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COMMISSIONERS' COURT WORKSHOP AGENDA
MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2001 AT 2;00 P.M.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURTROOM
KERB COUNTY COURTHOUSE
KERRVILLE, TEXAS 78028
THIS NOTICE IS POSTED PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS
ACT. (TITLE 5, CHAPTER 551, GOVERNMENT CODE AND TITLE 5,
CHAPTER 552, GOVERNMENT CODE.)
This Commissioners' Court will hold a workshop meeting at 2:00
P.M., Monday, June 11, 2001, at the Kerr County Courthouse in the
Commissioners' Courtroom.
• Call to Order
• Workshop to discuss the presentation by Ernest Gerlack, Director, Center for
Economic Development for utilizing the services of The University of Texas at San
Antonio, Center for Economic Development to assist Kerr County in developing a
funding strategy for the Hill Country Youth Exhibit Center Master Plan for
improvement and expansion.
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COMMISSIONERS' COURT AGENDA REQUEST
PLEASE FURNISH ONE ORIGINAL AND NINE COPIES OF THIS REQUEST
AND DOCUMENTS TO BE REVIEWED BY THE COURT.
MADE BY: William H. Williams OFFICE: Commissioner, Pct. 2
MEETING DATE: June 11, 2001 TIME PREFERRED: 2 p.m.
SUBJECT: (Please be specific) (Workshop). Consider and discuss utilizing services of The
University of Texas at San Antonio, Center for Economic Deveopmeet to assist Kerr County
in developing a funding strategy for the Hill Country Youth Exhibit Center Master Plan for
Improvement and Expansion
EXECUTIVE SESSION REQUESTED: (PLEASE S'fATE REASON)
NAME OF PERSON ADDRESSING THE COURT: Bill Wittiams, Commissioner, Precinct 2,
Ernest Gerlach, Dvector, Center for Economic Development, UniversiTy of Texas at San Antonio.
ESTIMATED LENGTH OF PRESENTATION: 30 minutes.
IF PERSONNEL MATTER-NAME OF EMPLOYEE:
Time for submitting this request for Court to assure that the matter is posted in
accordance with Title 5, Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code, is as follows:
Meeting scheduled for Mondays: 5:00 P.M. previous Tuesday
THIS REQUEST RECEIVED BY:
THIS REQUEST RECEIVED ON:
All Agenda Requests wiii be screened by the County Judge's Office to determine if adequate
information has been prepared for the Court's formal consideration and action at time of Court
meetings. Your cooperation is appreciated and contributes toward your request being addressed
at the earliest opportunity. Sce Agenda Request Rule adopted by Commissioners Court.
lJl'SA
The University of Texas * San Antonio
Cenrer for Economic Develupment
UTSA Downtown Campus • Cypress Tower
May 25, 21101
The Honorable William "Bill" Williams
Comnusstonex, Precinct No. 2
Iicxr County Courthouse
7110 Blain
Kerrville, "Texas 78028
[)ear Commtssionex Williams,
Centex fox your review and consideration. You requested that I send you some ideas prior to
our scheduled meeting on Monday, June 11"'. I stamped all of the pages draft to make sure
that the suggestions axe just that -singe ns.
i
I will call you before the Ju e 11`h eting to confirm. In the meantime, if you have
any questions please feel free to call 210-458-2479.
Enclosed is a draft funding strategy to fund the Kerx County Hill Country Exhibit
Smceceh°
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Ernest Gerlach, Duectox
Center fur E.conotnic Development - LT I'SA
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1222 N. Muin Avenue, Swte 750 • San Antonio, Texas 78?72 • (210) 458-2476 • (2101 458-?491 fas
Proposed Funding Strategy
Kerr County
Hill Country Exhibit Center
Prepared By
The Center for Economic Development
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Ernest Gerlach, Director
June, 2001
DRAFT
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to suggest a funding strategy to make the Kerr County Hill
Country Youth Exhibit Center a reality. Current plans call for renovating and enhancing
Kerr County's existing Agricultural Facility and to transform it into a county asset and
venue that will encompass a wide range of horse-related/agricultural events as well as
cultural/civic activities.
