woodiewood1 said:

---

Richleau12 said:

---

UhOhNoAgTag said:

---

I think Midtown is like number 10 on the list. They'll just steal the idea and build it elsewhere.

Edit to add, Bryan Woods hates Midtown.

---

Why? Because it actually would be a successful idea if pursued? Why would a city manager hate something beneficial to the city? Fire Bryan Woods. Can his sorry ass.

---

If it's a successful idea, I suspect that a number of private groups will fight over the opportunity,

---

Not if they get scared away by a city council and city manager's office that does not make the destination desirable. Look at what happened to the Macy's deal. They even had an LOI, right? Didn't matter. The city screwed him and the citizens.

This thread reminds me of the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater thread. It is great to have vision, but it's been posted several times there is no trust and if serious put it on the ballot.

Mr. Yancy, your posts read to me like you have already made up your mind and now it's selling it to the populus.

JaxDad said:

---

This thread reminds me of the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater thread. It is great to have vision, but it's been posted several times there is no trust and if serious put it on the ballot.

Mr. Yancy, your posts read to me like you have already made up your mind and now it's selling it to the populus.

---

I develop ideas about our city and community and run them to ground. Perhaps I'm guilty of deciding sometimes and promoting those ideas. I like to put my inputs in writing during strategic planning and capital planning. That's part of our duty on council. I put mine in writing because I don't want a misinterpretation.

Most of my suggestions are predicated on what I believe are shortcomings in our community. For example, we have more parks than most but far less aquatic facilities than most cities on a per capita basis, so I have a relatively modest public pool project for Midtown on my list. I try to be need focused.

I also believe it's fair to say I defer to the bosses at least as much as anyone. There are always projects in the works, including now, that I harbor concerns about how affected areas/neighborhoods will receive the idea. I'm always suggesting we conduct outreach efforts or add such agenda items earlier, rather than right on top of, an announcement. More bond elections are warranted I believe. I believe my exact quote in last Strategic Planning was "if the citizens say no, then the answer is no."

Is it wrong to develop concepts and float those on this platform and elsewhere? I suspect some think so. But I don't. Slings and arrows are part of it.

I'm going to stick to my modus operandi to this point unless yall are tired of hearing from me. If so, let me know. My wife would thank you! :-) "You on Texags again?"

Respectfully

Yancy '95

Bob Yancy said:

---

Rexter said:

---

Mr Yancy,


Ya know, it would be all good to have a center, and all the other stuff...

BUT...

The track record for CoCS is extremely poor when trying to accomplish these things.

For example:

Wolf Pen Creek was built in an area that floods. The creek filled in with silt in no time. COCS reaponse - Oops. Our bad. We will have to spend lots of money to dredge the creek. Better yet, we will just let in fill in and forget about the "pretty creek" next to the amphitheater.

Chimney Hill - I forget how much money was lost on that deal.

Baseball field - Oops. Our bad. The site isn't feasible. I forget how much money was lost on that deal.

Macys - total cluster all the way around. No number on how much money will be lost, yet.

I'm sure there are other examples, but it is depressing to think about it.

I hope you understand the cynicism and objection to the grandiose plans. It's been many years of "If we build it, they will come", money is spent, nothing is built, and nobody comes.

---

I understand. These things add up. It's a source of fascination how efficiently the city has run over the years in police, fire and parks and more- yet the city has failed on large, discretionary moves that have eroded trust. It's part of why I ran for office.

The only thing I can say is, I wasn't on council when any of those decisions were made.

It's tough being held accountable for what's come before. Trying to convince folks that the past doesn't dictate the future is justifiably hard to do. I get that. Our city earned a bad rep on discretionary projects. Full stop.

But past performance is not indicative of future results.

I haven't made a wrong move in real estate. Knock on wood. And I would never vote to move forward with a multi-events center if it wasn't a broad effort with multiple entities and if the citizens didn't resoundingly, demonstrably say "yes." I give you my word. If a majority says "no" I'll drop it like a hot rock. I'll always grouse and complain that I believe we missed out but I'll comply with my bosses' will. Your will. I serve at the pleasure of you all.

Until then, I'm going to try to make a case for what my gut and the research tell me… we're the largest university in the United States and we hold precious few concerts and zero trade shows at scale. There's no reason for that.

