Item 4C
City of Southlake Values:
Integrity ♦ Innovation ♦ Accountability ♦ Commitment to Excellence ♦ Teamwork
M E M O R A N D U M
November 10, 2020
To: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
From: Alison Ortowski, Assistant City Manager
Subject: Item 4C: Approve an economic development agreement
between the City of Southlake and VariSpace Southlake LLC
Action
Requested: Approval agreement as presented.
Background
Information: In September 2019, VariDesk LLC purchased the property
located at 1900 W. Kirkwood Boulevard, an approximately
350,000 Class A office building that was last occupied
almost fifteen years ago. This complex includes a campus
setting with three connected buildings, two buildings with
three floors and one building with five floors. With their
purchase of the property, VariDesk proposed bringing their
new VariSPace workspace venture to Southlake by
renovating and redeveloping the property as a professional
office space, inclusive of individual and group workspaces,
available for lease to tenants with various space
requirements. Renovations include exterior upgrades, the
addition of a fitness center, on-site café coffee bar, shared
conference and training areas, five outdoor courtyard areas
and furnishings and equipment for all office spaces. After
renovation, the campus will include approximately 350,000
leasable square feet and accommodate approximately 1500
tenant employees.
On February 4, 2020, the City Council directed City Manager
Shana Yelverton to enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with VariDesk LLC whose purpose
was to establish the mutually-agreed upon terms of a future
incentive agreement between the two entities in order to
improve the City’s commercial Class A office market by
redeveloping an aging property that has been vacant for
almost fifteen years, making it more attractive to users in the
Item 4C: Economic Development Agreement with VariSpace Southlake LLC
City Council Meeting Date: November 17, 2020
Page 2 of 22
City of Southlake Values:
Integrity ♦ Innovation ♦ Accountability ♦ Commitment to Excellence ♦ Teamwork
marketplace, increasing viability for occupancy and growing
the local employment base.
The proposed agreement includes provisions that are in
alignment with the MOU with some adjustments to the
specified minimum capital investment and total job creation
numbers. These adjustments have been made based on
updated construction estimates and additional evaluation
made by VariSpace Southlake related to occupancy of the
facility. The proposed agreement also includes a number of
performance requirements related to minimum capital
investment, leasing thresholds, taxable value and
employment targets.
Strategic Link: C4 Attract & keep top-tier businesses to drive a dynamic &
sustainable economic environment
There are also a number of elements of the City’s
Comprehensive Plans that support approval of this
agreement.
Citizen Input/
Board Review: 1/28/2020: Community Enhancement and Development
Corporation Board of Directors reviewed the application for
incentive consideration and provided comments as to
alignment with the City’s public investment policy and goals.
Financial
Considerations: Following are financial aspects of the development and
associated agreement:
General Fund Sales Tax Program Grant Payments
The agreement provides for the following payments to
VariSpace Southlake LLC from sales taxes generated by the
project:
• Construction Materials: The City will pay VariSpace
Southlake 100% of the general fund sales and use taxes
received by the City that are attributable to the purchase
of construction materials used on the project. Payments
will not exceed $183,500.
Item 4C: Economic Development Agreement with VariSpace Southlake LLC
City Council Meeting Date: November 17, 2020
Page 3 of 22
City of Southlake Values:
Integrity ♦ Innovation ♦ Accountability ♦ Commitment to Excellence ♦ Teamwork
• Permitting and Impact Fees Offset: The City will pay
VariSpace Southlake an amount equal to 100% of the
general fund sales and use taxes received by the City
that are attributable solely to the sale of taxable items by
businesses operating at the site as a repayment equal to
actual permitting and impact fees incurred by Company.
Payments will not exceed $35,000.
Tax Abatement
The agreement includes provisions to provide an abatement
of real and business personal property taxes for a term of 10
year and the total amount abated will not exceed $930,000.
The agreement stipulates the amount to be abated based on
the taxable value as follows:
Taxable Value Abatement Amount
$55,127,400 and above 80%
$55,127,399-49,178,000 70%
$49,177,999-42,275,800 60%
$42,274,999-36,235,700 50%
$36,234,999-33,074,790 40%
$33,074,789 and below 0%
The agreement states that if values fall below $33,074,790,
VariSpace Southlake LLC shall forfeit the tax abatement for
that corresponding tax year.
The agreement also states that if VariSpace Southlake LLC
fails to make the minimum capital investment of
$55,127,400, they will not be entitled to any tax abatement.
Other Provisions and Performance Requirements
The agreement includes a provision requiring that VariSpace
Southlake LLC meet certain employment goals as follows:
No later than Number of Total FTEs
January 1, 2022 400
January 1, 2023 900
January 1, 2024 1200
January 1, 2025 1500
Item 4C: Economic Development Agreement with VariSpace Southlake LLC
City Council Meeting Date: November 17, 2020
Page 4 of 22
City of Southlake Values:
Integrity ♦ Innovation ♦ Accountability ♦ Commitment to Excellence ♦ Teamwork
If employment targets are not met, VariSpace Southlake LLC
must pay the City $1000 for each FTE not created or
maintained.
The agreement also states that the average salary for all
FTEs may not be less than $70,000 throughout the term of
the agreement.
And finally, as stated previously, the agreement requires a
minimum capital investment of $55,127,400 with the same
corresponding taxable value minimum in order to qualify for
the maximum incentive. The minimum capital investment is
required in order for VariSpace Southlake LLC to receive the
sales and use tax payments and tax abatement. The
minimum taxable value is required to receive the full 80%
abatement allowed. Additionally, VariSpace Southlake LLC
must demonstrate they have entered into binding lease
agreements with third-party tenants for at least 40% of the
rentable square feet of the facility prior to receiving their first
reimbursement payment.
