Burleson council directs staff to pursue Sports Facilities Company contract for Chisholm Sports Complex amid debate over alcohol sales

Burleson officials moved Monday to pursue a management agreement with Sports Facilities Company (SFC) to operate the city’s Chisholm Sports Complex, while members of the City Council raised concerns about alcohol sales at youth events and a proposed reimbursement to the current operator.

Parks and Recreation Director Jen Basham told the council that staff had issued an RFP, interviewed two respondents and is recommending SFC because its operating model “most aligns with the city of Burleson.” She said the proposal would keep facility ownership with the city while SFC would handle day‑to‑day operations, staffing, marketing and programming; large repairs would remain the city’s responsibility. Basham said staff had entered a $45,000 due‑diligence agreement, estimated year‑one startup costs at about $400,000 and described a proposed monthly management fee “a little over $18,000.”

The nut graf: The item drew sustained council discussion over trade‑offs between revenue generation and community concerns. Council members expressed interest in sponsorships and the potential for tournaments to boost hotel and retail activity, but several raised objections to alcohol being available at events that include children. Staff said the draft contract could be returned with options that limit alcohol to adult events or specific areas.

Supporters said a third‑party manager could increase events and economic activity. Jim Arnold, a partner with Sports Facilities Company, told the council, “the city is always in control of all decisions,” and described contract language that would let the city turn alcohol sales on or off depending on event type.

Opponents pointed to safety and role‑model concerns. One council member said, “I think it’s a negative impact on young athletes,” citing worries about disruptive behavior and impaired supervision. Council members also asked for clarity on how the current youth association (BYA) would be treated; staff said the city would reimburse BYA roughly $81,000 to compensate recent concession investments and would work to preserve youth access to fields and programs.

Basham said SFC projects economic impact for the community (roughly $14 million year‑one growing toward $30 million by year five in staff materials presented to council), and that the city would retain final approval of budgets and managerial hires. She outlined a phased transition if the council directs staff to proceed, with a contract return to council for consideration on Sept. 2 and possible operational handover beginning Oct. 1 (concession operations) and November (maintenance transition), depending on council direction on alcohol.

The council did not vote on a final contract Monday but gave staff direction to move forward with negotiations, brought back sponsorship and alcohol policy options and asked staff to return a redline contract and proposed policy for council consideration on Sept. 2.

The council’s next formal step is a contract consideration vote when staff returns the drafted agreement and any proposed limitations or conditions on alcohol sales and sponsorships.