Respectfully

Yancy '95

---

Councilman Yancy, you previously publicly stated on this forum that you weren't open to criticism of the city staff because they were your friends. I'm interested to learn if that is still your position or if it has evolved after what came out through the FOIA disclosures about how the staff misled council in the Macys deal?

VAXMaster said:

---

Bob Yancy said:

---

Rexter said:

---

Mr Yancy,


Ya know, it would be all good to have a center, and all the other stuff...

BUT...

The track record for CoCS is extremely poor when trying to accomplish these things.

For example:

Wolf Pen Creek was built in an area that floods. The creek filled in with silt in no time. COCS reaponse - Oops. Our bad. We will have to spend lots of money to dredge the creek. Better yet, we will just let in fill in and forget about the "pretty creek" next to the amphitheater.

Chimney Hill - I forget how much money was lost on that deal.

Baseball field - Oops. Our bad. The site isn't feasible. I forget how much money was lost on that deal.

Macys - total cluster all the way around. No number on how much money will be lost, yet.

I'm sure there are other examples, but it is depressing to think about it.

I hope you understand the cynicism and objection to the grandiose plans. It's been many years of "If we build it, they will come", money is spent, nothing is built, and nobody comes.

---

I understand. These things add up. It's a source of fascination how efficiently the city has run over the years in police, fire and parks and more- yet the city has failed on large, discretionary moves that have eroded trust. It's part of why I ran for office.

The only thing I can say is, I wasn't on council when any of those decisions were made.

It's tough being held accountable for what's come before. Trying to convince folks that the past doesn't dictate the future is justifiably hard to do. I get that. Our city earned a bad rep on discretionary projects. Full stop.

But past performance is not indicative of future results.

I haven't made a wrong move in real estate. Knock on wood. And I would never vote to move forward with a multi-events center if it wasn't a broad effort with multiple entities and if the citizens didn't resoundingly, demonstrably say "yes." I give you my word. If a majority says "no" I'll drop it like a hot rock. I'll always grouse and complain that I believe we missed out but I'll comply with my bosses' will. Your will. I serve at the pleasure of you all.

Until then, I'm going to try to make a case for what my gut and the research tell me… we're the largest university in the United States and we hold precious few concerts and zero trade shows at scale. There's no reason for that.

Respectfully

Yancy '95

---

Councilman Yancy, you previously publicly stated on this forum that you weren't open to criticism of the city staff because they were your friends. I'm interested to learn if that is still your position or if it has evolved after what came out through the FOIA disclosures about how the staff misled council in the Macys deal?

---

It's council's duty to supervise staff via the city manager. The org chart is exceedingly simple in a city:

Citizens (the bosses)
Council
Staff

It's important to be cordial, even friendly, with staff when appropriate, but friends is a different thing. The duty and responsibility comes first. Many in organizational dynamics forget this. Whether in a corporation or a city. Now, I do have friends among staff. Folks I came to know when I worked there in the 90s. Folks that were friends and still are but took a job with the city after we met.

I don't think I ever said in blanket form, "staff are my friends." I just can't participate in overt criticism and yall calling for terminations and discipline and what not because that's inappropriate. Same goes for my colleagues. You guys challenge that a lot here. And it frankly makes a good and defensible case that I shouldn't participate on this platform at all.

I understand frustration with government and the strong desire for accountability. All I can do is assure you I see at least as much as y'all believe you do, and I'll carefully offer, a whole lot more- simply because I'm in this office.

I get frustrated. I voice my frustrations. I get impressed. I compliment when I do. It's a process. And you can't forget, any one councilmember is just that- one councilmember. I can absolutely feel to my core something was a bonehead error or a 90 yard touchdown pass accomplishment but that means nothing if three others don't agree with me.

It's a very, very interesting dynamic. As frustrating as it is rewarding. If you want something you don't think you're getting, pro or con, then I'd say research hard and confer with friends and associates about who you're going to support come election time. Tune in. Vote smart. That's all you can do.

That's the beauty and limitation of our system.

PS: as a courtesy, and/or if you guys want to opine on specific personnel matters, before you do- call them. Tell them what you think. Us on council too. Send an email. You could even start a thread here and talk it out. But I'm asking to please refrain from naming and criticizing staff or council members on threads I'm on. Of course, you don't have to. But I'm asking.

