Forney, Texas Area Bits-o-News

NOTE: all acreages listed are approximate, and may be rounded off to nearest acre.
Dollar amounts may be rounded off to the nearest thousand or million.

This information is not in any way official, it is presented here for your convenience.

• 2006-12-22 FISD
  • After a special two-hour morning executive session, the board approved directing the Board President to take action as discussed in executive session regarding the possible separation of ties with the contract (related to the Superintendent).
• 2006-12-19 City Council
  • Approved as consent items:
    • City council workshop minutes December 5, 2006.
    • City council minutes December 5, 2006.
    • Final plat Diamond Creek, phase 3.
    • Final plat-Animal Medical Center addition, lot 1 block 1.
    • Preliminary plat-Forney Professional Center, lot 1, block a (Fox Hollow PD).
    • Site plan, Forney Professional Center (Fox Hollow PD).
  • First public hearing to consider the annexation for 13.2256 acre tract of land situated in the A. Hyer Survey, abstract NO. 203 in Kaufman County, TEXAS. (Leonard). No one from the public spoke.
  • Approved an amendment to the contract for professional services with Schrickel, Rollins and Associates, Inc. (SRA) dated November 21, 2006 for additional topographic survey, base mapping and geotechnical services related to the development of the police and courts facility located on an adjacent parcel and authorize the City Manager to execute said amendment.
        This will consolidate the work being done for the park and the police and court buildings, as the properties are adjacent, thereby saving some money.
  • Approved contract for professional services with Brinkley Sergeant Architects for the design and engineering of a police and courts facility (justice center) to be located on approximately 8.2 acres on FM548 between the railroad tracks and FM741 and authorize the City Manager execute said contract.
        This is the same firm used to perform the needs assessment.
  • Recognition of Double Trouble Soccer Team for placing at the State level!
  • Recess for 30 minutes, until 8:00 PM.
  • City Manager -
    • Two contracts have now been approved for the items approved in the November bond election, and negotiations are underway with Pate Engineering for the third items (roads).
    • Pinson Rd. now has all 4 lanes open, but a couple of TXU utility poles need to be relocated.
    • Re: homes needing to be condemned - one home has been demolished, without the city having to go through legal proceedings. Nine other homes are on the list.
    • On Dec. 9 Mr. Patterson officially retired from the military, and as the city had to endure his deployment on several occasions, he nominated the city council for a patriotic employer award, which was granted and he presented it to the council.
  • Second public hearing to consider the annexation for 13.2256 acre tract of land situated in the A. Hyer Survey, abstract NO. 203 in Kaufman County, TEXAS. (Leonard).
• 2006-12-07 P & Z
  • Approved, as consent items:
    • Final Plat, Diamond Creek, Phase 3. City Planner Nilssen said this property was 114 lots (one for the HOA), plus a 21.8 acre lot on the west side which will be dedicated to the city, where 19 lots were removed from the original plat, partly due to the cost of having to build a bridge to the area. About 8 acres of this should be usable park land. Mr. Gent asked if the city would have to provide a bridge, if needed, after the land was dedicated - yes.
    • Final Plat-Animal Medical Center Addition, Lot 1, Block 1. Issues related to fire hydrants and protection have been resolved.
    • Preliminary Plat-Forney Professional Center, Lot 1, Block A (Fox Hollow PD). This area has base zoning of Commercial. Staff recommends stipulations for cross-access and fire lane easements.
    • Site Plan, Forney Professional Center (Fox Hollow PD) -the plan indicates two medical office buildings, one 8,000 sq. ft. and the other 6,251 sq. ft. with 91 parking spaces.
  • Ms. Nilssen then briefed the committee on things to consider regarding high-density residential areas, pointing out what areas were best suited to this use. She believes many of the older residential PDs will be coming back to be re-invented soon.
        There was some discussion about the transition areas of S. Bois D'arc (having a mix of new, old and rental homes) and Pinson Rd.
• 2006-12-05 City Council
  • Presentation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, by Mike Conway, CPA, who stated the city had net assets of $27.9 million, and total assets of $37 million, which he considered to be very healthy. He also stated revenues were up, with an excess revenue of $4.7 million. Mr. Parker said he was amazed the audit could be completed, considering the issues noted in the Management Letter, and asked if those issued had been addressed. Mr. Conway said he was sure the next audit would be better. Mr. Parker also inquired why the depreciated amount went down, which is the opposite one would expect - was the record keeping adequate? The answer was that several assets were near their end-of-life. Re: the next audit, assets would be a focus, and attention would be paid to bank reconciliations, which should be done on a timely basis. Mayor Grooms thanked the staff for their hard work, pointing out it was a hectic year with personnel changes and software and policy changes.
  • First public hearing to consider the annexation petition from Eastside Church of Christ, Inc. for 10.99 acre tract of land situated in the A. Hyer Survey, Abstract no. 203 in Kaufman County, Texas. Mr. Patterson pointed out this is a voluntary annexation request. No one from the public spoke.
  • Authorized the city manager to enter into revocable license agreements for the use of rightsofway that are not actively used for vehicular traffic but otherwise may be used for utility infrastructure.
  • Approved annexation of Ken and Lori Leonard for 13.2256 acre tract of land situated in the A. Hyer Survey, Abstract no. 203 in Kaufman County, Texas. Mr. Patterson said this was the beginning of the process, and the property is adjacent to the Eastside Church property.
  • Approved calling public hearings for 7:00 and 8:00 p.m., December 19, 2006, on annexation of the Ken & Lori Leonard for 13.2256 acre tract in the A. Hyer Survey, Abstract no. 203, Kaufman County, Texas.
  • Approved directing staff to give notice of potential annexation to property owners and others as required by law.
  • Approved directing staff to prepare annexation service plan for 13.2256 acres and have plan available at first public hearing.
  • Approved ordinance no. 1202 amending the city's building codes by adopting the 2003 international codes series and amendments. Assistant City Manager Brooks their were two items to consider: updating the code, and improving the process. He introduced David Jackson from Bureau Veritas who stated one of their goals was to make the process more friendly for the public and the builders, and they were able to make it better for staff as well. They have combined the several permits currently needed for a project to a single permit and streamlined the process for builders to submit their data.
  • Approved adoption of ordinance no. 1203 amending ordinance no. 1194 concerning building inspection fees.
  • Approved payment to North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) in the amount of $44,466.50 for participation in the construction of a portion of Kaufman Street.
  • Approved an interlocal agreement and release by and between the City of Forney and the North Texas Municipal Water District related to the transfer of funds in the amount of $277,565.00 to the City of Forney for the repaving of streets along Buffalo, Chestnut and Kaufman streets that were disturbed as a result of the installation of water line and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement. Normally, the NTMWD would have had to repair streets they impacted as soon as the work was finished, but in this situation, the City was following behind the NTMWD construction doing sewer and drainage work, therefore NTMWD escrowed the funds. Mr. Parker asked how we knew the amount was sufficient for the work to be done - Mr. Patterson replied the bids had been reviewed by the city engineer, and by the NTMWD board. Ms. Powers asked about the streets damaged by the heavy equipment running through the area - Mr. Patterson said at the next meeting would be a proposal to reallocate funds from the Main St. project for use in the Eastside area.
  • Second public hearing to consider the annexation petition from Eastside Church of Christ, Inc. for 10.99 acre tract of land situated in the A. Hyer Survey, Abstract no. 203 in Kaufman County, Texas. There was no public input.
  • City Manager -
    • The signals at FM548 and FM1641 are now flashing, and should be operating tomorrow, but without the preemption device for the railroad crossing. TxDOT has submitted all required information to the UP RailRoad, which may take another 6 months to install the device. Normally, TxDOT won't allow a signal to work without the preemption device, but they brought in a team of analysts who devised a schedule that should work
    • Pinson Rd project is still on schedule, and the last lane should be open mid-month.
    • They have met with Pate Engineering for options on either private funding or a Max-price project bid for the road work, but it might take 3 months to get an answer.
    • Downtown sewer line projects have been completed, and are already seeing a noticeable difference with fewer stoppages.
    • He was out of town for Military duty over the weekend, so wasn't able to attend the Hometown Christmas, but thanked the staff for helping to make it a success.
    • Mr. Parker asked why the city had reindeer out instead of the Manger decorations. Mr. Patterson said the Manger set was in bad shape, but a private benefactor is providing a new one, which should arrive soon.
    • Mr. Hatley asked about getting lighting at the Eastbound exit ramp for FM548, as it is quite dark there.
    Council Communications
    • Mr. Rozell thanked staff and the Forney Hometown Christmas committee, and said the Lion's Club had 80 entries on their angel tree at the start of the event, and all 80 had been adopted by the end of the day. He reminded everyone of the food drive at Brookshires.
