vqxcF4WPtRaTtSpbMBZcfzZk~LwNpIvB1F24pxUqCfwaDTdMrhXVfkEDSvSzUq1lArwgtcSO~jA2I2PD7HJBgwrxq-xc6GLkqFREawF8VWMSxnNcijIul04IJ0Eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Stafford Economic Development Corporation spent significant time considering whether to finish small, unfinished streets and sidewalks in the Island District and how to approach a larger street‑repair program across commercial corridors.

The board asked staff to assemble a formal survey and cost estimate for the incomplete streets, sidewalks and adjacent drainage in the Island District and to return with a list of recommended short‑term fixes and larger capital projects. City Engineer Bob Jones told the board a focused program covering commercial corridors and thoroughfares would likely be more effective than one‑off patches, and said a three‑year, $3 million to $4 million program would let the city address pavement repairs, re‑striping, signage and other treatments that extend pavement life.

Board members emphasized tying any new work to the corporation’s available resources. Finance staff reported SEDC’s combined fund balance of about $21.1 million, but clarified that roughly $12.0 million is unassigned and available for new projects. That figure will be used as the starting point for prioritizing potential projects.

Jones and other speakers outlined the approach they recommended: (1) a survey/audit of streets and drainage to identify immediate maintenance and higher‑priority capital needs; (2) a ranked list of fixes by year so the board can decide whether to phase work or tackle larger corridors at once; and (3) a costed five‑ to ten‑year capital improvement picture to show how a program would affect the EDC’s cash balance and recurring maintenance needs. Jones estimated the study and prioritization work could be completed for roughly $50,000–$150,000 depending on scope.

Board members agreed to direct staff to request the survey and to prepare budget language that would allow the board to establish a capital “bucket” for streets and related public‑infrastructure work. Several directors said they preferred the bucket approach so staff could respond faster when maintenance or striping needs are identified, while preserving board and council oversight for specific allocations.

Next steps: staff will ask Public Works to produce a survey/audit of the Island District (streets, sidewalks and drainage), return cost estimates for both short‑term repairs and a three‑year program, and propose whether the work should be funded from unassigned funds or through a dedicated project bucket the board creates during budget planning.","The Stafford Economic Development Corporation discussed completing unfinished streets and sidewalks in the Island District and explored a broader multi‑year street repair program. Staff will request a survey and cost estimate; board members raised the option of creating a multi‑year project bucket to fund repairs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

EDC approves minutes and takes routine votes; tables park fountain update

Stafford Center reports revenue gain, plans memorial concert and business symposium

SEDC reports 86 applicants for economic development director; panel interviews planned for spring

SEDC fund balance up; board told about $12.0M unencumbered for new projects

Stafford EDC presses for finish work in Island District, considers $3M–$4M street program