Respectfully

Yancy '95

maroon barchetta said:

---

Are you going to address the question in his second sentence?

---

Spirited discussions were had. I don't believe the things that happened will happen again. I hold to my position.

Respectfully

Yancy '95

Mr Yancy,

I know I bust your chops here. I've been in town for 37 years, and CoCS has always projected "We know what's best for everyone". That has been very frustrating over the years. I do appreciate your interaction here, but sometimes it seems that the comments you receive fall on deaf ears.

Every project that is discussed can't be put to a referendum, but maybe there should be a limit to $$ spent on a project such as ball fields, convention centers, etc. If that proposed expenditure exceeds the limit, put it in a referendum, and don't combine 10 things together. Let the projects stand or fall on their own. If a project can't be revenue neutral, or darn near it, is it really worth having a drain on my money? Yes, it's my money because I pay taxes.

It all goes back to transparency. Put it out for the residents of CoCS to see. Utility funds transfer, certificates of obligation, etc.

Your comment about the past not being indicative of future performance brings to mind the old saying...those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.

And lastly, friends that are city employees isn't a big deal as long as your remember the othe old saying... We may be friends, but when we walk through the door, we're doing business, and friendship takes a back seat to that business".

Transparency? That's the problem.

A city councilman admitted on this board to asking questions of the staff and not getting answers. Posters from this board asked for info and got stonewalled.

It took a FOIA request by a poster on this board to show how city staff screwed over (his words) a successful local businessman that had a plan to make something good out of the Macy's blunder.

There is no transparency.

That is the root cause of the distrust on this board of any big idea that gets floated by CoCS. They fail and waste money again and again, and then try to avoid questions about it and hope people will forget or get distracted by the next grand (scheme) idea.

maroon barchetta said:

---

Transparency? That's the problem.

A city councilman admitted on this board to asking questions of the staff and not getting answers. Posters from this board asked for info and got stonewalled.

It took a FOIA request by a poster on this board to show how city staff screwed over (his words) a successful local businessman that had a plan to make something good out of the Macy's blunder.

There is no transparency.

That is the root cause of the distrust on this board of any big idea that gets floated by CoCS. They fail and waste money again and again, and then try to avoid questions about it and hope people will forget or get distracted by the next grand (scheme) idea.

---

Bolded for emphasis. I can't speak for everyone but I can say this is my perspective as well. Virtually impossible to trust present staff based on those facts bolded above. Cannot put toothpaste back in the tube at this point.

techno-ag said:

---

Bob Yancy said:

---

But I'm asking to please refrain from naming and criticizing staff or council members on threads I'm on. Of course, you don't have to. But I'm asking.

Respectfully

Yancy '95

---

Agree wholeheartedly with this.

---

Why? Did Bryan Woods read this thread and get mad?

I have several friends that work for the city as well. They know exactly how I feel about the city because when we're hanging out, and have a few drinks, I have a tendency to tell them. Now, these folks all work in areas of the city that are (Mr. Yancy's words) well run. Now, I am not going to name names and out anyone, but the feeling of the folks I know is that the areas of the city that make blunders need to be weeded out. There is little confidence in these folks.

Look, I've lived here (or within 50 miles) off and on almost my whole life, except when I moved to the Houston area after college. I did real well in 15 years, and now have a job that affords me the luxury of living where I want, so, I live where I want. I'm not leaving anytime soon. I'm involved with my neighborhood and community. I give a crap.

That being said, there seems to be a huge trust and accountability issue with CoCS. Until the players change, the distrust is going to continue from this Aggie.

Richleau12 said:

---

techno-ag said:

---

Bob Yancy said:

---

But I'm asking to please refrain from naming and criticizing staff or council members on threads I'm on. Of course, you don't have to. But I'm asking.

Respectfully

Yancy '95

---

Agree wholeheartedly with this.

---

Why? Did Bryan Woods read this thread and get mad?

---

I'm curious to know how many times you've aired your frustrations at a council meeting or other in person event instead of an anonymous collegiate sports website.

plant science guy said:

---

Richleau12 said:

---

techno-ag said:

---

Bob Yancy said:

---

But I'm asking to please refrain from naming and criticizing staff or council members on threads I'm on. Of course, you don't have to. But I'm asking.

