At the April 22 work session the Board of Mayor and Aldermen considered a staff proposal to provide partial city funding for stormwater infrastructure required to develop a new Franktown Open Hearts facility at the northeast corner of Johnson Circle and Granbury Street.

Vernon, a staff member who has worked with the parties, outlined options and funding priorities and said staff would like a directional amount from the board. Staff recommended prioritizing county adequate‑facilities tax dollars and CDBG funds, with general‑fund support as a last resort. Vernon described an anticipated multi‑year reimbursement approach and said “your general direction would be sufficient at this stage.”

Staff and board discussed costs and precedent

Board members and staff discussed project cost estimates and precedent for partnering with nonprofits on capital projects. Staff described an initial above‑ground stormwater option (the parties’ own, higher‑cost estimate referred to in discussion) and a lower-cost construction estimate for installing storm sewer on Johnson Circle. The staff presentation said the difference between the higher and lower design options was in the several‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar range and that the Franktown team’s original request had been for a larger sum.

During the session one alderman proposed a middle ground: “I would propose up to 650,000,” and several members asked staff to gate any reimbursement on construction milestones, inspections, and completed, accepted work. Vernon confirmed the city would require improvements to be installed, inspected, approved and accepted by the city before reimbursement could be invoiced.

Funding sources and timing

Staff said they would prioritize county adequate‑facilities tax dollars and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds first, then general fund dollars only if necessary. Vernon told the board that reimbursements would likely be distributed over multiple budget years and would be milestone‑based, depending on project timing and cash flow. Aldermen asked staff to provide additional financial details about Franktown’s operating budget and the project financing before finalizing any commitment.

Board members requested additional documentation and gating language

Alderman Barnhill asked staff to share Franktown’s budget information so the board could assess the request. Several aldermen asked for stronger gating language to ensure the city does not disburse funds unless the development is properly financed and construction is under way. Staff agreed to bring back a refined resolution for the upcoming voting meeting with options the board had discussed, and to follow up with the financial detail requested.

No formal vote was taken at the work session. Staff will return with a draft resolution that reflects the board’s direction, additional project cost detail, and proposed reimbursement milestones and funding sources.