Chief Financial Officer Sharen Jackson has reviewed all
terms, including the capital investment and taxable value
provisions and has concluded that these amounts should
generate a return sufficient to warrant public investment.
The current annual benefit from the site is minimal. CFO
Jackson estimates that the annual benefit during the
abatement will average approximately $62,000 with the
annual benefit after the abatement averaging about
$206,000.
Legal Review: The proposed agreement was reviewed and approved by the
City Attorney.
Alternatives: Approve the agreement with changes discussed by the City
Council or direct staff to revise the agreement and return for
City Council consideration at a future meeting
Supporting
Documents: Economic Development Agreement
Public Investment Policy Statement
Page 1
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS
AND
VARISPACE SOUTHLAKE LLC
This Economic Development Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered
into by and between the City of Southlake, Texas (“City”) and VariSpace Southlake
LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“Company”). For convenience, City and
Company may sometimes hereafter be referred to individually as a “Party” and
collectively as the “Parties.”
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the City has previously elected to become eligible to participate in tax
abatement agreements, in accordance with Section 312.002(a) of the Texas Tax Code;
and
WHEREAS, the City also adopted and reaffirmed tax abatement guidelines and
criteria, in accordance with Section 312.002 of the Texas Tax Code (hereinafter referred to
as the “Tax Abatement Guidelines and Criteria”); and
WHEREAS, the Tax Abatement Guidelines and Criteria constitute appropriate
guidelines and criteria governing tax abatement agreements to be entered into by the City,
as contemplated by Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code, as amended; and
WHEREAS, on or about June 2, 2020, the City Council of the City of Southlake,
Texas, adopted Ordinance No. 1127 establishing a Tax Abatement Reinvestment Zone
(“Zone”) in the City of Southlake, Texas, for commercial-warehouse tax abatement, as
authorized by Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code; and
WHEREAS, Company owns the real property located within the Zone and seeks to
receive incentives from the City, including tax abatement; and
WHEREAS, the abatement of real and tangible personal property taxes within the
Zone will maintain and enhance the economic and employment base of the City, thereby
benefiting the City, in accordance with the Tax Abatement Guidelines and Criteria and
Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Southlake, Texas, finds that the
contemplated use of the Real Property, and the improvements to the Real Property as set
forth in this Agreement, and the other terms hereof are consistent with encouraging
continued reinvestment within the Zone in the City of Southlake, Texas, in accordance with
the purposes for its creation, and are in compliance with the Tax Abatement Guidelines
and Criteria, and Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code; and
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WHEREAS, Company acknowledges and agrees that the tax abatements granted
by this Agreement are contingent upon its compliance with this Agreement in accordance
with the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the City also desires to provide incentives to Company pursuant to
Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code in consideration of Company locating
its business to the City; and
WHEREAS, the City has concluded and hereby finds that this Agreement
promotes economic development in the City of Southlake, Texas, and, as such, meets
the requirements of Article III, Section 52-a of the Texas Constitution, by assisting in the
development and diversification of the economy of the State of Texas and the City, by
eliminating unemployment or underemployment in the State of Texas and the City,
enhancing business and commercial activity within the State of Texas and the City, and
is for all purposes a governmental function of the City for the benefit of the citizens of
the City and the State of Texas and
WHEREAS, the City further finds that providing the incentives is in furtherance of
City-identified goals, including: (a) supporting comprehensive plan implementation; (b)
adding to target industry inventory; (c) supporting identified workforce goals related to
daytime population; (d) improving the City’s commercial Class A office market by
redeveloping an aging property that has been vacant for almost fifteen (15) years,
making it more attractive to users in the marketplace and increasing viability for
occupancy; and
WHEREAS, the City further finds that providing the incentives would be in
alignment with the City’s comprehensive plan, including: (a) 2035 Vision, Goals, and
Objectives; (b) the 2035 SH 114 Sector Plan; and (c) the 2035 Economic Development
Master Plan.
NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the agreements contained
herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
The following words shall have the following meanings when used in this
Agreement:
The terms “Agreement”, “Act”, “City”, “Tax Abatement Guidelines and Criteria”,
“Company”, “Parties”, “Party”, and “Zone” shall have the meanings provided above.
“Base Year Tax Value” means the assessed value of the Real Property
according to the Tarrant Appraisal District for Tax Year 2020.
Page 3
“Capital Investment” means the actual costs attributable to the construction of the
Improvements and related infrastructure, including labor and materia ls, engineering
costs, surveying costs, fees of consultants, permit and inspection fees, and Tangible
Personal Property located on the Real Property after the date of this Agreement that are
subject to ad valorem taxes. It does not include acquisition cost s of land, insurance
costs, marketing costs, or any interest paid to finance the purchase of the Capital
Investment.
“Company Records” has the meaning as described in Section 3.6 of this
Agreement.
“Effective Date” means the last date this Agreement is executed by the Parties.
“Event of Bankruptcy or Insolvency” means the dissolution or termination of a
Party’s existence as a going business, insolvency, appointment of receiver for any part
of such Party’s property and such appointment is not terminated within ninety (90) days
after such appointment is initially made, any general assignment for the benefit of
creditors, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency
laws by or against such Party and such proceeding is not dismis sed within ninety (90)
days after the filing thereof.
“Expiration Date” means March 31 of the calendar year following the tenth (10 th)
anniversary date of the First Year of Abatement, unless sooner terminated as provided
herein.
“Facility” means the existing building owned by Company and located on the
Real Property.
