DeSoto council authorizes city manager to negotiate Thorn Tree Golf Club MOU after executive session

Mayor Rachel L. Proctor announced the council returned from executive session and called for action after deliberations on a real-property matter tied to Thorn Tree Golf Club. Councilman Andre Byrd moved to authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute a memorandum of understanding with SM Partners and Sam Young regarding development, operations and investment at Thorn Tree Golf Club; Councilmember Leticia Hughes seconded the motion and the council approved it by a 6–1 vote.

The executive session had been convened under Texas Government Code §551.072 to deliberate the purchase, exchange or lease of real property involving 825 West Wintergreen Road and RFP 2025-027. The mayor and city staff said the vote followed confidential deliberations; the council did not discuss details of the negotiations in open session beyond authorizing the manager to proceed with the MOU.

Advocates for the redevelopment of Thorn Tree have in past meetings discussed investment and operation options for the golf course; the council’s action authorizes staff to formalize terms with the private parties named in the motion and to return with documents or recommendations for future council consideration. The motion record shows one councilmember voiced opposition during the roll call and the mayor announced the motion passed 6–1.

The council did not release the executive-session materials in public at the meeting, and the mayor noted the council would return to the chamber "if we have any action as a result" of the session. The next procedural step will be for staff to negotiate the MOU terms and bring any executed agreement or recommended terms back to the full council for review or final approval in an open meeting.