In preparation for a potential May 2021 bond election, the City Council has a number of items to consider. Final bond propositions must be approved in February 2021 for a May 2021 election.

The Citizens Bond Committee’s highest priority project, a new Central Fire Station, is currently under design and will proceed to construction in spring 2021. The CBC prioritized the Knowles reconstruction project, a combination library/senior center, and renovation of the existing library/City Hall complex as the next 3 priority projects.

The existing log cabin Senior Center is currently closed due to COVID. In the interim, some senior activities have been taking place at the Recreation Center, which features a functioning kitchen and enough space to accommodate senior activities.

Staff is working on preparing a list of maintenance costs for the existing log cabin Senior Center to be brought to the City Council’s attention later this month. It has a number of issues, including sewer repairs, interior/exterior damage, and lacks appropriate ADA accessibility compliance.

The Library Board has expressed a desire to pursue a future project that includes library and community space only. It may be most appropriate to consider a stand-alone Senior Center or moving senior programming to the Recreation Center. There could be potential positive synergy with health and wellness by incorporating senior activities into the recreation center. The existing facility was built with the opportunity for future expansion in mind.

Land has already been purchased for a future library facility across the street from City Hall.

Tarrant County is in the preliminary stages of planning a transportation bond in 2021. It would be advantageous for the City to have projects eligible and ready for what is anticipated to be a 50% county match on qualified street and intersection improvements.

Lastly, the proposed BeltMill development likely would support a future Public Improvement District that could pay for a future, yet to be determined, municipal facility. Initial staff thoughts for this space include a future multi-purpose facility such as a community center, home for “maker space” like The Art Place, a small police department presence, and/or a business incubator.

Staff is requesting City Council feedback on these items in preparation for future bond planning.