“First Year of Abatement” means the earlier of (i) the Tax Year beginning on
January 1 immediately following the date Company has achieved its Capital Investment
obligations in Section 3.1 of this Agreement; or (ii) at Company’s election in writing to
City, the Tax Year in which Company achieves its Capital Investment obligations in
Section 3.1 of this Agreement
“FTE” means any employee on a forty (40) hour or more per week schedule or
the combination of two (2) or more employees on part-time schedules equaling at least
forty (40) hours per week.
“Impositions” means all taxes, assessments, use and occupancy taxes, charges,
excises, license and permit fees, and other charges by public or governmental authority,
general and special, ordinary and extraordinary, foreseen and unforeseen, which are or
may be assessed, charged, levied, or imposed by any public or governmental authority
on the Company or any property or any business owned by Company within the City.
“Improvements” means the structural modifications or renovations made to the
Facility, as more particularly described on the attached Exhibit “B,” and other ancillary
Page 4
facilities, such as reasonably required parking and landscaping more fully described in
the submittals filed by Company with the City, from time to time, in order to obtain a
building permit(s).
“Payment Request” means a written request from Company to the City for
payment of a City incentive which request shall be accompanied by evidence
reasonably satisfactory to the City to establish that Company is in compliance with this
Agreement. The Payment Request must be submitted in accordance with the notice
provisions of this Agreement.
“Real Property” means the land located at 1900 West Kirkwood Boulevard and
more particularly described on the attached Exhibit “A”.
“Related Agreement” means any agreement (other than this Agreement) by and
between the City and Company.
“Sales and Use Tax” means the City’s municipal sales and use tax, currently at
the rate of one percent (1.0%) pursuant to Chapter 321 of the Texas Tax Code, as
amended; provided, however, should the electors of the City reallocate the Sales and
Use Tax or should the Texas Legislature amend the applicable Tax Code provision to
increase or decrease the amount of allowed municipal sales and use tax, then in the
event of a decrease, Sales and Use Tax shall mean the actual amount of sales and use
tax received by the City, and in the event of an increase, the Sales and Use Tax shall
mean one percent (1.0%). “Sales and Use Tax” specifically excludes sales taxes
collected for the Southlake Park Development Corporation, the Crime Control and
Prevention District, the Community Enhancement and Development Corporation, or any
other economic development tax collected now or in the future.
“Substantial Completion Deadline” means June 30, 2021.
“Tangible Personal Property” shall have the same meaning assigned by Texas
Tax Code, Section 1.04, and shall mean Tangible Personal Property owned by
Company, including but not limited to furniture, fixtures, leasehold improvements,
vehicles and equipment located at the Real Property (or within the Facility) which, at the
time of execution of this Agreement is not on th e tax rolls of the City. Tangible Personal
Property does not include inventory, supplies, freeport goods or goods in transit.
“Tax Year” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.04 of the
Texas Tax Code (i.e., the calendar year).
“Taxable Value” means the appraised value as certified by the Tarrant Appraisal
District as of January 1 of a given year.
“Term” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.2 of this
Agreement.
Page 5
ARTICLE 2
PROGRAM AND TERM
2.1 Program. A program authorized under Chapter 380 of the Texas Local
Government Code is hereby established to bring Company and the Improvements to
the City. The terms of this Agreement implement the program.
2.2 Term. The Term of this Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and will
continue until the Expiration Date, unless sooner terminated as provided herein.
ARTICLE 3
COMPANY OBLIGATIONS
3.1 Lease Hurdle and Capital Investment. On or before the Substantial Completion
Deadline, Company must make a Capital Investment in an amount of no less than
$55,127,400 and enter into binding lease agreements with third-party tenants for at
least 40% of the rentable square feet of the Facility. Within thirty (30) days of
Substantial Completion Deadline, Company must provide sufficient evidence to the City
of the Capital Investment and Lease Hurdle in a manner acceptable to the City.
3.2 Taxable Value. Company agrees that beginning with the First Year of Abatement
and continuing thereafter throughout the Term, the total Taxable Value of the Real
Property (as improved by the Improvements, but excluding land value) will be at least
$44,652,400 and the total Taxable Value of the Tangible Personal Property will be at
least $10,475,000.
3.3 FTEs.
(a) Required FTEs. Company agrees that in order to receive tax abatement
or other incentives under this Agreement, a minimum of 1500 FTEs must
be employed (either by Company or third party tenants) at the Facility
and retained thereafter for the Term of this Agreement according to the
following schedule:
No later than Number of Total FTEs
January 1, 2022 400
January 1, 2023 900
January 1, 2024 1200
January 1, 2025 1500
(b) Company agrees that all leases with third party tenants of the Facility will
contain provisions which (i) require tenants to certify FTE numbers to
Company in order for Company to make its certification requirements in
Sections 3.3(c) and 3.9; and (ii) allow the City, or such other persons or
entities designated by the City for the purposes of inspecting, at tenant’s
office, during Tenant’s normal business hours, paper and electronic
Page 6
records, books, documents, or any other items related to tenant’s FTE
numbers, provided that the City has provided five (5) business days prior
notice, and the City or its representatives shall not unduly disrupt Tenant's
operations. The City agrees, to the extent allowed by law, to maintain the
confidentiality of a tenant’s FTE related records.
