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Gonzalez council denies proposed city partnership with Hands and Hearts summer camp amid contract and liability concerns
Summary
Council members voted to deny entering a public‑private partnership with Hands and Hearts LLC to host a paid summer camp at the civic center after questioning who authorized discounted facility rates, whether the city would receive a financial benefit and whether proper contracts and insurance were in place.
The Gonzalez City Council voted to deny a proposal to enter into a public–private partnership with Hands and Hearts LLC to host a summer camp for elementary‑age students at the Gonzalez Civic Center, citing unresolved questions about contract authority, facility rental rates and liability.
Jackie Tilsdale, director of communications for Central Public Schools, told the council the district supported opportunities for students but had no official partnership with the camp. "We are very much excited about the opportunity for our kids," she said, adding the district was not formally coordinating with the camp.
Trice Fob, founder and director of Hands and Hearts LLC, described an educator‑led program running weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with breakfast and lunch service and optional tutoring. Fob said the program intended to be affordable — she confirmed a $150 per‑child charge when asked — and that staffing would include currently employed educators and paraprofessionals. "We do have individuals that have been trained and certified ... everyone that is currently employed with us is currently in education," she said.
Council members pressed staff and the camp organizer on how the partnership was authorized and how the city would benefit. Council members asked who set a reported $300 civic‑center lease rate and why the council had not been informed earlier. City staff acknowledged a lease had been prepared but not countersigned; one staff member said she had first spoken with the organizer just days earlier. Council members also raised concerns about liability and whether the city would receive a financial benefit from the arrangement.
City Attorney Davis advised the council that the statutory benefit to the city need not be strictly financial and offered to prepare a legal memo by the end of the week outlining whether the proposed partnership complied with law and what, if any, benefit the city would derive. After discussion, a motion to deny the partnership was made, seconded and approved by roll call.
What happens next: The council directed the city attorney to prepare a legal memorandum detailing the statutory authority and any permissible forms of benefit from a public–private partnership and suggested the camp organizers may reapply or seek an alternate venue. The transcript shows the fire chief temporarily allowed use of a public safety building while the civic center arrangement was under review; organizers said they would consider alternate available buildings but noted access within city limits was important for families.
Votes at a glance: Motion to deny proposed public–private partnership with Hands and Hearts LLC — Approved by roll call; council directed city attorney to advise on legality and benefits.
