Economic Development board approves $13,437.84 reimbursement for Splash N' Dash; hires NRG Realty Group following executive session

The Economic Development Corporation board voted to reimburse Beeson Car Wash Company, doing business as Splash N' Dash, $13,437.84 to replace an aging wooden fence and customer-facing equipment panels, the board confirmed during its meeting.

Paula Mason, who identified herself as operations manager for Splash N' Dash, told the board the fence was installed about 22 years ago and is deteriorating. Mason said a local contractor, Eric Arreola, is slated to replace the fence and that the car wash’s maintenance company, Washing Equipment of Texas, will supply the bridge covers for the wash bays. "I'm proud of the car wash that I run," Mason said when describing the planned work and the desire to improve the site's appearance.

Staff told the board the packet for the application appeared complete and explained documentation requirements for reimbursement. Staff said the program generally requires two bids; in this case the cover work had to be handled through the maintenance contractor and staff recommended accepting the single bid for that portion as allowable under the program rules. Staff also told the applicant that a paid invoice (or, if necessary, a canceled check with additional delay) and tax/deed documentation will be required before the board issues reimbursement.

During discussion board members emphasized a preference for local contractors when bids are comparable and noted the lower out-of-town bid omitted some work and finishing (sealing) that the local bid included. The combined cost for the fence removal/installation and bridge-cover work was presented as $13,437.84.

A board member moved to approve reimbursement to Beeson Car Wash Company in that amount; another member seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote by the members present. Board members congratulated the applicant; staff said the grantee should provide before-and-after photos after the work and the paid invoice to receive the reimbursement.

Separately, after an executive session the board moved to select NRG Realty Group to represent the city in a pending real-estate matter. That motion was seconded and recorded as passed. The transcript does not record the names of the members who moved or seconded either motion.

The board noted it expects additional applications under the revised downtown redevelopment program and said it will likely consider applications every two to three weeks. The board adjourned after completing the listed business.