CDC declines $90,000 additional analysis for FM 407 village-connection; members seek narrower scope

During discussion of Item 6, staff summarized a consultant proposal (attachment A) that would perform pedestrian-impact, business-impact, operations/maintenance and end-of-life cost, and potential revenue analyses for the FM 407 village-connection and amenity project at a total cost presented as $90,000.

Several board members objected that the written proposal did not include the specific real-estate or financial consultant expertise they wanted to evaluate sales-tax and economic impacts. Committee member (S3) said the package “missed the number one thing” — a financial analysis that would let the city judge whether the project would increase sales tax or otherwise deliver a net economic benefit. Other members asked that the board focus on task 3 (operations and maintenance/end-of-life cost analysis) if the full study was too expensive or outside the firm’s core qualifications.

Phil (Staff member) responded that the consultant had provided the tasks requested and that their recommendation aligned with parameters staff supplied to maximize grant competitiveness. Phil also reported the city spent roughly $21,000 on concrete grinding for trail maintenance in 2024, which was offered as context for long‑term maintenance costs.

Committee member (S3) moved that the CDC not move forward with the consultant proposal or funding agreement; the motion was seconded and the board voted to decline the $90,000 proposal. Phil said staff will bring forward refined options and a recommendation to the CDC and then to council at future meetings (next CDC meeting noted for August 10).