    • Mr. Hatley wasn't able to attend the Hometown Christmas because he was at an Eagle Scout ceremony, but he thanked the committee for doing much of the work so that city staff didn't have to.
    • Ms. Powers said re: Mr. Vike's coming resignation that they had graduated together, and she has appreciated working with him.
    • Mayor Grooms said this past Monday the city sent a good letter to TxDOT, which was a nice change. He also thanked the Hometown Christmas committee. He said Mr. Patterson has, after this past weekend, now retired from the military after 23 years of service, having been in Iraq and involved in Katrina work.
• 2006-12-04 FISD
  • Ms. Bates read a poem she wrote about how a teacher could get fired without the board knowing about it, and how a single parent could have this power. After saying she had worked at Claybon, Pres. Bell stopped her, because such detail should only be disclosed in executive session.
  • Recognized UIL State Qualifiers in Cross Country.
  • Recognize Campus and District Holiday Card Artwork and Verse Winners
  • Architect/Construction Manager Report(s) -
  • Administrative Additions - Architect showed a design of the admin campus showing another 80 parking spots. The two-story addition will require removal of about 6 trees. The new building should house about 80 staff members.
  • 2006 Bond Projects Timelines - the Construction Manager presented a timeline of when various projects should go out for design and bid. Steel is currently on long delivery times. Artificial turf will be put in after track season. FMS parking should be usable by baseball season. FHS is on schedule.
  • Elementary Prototype - TEA has changed library requirements from 3,000 sq. ft. to 4,000, so a new design was presented.
  • Re: Amend Interlocal Agreement with City of Forney to include Football Stadium at Administration Building - this will allow the Parks Dept. to handle scheduling for the field, rather than the ISD doing it. Supt. Smith will negotiate these changes with the City, and he will return the proposed changes to the board. He will also give 90 day notice to the PeeWee Assoc. that their contract will be canceled.
  • 2007-2008 School Calendar Drafts - 4 calendars were shown, "C" was the most popular among employees and web-site visitors; the board requested that version be put on the next agenda as an action item.
  • eBook Implementation Plan - Mr. Geiger and Ms. Jacobs presented info about adding approx. 6,000 units. RFP responses should be in soon. Teachers should get their units in March 2007, FMS students will get theirs in the second semester. Starting 2008-2009 year the FHS and two new primary campuses will come on board, followed by the remaining primaries. This will all be paid for from the bond just authorized by voters.
  • After an hour-plus Executive Session -
    • Took no action on Employment of Professional Contract Personnel
    • Took no action on Superintendent's Evaluation
    • Took no action on Future School Sites
• 2006-11-16 City Council
  • Approve Ordinance no. 1200 – amending section 1.707 – destruction of controlled substances.
  • Conduct public hearing to consider adoption of a new official zoning map to replace and supersede the previous zoning map, which has become difficult to interpret due to the number of amendments adopted without amending the comprehensive zoning ordinance as to any property within the city of Forney. No one from the general public spoke.
  • Mayor Grooms invited Misty Holler to come up and show her new bundle of joy.
  • Approve ordinance no. 1201 – adoption of a new official zoning map.
  • Approve canvassing the returns and declaring the results of a bond election held November 7, 2006. Voter turnout was 38%.
  • Approve a resolution approving the pass-through toll program with the Texas Department of Transportation and authorizing the city manager to negotiate an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation based on terms and conditions identified in the Texas Transportation Commission Minute order 110443…
  • Approve a resolution authorizing the city manager to negotiate an agreement for professional architectural and other related services with Brinkley Sargent and Associates for the design, engineering and possible design build of a police and municipal court facility.
  • Approve contract for professional services with Schrickel, Rollins and Associates for the design and engineering of outdoor recreation facilities to be located on approximately 127 acres on FM548 between the railroad tracks and FM741 and authorize the city manager execute said contract. Mr. Patterson said the design will take about 12 weeks, construction documents will take another 22 weeks, for a total of 9 months.
  • Took a 20 minute recess for punch and cake in honor of Mr. Patterson's birthday.
  • Approve re-appointing Wende Hawthorne as a member of the Economic Development Corporation board of directors.
  • Approve receipt of annexation petition from Eastside Church of Christ, inc for 10.99 acre tract of land situated in the A. Hyer survey, abstract no. 203 in Kaufman County, Texas.
  • Approve calling public hearings for 7:00 … 7:30 PM, December 5, 2006, on annexation of the Eastside Church of Christ, Inc for 10.99 acre tract in the A. Hyer survey abstract no. 203, Kaufman County, Texas, plus adjoining right of way of fm548 of 1.328 acres and directing staff to publish notice of public hearings on november 22m 2006, in the city's official newspaper.
  • Approve directing staff to give notice of potential annexation to property owners and others as required by law.
  • Approve directing staff to prepare annexation service plan for 11.571 acres and have plan available at first public hearing.
  • Approve final plat Brookville Estates PD phase 2A. City Planner Nilssen said the original phase 2 was 43.8 acres with 145 lots, phase 2A will be 23.5 acres with 70 lots. Issues with Redbud lane have been resolved with this plat.
  • Approve final plat Meadowridge Farm Section A. This section was to have 4,500 sq. ft. minimum lots, has been upgraded to 6,000 minimums with an average of 7,300 sq. ft. Lot 1 blk E was a separate plat for a Police/Fire building, that is now included. Park land, about 28 acres, is still in a different plat.
  • Approve site plan Sprint/Nextel lease-EDC. This tower is permitted by right, and will meet the maximum height limit of 120 ft. It will have a 12 ft driveway, and chain-link fence as required by Homeland Security.
  • Approve site plan Corrugates Services additions. This area is zoned LI. The new 30,000 sq. ft. building will include fuel storage and a conveyor system, on the west and south-west sides. Work has been done to ensure access for fire personnel. Corrugated has its own water system, and its roads are better than required by zoning. TxDOT has reviewed the plan and is happy with it. The plan also requests alternate building materials.
  • Approve site plan Place Legrand, lot 1, block 1.
  • Approve final acceptance of public improvements for Hibernia bank at Mustang Crossing lot 5, block 1 (Capital One Bank).
  • Approve final acceptance of public improvements for Autozone at Mustang Crossing, lot 11, block 1.
  • Approve additional signatory for city accounts at City Bank. Bank policy requires council action to change signatories. Added were Mr. Patterson, Mr. Brooks and Ms. Stafford.
  • Approve awarding bid contract for parks and maintenance. Park Board President Curry said 4 bids were received, the lowest bidder has a bad history, so the next lowest bidder Clean Sweep at $47,660 was approved.
  • Approve finalizing negotiations with Planet Kidz, Inc. to operate recreational programming at Forney middle school. Mr. Curry also provided information on this program, which provided recreation in the school gym Saturday nights from 7-11PM. This program is currently used in 27 locations, including Rockwall. The fee will be $10 for the full four hours. The company pays for police at the door and for cleanup. It could be operational by January.
  • Removed from the agenda: ordinance #1202 amending the city’s building codes by adopting the 2003 international codes series and amendments.
  • City Manager -
    • Mr. Patterson said the Eastside project is moving along.
    • Sewer projects are complete, now allowing time for settling. The major sewer line behind McDonalds is finished.
    • Broad St. water line is complete - driveways are being replaced.
    • Pump Station #2 is ahead of schedule. The top of the tank is now visible, and the tank goes 20 ft into the ground.
    • The artesian well evaluation is still being done, to determine if it can be used for potable water or just for parks use.
    • Pinson road still under construction, but 3 lanes are now open. Should be finished in mid-December.
    • Central Fire Station expansion to 24x7 operation - the design is finished, engineering plans by Thanksgiving.
    • Stop lights on FM548 are operating, but the ones at FM1641 are still bagged. The city is in constant contact with TxDOT and the railroad - possibly the lights will be working in December.
    • At a previous meeting, citizens expressed concerns about the Main St. drainage project. A change order will be coming to remove that portion that portion, but not the funding. The funds will be used for more work in the Eastside area.
    • Another citizen concern was parking on Chinaberry street. The HOA there only meets once a year - the city would have to call a special meeting and pay the expenses to discuss the parking problem.
    • A special thanks to the bond committee - he was extremely impressed by the committe, which worked together well. He believes this speaks volumes about the direction the city is headed.
  • Public Communications -
    • Barbara Yates spoke, on behalf of Hattie West, regarding inquiries made seven months ago about houses that need to be condemned. She is concerned that nothing has been done during that time. Mr. Patterson replied that it took longer than expected to get a Chief Building Official on board which could start the lengthy process. Ms. Yates said some houses had been cleaned up. Mr. Patterson said he had involved the code enforcement officer to do that. Ms. Yates then asked about progress on Buffalo street - she's been eating dust for seven months. Mr. Patterson replied utilities are being moved, then dirt work will be done on the ditches, then the road will be paved.
