Council delays bond referendum language for yacht club; will wait for RFI/P3 responses

Council members debated whether the city should ready general obligation bond language to finance a proposed yacht club project or first solicit private interest through RFIs and public‑private partnership (P3) avenues.

Council member Kadook argued potential financing totaling $225 million or more should be put before voters, saying, "If we're gonna be at 225,000,000 plus, they should be saying yes or no." Others warned that preparing bond language publicly now could discourage private developers from submitting proposals and reduce negotiation leverage.

City Attorney and City Manager clarified the procedural distinction: the resolution before council would designate the yacht club as a qualifying project under the public‑private partnership statute to accept unsolicited proposals while administration would also run solicitations. The City Manager recommended a 60‑day solicitation window to allow proposers sufficient time to present meaningful options.

Council did not adopt bond language at the meeting. Instead, members directed staff to proceed with procurement steps (RFI/P3 outreach) and return with proposals and financial options; the attorney said he could prepare referendum language later if the council decides it is needed within election filing deadlines.

What happens next: Administration intends to release RFI/P3 materials shortly after the new year and report responses to council so the body can determine whether a bond referendum remains necessary or whether P3 proposals sufficiently offset taxpayer cost.

Ending: The council’s decision keeps open both public financing and private‑partner alternatives while preserving the city’s ability to seek a voter decision if staff recommends a bond option after proposals are reviewed.