City gets update on proposed Hammerhead Development

The Tea City Council met July 20 and heard more about the proposed Hammerhead Development.

Steve Van Buskirk and Mike Poppens updated the council on the proposed Hammerhead Development that would include a golf course, homes and commercial property. Van Buskirk said the biggest thing they are working on right now is the financial plan. They have an analyst working on that project. The financial plan will be determined by how many houses can be built and how fast it can move along. They have had one organization come to them about a commercial business in the development. 

He also talked about the possibility of an economic development TIF. Van Buskirk said it’s about time to work on an RFP where they can go two ways - either seeking a company to build the course or hire a company that builds it and manages it.

Poppens noted they are wanting to be as transparent as possible on the project. The intent is to turn the golf course over to the city, but they need input on the design and management of the course. He said this project is truly for the community and if the community does not want it, he is fine with that. If it is not the right time or right place, Poppens was fine with that too and understands it is hard to make these decisions.

City administrator Justin Weiland has questions on how this all gets put together but said they can meet to discuss and run things past their attorney. 

The project will require infrastructure upgrades like a lift station and road improvements. Questions remain on whether a TIF would support those items. Councilman Lynn DeYoung said he wants to get as much information out there for the public as possible.

Developer Kelly Nielson spoke during public comment on the Serenity Park Addition. He said they are continuing to have challenges executing the phase 2 agreement. He has a whole list of emails asking for clarity. He said his team continues to beg the city to get this executed so they can continue moving forward. Mayor Casey Voelker and Weiland said they will meet to see if they can get it moving.

During Weiland’s report, he included the memorandum of understanding from Lennox on EMS service. He was hoping to have a proposal from PCEMS yet this week.

Last week at their capital improvement plan work session, they discussed the museum and community hall. There was interest from the historical society to tour the city’s old police station located downtown. The council had differing thoughts on that location as a temporary or a permanent location for the museum. While the council was divided on what to do with the old police station, councilman Aaron Otten does not want to see it sit empty for the next five to 10 years.

The council went into executive session at 7:17 p.m.