  • Convened a 25 minute executive session re: municipal judges.
  • Authorized the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to meet with the municipal judge re: contract for judicial services for 2 years.
  • Authorized Mr. Patterson to advertise for two positions of Alternate Municipal Court Judge.
  • Council Communications -
    • Mr. Vike announced he will be resigning from the council, because he has purchased a new house, which is outside the city limits. He will leave on Jan. 30, and had already decided to not run for re-election next year. He encouraged the council to appoint Brian Haughey, who ran against Mr. Vike in his last campaign, and who did a good job on the bond committee. He thanked the citizens for passing the bonds proposal.
    • Mr. Holler thanked the bond committee and the citizens for the historic election results.
    • Mr. Hatley was saddened to lose Mr. Vike, who has a top-level concern for citizens and the police and fire depts. He appreciates the bond committee members, and Brian's work keeping them on task. He said it is humbling that the citizens entrusted the council to do this.
    • Mr. Rozell enjoyed being on the bond committee, which made history, and it says a lot about where the city is going.
    • Mr. Parker gave his heartfelt thanks to Mr. Vike for his service. He congratulated the bond committee, and also Mr. Holler for his new tax deduction.
    • Mayor Grooms asked everyone to remember Odessa, whose house burned on Sunday. He said the bond committee did a good job, and that Mr. Vike has been an asset to the community.
• 2006-11-16 FISD
  • Approved as Consent Items -
    • 2007-2010 Technology ePlan
    • State Waiver - Staff Development/Early Release
    • State Waiver - Modified TAKS Schedule
  • Hearing of Students, Employees, and Citizens-
    • Kevin Buie spoke, stating he was in favor of two high schools.
    • Richard Mott has an FMS student, and has heard of some racial remarks made at the school. He would like to work as a volunteer with the school to start a Challenge Day program, which helps address differences among students.
  • Presentation by Johnson Elementary Students
  • Canvass Election Results
  • Architect/Construction Manager Report(s) - on the FHS addition, the tape and bed and masonry are almost complete. Locker rooms will take another two weeks to finish. Admin should be finished next month. The FMS excavation is 80% complete - the gym piers are in, classroom piers will be in soon. Utility lines have been a problem to work around.
  • No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Highly Qualified Teacher Report All FISD campuses are at 100%, except for FMS at 95%, Johnson at 97%, and FHS at 97%.
  • Quarterly Financial Reports
  • Report on October 13, 2006 Bond Refunding - $16.195 million was refunded which will save $1.046 million over the next 20 years.
  • After a one hour Executive Session -
    • Approved Employment of Professional Contract Personnel
    • Took no action on Future School Sites
• 2006-11-02 P & Z
  • Approved, as consent items:
    • Final plat, Brookville Estates PD, Phase 2A. This was originally approved in 2004 as 44 acres with 185 lots. This will now be split into two phases. Money for sidewalks has been escrowed. Maintenance of the 50 ft. ROW over the gas line will be done by the HOA, once one is established.
    • Final plat, Meadowridge Farm, Section A. This is a 600 acre development N. of Hwy 80, E. of Reeder Rd. having over 16,000 lots. The area previously designated as having 4,500 sq. ft. lots has been upgraded to minimum of 6,000 sq. ft.
    • Site plan, Sprint/Nextel lease EDC. This area of the EDC park allows 120 ft. high buildings, and that will be the height of the monopole cell tower.
    • Site plan, Corrugated Services Addition. On the 167 acre site will be added a 30,000 sq. ft. building housing a biomass generator. Two sides of the building will have a conveyor system for moving the wood chip fuel. Much attention has been given to assure access by fire fighters. They have agreed to stripe the roads and mark fire lanes.
    • Site plan, Place Le Grand, Lot 1, block 1.
  • A lengthy staff update covered philosophy of Planning and Zoning, areas of authority, and that no new residential PDs have been approved in two years.
• 2006-10-17 City Council
  • Mayor Grooms read a proclamation declaring Nov. 6 - 10 as Municipal Courts Week.
  • Public Hearing to consider the application of Randy Philbeck requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in order to operate a woodworking shop in a General Retail (GR) zoning districts. The request is to establish the woodworking shop in one of the smaller buildings toward the rear of the property. The site consists of 9.517 acres and is located on the north side of US Hwy 80, Clements Addition replat, lot 1, more commonly known as 206 US Hwy 80, City of Forney, Kaufman County Texas.
         The buildings behind the NAPA building will be modified to suit this use, & Mr. Philbeck plans to move all his businesses to this location. City staff finds no detrimental impact from the new use. One written response was received from the adjacent owners, and it was in favor. A fire lane will be added to the rear of the property, between the rows of buildings, and along the front.
         There was no public input.
  • Approved the CUP request from Randy Philbeck.
  • Accepted 2.835 acres of land from Don Harris and Tony Palmer, general partners of H&P Enterprise. This land will be used for the Master Park Trail system. Money has been escrowed for the trail development. This development is 12.14 acres with 70 lots.
  • Approved Final plat - Park Creek Gardens.
  • Approved Prelim. plat - FISD Forney Middle School, lot 1. This covers almost 79 acres and the FMS renovation. A few of the existing buildings will remain, but there will be a new cafeteria, kitchen, and admin. An additional 90 thousand sq. ft. of parking will be added.
  • Approved Final plat - FISD Forney Middle School, lot 1.
  • Approved Site plan - FISD Forney Middle School, lot 1.
  • Approved Site plan - Jiffy Lube at Shafer Plaza, Lot 1, block B. This is about 0.9 acres, N. of Sonic, a 2,606 sq. ft. building with 16 parking spaces. This will also connect the old FM 548 with the new FM 548.
  • Site plan - Chase Bank at Shafer Plaza, Lot 5, block B. Property is about .9 acres S. of Walgreens, a 4,279 sq. ft. building with 44 parking spaces. Cross-access agreements have been made, which a really important now that the access roads have been converted to one-way.
  • Approved Site plan - Church of Brotherly Love on Broad St. This is currently a vacant lot at Broad and Cedar streets of 0.359 acres. This was originally denied last year, due to lack of parking space. The sanctuary has been reduced in size, so less parking is needed. The building is 3,352 sq. ft. with 11 parking spaces.
  • Approved Final plat - Place Le Grand PD, lot 1.
  • Approved Final plat - Khodaparast Brothers Retail Development, lot 1, blk 1. This property is about 2.1 acres between the Animal Clinic and Martinez Restaurant. Cross-access has been arranged to the rear of the property. Prior requests to escrow the funds for the masonry wall in back are no longer needed, as the sewage project has been completed, so the wall may now be built.
  • Approved revised final plat, Deerfield Heights, Ph. II. This resolves some issues from the 2003 plat re: park land. About 4 acres will become part of the Trail System. The HOA will maintain the park land for 5 years, and then the city will take over. Funds will be escrowed for 0.9 acres of park land.
  • Accepted public improvements for Deerfield Heights, Ph. II.
  • City Manager -
    • Mr. Patterson said thanks to the council authorizing funds to review the employee insurance, the city is now acquiring new insurance which will bring the employee cost of family coverage from $1,102 per month to $547.59. In addition, the city will save over $90,000 per year. Mr. Vike asked if the savings could be used to further reduce employee costs - Mr. Patterson said 20% of the savings are being used for that, the remainder is needed to fund the Health Reimbursement Account plan.
    • Pinson Rd. should be converted to 3 lanes mid-November.
    • Bois D'arc construction will not remove the down-town parking. The work will begin on the South end of FM 740 and move North.
    • Mr. Patterson gave a quick slide show to show the street and sewer projects currently underway.
    • Re: the Main St. drainage project - after citizen input at the last meeting, and reviewing the project, it may be larger than thought and might need to be moved to the 2008 budget. This could free up funds to spend in the Eastside area.
    • Re: citizen input concerning Chinaberry St. parking - the two options available are to reduce access to the park, or make the area a No Parking zone, which would negatively impact the home owners. Mr. Vike and Mr. Hatley were interested in meeting with residents there, because they might be in favor of restricting the parking.
  • Council Communications -
    • Mr. Parker said he continues to be impressed by the city manager and staff. He also commended the FISD for their positive review in a recent Dallas Morning News article regarding campus security.
    • Mr. Rozell reminded everyone about homecoming this weekend, and asked for support on the upcoming bond election.
    • Mr. Hatley said the bond committee will meet next Monday at the Starplex and encouraged the public to come and ask questions. He thanked the city staff and TxDOT for dealing with the headaches on the access road conversion, and apologized for things that might have been said. He praised the quick response on realizing that making Broad St. one-way was a mistake.
