PRESENTER: Presenter
Mandi Scott, Economic and Community Development Manager
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SUBJECT: Title
Discussion and possible action to approve an amendment to the existing Headwaters at the Comal Economic Development Agreement
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DEPARTMENT: Economic and Community Development
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 4
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Headwaters at the Comal (“Headwaters”) was established in 2017 to restore 16 acres of real property (333 E. Klingemann Street) adjacent to the Comal Sprints and Comal River system into an environmental education center highlighting the cultural and environmental significance of the Comal Springs. The planned education center is a 6,400 square foot air-conditioned building with indoor spaces for education programs, community meetings, a kitchen, public restrooms and an open-air exhibit space.
On March 31, 2022, the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation approved a $1.2M grant to the Headwaters to modify, renovate, construct, and expand the education center on the site - City Council approved this grant by Resolution 2022-R29 on April 11, 2022. The agreement detailed requirements for the grant as well as a construction completion deadline (I.3) 36 months from the date of the agreement’s execution (May 10, 2022). At present, the construction completion is expected for March 2027 due to delays caused by unexpected archeological discoveries at the site and cost escalation which resulted in a funding shortfall.
This proposed amendment would extend the existing construction deadline an additional 22 months to align with the updated Headwaters’ expected completion. If approved, staff will take the amendment to City Council for approval on May 12, 2025.
ISSUE:
The existing Economic Development Agreement between the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation and Headwaters at the Comal includes a construction completion deadline which will not be met. An amendment extending this deadline an additional 22 months is being proposed to align with the anticipated completion date.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☒Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for extending the construction deadline in the existing contract.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the amendment to extend the construction deadline by 22 months.