City attorney briefs council on preliminary land exchange talks with Texas A&M over Golf Ranch property

The council received a first briefing from City Attorney Jeff Lewis on preliminary negotiations with the Texas A&M University System that would exchange the city’s Golf Ranch property (approximately 249.866 acres, appraised at $2.5 million) for university‑owned non‑floodplain land (approximately 138.788 acres, appraised at $2.5 million).

Jeff Lewis said the proposals under discussion would treat the swap as an even‑value exchange and would include liquidation of an existing Golf Ranch leasehold interest (appraised at $1.2 million). Contracts currently in preparation would attempt to preserve the nature trail around the lake for public use and could allow the university to operate the golf course with a residential rate; staff asked the council to authorize the city manager to proceed with negotiations and finalize documents.

Why it matters: A land exchange of this scale can change tax‑status, future residential development patterns, and public access to recreational land. The briefing was conceptual: no final agreement was presented and council authorization would be limited to negotiation and contract finalization.

Next steps: Staff requested authorization to proceed with contract negotiations and to return finalized agreements for council approval at a future meeting.