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East Bank Authority approves Ben York as CEO after extended discussion about land transfers and authority powers
Summary
After extended questioning about land conveyance, negotiation authority and reporting lines, the East Bank Development Authority voted to approve Ben York’s employment contract, with an attestation change and a prior motion to reconsider hiring independent counsel carried earlier in the meeting.
The East Bank Development Authority voted to approve an employment contract for Ben York on Aug. 26 after extended discussion about the authority’s ability to negotiate land deals and the authority’s relationship with Metro government.
The discussion began with a motion to reconsider the board’s earlier decision to hire independent counsel for contract review; that motion passed. The board then considered York’s contract, which includes language that Metro will provide compensation and benefits reimbursed by the authority while stating “for the avoidance of doubt, the executive shall serve at the direction and discretion of the authority.” A line in the contract’s attestation was revised to read “board member” instead of “secretary.”
In discussion, several board members and public commenters questioned the practical authority of the East Bank Development Authority while Metro still owns large parcels of East Bank property and before platting and conveyance. One frequent public commenter and several board members said the authority’s hands are constrained until property is conveyed and revenue streams begin. “If Metro does not transfer the land until after they negotiate the final piece of property … we have no power until we get the property,” a public commenter said.
York said he would report to the authority and that Metro has no purview over his employment status. “There is no Metro review over my employment status,” York said. He confirmed he has been acting in the role for several months and is “eager to officially be on the East Bank Development Authority team.”
Board members asked whether York would represent the authority’s interests in negotiations with Fallon, TPAC and Metro. York said the authority has engaged a firm to complete plats of record that will allow property descriptions to be prepared for conveyance, and he said the authority is continuing conversations to secure the property descriptions needed for transfer.
After discussion, a motion to approve York’s contract — including the attestation edit — was seconded and approved by voice vote. The meeting record shows no roll‑call tally; the chair declared the motion carried and congratulated York on his employment.
Board members also noted the contract includes termination provisions for cause and without cause with notice, allowing the authority to remove the executive if necessary. Several members said they expect the executive to represent the authority at negotiation tables and to pursue conveyance and funding matters on the board’s behalf.
