MDD subcommittee narrows priorities to land acquisition and a scaled community center; to vet options with city and legal counsel

At the April regular meeting the Municipal Development District (MDD) board discussed the subcommittee's strategic-planning work and potential next steps to advance projects.

Nicholas Deciani, vice president and chair of the subcommittee, told the board the group narrowed a long list of ideas to two or three priorities. "The first one was the idea of acquiring some property that we could use for some development that might turn into useful things for the community," Deciani said, describing outreach to property owners and preliminary conversations with at least one developer.

David Fairhurst said land control would allow the district to plan long-term community benefits, including a future community center and business recruitment. "We have an opportunity to look at potential land purchase," Fairhurst said, framing acquisition as a way to shape future growth and the types of businesses and amenities the district attracts.

The subcommittee also recommended exploring a less grandiose community-center model than previously discussed, citing inflation and cost increases that made the earlier concept unaffordable. Deciani said the subcommittee’s goal is to produce a clear vision and price tag to present to the board and city staff.

Board members asked whether the subcommittee had met with legal counsel to vet options under state law. The subcommittee said it had not yet met the attorney and agreed the next steps should include legal review of the brainstormed list to identify which ideas are permissible under Texas law and which require different approaches. The transcript includes an on-the-record reference to "20 377" by a board member when discussing statutory authority; the board did not elaborate further in the meeting.

City alignment: Steven Robertson reported that the city is completing a strategic-plan process involving public meetings, focus groups and steering committees; he said the city landed on a set of high‑level priorities and objectives that could align with MDD pillars. Robertson encouraged the MDD to think about outcomes and goals so projects can be prioritized to match shared city objectives. Robertson noted the city’s facilities master plan is expected to be wrapped up around July, which would inform MDD decision‑making.

Next steps and timeline: The board asked staff to help schedule meetings with the city attorney and relevant city staff (Scott and Grant were named) for site walkthroughs and legal vetting. If the legal review identifies feasible options, staff proposed separating ideas into pillars (city initiatives, natural‑resource initiatives, etc.) and asking staff to draft a plan consistent with an interlocal agreement or MOA if within scope. The board set next meeting dates and confirmed staff will circulate agenda packets earlier using the new Civic Clerk system; the July meeting is set for July 8 and the next regular meeting for October 14.

What’s next: Subcommittee to meet with legal counsel and city staff, return with a prioritized list and cost estimates; staff to assist with drafting a plan if the MOA and interlocal agreements permit.