    • Ms. Powers mentioned the homecoming, and said that Little Flock Church would be having a festival Oct. 28.
    • Mr. Vike was quite pleased about the employee insurance update, which has been desired for years. He also said the Pinson Rd. drainage was working well.
    • Mr. Holler thanked staff for their work, and recognized the Forney Police Dept. for their ability to catch the burglars who hit several hundred homes, in addition to dealing with all the construction issues.
    • Mayor Grooms recognized Trent Brown, who is now the President of American National Bank. He stated that in this budget year staff has increased retirement benefits and life insurance, reduced health insurance costs, all without raising taxes. He urged the registered voters in the room to vote for the bond package. To the Eastside residents, he said the growth is a pain, but it will be good.
    • Mr. Patterson publicly thanked Mike Shook, saying it was the best move he made, placing Mike in charge of Public Works.
• 2006-10-05 P & Z
  • Approved, as consent items:
    • Prelim. plat - FISD Forney Middle School, lot 1. This covers almost 79 acres and the FMS renovation. A few of the existing buildings will remain, but there will be a new cafeteria, kitchen, and admin. An additional 90 thousand sq. ft. of parking will be added.
    • Final plat - FISD Forney Middle School, lot 1
    • Site plan - FISD Forney Middle School, lot 1
    • Site plan - Jiffy Lube at Shafer Plaza, Lot 1, block B. This is about 0.9 acres, N. of Sonic, a 2,606 sq. ft. building with 16 parking spaces.
    • Site plan - Chase Bank at Shafer Plaza, Lot 5, block B. Property is about .9 acres S. of Walgreens, a 4,279 sq. ft. building with 44 parking spaces.
    • Site plan - Church of Brotherly Love on Broad St. This was originally denied last year, due to lack of parking space. The sanctuary has been reduced in size, so less parking is needed. The building is 3,352 sq. ft. with 11 parking spaces, located at Cedar and Broad.
    • Final plat - Place Le Grand PD, lot 1.
    • Final plat - Khodaparast Brothers Retail Development, lot 1, blk 1. This property is about 2.1 acres between the Animal Clinic and Martinez Restaurant.
    • Final plat - Park Creek Gardens. This is the heavily treed portion of the H&P development, N. of Kaufman St. and will involve extending Central Ave. as well as upgrading Kaufman St. along the development. Funds will be escrowed for a 5 ft. sidewalk which will be part of the Trail system.
    • Final plat - Animal Medical Center addition, lot 1, block 1
  • Removed item: To consider the application of Realty Capitol Corp. requesting approval of a change in zoning from Single-Family (SF-15) District, SF-20 and Agricultural (AG) District to a Residential Planned Development (PD) to be more commonly known as "Meadowbrook Farms Planned Development". This property consists of approx. 306 acres of land situated in the Juan Lopez Survey No. 286, Kaufman County, Texas. [A portion of the property is not currently in the city limits and will be considered concurrently with an annexation petition] THE APPLICANT HAS WITHDRAWN THE REQUEST.
  • To consider the application of Randy Philbeck requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in order to operate a woodworking shop in a General Retail (GR) zoning districts. The request is to establish the woodworking shop in one of the smaller buildings toward the rear of the property. The site consists of approx. 9.5 acres and is located on the north side of US Hwy 80, Clements Addition replat, lot 1, more commonly known as 206 US Hwy 80, City of Forney, Kaufman County Texas.
         The buildings behind the NAPA and red and white building will be modified to suit this use. The Fire Chief and City Engineer have each reviewed this, and staff finds no detrimental impact from the new use. Just one response was received from the adjacent owners, and it was in favor.
  • Approved the CUP request from Randy Philbeck.
  • Approved revised final plat, Deerfield Heights, Ph. II. This resolves some issues from the 2003 plat re: park land. The HOA will maintain the park land for 5 years.
  • Staff update - Some action coming on Meadowridge Farms, the 600 acres W. of Wal-Mart. A cell tower will be coming. Brookville Phase 2 will probably be split into two phases. There may be a Starbucks coming.
• 2006-10-03 City Council
  • Re-appointed David Yandell and William Tayamen to the planning and zoning commission for two (2) years.
  • Appointed The Forney Messenger as the official newspaper for two years.
  • Approved agreement by and between the city of Forney and AT&T Texas allowing AT&T to relocate its infrastructure within Forney's right-of-way while allowing AT&T not to waive any claim it may have for the disputed relocation cost. This came after some discussion, which concluded it was prudent to have the utility relocation done now, and settle the likely disputes at a later date. The agreement has been reviewed by attorneys on both sides, & Mr. Patterson said the agreement was very clear that there was no assumption that the city would pay anything. Mayor Grooms stated public opinion would be a very good tool to fight the claims AT&T might make later.
  • Changed council meeting dates by moving Tuesday, November 7 to Thursday, November 16 and canceling Tuesday, November 21.
  • City Manager -
    • Pinson rd has finally changed sides, and construction immediately started on the old side. Plans are to have 3 lanes open by Nov. 15, one North-bound and two South-bound. The entire project is scheduled to be finished by Dec. 2nd.
    • The offramp in front of Lowe's is now open, but drivers should still be careful, as construction continues to remove the old offramp.
    • The access roads along Hwy. 80 are being repaved as part of the one-way conversion. There have been many head-on collisions on the access roads, and just yesterday a TxDOT vehicle and a semi-truck had a head-on wreck. The one-way conversion should be finished this week. The new traffic signals will be powered up tomorrow and will be flashing red until probably this weekend. As to the bottleneck that will occur at Hwy 80 and FM 548, he suggested citizens visit ForneyBonds.org and review the roads proposal.
    • The new pump station is proceeding on schedule, and should be active by July or August of next year.
    • The water main work on Broad St. is moving along well.
    • He reminded everyone that the white and orange markings along streets in the downtown area are where the roads will be torn up. Also work will be done on Trinity St. and elsewhere to remove sewer lift stations.
    • Mr. Hatley expressed concerns that the one-way conversion is going to cause a big problem by removing Broad St. as a way out of Forney, and wondered if TxDOT would be receptive to not converting it at this time. Mr. Patterson said he would revisit that with TxDOT, and the ultimate plan is to relocate that exit ramp to connect with the access road.
    • Mr. Parker asked if there was any update on the artesian well situation - there is not. He also asked if other folks were having rusty water.
  • Citizen Communications -
    • Tony Gonzalez told the council that Chinaberry St. in the Chestnut Meadows addition had become dangerous because of all the parking for sports activities. He is very concerned that a child is going to be injured, and that there is not enough room left on the street for emergency vehicles to travel through the area.
    • Carolyn Marett spoke, representing her neighbors on Main St. re: the drainage improvement project. Based on information she has received, it seems the South side of Main will bear the brunt of the impact, and some houses will no longer have a yard. She feels Main St. should be dear to the city, and would like better notification than door-hangers. She has heard there have been two meetings regarding this project, but she wasn't informed about either one.
    • Dr. John Taylor said he found out Monday about the plans, and looking at the survey stakes it appears a utility pole will be placed about 5 ft. from the foundation of property he owns on Main St. He feels it would be better to do nothing than to ruin the yards on properties, and would like the project to be put on hold until the residents can see the plans.
    • Carl Flowers said he just moved into the house on Main St. and didn't receive any door hangers or telephone calls, and doesn't feel it would be proper to take away his family's front yard.
    • Whitney Rozell said the situation on Chinaberry really is bad enough that emergency vehicles would not be able to get through.
    • Mayor Grooms said the city hasn't done any of the work on the Main St. drainage yet, the markers and flags were put there by the utility companies, and the city would be in contact with residents before anything was done. Dr. Taylor said that would be great, but if the utilities were going to be that close to the houses, it would be unacceptable.
  • Council Communications -
    • Mr. Rozell encouraged everyone to be involved in the bond election. He also thanked the two people responsible for him being here, namely his parents Ken and Vickey, who recently celebrated their 40th anniversary.
    • Mr. Hatley said it was exciting to have the upcoming bond election, that the bond committee had been working hard, and folks should check the website and/or call committee members. He congratulated the Rozells, and asked that everyone keep the Weatherfords in their prayers after the passing of R. A.
    • Mayor Grooms reminded the council that Monday was Fair Day, and they had a 5PM reception. He reminded everyone that city staff can only provide information about the bond proposal, so for opinions they should contact committee members.
• 2006-10-02 FISD
  • Approved as Consent Items -
    • Minutes of September 11, 2006
    • 90-Day Facility Use Agreement
    • TASB Policy Update #78
    • American Sign Language Textbook Waiver
  • Approved 2006-2007 Textbook Selection Committee as recommended.