(c) Payment in lieu of FTEs. The parties acknowledge that the City’s adopted
Comprehensive Plan anticipates that City’s public-private partnerships will
help retain and enhance the City’s economic base, and that Company’s
obligation to create and maintain the FTE levels in Section 3.3(a) are
necessary in achieving such goals. Company will annually certify (by
providing exact total FTE numbers) that FTE levels have been met in the
certification described in Section 3.9 of this Agreement. If the FTE levels
are not met in any given year, Company will pay City an amount of $1000
for each FTE not created or maintained in accordance with Section 3.3.(a)
with payment due no later than 30 days after City’s receipt of the
certification; provided, however, that in no event shall the sum of all
payments made under this Section be greater than the amount of the
sales tax rebates and amount of property taxes abated under this
Agreement. Provided Company makes the payment in this Section when
applicable, Company’s failure to comply with 3.3.(a) shall not be an event
of default subject to termination and repayment pursuant to Section 5.2 of
this Agreement.
(d) Average Salary. The average salary for all FTEs working at the Facility
may not be less than $70,000 throughout the Term of this Agreement.
3.4 Improvements. No later than the Substantial Completion Deadline, Company
must have completed the Improvements.
3.5 Good Standing. Company must not have an uncured breach or default of this
Agreement or a Related Agreement.
3.6 Audit. Company shall grant access to the City, or such other persons or entities
designated by the City for the purposes of inspecting, at Company’s office, during
Company’s normal business hours, paper and electronic records, books, documents,
tangible accounting procedures, tangible practices or any other items related to
Company’s performance of this Agreement (“Company Records”), provided that the
City has provided five (5) business days prior notice, and the City or its representatives
shall not unduly disrupt Company's operatio ns. The foregoing notwithstanding, all
records, books, documents, accounting procedures, practices or any other items
relevant to the performance of this Agreement shall be subject to examination or audit
by the City, or such other persons or entities desi gnated by the City in accordance with
state and federal laws, regulations or directives applicable to Company’s performance
of this Agreement. The City agrees, to the extent allowed by law, to maintain the
confidentiality of Company Records.
Page 7
3.7 Undocumented Workers. Company certifies that Company, and its branches,
divisions and departments, do not and will not knowingly employ an undocumented
worker in accordance with Chapter 2264 of the Texas Government Code, as amended.
If during the Term of this Agreement, Company, or any of its branches, divisions or
departments is convicted of a violation under 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(f), Company shall repay
the amount of the public subsidy provided under this Agreement plus interest, at the
rate of ten percent (10%), not later than the 120th day after the date the City notifies
Company of the violation.
3.8 Building Products and Materials. The Parties find that the Real Property
constitutes an area of architectural importance and significance and the City Counc il of
the City hereby designates it as an area of architectural importance and significance for
purposes of Chapter 3000 of the Texas Government Code. In consideration of the
mutual covenants and conditions contained herein, Company voluntarily consents to the
application of all City rules, charter provisions, ordinances, orders, building codes, and
other regulations existing as of the Effective Date (the “Regulations”) that govern the
use or installation of a building product or material in the constructi on, renovation,
maintenance, or other alteration of a commercial building on the Real Property,
regardless of whether a different building product or material is approved for use by a
national model code published within the last three code cycles that app lies to the
construction, renovation, maintenance, or other alteration of the building. In addition,
Company voluntarily consents to the application of the Regulations that establish a
standard for a building product, material, or aesthetic method in construction,
renovation, maintenance, or other alteration of a commercial building, regardless of
whether the standard is more stringent than a standard for the product, material, or
aesthetic method under a national model code published within the last three code
cycles that applies to the construction, renovation, maintenance, or other alteration of
the building. The Parties agree that: i) the City will not issue any permits for the Real
Property in violation of this section; ii) the covenants contained within this section
constitute a material term of this Agreement; iii) Company’s voluntary consent to the
application of the Regulations to the Real Property constitutes a material inducement for
the City to authorize and grant the incentives described in thi s Agreement; iv) the
covenants contained herein shall bind Company and all successors and assigns; and v)
this section shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.
3.9 Certification of Compliance. Company shall, before May 1 of each calendar year
that this Agreement is in effect, certify in writing to the City that it is in compliance with
each term of this Agreement. On or before May 1 of each year, Company shall provide
to the City written certification that Company is in compliance with each applicable term
of this Agreement. Such certification shall be in a form reasonably satisfactory to the
City, and shall include, at a minimum, information supporting Company’s conclusions
that it met each condition and requirement to incentives set forth in this Agreement. The
certification of compliance that the Company will submit is included in Exhibit “C” of this
agreement. Any failure of the City to request or demand such certification shall not
constitute a waiver of such certification or any future certification; provided, however,
Page 8
that if the City fails to request or demand such certification and Company fails to provide
such certification, the City shall give such party written notice of such failure and such
party shall provide such certification within thirty (30) days of such party's receipt of
such notice.
3.10 Required Use. The Real Property and the Improvements constructed thereon at
all times shall be used in the manner i) that is consistent with the City’s comprehensive
zoning ordinance and all other City development and building regulations, as amended,
and ii) that, during the period taxes are abated hereunder, is consistent with the general
purposes of encouraging development or redevelopment of the Zone.
3.11 Annual Exemption. It shall be the responsibility of Company to file an annual
exemption application form for the Real Property and Tangible Personal Property with
the Tarrant Appraisal District. A copy of the respective exemption application shall be
submitted to the City upon request.
3.12 Rendering Value. Company shall annually render the value of the Tangible
Personal Property to the Tarrant Appraisal District, and provide a copy of the same to
the City upon written request.
3.13 Access to City. Company will provide access to and authorize inspection of the
Real Property and Facility by City employees to ensure that the Improvements are
constructed according to the specifications and conditions of the Agreement.
