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Council approves downtown concept master plan contract; MDD asks for more autonomy on spending
Summary
Council approved a $32,500 two-concept downtown concept master plan contract (LJA/PLA). The city's MDD presented its amended budget and requested higher delegated spending authority (discussion about raising limits to $50,000 was tabled for revision).
The Gunter City Council on Nov. 6 approved a professional services agreement for downtown concept master planning with LJA/PLA, described in the meeting as a two-concept package for a lump-sum fee (transcript reference to $32,500). The agenda item included a presentation from the MDD (Municipal Development District), which described the planning work as part of a strategy to attract developers and create a consistent design vision for downtown streets, sidewalks and parking.
MDD leadership told council that the entity wants greater autonomy to act quickly on development opportunities, requesting higher spending authority (the MDD asked to raise its approval limit from $10,000 to $50,000 and to add a finance director/treasurer position in the bylaws). Council members voiced concerns about oversight, asked for trend analysis and attorney review, and ultimately tabled the bylaw changes and asked the MDD to return with a revised draft and clearer justification.
Council approved the downtown design contract unanimously and directed staff to work with MDD on communication and oversight adjustments before any bylaws change.