  • Approved Adoption of an Order Authorizing the Issuance of Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds, Establishing Sale Parameters, Authorizing the Execution of a Bond Purchase Contract and an Escrow Agreement; Approving an Official Statement; and Enacting Other Provisions Relating to the Subject.
          Mr. Adams of First Southwest Co. said there was an opportunity to refinance the 2001 bonds and save over a million dollars in interest. Bond rates have moved down dramatically in last few weeks. The possibility is to refund (refinance) 16,195,000 with a savings of 1.2 million. He suggested that the board give Mike the authority to execute the transaction on or after October 12 if the interest rates remain low or have Mr. Adams come back to the board at the next meeting and hope that the interest rates are still low.
  • Architect/Construction Manager Report(s) - Mr Hawkins- FHS wing is going well, the girls locker room will be ready by Nov 15. Classroom wing is about to start closing in walls. FMS south - lots of demolition for the next 2 weeks! Will start building back by first of Nov. Nothing unexpected has turned up to delay construction. The building at admin. parking lot should be ready by mid-November.
  • Administrative Services Building Renovations Jeff- architect - presented preliminary plans for the administration building. The admin. requested that they increase the size of board room and get as much office space as possible. Preliminary plans are to put in a 2 story building on the south side of the current building, plus put wings on the new buildings being currently built at administration site (across the parking lot). The plans are for the board room to be 4X bigger and seat approx 250 people. Will add another parking lot on south side of property (the residential lot that the FISD purchased). A lot of the building will be unfinished, and will be finished out later as needed. There will be 12000 sq. ft. on first floor of new wing. This plan will almost triple the square footage of the admin campus. Hope to go out for bid around January.
  • Review of 2002 Facilities Plan - Items still left to do out of this bond are purchase of land, additions and renovations to admin building - anticipated completion 12/07. Bond funds still available total $30,300,000; obligations are $25,259,192. After purchase of land and administration portion of project use another $5,004,000, the balance remaining will be $36,566.
  • Approved FM(Local) Policy: Student Activities - A change/re-wording/consolidation of current policies concerning student activities. Activities, Clubs and organizations must support the curricular or co-curricular program of the school and must have a sponsor from the campus the organization is on and must be approved by the campus principal
  • Set November Canvass of Bond Election and Regular Board Meeting Date and Time to November 16, 7 PM.
  • First Six Weeks Attendance Report - ADA for first 6 weeks was 5,941 and 97% attendance. Have 115 new students since school started, and are 50-60 students above the projected number of students for the end of October.
  • there was no Executive Session -
    • Took no action on Employment of Professional Contract Personnel.
    • Took no action on Future School Sites.
  • Announcements and Adjournment
    • Future Board Meetings
    • November Board Meeting Date(s)
    • Monday, December 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
    • Monday, January 8, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
    • Monday, February 5, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
• 2006-09-19 City Council
  • Public Hearings:
    • A Public Hearing to consider and act upon the application of Herzog Development Corporation requesting approval of a text amendment to the Trails of Chestnut Meadows Planned Development District (PD) Ordinance NO. 1031. The amendment concerns clarifying and amending the language regarding the use of a private recreation facility that includes but is not limited to parks, linear greenbelt areas, trails and walkways, playgrounds and recreation facilities, swimming pools and tennis courts. The amendment will declare this use as a permitted use by right and establish the development standards of the facility within the Planned Development. The amendment will also contain language regarding allowing access from the East Side Church property along the Northern most part of proposed Lot 8, Block V, Phase 4 in the form of a legally approved plat. This property consists of approximately 393 acres of land, more or less, situated in the John Gregg Survey Abstract no. 171 and the Hyer Survey Abstract no. 203, City of Forney, Kaufman County, Texas more commonly known as the Trails of Chestnut Meadows Planned Development.
      • City Planner Nilssen stated this is mostly a house-keeping issue, and the city doesn't want to get between a developer and the HOA where private facilities are concerned. The changes will still require a CUP for any public facilities. She stated 41 written responses and one telephone call were made in favor of the change, and 5 written responses and one telephone call were made in opposition. She also stated approved this does not mean there will be a pool built, only that the zoning would allow one by right.
      • No one from the general public spoke.
    • A Public Hearing to consider and act upon an amendment to the text of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance NO. 1085) regarding the adoption of the planned Commercial District Ordinance.
      • City Planner Nilssen said this new system will help to accelerate procedures, as with the proposed point system developers will be able to make changes without having to re-submit their plans and go through the whole approval process. The landscaping standards have been beefed up in this amendment.
      • No one from the general public spoke.
  • Approved ordinance no. 1196 on PD amendment Trails of Chestnut Meadows PD. with staff recommended stipulations regarding signage, playground equipment, and submittal of site plans.
  • Approved ordinance no. 1197 for Planned Commercial District ordinance (PCD).
  • Accepted the recommendation of the Parks Board for the City to enter into a contract negotiations with Schrickel, Rollins and Associates to provide engineering services for the planned Community Park. Mayor Grooms said he doubted a better firm than this could be found in the DFW area.
  • Accepted revised final plat-Shaffer Plaza at Mustang Crossing, lots 4, 5, 6 and 12 block B.
  • Approved site plan-Walgreens retail store, consisting of about 1.1 acres, a 14,820 sq. ft. building and 77 parking spaces.
  • Approved revised preliminary plat-Trails of Chestnut Meadows, phase 4. This was necessary to free up lots for the East Side Church access and the possible amenity center.
  • Approved revised final plat-Trails of Chestnut Meadows, phase 4.
  • Approved preliminary plat-Place le Grand, lot 1. This adds 5 feet of right-of-way on the 2.5 acre portion of the project.
  • Accepted Public Improvements on project - final plat, Mustang Crossing Planned Development, lot 9 block A (WHAT A BURGER)
  • Accepted Public Improvements on project - final plat, Forney Center PD. lot 1A block A.
  • Accepted Public Improvements on project - final plat, Lowe's at Mustang Crossing lot 10, block A.
  • Adopted ordinance no. 1198 authorizing City Manager to create, amend and rescind personnel policies in accordance with the city charter.
  • City Manager -
    • The City and the Mayor are again "rattling some cages" to try to get TxDOT moving on the stop-lights, access roads, and the off-ramp relocation in front of Lowe's.
    • Pinson Road - the construction will changes sides next Thursday or Friday.
    • He was very happy to announce that Chic-Fil-A had filed a building permit and would be coming soon.
    • Demonstrated the new website ForneyBonds.org which will provide educational information about the upcoming bond election. City staff is prohibited by law from advocating passage of the bond, but is allowed to provide factual data. Elected officials are free to promote the bonds if they wish. In addition, the city will be mailing out flyers, and placing an advertisement in the Forney Messenger to fulfill the legal requirements for a bond election.
  • Council Communications -
    • Ms. Powers thanked staff for the new website.
    • Mr. Rozell thanked the Forney Police for their help with the Jackrabbit Stampede. He also stated the bond committee will meet every Monday night at Martinez Restaurant, and anyone with questions or comments was welcome to attend.
    • Mr. Parker related a quote from Gen. Sherman about renting Texas and living in Hell, and thanked God for fall.
    • Mayor Grooms thanked Mary Nichols for her work, and stated the Dallas Business Journal recently had an article stating the Cirrus Group was planning to build a hospital in Forney. (information provided later indicates the $10 million hospital could be operational by 2009 and be located at FM548 & FM741) He said he would be calling local developers to raise funds for a bond election campaign, as elected officials are allowed to stump for it.
• 2006-09-11 FISD
  • The meeting starts out with a standing-room-only overflow crowd and a television camera
  • Patriotic Tribute - The High School Choral sang the National Anthem in remembrance of 911
  • WalMart Presentation to the Education Foundation - The managers of the Forney Wal-Mart Presented a $2000 check to the High School to be used for any kind of extra curricular activity and a $2000 check to the Education Leadership Foundation
  • A number of speakers addressed an issue regarding the Step Club and its lack of a sponsor -
    • A High School student, Miss Tamiah Sew, addressed the board concerning the High School Step team. Several members of the audience were fellow students sharing her concern for the team and remained standing while Miss Sew addressed the board. She pointed out that there has been a Step team the last 2 years but the district is having difficulty getting a sponsor this year and therefore would not have a team. She pointed out that the demographics of Forney are changing and that not everyone wants to do conventional sports. She hopes that their concerns will be shared by the board and not go unresolved.
