City Council Action Timeline

2 0 0 3

Downtown Master Plan identifies Cultural and Entertainment District and City-owned properties such as the Timmins Building and Crystal Ice House. 

“The district will provide Downtown Brownwood with the elements needed to become a destination and gather place for area residents and visitors.” – 2003 Master Plan
 

2 0 1 5

Economic Development conversion from EDC to BMDD is pitched to the community which would allow the use of funds for a Convention/Event Center project as well as additional flexibility for quality of life projects and downtown revitalization. The campaign was championed by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce.

2 0 1 6

May 2016

The Brownwood Municipal Development District (BMDD) was created by public vote in May of 2016. The Brownwood Municipal Development District is a non-profit organization to promote, assist, stimulate, and enhance economic development in Brownwood. The BMDD is funded through a ½ cent sales tax and is governed by a 5-member Board of Directors who are appointed by the City Council.

 October 2016 

Brownwood Economic Development Corporation (BEDC)  is officially converted to Brownwood Municipal Development District (BMDD).

Summer – Fall, 2016

City, BMDD, Chamber of Commerce toured facilities in other communities including Midland, Granbury, Cleburne, Brazos County, Glen Rose, Belton, Bell County, Big Springs, Graham, San Angelo, Abilene

2 0 1 7

May 9, 2017 - Regularly Called City Council Meeting

Consider a professional services agreement with Analytical Labs for the Removal and disposal of asbestos from the former Timmins building and Crystal Ice Company Building.

2 0 1 8

October 16, 2018 – Joint Board Meeting 

A joint workshop was held with the Brownwood City Council and the Brownwood Municipal Development District Board to hear a presentation of a comprehensive facilities study proposal from Brown Reynolds Watford Architects (BRW) for an event / convention center project 

"Looking to boost tourism and improve venues for public events, Brownwood Municipal Development District board members agreed Tuesday to hire an architectural firm to perform a feasibility study for “outdoor civic gatherings” and assessments of city facilities including the 55-year-old Brownwood Coliseum." -Brownwood Bulletin October 16, 2018
 
 

2 0 1 9

May 21, 2019 – Pre Budget City Council Workshop 

City Council identifies the Renovation of Ice House/ Timmins/ Coliseum to provide meeting/event space. Include an outdoor event venue and festival ground. Also identified purchasing lots around the location for additional parking. Discussed funding option including MDD reserves, bonds, general obligation funds. 

September 17, 2019

 The BMDD board approves schematic design agreement with BRW Architects for $152,000

 September 24, 2019 

Authorizes the Mayor to sign contract with BRW for a schematic design of a community facilities project. (Unanimous)

The Schematic design will be the first step in the actual project design and will give the City and BMDD an opportunity to better determined what the needs will be of each part of the project. 

The Overall goal of the project would be to offer the community more quality meeting/event spaces, create new space for meetings and events that have a positive economic impact through tourism and help in the development of new community events and activities. This will also help to further enhance Downtown redevelopment. 

Identifies that any project adopted as a result of this feasibility study & schematic design agreement would be primarily funded through the BMDD reserve funds.

September 27, 2019

City of Brownwood submits an application for a Community Development Block Grant through the Texas Department of Agriculture for $350,000 for site improvements.

December 19, 2019 – Annual Allies Luncheon – Joint Meeting 

Mayor Haynes Presents plan to renovate the Coliseum, the Timmin Building, and construct an outdoor stage where the Ice House is currently located.

December 20, 2019 

City of Brownwood is awarded max funding of $350,000 for a Community Development Block grant for sidewalks, utilities, etc for Event Center Project Area. The grant will help offset costs, so the funds may be used in other areas.

“Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has approved maximum award in support of a Downtown Revitalization Program Project for the City of Brownwood in the amount of $350,000. The Purpose of this project is to provide economic development activities in the form of sidewalk improvements in the downtown area.”

2 0 2 0

January 24, 2020 – Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce State of the City Luncheon

Mayor Haynes holds State of the City Luncheon showcasing renderings of event center project with BRW Architects

March 2020

Schematic design from BRW Architects is completed 

 May 12, 2020 – Regularly Called City Council Meeting

• Event Center Project update in detail 
• Council discussed continuing negotiation with HPU for a long-term contract. Also pursue funding option for Coliseum and work with HPU on timeline of the project 
• Council requests the BMDD proceed with the demo work as included in the budget. 

 May 16, 2020 

BMDD approves a resolution for demolition of the old Ice House building and Timmon warehouse in the 600 block of E. Baker and authorize staff to go out for bid.

May 26, 2020 

• Council discusses Event Center Project to stay budget neutral.
• Council requests no events be booked in 2021 to allow for renovation
  
  

July 21, 2020 

BMDD awards a bid for the demolition of the Old Ice House & Timmins Warehouse Buidings located on Baker and Lee Streets to help pave the way for a future event center project

July 28, 2020 

City Council ratifies action taken by BMDD to award a bid for demolition for $261,469.

$50k to purchase the identified properties around coliseum/future event center project

City of Brownwood adopt Budget FY 2020/2021

The proposed budget is based upon the No-New-Revenue tax rate of $.7448 per $100 valuation. It is a reduction of 4.21¢ or 5.4% and is the lowest tax rate since 1996.