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Council weighs food-truck park locations; staff recommends Rotary Park and asks for direction on procurement model
Summary
Staff presented two potential downtown sites and cost estimates for a food-truck park and recommended the Rotary Park location for lower cost and reduced flood risk; council favored a public-private partnership and asked staff to prepare an RFP.
City staff presented two conceptual locations and cost estimates for a proposed Beaumont food-truck park and asked council for direction on site selection and funding approach.
Kenny Smith, the city's facilities-maintenance director, showed two concepts: a Nature's River/City Hall site near the lower-river parking area and a Rotary Park/events-center site near Crockett Street. Smith's staff-level estimate put the Nature's River option at about $1.22 million because it would require a lift station, force main and a railroad crossing permit; the Rotary Park alternative was estimated at about $701,000 because it would not need a lift station or railroad permitting. Smith said the Nature's River site offers riverfront views but is more flood-prone and has limited parking; Rotary Park offers better visibility, existing foot traffic and lower cost.
Smith said design funding is budgeted and asked whether council wants staff to pursue design and procurement as a city-funded project, as a public-private partnership (P3), or as a privately-developed project with a city land lease. Councilmembers discussed options. Several members said a P3 would leverage private expertise and reduce taxpayer exposure; others supported a riverfront location to tie the project to the planned Riverfront Park. Councilman Turner said he favored a P3 with clear city oversight on aesthetics and operations. Councilman Getz argued the river location would better capitalize on boat and pedestrian traffic and help downtown activation, while warning that flood risk and permitting must be addressed.
Staff recommended the Rotary Park/events center site for lower cost and lower flood risk, but council asked staff to prepare a request for proposals that could include both locations so private developers may propose alternatives. Council directed staff to develop an RFP and return with procurement options; staff suggested a 60-day period to draft and post the RFP.
Ending: Council did not authorize construction funding at this meeting; staff will prepare an RFP for council review and said design funds exist to begin work if council chooses to fund design directly.
