[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6544052,"mediaKeyId","3845523-bfd4859ce459854a141ffcd1625e9467","parentId",3845523,"title","After closed session Dickinson EDC cancels picnic grounds project, hires outside counsel for construction lawsuit","audioSeconds",129,"startMs",3610000,"endMs",3739000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845523-bfd4859ce459854a141ffcd1625e9467&start=3610&end=3739","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845523-bfd4859ce459854a141ffcd1625e9467/thumbnail_3610000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6544052/Dickinson/Galveston-County/Texas/After-closed-session-Dickinson-EDC-cancels-picnic-grounds-project-hires-outside-counsel-for-construction-lawsuit","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544052-2d7802d94420e4529ef1a85e00412455/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427000&Signature=Prrbq2puTXFp~bdMd0H~mB8jmLdqy~tJY08UuZCL~G2gU7Sd0RqmqW1t6N7J0W~zniYz0CHe-b9llKkQvCBh~TzpPF5WtURCcYXJ5h97DY3JNsgnOUFkYuCtrdUe4Q9MnSDCMezXPYQvEroM9QLzs~qZV5t8UElaHcEVW-6PKsJPVGpJz4oc9DlhJerQBRpjpszC~1tQYja4xjRGoMEysP3yuCTRF2WDMEcIo~E9D8hP0fCfdsZzlweSbEMa2wkeY6G-zi8Hvy7idewwgcBVLNPt~9Nb7ApqHkUd6BOHaO5NU4SEGMZcHrNtukwJX1btL3Y6iXC2kifDuRHQQFRIUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dickinson","date","2025-06-16T00:00:00Z","article","After a closed executive session, the Dickinson Economic Development Corporation approved several actions: canceling the Dickinson Picnic Grounds project and the construction contract with Structure Tone Southwest, and authorizing engagement of the law firm McDowell Hetherington LLP to represent the EDC in litigation brought by Branch Construction Group.

During open session following the executive meeting, the board read motions that had been prepared in executive session. The board member reading the motions moved to cancel the picnic grounds project and the associated Structure Tone Southwest contract; the motion was seconded and the board adopted the cancellation by voice vote.

The board then moved to retain outside counsel. A motion to authorize the engagement of McDowell Hetherington LLP to represent the Dickinson EDC in the Branch Construction Group lawsuit was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The transcript records no roll-call tally for these votes in open session. The board recorded no action on the executive session item relating to deliberation about the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property.

Staff will proceed with the administrative steps required to terminate the Structure Tone Southwest contract and to execute the engagement letter with McDowell Hetherington LLP as directed by the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Dickinson - DEDC - Jun 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Following an executive session, the board voted to cancel the Dickinson Picnic Grounds project and terminate the Structure Tone Southwest contract, and authorized hiring McDowell Hetherington LLP to represent the EDC in litigation by Branch Construction Group.","taxTitle","Dickinson, Galveston County, Texas","taxId",69479,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6544056,"Residents urge Dickinson EDC to prioritize streets, transparency and total project costs",807,506000,1313000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845523-bfd4859ce459854a141ffcd1625e9467&start=506&end=1313","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845523-bfd4859ce459854a141ffcd1625e9467/thumbnail_506000.jpg","/articles/6544056/Dickinson/Galveston-County/Texas/Residents-urge-Dickinson-EDC-to-prioritize-streets-transparency-and-total-project-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544056-93903426220dc3c9f31f98a143b6bc34/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427000&Signature=ajJ81Kj~F-~sC8zuNZZ4~5xzLAp4tk9X8Mt9Vajbz4rxUUBVV6ssOtdM9Q~W~gokIThYDHzXlaCTN3lnR8PG0PIeH9YxQmqfBGHnevovWnnaFuXm30pSfHLUNyTOHKFioWQ~eHGo8vQaJIV5B325xuNQMt6KTlPSD-x17vk4cPz8ETP-aMKPvW4o6AMU2f20ZS7behdGNkbVQMXbrKtyEYxqXBJ2goH9vrQcjf~lUz1UNau3Me9U93LcocfrjIqA9s2E71G4W7KqgaPOaVzxHn8NFU0dD7lOgqHyd70uj7NrDj4RaFV~ByhNpG-v305uxmILUEW76fqBQkMwHBdclw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Dickinson residents spoke during the public comment period, urging the Economic Development Corporation to prioritize street and drainage repairs, to be transparent about total project costs, and to scrutinize incentives to local businesses.

Joe Wilburn, a lifelong area resident, criticized what he described as an expectation that city government will “give” to organizations and businesses, saying that repeated giveaways have driven away taxpayers and private investment. Wilburn said, “The more we give away, the less the people that can afford to be in business is gonna come to Dickinson,” and framed his remarks as a broader critique of incentive programs and perceived favoritism.

David Lehman, who identified his address on Texas Avenue, urged the board to fix potholes and drainage problems before dedicating funds to outside events or giveaways. He said portions of Texas Avenue remain in poor condition and invited board members to drive his block to see the damage firsthand. Lehman asked staff to continue posting property and ownership details online; staff confirmed property data is available on Galveston County CAD and that the city had responded to earlier requests.