Overview
Late last year Kerr County Commissioner's court sought out the services of an
architectural firm in Fort Worth to develop a master plan for the renovation and
expansion of the Hill Country Youth Exhibit Center located east of Kerrville on Highway
27. The master plan focuses on using the existing site, developing several new facilities,
and renovating a number of exiting facilities. The plan also calls for a phased
development process. Estimated costs for the facility is in the $7.0 to $9.0 million range.
The next step is to finalize the master plan and seek funds to build it.
Proposed Overall StrateSy
In putting together a fund raising strategy to build and operate the Hill Country Youth
Exhibit Center several key points should be taken into consideration. These are listed
below:
First, the proposed facility and the fund raising strategy to build and operate it
should involve a process that is fully transparent. It must also be a
community/civic project that will appeal to a broad cross-section of the
population in Kerr County.
Second, any strategy that is developed should include several funding streams.
These streams should, at a minimum, include local tax support, state and federal
grants and loans, foundation support, corporate support, individual donors, and a
community fund drive. Depending on only one source of funding for this effort is
unrealistic. Instead, multiple funding sources will be required.
Third, given that the City of Kerrville will benefit along with the county from
this effort it is recommended that some kind of city/county task force be
established to spearhead their initiative. This task force should include public
officials, business and civic leaders, representatives from other organizations in
Kerrville and Kerr County, and other stakeholders. Every effort should be made
to make this task force as inclusive and broad based as possible.
Fourth, to ensure transparency and openness all meetings and activities
conducted by the task force should - to the extent possible - be open to the
public.
DRAFT
Fifth, to the extent possible, the general public should have input into the final
design of the facility to create abuy-in on the part of the larger community.
Sixth, to accomplish the above, the task force spearheading this effort should put
together a carefully crafted plan of action and a strategy with realistic goals,
objectives, timelines and action items to raise the necessary funds to build the
facility.
Seventh, to broadened the "buy-in" for this facility additional activities and
functions should be considered and where appropriate incorporated into the final
plan. These activities/functions could include the development of a agricultural
education center, community conference facilities and other related activities.
Also, efforts should be made to link the riverfront park with the Hill Country
Youth Exhibit Center to make it more attractive to the larger community.
Eight, individuals, businesses and organizations that contribute to the effort by
providing in-kind and/or funds should be properly recognized. The development
of the facility should be viewed as a community wide undertaking.
Possible Fundraising Strategy
As noted earlier there are several possible avenues, sources and streams that can be
pursued to raise the funds to build the facility. These are briefly described below:
City/County Funding
Both the City of Kerrville and Kerr County could allocate tax or discretionary
monies to build certain components for this facility such as access roads, parking
areas, and recreational areas. It is recommended that there be a city/county effort
since both will gain from this facility. The City of Kerrville may also want to
consider adopting a Section 4A Tax to fund the development of this facility and
related infrastructure since it will facilitate economic development. Under 4A,
projects can be funded outside the city as long as it has permission of the
governing body -Kerr County Commissioner's Court -that has jurisdiction over
the property. Another option is to use Kerrville's existing 4B tax authority.
Funds from 4B can be used to supporUbuild athletic facilities, parks, public space
improvements, tourism, entertainment facilities and infrastructure improvements.
Other possible options include -tax incentives, property tax abatements, tax
increment financing, use of the local hotel/motel tax, issuing bonds for economic
development, and the creation of a public improvement district.
State/Federal Funding
Several state and federal funding possibilities should also be explored. At the
state level, the Texas Capital Fund, Leverage Fund, Industrial Revenue Bond
Program and the Linked Deposit Program could be tapped to fund specific
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projects. In addition, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department may have funds
and grants available for the development of the riverfront park and exhibit center
facilities. The Texas Department of Agriculture may also have resources
available to fund the construction of facilities since the exhibit center will
emphasize agricultural and ranching type activities.
At the federal level, the t1.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Economic Development Administration
provide a wide range of grants and low-interest loans for economic, rural,
agricultural, business and community development projects. The county may also
want to consider the possibility of creating a larger development district azound
the existing facility to broaden the impact and enhance economic, business,
housing, community, recreational, transportation and education development in
the area. In this scenario the exhibit center/park becomes a catalyst for additional
development.