3.14 Sales Tax Reports. Company will provide the City, on a quarterly basis, a copy
of the financial report it submits to the Texas Comptroller relating to the remission of
Sales and Use Taxes collected in the City as a result of Company’s operation at the
Real Property and construction of the Improvements (“Sales Tax Report”). Additionally,
Company hereby grants consent for the Texas Comptroller’s office to release the
monthly reported figures along with any State audit adjustments to the City. The Parties
designate this Agreement as a revenue sharing agreement entitling the City to request
Sales and Use Tax information from the Comptroller, pursuant to section 321.3022,
Texas Tax Code, as amended. Company further agrees to provide City any other
reasonable documentation in a form acceptable to City t hat establishes and proves
amounts necessary for City to make the Sales and Use Tax grants as provided in this
Agreement. Company agrees to provide the City any reasonable documentation in a
form reasonably acceptable to the City that establishes and docu ments purchases
made by Company in accordance with Section 4.2(a) of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 4
CITY OBLIGATIONS
Subject to Company’s continued satisfaction of its obligations as required by this
Agreement, and subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the City agrees to the
following:
Page 9
4.1 Tax Abatement.
(a) The City grants Company an abatement of eighty percent (80%) of the
Taxable Value of the Real Property and grants Company an abatement of
eighty percent (80%) of the Taxable Value of the Tangible Personal
Property, for a period of ten (10) consecutive years, beginning with the
First Year of Abatement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the actual
percentage of Taxable Value of the Real Property subject to abatement for
each year this Agreement is in effect will apply only to the portion of the
Taxable Value of the Real Property that exceeds the Base Year Tax
Value. The actual percentage of Taxable Value of the Tangible Personal
Property subject to abatement for each year this Agreement is in effect will
apply only to Company’s Tangible Personal Property that is added to the
Real Property subsequent to the execution of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total amount of real property and
tangible personal property taxes abated under this Agreement must not
exceed $930,000.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if as of January 1 of any given Tax Year,
the Taxable Value of the Tangible Personal Property and Real Property is
below $55,127,400 as required by Section 3.2, the City will grant an
abatement of the Taxable Value of the Tangible Personal Property and
Real Property subject to abatement according to the following schedule:
(c) Taxable Value Abatement Amount
$55,127,400 and above 80%
$55,127,399-49,178,000 70%
$49,177,999-42,275,800 60%
$42,274,999-36,235,700 50%
$36,234,999-33,074,790 40%
$33,074,789 and below 0%
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company will not be entitled to any tax
abatement under this Agreement until it has provided City with evidence
that it has made the Capital Investment in accordance with this
Agreement.
(e) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Rea l
Property and Tangible Personal Property shall not be entitled to tax
abatement for more than ten consecutive (10) years.
(f) Pursuant to section 312.204 of the Texas Tax Code, this Agreement is
subject to the rights of holders of outstanding bonds of the City.
Page 10
4.2 Chapter 380 Sales and Use Tax Rebates.
(a) Construction Materials. The City agrees that it shall pay to Company an
amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Sales and Use Tax received
by the City attributable to the purchase of construction materials by Company or
contractors retained by Company in connection with the construction of the
Improvements prior to the Substantial Completion Deadline; provided, however,
that under no circumstances will the aggregate grant payments under this
subsection exceed $183,500.
(b) Permitting and Impact Fees. City agrees to pay Company an amount equal
to 100% of the Sales and Use Tax generated by and attributed solely to the sale of
taxable items by businesses operating within the Real Property during a period
beginning on the second full calendar quarter after the Substantial Completion
Deadline, and continuing thereafter throughout the Term of this Agreement as a
repayment equal to actual permitting and impact fees incurred by Company;
provided, however, that under no circumstances will the aggregate grant payments
under this subsection exceed $35,000.
(c) Timing of Payments. The grants in this Section 4.2 will be paid on a
quarterly basis. The City agrees to make quarterly payments to Company within
forty-five (45) days following its receipt of the latter of: i) the Sales Tax Reports
each month of the applicable calendar quarter; ii) the reports or other information
establishing the amounts of received Sales and Use Tax from the Comptroller’s
office for each month in the applicable calendar quarter; iii) the City’s receipt of the
Sales and Use Tax from the Comptroller’s office for each month of the applicable
calendar quarter; and iv) a Payment Request.
(d) Erroneously Paid Sales and Use Tax. In the event the Comptroller
determines, for any reason, that any Sales and Use Taxes were erroneously paid
to City from the sales provided for herein and the City is required to rebate or repay
any portion of such taxes, the amount of such rebate or repayment shall be
deducted from the calculation of the Sales and Use Taxes received by the City
under this Agreement, and in the event the calculation of Sales and Use Taxes paid
for a grant under this Section 4.2 shall reflect an overpayment by the City to
Company, Company agrees to reimburse the City the amount of such overpayment
within sixty (60) days of the City’s notification. Notification of any such required
adjustment will be provided to Company at the earliest practical date. This section
will survive termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 5
TERMINATION; REPAYMENT; OFFSET
5.1 Termination. This Agreement terminates on the Expiration Date, and may, prior
to the Expiration Date, be terminated upon any one or more of the following:
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(a) by mutual written agreement of the Parties;
(b) upon written notice by either Company or the City, if the other Party
defaults or breaches any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement and such
default or breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof;
(c) upon written notice by the City, if any Impositions owed to the City by
Company shall have become delinquent (provided, however, Company retains
the right to timely and properly protest and contest any such taxes or
Impositions);
(d) upon written notice by the City, if Company suffers an Event of Bankruptcy
or Insolvency; or
(e) upon written notice by Company or the City, if any subsequent Federal or
State legislation or any decision of a court of competent jurisdiction declares or
renders this Agreement invalid, illegal, or unenforceable.