    • Alice Brown addressed the board about the lack of activities and programs such and the YMCA, and Boys and Girls clubs. She wanted to know if there were any plans for these or any other private organizations in Forney. She feels that these programs would be very beneficial to students and would take allot of the pressure off the school district and the teachers. She also wanted to know if anything was being done for the extracurricular activities for the children. She also was concerned that some of the smaller developments don't have places for children to play ball and other activities and wanted to know if any of the tax money was going towards providing some of those communities with these activities. Mr. Bell advised her that he did not know of any plans for those organizations in Forney and that these were issues that needed to be taken to the City Council.
    • Pat Bowman addressed the board about the Step Team. Her son has been practicing for the Step Team for several weeks preparing for try-outs. She pointed out that it is a diverse group of students wanting to be on the team. She would like the School Board to help them get a sponsor and do whatever it take to get the team going. She offered to be a business sponsor of the team of one was needed. She thanked the board for listening to them and considering keeping the program alive.
    • Mr Bell informed the audience that any kind of extracurricular activities or sponsorships is the responsibility of the campus principal so they would need to go to the principal first and then if they do not get the consideration they want they must follow board policy FNG to take it to the next appropriate level. He also said that until they have gone through the appropriate steps that the board had no decision to make.
  • Called a five-minute recess as the crowd cleared out.
  • Approved Election Contract with Kaufman County - The board very briefly discussed some of the changes to the state law concerning elections and the cost that these changes will make to the district.
  • Architect/Construction Manager Report(s)
  • Quarterly Demographic Update - The demographer gave an overview of the home demographics for the DFW area and then gave some statistics about some of the developments in the Forney ISD.
  • Public Hearing of School FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) - The board opened public hearing. A brief overview of the FIRST was given as well as the FISD rating, which was superior. Mr. Bell asked if there were any questions and hearing none, closed the public hearing.
  • Discussed TASB Policy Update #78, which will appear as a consent item for a later meeting.
  • After an hour+ Executive Session -
    • Approved Employment of Professional Contract Personnel as recommended
    • Took no action re: Quarterly Superintendent Evaluation
    • Took no action re: Future School Sites
• 2006-09-07 P & Z
  • Approved, as consent items:
    • Revised final plat - Shaffer Plaza at Mustang Crossing, lots 4, 5, 6, 12 Blk B. This covers about 6.7 acres.
    • Site plan - Walgreens retail store, 14,820 sq. ft. on 1.8 acres.
    • Revised Prelim. plat - Trails of Chestnut Meadows, Ph 4. This is to move some lots to make room for the pool.
    • Revised Final plat - Trails of Chestnut Meadows, Ph 4.
    • Prelim. plat - Place Le Grand PD, lot 1.
  • Public Hearings-
    • Application of Herzog Development Corp. requesting approval of a text amendment to the Trails of Chestnut Meadows PD Ord. #1031. The amendment concerns clarifying and amending the language regarding the use of a private recreation facility that includes but is not limited to parks, linear greenbelt areas, trails and walkways, playgrounds and recreation facilities, swimming pools and tennis courts. The amendment will declare this use as a permitted use by right and establish the development standards of the facility within the Planned Development. The amendment will also contain language regarding allowing access from the Eastside Church property along the northern most part of proposed Lot 8, Blk. V, Ph. 4 in the form of a legally approved plat. This property consists of approx. 393 acres of land, more or less, situated in the John Greg Survey, Abs. #171 and the A. Hyer Survey, Abs. # 203, City of Forney, Kaufman County, TX more commonly known as the Trails of Chestnut Meadows PD.
      • Ms. Nilssen said written replies were 33 in favor, 3 opposed, citing cost and accessibility. She explained why this item is a PD amendment, rather than a CUP.
      • Paul Hardy stated the residents of Chestnut Meadows haven't received any information on this, what it will cost or how it will affect the HOA fees. He believes the city should have control over this.
      • Eugene Carter said the Church needs the access for emergency uses.
      • Jack spoke and was in favor of providing Church access.
      • Don Herzog said the pool was discussed at the June HOA meeting, and there will be no cost to the homeowners. If an increase in dues is necessary, it will be $20 per year or less.
    • An amendment to the text of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Ord. #1085) regarding the adoption of the Commercial Planned District Ord. Ms. Nilssen said this would provide new zoning tools to accommodate commercial development, and with the point system it is very flexible.
  • Approved the application of Herzog Development Corp. requesting approval of a text amendment to the Trails of Chestnut Meadows PD Ord. #1031.
  • Approved an amendment to the text of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (Ord. #1085) regarding the adoption of the Commercial Planned District Ord.
  • Staff update - coming in the next few meetings will be Pizza Grand, Jiffy Lube, Chase Bank, Animal Clinic, Brookville Ph. III, Philbeck CUP, Meadowbrook Farms, Church of Brotherly Love. Staff expects to add another person to help with the planning dept. and GIS work.
• 2006-09-05 City Council
  • Pinning of Fire Chief Rank (five bugles) - Chief Rick Townsend. Chief Townsend is the first paid full-time fire chief Forney has had. Mr. Patterson thanked Chief Barnes for his many years of being both Police and Fire Chief, which prompted a standing ovation. Mrs. Townsend pinned the bars on the new Chief, and Mayor Grooms pinned him with the badge (without drawing any blood). Chief Barnes spoke, saying he started with Forney 27 years ago, but Mr. Townsend started 30 years ago. He presented Chief Townsend with a plaque bearing a golden axe and inscribed to Forney's First Full-Time Fire Chief. Chief Townsend said this was a humbling experience - he had no idea 31 years ago it would lead to this, he just enjoyed hopping on the fire truck. He said Mr. Patterson was a good hire for the city, and is proud to be working for him. He praised Chief Barnes for all he's done for the city. He said there will be changes made in the fire department, but it will still be a service organization.
  • 20-minute recess for cake and punch and visiting.
  • Public Hearing considering the tax rate and adoption of the fiscal year 2007 budget. City Manager Patterson presented a slide show and explained changes from last year's budget and the few amendments since the last budget meeting. He said the increase in stipends will not take effect until after the next election, as required by the city charter. He pointed out the $1 million increase in capital improvement funds in the new budget, and how the increase in sales taxes from new businesses helps reduce the property tax rate. He said having Bureau Veritas provide inspection services will allow the city to pay only for the number of inspectors it needs, and that Forney is on the leading edge of contracting out this service, much like trash pickup used to be done by city employees, but is now contracted to private companies. No one from the public spoke.
  • Adopted an ordinance approving and adopting a budget for the City for the fiscal year Oct. 1, 2006 through Sept. 31, 2007 (fiscal year 2007) providing that expenditures for said fiscal year shall be made in accordance with said budget and declaring an emergency.
  • Approved adoption of an ordinance levying the Ad Valorem Taxes for the year 2006 (fiscal year 2007) at a rate of $0.49801 per $100 assessed valuation on all taxable property within the corporate limits of the City of Forney as of Jan. 1, 2006 to provide an interest and sinking fund on all outstanding debts of the city, providing for due and delinquent dates together with penalties and interest.
  • Adopted and ordinance amending article 13.100 water rates with an effective date of Oct. 1, 2006.
  • Approved a contract with Bureau Veritas for chief building inspection and plan review services.
  • Adopted and ordinance amending article 3.10, section 3.102 building inspection fees with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2007. Mr. Patterson said the Jan. 1 date was to allow time to get the word out to the developer community.
  • Approved an ordinance authorizing, under the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) "Updated Service Credits" on an annual basis, providing for increased prior and current service annuities for retirees and beneficiaries of deceased retirees, providing for increased municipal contributions, and increasing the rate of deposits to TMRS by employees, providing for participation of the city in supplemental death benefits, and death benefits for annuitants whose last employment before the retirement was with the City of Forney, and establishing and effective date.
  • Ms. Leigh Corson, the new city Human Resources director, briefed the council on the benefits of using a broker rather than an insurance agent - a broker charges a flat fee and "shops the city around" to various providers, as opposed to an agent who takes a commission. The council approved a contract with Roach Howard Smith & Hunter for insurance broker services and authorizing City Manager to execute contract.
  • Approved the 2006-2007 budget for Forney Economic Development Corp.
  • Approved amending certain provisions of resolution 06-09 ordering a bond election adopted on Aug. 15, 2006 and resolving other matters incident and related thereto.
  • Approved the contract for election services for the conduct and supervision of the Nov. 7 2006 bond election with Dick Murphy acting as the County Election officer of Kaufman County.
  • City Manager -
    • The Bond Committee is still meeting, has changed hats and will now be working on promoting the bond, including having a website. The next meeting is Friday at 6:30PM.
    • Eastside improvements have been stalled, waiting for utility relocations. Two companies have agreed to move their infrastructure, but AT&T has not. The city advised AT&T on Friday that construction would proceed, which means that AT&T will find their stuff laying on the ground, as the construction crews find it.
