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Burleson council hires Sports Facility Management to run Chisholm Hall, debates limited alcohol policy
Summary
Council approved a five‑year management contract with Sports Facility Management and a $70,000 buyout for the Burleson Youth Association; staff proposed a limited, city‑controlled alcohol policy for tournaments but council expressed mixed views about sales during youth events.
The Burleson City Council unanimously approved a five‑year management contract with Sports Facility Management (SFM) to operate Chisholm Hall and an amendment to the Burleson Youth Association (BYA) contract that includes a $70,000 lump‑sum buyout of BYA concession rights.
Deputy City Manager Eric Oskarsen told council SFM will manage day‑to‑day operations, staffing, scheduling, concessions and maintenance while the city retains ownership of the facility and audit rights. He said the management fee structure is roughly $18,500 per month, or about $1,100,000 over five years, and that sponsorship revenues will be set aside for future capital improvements. "We have full audit rights," Oskarsen said during the presentation.
Council then held an extended discussion on whether to permit alcohol sales at the complex under a city policy. Staff recommended restricting alcohol sales during weekday youth practices and league play and prohibiting sales when the event’s target market is children 12 and under; staff also proposed allowing sales at certain tournaments while requiring city‑approved designated areas, TAB (TABC) certification for servers, insurance and the city’s right to suspend or revoke sales for noncompliance.
Council members were divided. Some members supported staff’s calibrated approach — allowing sales at adult tournaments but banning sales during youth‑targeted events — to preserve revenue opportunities for tournament recruitment. Other council members raised concerns about enforcement, public safety (including residents’ worries about cars leaving Hidden Creek), and the symbolic effect of alcohol at family‑oriented youth events. One council member said, "I'm totally against it," while another favored the staff approach and emphasized the contract clause allowing the city to end alcohol sales if problems arise.
The contract and BYA amendment were approved unanimously. Council directed staff to return with a draft policy and any ordinance changes necessary to authorize city‑controlled alcohol sales and to include monitoring measures; second reading of an ordinance and a formal policy were planned to coincide with SFM onboarding and concession transition.