5.2 Repayment.
(a) Company Repayment. In the event this Agreement is terminated by the
City pursuant to Section 5.1 (b), (c), (d), or (e), Company shall within 30 days of
termination refund to the City: i) an amount equal to the amount of all rebates
that have been provided by the City to Company prior to the date of such
termination, plus interest at the rate of interest periodically announced by the
Wall Street Journal as the prime or base commercial lending rate, or if the Wall
Street Journal shall ever cease to exist or cease to announce a prime or base
lending rate, then at the annual rate of interest from time to time announced by
Citibank, N.A. (or by any other New York money center bank selected by City) as
its prime or base commercial lending rate, accruing from the Effective Date until
paid; and ii) the amount of all taxes abated under this Agreement. Upon
termination of this Agreement by the City, all taxes abated as a result of this
Agreement shall become a debt to the City as liquidated damages, and shall
become due and payable not later than thirty (30) days after a notice of
termination is provided. The Parties acknowledge that actual damages in the
event of default would be speculative and difficult to determine. The City shall
have all remedies for the collection of the abated tax provided in the Texas Tax
Code for the collection of delinquent property tax. The City at its sole discretion
has the option to provide a repayment schedule. The liquida ted damages shall
constitute a tax lien against the Real Property and Company’s Tangible Personal
Property. Further, the liquidated damages shall incur penalties and interest as
provided for delinquent taxes in the Texas Tax Code and shall commence to
accrue after expiration of the thirty (30) day payment period.
Page 12
(b) Survival of Repayment Obligations. The repayment obligations of
Company set forth in this Section 5.2 shall survive termination of this Agreement.
5.3 Offsets. The City may, at its option, offset any amounts due and payable under
this Agreement against any debt (including taxes) lawfully due to the City from
Company, regardless of whether the amount due arises pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement, a Related Agreement or otherwise, and regardless of whether or not the
debt due the City has been reduced to judgment by a court.
ARTICLE 6
MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Binding Agreement. The terms and conditions of this Agreement are binding
upon the successors and assigns of the Parties.
6.2 Limitation on Liability. It is understood and agreed between the Parties that
Company, in performing its obligations under this Agreement, is deemed to have acted
independently, and the City assumes no responsibilities or liabilities to third parties in
connection with these actions.
6.3 No Joint Venture. It is acknowledged and agreed by the Parties that the terms
hereof are not intended to and shall not be deemed to create a partnership or joint
venture among the Parties.
6.4 Authorization. Each Party represents that it has full capacity and authority to
grant all rights and assume all obligations that are granted and assumed under this
Agreement.
6.5 Notice. Any notice required or permitted to be delivered hereunder shall be
deemed received three (3) days thereafter if sent by United States Mail, postage
prepaid, certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the Party at the address
set forth below (or such other address as such Party may subsequently designate in
writing) or on the day actually received if sent by courier or otherwise hand delivered.
If intended for City to: City of Southlake
1400 Main Street, Ste. 460
Southlake, Texas 76092
Attention: City Manager
If intended for Company, to: ____________________________
____________________________
___________________________
6.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement is the entire agreement between the Parties
with respect to the subject matter covered in this Agreement. There is no other
Page 13
collateral oral or written agreement between the Parties that in any manner relates to
the subject matter of this Agreement, except as provided in any exhibits attache d
hereto.
6.7 Governing Law. The substantive laws of the State of Texas (and not its conflicts
of law principles) govern all matters arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement and all
of the transactions it contemplates, including without limitation its validity, interpretation,
construction, performance and enforcement. Mandatory and exclusive venue for any
action concerning this Agreement must be in a court of competent jurisdiction in Tarrant
County, Texas
6.8 Amendment. This Agreement may only be amended by the mutual written
agreement of the Parties.
6.9 Legal Construction. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in
this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in
any respect, the remainder of this Agreement shall stand, shall be enforceable and shall
be read as if the Parties intended at all times to delete said invalid, illegal, or
unenforceable provisions.
6.10 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts. Each of th e
counterparts shall be deemed an original instrument, but all of the counterparts shall
constitute one and the same instrument.
6.11 Exhibits. All exhibits to this Agreement are incorporated herein by reference for
all purposes wherever reference is made to the same.
6.12 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned without the prior
written consent of the other party.
6.13 Survival of Covenants. Any of the representations, warranties, covenants, and
obligations of the Parties, as well as any rights and benefits of the Parties, pertaining to
a period of time following the termination of this Agreement shall survive termination.
6.14 Limitation of Damages. The Parties agree that no Party will be liable to the other
under this Agreement for indirect, special, consequential damages (including lost
profits), or exemplary damages.
6.15 Legislative or Judicial Changes. In the event of any legislative or judicial
interpretation that limits or restricts the City’s ability to pay the rebates described in this
Agreement, the abatement of taxes, or otherwise extracts or imposes any penalty or
other restriction upon the payment of the rebates or abatement of taxes, such payments
and abatements will cease as of the effective date of such l imitation or restriction and be
of no further force, effect, or consequence in which event the City shall be under no
further obligation to Company as of the effective date of such limitation or restriction.
Page 14
6.16 Attorney’s Fees. In the event it should become necessary to take legal action to
interpret or enforce the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing Party in such action shall
be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing Party reasonable attorney’s fees and
costs of court.