    • All the orange and white markings on the streets are places where work will be done on utilities. He apologized in advance, because crews will likely hit and break something, despite being careful to not do so.
    • Bois D'arc expansion - TxDOT is holding pre-construction meetings in Nov. but has not provided the city with any information on the scope of the project. Efforts are being made to acquire that data.
    • Lowes is open - go by there. Ribbon cutting is next week.
    • The off-ramp in front of Lowes/Wal-mart is supposed to be finished in 30 days, according to TxDOT.
    • Pinson Rd - a few months ago, the city met with TxDOT and the contractor to see if additional funds would help speed up the work. The contractor doesn't have enough staff to work any faster - but still says the project will be finished by the end of Oct. They will be opening the new side for traffic in the next few weeks.
    • Signal lights - now working at FM741 & FM548, construction has started for the Hwy 80 & FM548 intersections, and the FM548 and FM1641 intersection, however: these signals will either flash or be bagged until the access roads are turned to one-way.
  • Public Communications - an update on the water situation was requested. Mr. Patterson replied at the recent NTXWD meeting they decided to not go to stage 4 yet, but will consider it again in December. They might have to "enhance" the stage 3 restrictions. The #1 violators of the restrictions are home-owners - the city might publish a list of violators. Some violators are getting close to the point where their irrigation system will be disconnected, or even have their meter pulled. The city has worked with the Power Plant and the paper mill to voluntarily decrease their water usage.
  • Council Communications - all members congratulated Chief Townsend.
• 2006-08-29 City Council special called meeting
  During a 3-hour meeting -
  • Took no action re: amending resolution no. 06-10 calling 2006 Bond Election - there isn't enough time to properly organize having the road portion done by a private entity, and the Bond Advisory Committee voted to leave the bond proposal as is.
  • City Manager Patterson presented the proposed 2006-2007 budget using a slide show. First up is the city's new Mission Statement:
    Working together to build a sense of community in a safe environment, while attracting quality growth in a family oriented atmosphere
    
        This years' assessed property value is $638.9 million, compared to the 1997 value of $142.8 million. This has allowed the tax rate to decline slightly. In fact, the tax rate is below the roll-back value, and below the effective tax rate. The new budget proposes a very slight decrease in the tax rate (down 0.00006) which will provide income of $3.3 million. A portion of the sales tax (which will provide another $2.4 million income) is used for property tax reduction - currently equivalent to about 9 cents on the tax rate.
        The city will participate at the higher level of the Texas Municipal Retirement System in order to better attract new employees and provide better death benefits. The city is also reorganizing the departments and consolidating the accounting. Building inspection will be contracted out to Bureau Veritas who will provide however many inspectors are needed.
        The city has established a 3 month operating reserve, which is very important for good bond ratings. The new budget will also provide an additional $1 million for capital improvements for local projects. A year ago, the entire capital improvements budget was less than $1 million - right now it is about $11 million.
        The meager fee schedule for council members was discussed, and the new budget might be amended to provide pay more in line with what other cities provide. The city charter does preclude having a full-time Mayor.
        The city is required to have random drug tests for anyone having a Commercial Drivers License, and these random tests will be expanded to cover all city employees, with a zero-tolerance policy.
        A major impact on the Municipal Court is Failure to Attend for FISD students. As these are written and served by County officers, an effort is being made to have the cases heard in a County Court. Whether that succeeds or not will influence how much must be spent by the Municipal Court dept.
        A chart showed the N. TX Municipal Water (from which Forney buys its water) rates compared to other local supply entities - the NTMWD rate is $0.97, compared to the other rates of $1.35 to $2.36. NTMWD rates are planned to increase to $1.29 by the year 2011.
        
  • called Public Hearing re: establishment of tax rate and adoption of the fiscal year 2007 budget. The hearing will be on Sept. 5.
• 2006-08-28 FISD
  • Tycoy Young thanked the board for all the time and effort they have expended coming up with the bond package.
  • Presented Certificate to Molly Dobbs for UIL Outstanding Performer in the 2006 Texas State Solo-Ensemble Vocal Solo Contest
  • Approved 2005-2006 Budget Amendments.
  • Approved 2006-2007 Budget as presented.
  • Set 2006-2007 Tax Rate at 1.33 + 0.28 totaling $1.61/$100.
  • Approved by 6-1 vote 2006 Facilities Plan after some very lively discussion.
  • Approved Prevailing Wage Rates.
  • Architects/Construction Manager Report - everything is on schedule...
  • Accepted Bids for Teardown and Re-Build of Middle School which were received on Aug. 17. The amount budgeted for this project, which is funded by the 2003 bond package, was $12.2 million - the bids total up to $18.5 million. The last bond package has $31.6 million left for sale - the amount needed now, including the bid accepted tonight, with current construction is $27.6 million.
  • Approved the Order to Call Election for Capital Improvement Bonds for November 7, 2006 and Adopt Resolution after a telephone consultation with the FISD attorney.
  • Student Enrollment Projections and Update - 6,102 students are now enrolled in the district, a 20.6% increase over last year. This is 21 more students than projected for Oct. 1 time frame... The demographer has determined that the second quarter of 2006 had a record high number of home starts and closings - 415 and 302, resp.
  • no Executive Session
  • Approved Employment of Professional Contract Personnel as recommended.
• 2006-08-28 FISD Public Hearing
  • 2006-2007 Budget and Tax Rate Hearing
• 2006-08-15 City Council
  • Issue proclamation naming Aug. 26 Mary Louis Harris Day, in honor of her upcoming 100th birthday. Ms. Harris addressed the council, thanking God she has been in Forney, that her family has been here since the 1800's, and she doesn't intend to be buried anywhere but in Forney.
  • Public Hearing - consider an amendment to the text of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (#1085) re: section 34d ENT - Entertainment Overlay District. The purpose of the amendment is to remove the conditional use permit (CUP) element from the ordinance.
    • City Planner Nilssen briefed the council, stating this was mostly a house-keeping issue.
    • No one from the public spoke.
  • Approved ord. #1190 re: amendment to section 34d ENT - Entertainment Overlay District.
  • Accepted resolution #06-08 from the Bond Advisory Committee requesting council to call a bond election on three propositions: Roads, $40.2 million; municipal buildings $11.9 million; park, $14.4 million; totaling about $66.5 million. The money for roads will only be used for improvements to the TxDOT FM roads. And thanks to recently enacted state legislation, it may be possible for a private contractor to improve the roads at no cost to the city, meaning the proposition could be removed from the ballot - this is under investigation. The new police building will support a population of 43,000. Mayor Grooms pointed out that everyone over 65 has their tax rates frozen now, and passing this bond will not affect their tax bill at all.
  • Approve all matters incident and related to ordering and holding a bond election on Nov. 7, 2006, including the adoption of resolution #06-09 pertaining thereto.
  • Approved entering into a contract for election services for the conduct and supervision of the Nov. 7, 2006 bond election with Dick Murphy acting as the County Election Officer of Kaufman County.
  • Approved the revised prelim. plat - Shafer Plaza at Mustang Crossing. Re: 19 acres, all lots except Sonic, affects moving a fire lane East to accommodate a change in parking layout.
  • Approved the revised final plat - Shafer Plaza lot 3, blk. B.
  • Approved the revised site plan - Shafer Plaza lot 3, blk. B.
  • Approved prelim plat - Highland Prairie, Ph. 5.
  • Approved prelim plat - Animal Medical Center Addition Lot 1, Blk. 1 (located in the ETJ), with the stipulation that the building must be within 400 feet of two fire hydrants.
  • Accepted public improvements for the First National Bank of Canton (Forney branch).
  • Award bids for the 2006 water and sewer improvements for about $1.1 million to 4D Construction, after watching a slide-show by City Manager Patterson detailing some of the projects involved in the bid, such as the Broad St. water line, which requires almost weekly repair; several sewer lift stations which will be removed, thanks to the tie-in with Rockwall/Heath/Forney waste project; replacing sewer lines along Trinity & Main that were installed in 1912; upgrading the 6-inch sewer behind McDonalds to 12-inch; upgrading the 4-inch water line along Broad to 8-inch. The budget for these projects was $1.4 million.
        Also discussed was the Eastside utility relocation, where AT&T wants to be paid to move their utilities; a right-of-way issue on the new pump station #2; signals being installed at FM 741 & 548; railroad arms at Chestnut St. now working; the CR 212 & Reeder Rd. project being bigger than originally thought, possibly be finished by the end of August; the exit ramp relocation at Mustang Crossing will include converting the access road to one-way; the new driveways connecting to the Pinson Rd. construction are designed that way for drainage reasons; the city offered to pay the contractors on Pinson Rd extra to work 24x7, or at least more hours, but the contractor wasn't interested.
