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Council authorizes feasibility study and negotiation services for Agora site; some members urge delay
Summary
Council authorized Hunden Property Partners to perform a $150,000 feasibility study and be the city's negotiating consultant (up to $100,000) for a 15-acre Agora property to evaluate a convention-center annex and hotel; at least one council member asked to table the item for more stakeholder formation but the authorization passed.
The South Padre Island City Council authorized the city manager to contract with Hunden Property Partners to conduct a feasibility study and serve as the city’s consultant to negotiate a purchase and development agreement with Agora Properties.
The mayor described the proposed scope as a feasibility study priced at $150,000 to assess whether the roughly 15-acre site near the causeway is suitable for a convention-center annex and a full-service hotel/condominium/retail development. The mayor said Hunden would also represent the city in negotiations under a not-to-exceed $100,000 hourly fee cap. He framed the project as an opportunity to spread event-hosting capacity across the island’s long, narrow geography.
Council discussion included concerns about stakeholder involvement and oversight. One council member asked to table the item to form a stakeholder committee of business owners and residents before spending consultant funds; the mayor and other council members replied that stakeholder alignment is the first task in Hunden’s scope and that the city has an existing memorandum of understanding with Agora. Another council member highlighted termination-clauses in multi‑year contracts and urged caution; staff and supporters said Hunden’s initial work includes stakeholder interviews and alignment.
After debate, the council voted to authorize the contract. The mayor said the feasibility study will identify stakeholders, evaluate Agora’s plans and report back to the community, after which the council can consider any next steps.
The item includes multiple budget and contract steps: the feasibility study cost ($150,000) and a separate negotiation engagement not to exceed $100,000; the contract language will be subject to termination provisions discussed on the record.