Developine a Non-Profit Organization
The county may want to consider the possibility of developing a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit authority to oversee the development and operation of the exhibit
center. This authority would be responsible for the day-to-day administration and
management of the center and its various facilities. It would be able to book
events, charge fees, maintain the facility, hire staff, etc. It could also raise funds to
huild the facility. As a nonprofit it would be able to pursue a wide range of
funding possibilities. In addition, it could provide funds from its operating budget
to Ken County and the City of Kerrville to cover public expenses such as law
enforcement, infrastructure maintenance, etc.
Public/Private Foundations
Local, regional, statewide and national public/private foundations should be
investigated and where appropriate contacted to see if they would be interested in
providing financial support to cover certain facilities, events or activities in the
exhibit center. Perhaps a unique activity or specialized function/facility could be
established as part of the exhibit center that could be funded through a foundation
or several foundations. Private foundations tend to be more selective in terms of
what they are willing to fund than public foundations. Emphasis should be placed
on foundations located in or near Kerrville. However, before these foundations
are approached awell-designed information package should be developed to
provide them with an overview, and the goals/objectives of the project.
Corporate Donors -Business Community.
Another major source of funds that could be tapped into are local area
corporations and small businesses. Many corporations and businesses put aside
discretionary monies to fund local/community type projects and activities. The
business community/economic development foundation/chambers of commerce
should also be approached for support. To the extent possible they should be
major players in developing the exhibit center.
CRAFT
Community/Individual Donations
Because the exhibit center is a public/community facility, and will impact the
community in many positive ways every effort should be made to obtain a broad
based "buy-in" from local/area citizens. Local citizens could be encouraged to
buy a nameplate, purchase a brick, or plant a tree in the facility. Local civic-
based organizations can also help to raise monies to build and operate the center.
If a nonprofit entity is established monies donated will be tax exempt. This will
make it easier for local citizens to contribute monies to the development of the
center.
In addition to the above, there are other public, private and nonprofit organizations that
can help make the exhibit center a reality. For example, the Lower Colorado River
Authority (LCRA) has a tremendous array of assets and resources that could be applied to
this effort. It is also recommended that a representative from the LCRA be included on
whatever group is established to spearhead this project. Another potential partner is
Schriner College. A third possibility is the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. Since
they already have a facility on the grounds of the arena, they could be excellent partners.
They might also he able to contribute to the building/renovation of facilities. A fourth
potential partner are local area museums and tourism facilities. The YO Ranch, for
example, might find this an excellent project to invest in. There is also an extensive
camping/youth organization recreation industry in the area that might find this kind of
center attractive. The Texas Ranger Association is still another potential partner.
The key to a successful fund raising strategy is to design a focused, inclusive, and open
process. Moreover, the focus should be on long-tem results, not short term gains. It is
also important to keep in mind that once the exhibit center is renovated and in full
operation additional funds will have to be sought to maintain and continually improve the
center. Fees charged to users will, of course, be a major source of funds. However, it is
unlikely that fees alone will be adequate to cover future expenses. Consequently, the
fund raising strategy should also include provisions for future needs and requirements.
Role of the Center for Economic Development
The mission of the Center for Economic Development at the University of Texas at San
Antonio is to foster economic and community development in its service azea. To
accomplish this, the Center is in a position to provide ongoing technical and reseazch
assistance to make the exhibit center a reality. In addition, we are able to conduct
feasibility studies, economic impact studies, and market research. Our fees are designed
to cover only our costs. Because we are supported, in part, by public funding we do not
compete with consultants or other kinds of private contractors. If you are interested in
the Center doing a specific study or activity we will gladly prepaze a proposal and a
budget for your consideration. Additional information or the Center for Economic
Development is attached.
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Next Steps -Near Term
To accomplish the above, the fullowing steps are recommended:
First, Commissioners Court and its partners should develop a mechanism to
spearhead the project over the long-term. If it is decided to form an organization
of some kind, that organization should be a 501(c)(3) type nonprofit. It should
also be open and inclusive, have a strong public/private partnership focus, and,
above all, be focused on the community as a whole.
Second, along-term strategy/plan should be developed to raise funds and to build
the center. This plan should include goals, objectives, timelines and action items
to achieve the above.
Third, every effort should be made to make this project acity/county project,
since both the City of Kemille and Kerr County will gain from it.
Fourth, to the extent possible, this project should be viewed as being part of a
broader strategy to enhance the long-tcrm economic development of both the City
of Kemille and Kerr County.
