Austin Lewter/Jefferson Jimplecute
After two years of deliberations, the Jefferson Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) agreed Tuesday night to enter a Capstone Agreement with Texas A&M University for strategic planning.
Against the advice of their attorney, W.F. Palmer, the board agreed to expend up to $41,000 on the project.
Palmer explained that the project is an agreement with the University whereby graduate students assemble strategic plans as a means of their curriculum requirements.
“This is a generic contract,” Palmer warned. “A&M has staff overseeing project and much of work will be handled by graduate students… It’s really easy to see that they are going to be looking to the city of Jefferson for remuneration of $41,000 over two years.”
Palmer said he would like to see more assurances in the agreement as to what exactly the project could yield for the city.
A&M officials point to a success story in the city of Nolanville where the same program yielded planning that led to $3 million in grants for the small city just outside of Killeen.
Palmer suggest the board reach an understanding from A&M officials and the graduate students as to the exact scope of work before moving forward.
As is, A&M has “absolutely no obligations on their part,” Palmer said.” They are not responsible for any portion of this project. They are agreeing to do studies and tell you how to enhance Jefferson, its travel and development, but the contract is so generic… there are simply no obligations…”
Palmer said the agreement has Indemnity provisions that alleviates A&M and its students from liability and the city is not getting any legal assurances as to the product it will receive.
He suggested visiting with experts who will be working with students and querying A&M for more details in order to make a more informed decision.
Ward 2/3 Alderman Robin Moore addressed the board in favor of proceeding with the project.
“It’s been two years… let’s take the plunge,” Moore said. “They (Texas A&M) want this for us… the past plans that have been created have gone nowhere because there has been no community buy in… we need to get off high center and do it… there is no perfect contract… the value is in what our community wants to do.”
Mayor Rob Baker agreed with Moore.
“This initial investment is a gamble, but I think it is a gamble we need to pursue because we need a strategic plan,” Baker said.
JEDCO board member Lynn Daughrity echoed Baker and Moore.
“I agree, this is a faith contract,” Daughrity said. “But we can do something or do nothing.”
After some more discussion, a motion passed unanimously to proceed with the project.
After much conversation thereafter, action on seeking professional advice on the topic of expanding the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction into annexation into the City Limits for the City of Jefferson was tabled.
As was all action on the remaining agenda items including work and engineering at the Jefferson Howe Train Trestle, new busines and the 2022-2023 budget.
Before adjourning, the board received and update from Bob Thomas on Windows to History Project.
Thomas said the project team is close to placing order on two first two windows at Riverfront Park. Artwork has been approved.
Board member Mack Jordan, Jr. was not present at the meeting.