Respectfully

Yancy '95

---

Agree wholeheartedly with this.

---

Why? Did Bryan Woods read this thread and get mad?

---

I'm curious to know how many times you've aired your frustrations at a council meeting or other in person event instead of an anonymous collegiate sports website.

---

I'd like to know how many of our elected officials have aired the frustrations of their electorate to other council members and the city manager's office at a council meeting or in person event. Seems like that would have more teeth than some rando hopping on a soapbox giving a Spartacus. That being said, I've been to council meetings and I've seen what good that will do with the Midtown contingent. It falls on deaf ears and they've been giving speeches for months. So clearly there is a disconnect and it starts and ends with Bryan Woods and his team.

Richleau12 said:

---

plant science guy said:

---

Richleau12 said:

---

techno-ag said:

---

Bob Yancy said:

---

But I'm asking to please refrain from naming and criticizing staff or council members on threads I'm on. Of course, you don't have to. But I'm asking.

Respectfully

Yancy '95

---

Agree wholeheartedly with this.

---

Why? Did Bryan Woods read this thread and get mad?

---

I'm curious to know how many times you've aired your frustrations at a council meeting or other in person event instead of an anonymous collegiate sports website.

---

I'd like to know how many of our elected officials have aired the frustrations of their electorate to other council members and the city manager's office at a council meeting or in person event. Seems like that would have more teeth than some rando hopping on a soapbox giving a Spartacus. That being said, I've been to council meetings and I've seen what good that will do with the Midtown contingent. It falls on deaf ears and they've been giving speeches for months. So clearly there is a disconnect and it starts and ends with Bryan Woods and his team.

---

Been to or spoke at? Did you put your name and face behind your words?

For sure there is a disconnect. I would also probably agree with you about most of these issues. I'm not arguing with you about correctness, just appropriateness of the chosen medium.

I think the councilman is asking everyone to tone back the personal attacks at the risk of him and other elected officials deciding that this forum isn't worth the engagement due to poor behavior on the part of the posters. Naturally, if you'd like to cause everyone to lose this medium and access, flame away.

All due respect I don't see 99% of the interactions on this board as "flaming".

As Odysseus said "It's no insult to call a dead man deceased"

Call for removal, publicly, of a city staffer/s from their superiors may seem a little crass in this format but I wouldn't say it was grotesque by any means. Matter of fact, what's grotesque has been well documented here IMHO. When it takes a FOIA for a superior to get information from a subordinate that's pretty grotesque to me.

I can't imagine asking someone in my office for info and being stonewalled by them.


***eta***

If however I was stonewalled by a subordinate, that would likely be their last day at Elite Electric

woodiewood1 said:

---

And I think one of the best places to put it is at Hensel Park, Great location, close to restaurants, shopping, the movie theatre, etc. It's a 109 acre area where the COCS could coop with A&M to develop something really nice.

---

This is where the Convention center/multi-use event center will go. Partnering with TAMU obviously, and COB since it is right on the city line, and across the street from their big Development ideas, and just down the street from their midtown. Aquatics center at COCS midtown to throw them a bone down there.

It all makes sense when you watch all the Council meetings

maroon barchetta said:

---

The parking garage that annually has chunks fall off?

---

Then fix it or rebuild it. Across the country structures are renovated and replace all the time, I watched a third of Kyle Field crash.

Sounds to me the design engineer and/or builder should have been forced to remediate the problem or sue them,

Yancy mentioned it while discussing C.P. at the budget meeting. At the same time he mentioned the aquatics down in midtown. He catches a lot of grief on here, but if people would watch all the meetings, even the 8 hour long ones, I think people would see what is really happening. He is pushing for some great things, and doing so in a smart way.

If he can pull off the convention/event space there, with all the other stuff in the area and with partnerships to make the $$ work, it would be a huge win for COCS.

yes, it is 100% clear that he is just one member. And it always makes me chuckle when other members get frustrated with him. It is quite obvious and I get a kick out of it.

I am also very happy he is there (and McIlhaney also). If we can get a few more on council like them I think we may see things change a bit.

It's clear that a shift from career bureaucrats to career commerce and job creators is long, long overdue. To get it done, we must all show up and vote and not just talk about it. The same ilk just keep getting elected otherwise.