Garland Copeland raised detailed questions about the Water Street parking garage costs and the relationship between the construction GMP and earlier engineering contracts. He said the bid documents list a $5,300,000 lump sum and separate line items and asked whether the engineering contract (Kimley Horn) was included in the total. Staff replied the construction GMP is the $5,356,000 figure discussed in the meeting and that the engineering contract was a separate, earlier expense that has already been paid. During the exchange a staff member said the engineering cost was “388 or 588,000” in the meeting record.

Copeland asked that the public be given a clear, single overview that brings design and construction costs together; board members and staff agreed to include a consolidated cost overview on a future agenda.

Those public comments set context for later agenda items including the Wellness First agreement and the Flintco contract for the parking garage.","Multiple residents used public comment to press the EDC on street repairs, transparency about total project costs for the parking garage, and concerns about perceived giveaways to businesses.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6544061,"EDC approves $5,000 sponsorship for Bayou Friends Forever gala; board member recuses",553,2194000,2747000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845523-bfd4859ce459854a141ffcd1625e9467&start=2194&end=2747","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845523-bfd4859ce459854a141ffcd1625e9467/thumbnail_2194000.jpg","/articles/6544061/Dickinson/Galveston-County/Texas/EDC-approves-5000-sponsorship-for-Bayou-Friends-Forever-gala-board-member-recuses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544061-bd7041c5729e01cb8b17cae5dabcf0bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427000&Signature=UQJ~wmWozPgX55e21sVhCsytxzRfY9r2ezxmbhV6y21dV4fMhl53U2v0qQgVoiBwi5SNn~6WknajcRfbkPXbvvoAEDd9Xc8LOMLAxSNvn2pE-qeQ-OGURkL1V6-Y6SdlfHzXUkP2CywtOfwQKJ6QwnVoMe8hbIS6FY7f8X-FWJStJ6V3K-vh44rWiV2ix~gMHVILiCQdOxbwnfE7Q7KDIFWAusmBxMVxN5OEAffF~~7IfHnrFkVWUEa4i-yMWrqPa~KNVL7L40CQ4SLaOmyYlgJ4ff4lNvBW8X-yX1rukkOszdS5VVbH~3Ccv4CMM2~Fl~dFSffqD1aLJlbVkNdH0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dickinson Economic Development Corporation approved a $5,000 top-dog sponsorship for Bayou Friends Forever (BFF), the nonprofit that supports Bayou Animal Services. One board member recused from the vote.

Jenna Simpson, a BFF board member, described the group’s work and said donations fund rabies vaccine clinics, emergency medical care, transport to rescue partners, an emergency pet trailer and infrastructure upgrades such as a $25,000 contribution toward a shade structure and a $25,000 air‑system restoration. Simpson told the board the nonprofit has helped buy 300 rabies vaccines and covered transportation and emergency medical costs for animals in need.

Board members emphasized that BFF is a separate 501(c)(3) entity formed to accept tax‑deductible donations for the shelter; they said 100% of the funds raised go to Bayou Animal Services and that BFF funds are not paid to board members. The board approved the $5,000 sponsorship by voice vote; the motion was seconded and passed.

The sponsorship package includes a table for eight and event signage. Board members encouraged attendance at the shelter and praised recent adoption and program outcomes, noting adoption rates reported by volunteers and staff.

Staff and board members said the sponsorship proceeds are directed to the shelter’s programs and operations through the nonprofit; funds do not go directly into city coffers.","The EDC approved a $5,000 top-dog sponsorship for Bayou Friends Forever’s October gala; one board member recused and presenters described shelter programs funded by the nonprofit.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6544066,"EDC approves development agreement to aid Wellness First Medical Clinic access and retain seven jobs",644,1543000,2187000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845523-bfd4859ce459854a141ffcd1625e9467&start=1543&end=2187","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845523-bfd4859ce459854a141ffcd1625e9467/thumbnail_1543000.jpg","/articles/6544066/Dickinson/Galveston-County/Texas/EDC-approves-development-agreement-to-aid-Wellness-First-Medical-Clinic-access-and-retain-seven-jobs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544066-6a647798626f13a6c08b0730c60c7718/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427000&Signature=mUuWO6jl5cnvuCYDigzBNWJ7-z~Gu1gXhWTR8VqQl4uSaVtfIfrJzRUVBtRco9fPU29p9eT8R0nFbBUWWtx1DTfO7Taj~aFqw5nlDETFEDqOjtQ3v2e1b9wtQqzFXSEVTG2N3MRnCJiILmnLAyPF~96jSz8hsjb0wQQ3BPDWWEpZFJcX0FtLh8ZxMx5Hd-eDTJtIlxpZC-rKZUTokQ7x5Ut9~ajtOtzwVFH9s1znRLJVGf-5MDEHYfXDHFxIrEX5aEPeNR3LiAHo~9jXRvtHCyPe3hba2Sy3cxKjJ3wW7-9BjYfDBn0h01F3WiS9U7ahZOi4HBaaaGrz7d-es2cbUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dickinson Economic Development Corporation voted to enter into a development agreement with Wellness First Medical Clinic to address access problems caused by TxDOT medians on State Highway 517 and to support job retention and modest job growth at the clinic.