CITY:
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS
____________________________________
Laura Hill, Mayor
Date : _______________________________
COMPANY:
VariSpace Southlake LLC,
a Texas limited liability company
By: _______________________________
Name: _______________________________
Title: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________
Page 15
EXHIBIT “A”
Real Property
Page 16
EXHIBIT “A”
Real Property
Page 17
EXHIBIT “B”
Improvements
Property Type Description Proposal / Est Fee
Land Land Purchase*$4,620,000
Real Property Building Purchase*$20,380,000
Real Property Building Update Survey $2,500
Real Property Environmental Testing - Asbestos Survey $9,500
Real Property Concrete Cylinder Strength Testing $500
Real Property Geotechnical Engineering Services $8,300
Real Property Exterior Borings $1,100
Real Property Building Evaluation $98,500
Real Property Design and pricing $201,000
Real Property Architecture $50,000
Real Property Signage $32,000
Real Property Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) $23,000
Real Property Tenant lease / Infrastructure Package $1,000,000
Real Property Tenant Space Planning $50,000
Real Property Media Lab (Rendering Allow)$13,000
Real Property Structure Tone Contract $21,115,000
Real Property Low Voltage $500,000
Real Property Flooring - QuestMark $168,000
Real Property Roof replacement $855,000
Real Property DAS Safety Repeater System $145,000
Personal Property FF&E for common spaces (gym, coffee bar, conference & break rooms)$2,000,000
Personal Property FF&E for tenants $8,475,000
Total Personal Property $10,475,000
Total Real Property $44,652,400
Total Land $4,620,000
Total $59,747,400
* The total purchase contract price, $25M, for the property was not broken out between the purchase price of the land and
building. Amounts are estimated based on appraised values.
Page 18
EXHIBIT “C”
Certification of Compliance
Full Time Tenant Employees
Full Time Company Employees
Total Full Time Employees -
Current Name
Description of Operations
Description Job Types at Facility
Other Information
Estimated Average Salary
Current Name
Description of Operations
Description Job Types at Facility
Other Information
Estimated Average Salary
Current Name
Description of Operations
Description Job Types at Facility
Other Information
Estimated Average Salary
Current Name
Description of Operations
Description Job Types at Facility
Other Information
Estimated Average Salary
Current Name
Description of Operations
Description Job Types at Facility
Other Information
Estimated Average Salary
Current Name
Description of Operations
Description Job Types at Facility
Other Information
Estimated Average Salary
Signature
Printed Name
Date
(a) Required Full Time Employees
(b) Tenant Information
We hereby certify that the above noted full time employees are correct and that the average annual salary of the company and tenant
employees is at or above $70K, to the best of our knowledge. We have provided the current tenant mix, type of operations, type of jobs at
facility, and researched estimated average salaries based on publicly available information.
(c) Certification
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City of Southlake Policy Statement for Public
Investment related to Economic Development
General Purpose and Objectives of Incentives
The City of Southlake is committed to an ongoing improvement in the quality of life for its citizens through the attraction and retention
of high quality development that drives a dynamic and sustainable economic environment. Southlake will, on a case-by-case basis,
consider providing inducement packages as a stimulus for economic development activity including business attraction, relocation
and retention.
• Project supports comprehensive plan implementation
• Project will retain, expand, or attract targeted industries
• Project will contribute to a top-tier workforce by retaining
or expanding daytime population and preferred job types
• Project includes preferred quality of life benefits such as
open space preservation and project enhancements
• Public investment is performance-based and considers
reasonable return on investment via direct financial return
and other indirect benefits
• Investments will be made into projects sponsored by a
financially-viable company in good legal standing with the
City and State
• Project will make a unique or unequaled contribution
to development or redevelopment efforts in the City
of Southlake, due to its magnitude, significance to the
community or aesthetic quality
Public Funds Investment Guiding Principles
In carrying out its economic development objectives, the City of Southlake will adhere to the following guiding investment principles
to best determine the strategic investment of its resources in eligible projects:
Criteria
Recommendations for investment will be based on evaluation of criteria including the following:
Fiscal Impact • What is the estimated total value of capital investment for buildings, other real property
improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment?
• What is the value of the Real and Business Personal Property that will be added to the tax rolls?
• How much direct sales tax will be generated?
• Will infrastructure construction be required?
• Will the project generate overnight stays in the community? If so, how many annually?
• What is the estimated return on public investment?
Employment
Impact • How many jobs will be brought to Southlake?
• How many jobs will be retained?
• What types of jobs will be created?
• What will the total annual payroll be?
• What is the average annual salary of jobs created and/or retained?
Community
Impact • How compatible is the project with the City’s comprehensive plan goals?
• How does the project support goals related to preferred quality of life benefits such as
preservation of open space and project enhancements?
Project
Eligibility • Does the project meet the following minimum preferred thresholds?
• Capital investment: $5,000,000
• Jobs created or retained: 100
• Average annual total compensation of jobs created or retained: $50,000
• Average education level: 4-year degree
• Target industry alignment
If the project does not meet the preferred thresholds, will it make a unique or unequaled
contribution to the development or redevelopment efforts in the City? How?
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Target Industries
The Southlake 2035 Economic Development Master Plan specifies these target industries:
Niche Retail
• Full-service and limited-service restaurants (unique, independent restaurants, farm-to-table,
chef-driven, etc.)
• Specialty grocery (organic/local, specialty foods, dine-in or take-away house made prepared
foods, artisanal cafe, wine and cheese from around the globe)
• House & home retail (furnishings and appliances, home design showrooms, smart home
technology)
• Health, beauty and wellness (salons, spas, fitness training/gyms, yoga studios)
• Culinary Hub (farm-to-table, farmers market, specialty food retailers, commercial grade kitchens,
culinary business incubator)
Office
• Corporate headquarters and regional offices (large scale, build-to-suit campus office)
• Multi-tenant garden-style (professional services: accountants, engineers/planners/architects,
information technology, lawyers, advertising and media, management consulting, actuary)
Medical and
Healthcare
• Health, beauty and wellness (specialized facilities for cosmetic procedures, healthy living, etc.)