®RAFT
The Center for Economic Development
The University of Texas at San Antonio
The Center for Economic Development at the University of Texas at San
Antonio was created in 1979 under the auspices of the Economic
Development Administration's University Center Program. Its mission is to
provide technical, research and training assistance, as well as data resources
to local governments, communities, nonprofit organizations, councils of
government, chambers of commerce and others engaged in economic
development in Texas, and more specifically to economically distressed
areas in South Texas and the Border Region. Since its inception in 1979, the
Center for Economic Development has been involved in hundred of projects
throughout its service area with the goal being to foster long-term economic
growth, and to improve the lives of those living in this area.
Today, the Center for Economic Development is continuing to carry out its
mission of promoting economic growth and improving the ability of local
governments and communities in the region to engage in economic, business
and community development initiatives. At the same time it has broadened
its mission to give greater emphasis to regional and multicommunity
initiatives which are designed to enhance collaboration and the more
effective use of assets and resources to foster long-term growth. The Center
also acknowledges the fact that region's have become the engines of our
global economy, and that communities can no longer see themselves as
being separate and apart from others if they are to survive and prosper in the
21s` century. These new realities serve as guiding principles for the Center
as it seeks to carry out its mission in a world that is rapidly being
transformed and where change is a fact of life.
EDA University Center Program
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Deveopment
Administration (EDA) was established in 1965 to generate jabs, help
n:tain existing jobs, and stimulate growth in economically distressed
areas of the Unified States. In fulfilling its mission, EDA is guided
by the principle that distressed communities must be empowered tn
develop and implement their own economic development snd
revitalization strategies. EDA helpsdistressed~~.ronibesidesdify
and address problems associated with long-term economic distress,
as well as sudden and severe economic dislocations irtrloding rtaturat
disasters, closure of military iu4tallations and other federal facilities,
changing trade patterns, and the depletion of natural resources.
The EDA University Center Program is a FederaVacademic
partnership that makes resources at institutions of highs education
avar7able tn the economic devekpment community. Such institutions
have a variety of resources including faculty, staff, students,
laboratories, and computer systems. EDA's University Center
program helps institutions of higher education in establishing and
operating outreach programs that use those resources to provide
technical assistance on economic development projects and
programs. EDA coaviders the University Centers long-term partners
in fostering local economic development.
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Center for Economic Development
Goals/Accomplishments
Accomplishments 1999-2000
• The Center provided technical, research, training and information assistance to 20 local
governments and communities throughout the South Texas region.
• Operated the Center with an "all funds" budget of $150,000 during the 1999 - 2000 Program Year.
• The Center co-sponsored the Neighborhood Resource Center's 11's Annual Neighborhood
Conference convened at UTSA -Downtown in June 2000. Over 300 public officials,
neighborhood residents and others attended.
• The Center coordinated the Future of the Region Conference - Phase I held on South Padre Island
in June 2000. Over 130 leaders from throughout South Texas participated in the conference.
• The Center working with the City of Yoakum developed a comprehensive strategic planning
process that resulted in a long-term strategy designed to facilitate economic and community
growth.
• During the 1999-2000 Program Yeaz the Center assisted the Neighborhood Housing\Services of
Dimmit County, Inc. (NHSDC, Inc.) in obtaining a Community Development Financial Institution
(CDFI) designation. In addition, the Center helped the NHSDC, Inc. secure $750,000 in relending
authority from the SBA to fund micro-enterprises throughout the nine-county Middle Rio Grande
region.
• In February 2000, the Center, as part of its multicommunity project, conducted a community
design chanette process in Dimmit and LaSalle counties. Over 50 students and faculty from the
University's architecture and civil engineering programs participated in the process along with
representative from five communities Asherton, Big Wells, Camzo Springs, Cotulla and Encinal.
The end result was a series of community plans and strategies.
In the Fall of 1999, the Center, in conjunction with the City of San Antonio's Planning Department
developed four class curriculums and related resource material to train members of neighborhood
associations throughout San Antonio to help local citizens become more engaged in neighborhood
building. The first training cycle involved 20 neighborhood leaders. Other cycles are being
planned.
• The Center continued to provide ongoing technical assistance and support to several regional
groups including the EI Camino -Market Trail group, the I-35 South Economic Development
Coalition, and the Community Museum Network of South Texas to facilitate economic
development in South Texas.
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