Staff and board members said the clinic had lost business because elderly patients had difficulty reaching the facility after median changes. The performance agreement cited job retention of three positions and creation of four new positions — a net total of seven jobs retained or created as a result of the project.

The board discussed property ownership and lien placement; staff explained the property is recorded under a business or property owner name (listed in the packet) and that any lien under the performance agreement would be placed against the property as listed. Staff said the doctor who operates Wellness First, identified in the meeting as Dr. Sanders, is the managing partner and owner of the property and of the business entity referenced in the contract materials.

A number of public speakers questioned whether incentives or site improvements constituted inappropriate giveaways. Board members and staff replied that the EDC’s charter includes business retention and job retention initiatives and that the proposed assistance is intended to enable continued operations and modest expansion of an existing local business.

The board approved the agreement by voice vote. The transcript records no detailed dollar amount tied to the agreement in the public discussion; staff identified the action as funded from the EDC’s business retention line item but did not state a specific dollar figure in the recorded discussion.

Staff will proceed with contract execution and will provide supplemental documentation if requested by the board or by members of the public.","The Dickinson EDC approved a development agreement intended to help Wellness First Medical Clinic improve access after TxDOT median work, retaining three positions and adding four; board described the action as a business retention initiative.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":92,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6544073,"Dickinson EDC approves $5.356 million guaranteed maximum price for Water Street parking garage",957,3704000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845523-bfd4859ce459854a141ffcd1625e9467&start=2747&end=3704","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845523-bfd4859ce459854a141ffcd1625e9467/thumbnail_2747000.jpg","/articles/6544073/Dickinson/Galveston-County/Texas/Dickinson-EDC-approves-5356-million-guaranteed-maximum-price-for-Water-Street-parking-garage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544073-3b9094a27307394cc7d318905ccb08a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427000&Signature=UETKTUzrtag9igo1hhgBBVLwPpFWzrnCjhN480tYtPnQgxR1ACBPFomnpPAqinH3YVRJIDHqD0wkwVdEiGzHfI6U7eJskLSbvEWM2sEdwgC-3EYf6kdH-TLPCSwXgZGzpQq910PC0JW4caXBjycpHJpqU4n770VslTVXe2rdrBDqNQ~k8dyho4Bp1nvVssgBjI5YxxhRWdYzOfYN~QdnbN8DJiesR-fc4ZzZZ5u8ZRvtn3MCLNOAzCXjALruER~nAu1vBQvmKCQynO7rfPM82e2c~1KvPpiMz2fmx9lx4ebycaej9-Ari-uuCKbR~zzsFyr7LP8OBiVs5Z3zWnzdYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dickinson Economic Development Corporation on a voice vote approved a construction contract with Flintco to build the Water Street parking garage, with a guaranteed maximum price of $5,356,000.

Board members and the Flintco representative described the contract as a complete delivery of a multi‑story parking structure. Morgan, a Flintco representative, told the board the lump sum includes concrete, rebar and other major material costs and that the company’s bid “is part of that overall lump sum” and “it is a complete parking garage…fully usable from the day we're done.”

City staff and board members told the public the project will also be funded in part by a federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant that will reimburse up to $3,000,000; the EDA portion reduces the city’s share of the construction cost. Staff said the city is responsible for any costs beyond the EDA reimbursement.

Board discussion clarified elements that are and are not included in the $5.356 million GMP. The Flintco representative and staff said lighting, striping, curb cuts, downspouts and approaches required to make the garage usable are included. A security/camera system was not part of the requested scope and would be a separate expense if the city chooses to add it.

The board and Flintco also discussed timing and developer obligations tied to the garage. Staff described an agreement with the adjacent developer that requires the developer to begin demolition and proceed with on-site work within a defined period — described by staff as a minimum of 30 days after contract notice to proceed — to ensure the garage catalyzes follow‑on development.

During public comment and board Q&A, residents and commenters asked for a single public summary that shows total project costs (design, engineering, construction and other related expenses). Staff agreed to prepare a consolidated overview for the next meeting so the public can see combined design and construction costs.

The board approved the Flintco contract by voice vote. No roll-call vote with individual member names was recorded in the transcript.

The board also noted that the city must own and maintain the parking garage for 20 years under agreements tied to grant and developer conditions.

What happens next: staff said permitting and contract execution will proceed and that demolition by the contractor will be the event that starts the developer’s clock to advance the broader Water Street development.","The Dickinson Economic Development Corporation voted to award a construction contract to Flintco and accepted a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $5,356,000 for the Water Street parking garage; the project includes an EDA grant contribution and a 20-year ownership/maintenance requirement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

After closed session Dickinson EDC cancels picnic grounds project, hires outside counsel for construction lawsuit

Residents urge Dickinson EDC to prioritize streets, transparency and total project costs

EDC approves $5,000 sponsorship for Bayou Friends Forever gala; board member recuses

EDC approves development agreement to aid Wellness First Medical Clinic access and retain seven jobs

Dickinson EDC approves $5.356 million guaranteed maximum price for Water Street parking garage