• Specialized pediatric and senior clinic / outpatient facilities
• Specialized medical facilities for surgical procedures (implanted medical devices, bariatric, etc.)
• Medical/wellness hub along SH 114
• Research & Development Center
Finance,
Insurance
and Wealth
Management
• Corporate headquarters and regional offices
• Professional services
Information
Technology and
Media
• Corporate headquarters and regional offices
• Professional services
• Telecommunications
Biotechnology
and
Pharmaceuticals
• Corporate headquarters and regional offices
• Research and development
Applicants are encouraged to visit www.Southlake2035.com to review the master plan for industry specifics and further detail.
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The following economic development investment tools are available for use by the City of Southlake for those economic development
projects that meet the eligibility criteria. Not all tools are available for each project and projects may be offered more than one tool.
The type and number of investment tools to be used is the sole discretion of the Southlake City Council. Investment from the City of
Southlake does not preclude other state and county incentives.
Exclusionary Factors
Even though a project might meet all of the minimum project qualifications, it will not be considered for public investment if any of
the following factors apply:
• If the project would, for any reason, result in a net reduction of the ad valorem tax valuation of all facilities in the City owned by
the company, or its parent, subsidiary or affiliated companies, assistance will not be provided.
• Investment will not be provided to companies not in good legal standing with the state or that have not met their obligations
as businesses in the City of Southlake.
• No prior commitment to investment shall be binding if the company originally receiving the assistance assigns it to another
company, unless the City has consented to such assignment in writing, as specified in an approved investment agreement.
• The financial condition of the company receiving the assistance must not be such that the ability of the company to meet its
obligations is uncertain.
Available Investment Tools
Eligible Activities
Investment funds may be used for one or more of the following eligible activities to assist a targeted industry in locating in the City or
to facilitate a redevelopment project:
• Capital investments related to real property construction and acquisition
• Improvements to an existing building
• On-site and/or off-site infrastructure
• Site enhancements that the City may choose to support in order to encourage upgraded aesthetics or amenities. Examples
include parks and open space, public art, decorative fountains, underground utilities and enhanced landscaping
• Other purposes which bring value to the community as determined by the Southlake City Council
Tax abatement
This is a tool whereby all or a portion of the increase in the value of real and/or business personal property
can be exempted from taxation. Legal authority for tax abatements comes from Chapter 312 of the Texas
Property Tax Code; therefore, cities must meet the provisions of the Code when using abatements.
Chapter 380
economic
development
grants
This incentive option is authorized under Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code. It is an
agreement between the taxpayer and taxing entity to offer a variety of fee-based or tax-based incentives,
grants (which may or may not be repaid), or rebates. This is a flexible option, but there are certain state
law requirements that must be met in all cases.
Infrastructure
participation
The City of Southlake has a track record of facilitating development through enhancement of water,
sewer and roadway infrastructure relevant to sites selected for significant projects as needed.
Tax Increment
Reinvestment
Zone
Tax Increment Financing is a tool to finance public improvements within a defined area. The
improvements should enhance the environment and attract new investment. The statutes governing tax
increment financing are in Chapter 311 of the Texas Tax Code.
Public
Improvement
Districts (PID)
A PID is a defined geographical area established to provide specific types of improvements or maintenance
within the area which are financed by assessments against the property owners within the area. Chapter
372 of the Texas Local Government Code authorizes the creation of PIDs by cities.
Fee waivers or
reimbursement The City of Southlake will consider a waiver or reimbursement of development fees on eligible projects.
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Process
Other Southlake Financial Policies Governing Public Funds Investment Considerations
How to Apply
Fill out and submit a Request for Investment Application. Application forms, deadlines and meeting information can be obtained
by contacting the economic development office at 817-748-8039 or by email at econdev@ci.southlake.tx.us. A full review of the
application with the economic development staff is recommended prior to submission.
Southlake has the following additional policies and guidelines that further define specific types of public investment.
• Tax Abatement Policy
• Economic Development Investment Fund Expenditure Guidelines
• Southlake TIRZ #1 Expenditure Guidelines
• Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund Expenditure Guidelines
Economic development office staff can provide copies of these documents and review applicability prior to submission of a request.
Requests for public investment are facilitated by the economic development and finance staff through a process described in the
“Procedure for Investment Consideration” which is provided as an attachment to the Request for Investment Application document.
All proposed incentives are subject to review and comment by the Community Enhancement and Development Corporation Board
and final City Council approval.
Return on Investment Considerations
Each eligible project must provide a return on investment (ROI) for the public funds investment provided. The City of Southlake
calculates ROI for both direct and indirect benefits. The specific ROI will be determined through analysis of:
• The project’s total capital investment and resulting taxable value generating an annual increase of property tax revenue
• The number and types of jobs to be created or retained
• The project’s estimated ability to generate direct sales tax revenue as well as indirect sales tax revenue
• The project’s estimated ability to generate overnight stays that result in direct hotel occupancy fund revenue as well as indirect
revenue associated with visitors contributing to the Southlake economy
All public investment will be considered on a project-by-project basis by applying the guidelines in this policy statement. The City is not obligated to make any investments.
In considering whether or not to provide investment in a project and if so how much, the City will take into account assistance made by private sources to support the project
locating in the City. The guidelines in this policy statement are only applicable to projects for which a completed Request for Investment Application has been submitted
to the City’s Economic Development Department. These guidelines are subject to change, and any changes will be applied to all projects for which a final Economic
Development Investment Agreement has not yet been approved by the City Council.