  • Council Communications- members all thanked members of the Bond Advisory Cmte for their work, and Mr. Patterson and Mr. Brooks for their efforts as well. Mr. Parker asked about progress on the artesian wells, & Mr. Patterson stated the water quality and flow ability is being tested, and it is possible the well can be treated and tied into the main water supply. However, Lake Lavon is still losing elevation, and it is likely the decision to enter Stage 4 rationing will be made at the end of August, with the restrictions being effective 30 days later. Mayor Grooms stated that Rick Townsend will be the new Fire Dept. Chief, and that there had been 72 applications for that position.
• 2006-08-07 Bond Advisory Committee
  • During a spirited 2-hour meeting, members debated which items should be included in the bond proposal to be presented to the city council. These items will likely be on the ballot (please note values are in millions) :
    • Roads - $25.7m for the Hwy80 & FM548 bridge/road widening; $20.5m for FM 741, from Bois D'arc to the FHS; and $7.9m for FM 740, Hwy 80 north to Ranch Rd. The maximum tax impact will be about .1011/$100. The city has been approved for a $16.1m grant for road work, and expects to receive $30.8m over 20 years from TxDOT via the pass-through toll program. Therefore, the city's total "out of pocket" expense will eventually be about $9.4m.
    • Park - $14.4m to implement the majority of the planned park features, which will take 2 - 3 years to complete. Also includes lighting for Mulberry Park. Max. tax impact will be about .13/$100.
    • Municipal facilities - $11.9m for a Police holding facility (not really a jail), municipal courts, and a community use area with a capacity of about 200 people. Max. tax impact of about .1488/$100.
    The proposal will be presented to the city council next Tuesday.
• 2006-08-04 P & Z
  • Approved, as consent items:
    • Revised prelim. plat - Shafer Plaza at Mustang Crossing; re: lots 1 and 3 - 12.
    • Revised final plat - Shafer Plaza Lot 3, Blk B.
    • Revised site plan - Shafer Plaza Lot 3, Blk B.
    • Prelim plat - Highland Prairie Phase 5. In order to avoid having some lots partially in the city limits, the city is annexing about 3 acres - this will still leave some lots outside the city limits in the development. Phase 5 is 52 acres with 46 lots, and one lot for park land.
    • Prelim plat - Animal Medical Center Addition, Lot 1, Blk 1 (located in the ETJ). There were some problems getting a plat submitted before a residence was torn down and the new building put up. The plat was approved with the stipulation that it conform to the subdivision requirement of having 2 fire hydrants within 400 feet.
  • Public Hearing - consider an amendment to the text of the Comprehensive Zoning Ord. (# 1085) re: Section 34d ENT - Entertainment Overlay District. The purpose of the amendment is to remove the CUP element from the ordinance. This apparently removes a disparity between rights-by-use when a building is multi-tenant vs. stand-alone single-tenant.
        No one from the public spoke.
  • Approved an amendment to the text of the Comprehensive Zoning Ord. (# 1085) re: Section 34d ENT - Entertainment Overlay District, removing the CUP element.
• 2006-08-01 City Council
  • Approved Ordinance #1189 amending article 13 - Utilities to change the due date and late fees. Some utility bills are received by homeowners just 2 days before they are due, this change extends the payment period by 5 days, and it consolidates the two late fees into one.
  • Approved Resolution 06-07 amending the appointment process of boards and commissions. This allows incumbent members to simply file a letter of intent for reappointment, rather than going through the normal application process. Should a member not wish to be reappointed, then the city will advertise the vacancy as it has done in the past.
  • Council decided to not take an official position on the Trans-Texas Corridor at this time. The Mayor feels that not enough information is available, and it might be 12-18 months before enough is known. Mr. Rozell stated it would be difficult to endorse the project, not knowing how it will affect Forney. Mr. Parker wryly suggested going on record that the TTC-35 not run down Center Street...
  • City Manager Patterson -
    • FM 548 turn lanes are now painted in. At FM741 and FM 548, working on acquiring additional 30' ROW to add turn lanes there. The signal poles are up at that intersection, and TxDOT says the signals will be working before school starts. The next signals to be installed will be at FM 1641, then on Hwy 80.
    • Pinson rd - pouring last bits of tie-ins, should soon be switching over and driving on the new road as they tear out the old road. Traffic will continue to be North-bound.
    • The bond committee held another 3-hour meeting last night, and hopes to present 3 proposals to the council. An extra $16 million has become available, which with some short-term financing of $3.5 million, will reduce the amount of the bonds to be voted on.
    • He will officially be retiring from the military force on Dec. 9, after 24 years.
    • Mr. Parker inquired on the status of the artesian wells - Mr. Brooks said Mike Shook had started looking into this even before Mr. Parker asked, and the water is being tested for suitability for irrigation uses.
  • Public Communications-
  • Council Communications-
    • Mr. Hatley said the planning meeting this weekend was well worthwhile, and he appreciates staffs' efforts, and the City of Frisco.
    • Mr. Rozell echoed that, and congratulated Mr. Patterson on his pending retirement from the military. He also asked everyone to pray for rain.
    • Mayor Grooms congratulated Mr. Patterson. The kids who were recognized recently for their swimming abilities had their teams place seventh, third and third in state this past week. He too thinks the planning meeting was very good, saying it is the first time in 9 years such an opportunity has occurred.
• 2006-08-01 City Council with P&Z workshop
  • City Planner Nilssen reviewed highlights of the proposed Commercial Planned District, which has been worked on for well over a year. PD's must now be at least 5 acres, this new ordinance details all technical and engineering aspects and uses a point system, where a PD must have a minimum score to be approved.
  • Mayor Grooms said this is a very good start, and it may have to be tweaked in 6 - 9 months, but there should be no hesitation in tweaking.
  • Mr. Hatley said he's been bothered that companies with distinctive building styles couldn't come here before - this new plan will allow those.
  • Mr. Dobbs praised Ms. Nilssen for her work, saying she does an awesome job.
  • Mayor Grooms said high goals were set during this past weekend planning session, and the city staff will be seeing more work to do. He also said city staff is the most qualified it has ever been. He expects the next 12-18 months to be phenomenal. There have been over 500 housing starts inside the city limits this year, and two months remain in the fiscal year. The median income in Forney is now $87,000. Replying to a question about expanding the city limits, he said yes, more annexation will occur, and there will likely be some people unhappy about it.
• 2006-07-31 Bond Advisory Committee
  • During a 2-1/2 hour meeting, discussed the various projects and the potential tax impacts. The committee authorized the City Manager to draft a resolution calling for a bond election for: roads, park projects, and municipal facilities.
• 2006-07-24 FISD
  • During a 2.5 hour workshop, considered budget, facilities, and technology 4-year budget, along with which of the proposed bond packages should be on the upcoming ballot. The two preliminary packages chosen were to add enough space for another 1,000 students at the current high school, and to build a new campus on currently owned land.
• 2006-07-24 FISD Special called meeting
  • Refinance and Bond Sale for High School Addition - Mr. Adams of First Southwest addressed the board, explaining the proposed $10 million bond and the $2.56 million bond. This will cost about $160,000 and will keep the tax rate from jumping up quickly over the next few years.
  • Employed personnel as recommended by the administration.
• 2006-07-18 City Council
  • Presentations:
    • FPLE presented a check for $12,000 to the City to help pay for the Fire Departments' defibrillator. Mayor Grooms thanked FPLE for their continued support of the community.
    • Four local 8-year-olds were recognized for having advanced to State level in swimming competition.
    • Dick Demien of IESI gave a "state of the garbage" report. The IESI contract runs until 2011, and they invested $350,000 in equipment for Forney, and have eight employees and one supervisor just for Forney.
  • Public Hearing: Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan along Broad Street (with Mayor Grooms abstaining from discussion or voting) -
    • City Planner Nilssen briefed the council on how this item made the circuit from a citizen petition to the council, which sent it to the P&Z for review, which voted 5-2 against making a change to the current zoning, preferring instead to wait for the upcoming review of the Comprehensive Plan. She stated the city is growing at about 25% per year, the Comp. Plan is about 5 years old now, and should be a future-looking document. Staff feels no substantial changes have occurred in the area to warrant an amendment now, but when the Comp. Plan is reviewed, consideration should be given to having a "small area plan" for the downtown area, including Broad St.
    • John Wiley Price thanked staff for their work on this task, and congratulated Forney on its amazing growth. He knows that part of planning is to have property at its "best and highest use" and asked that the zoning be left as it is.
    • Gloria Crosby said she was against the P&Z ruling, and living on Broad St., it is unfair that a property owner can't develop a lot except as a business.
    • Michael Hall said he is against the current zoning. He feels the residents weren't given enough information, and a decision was made for them, as if they were children.
  • Council voted to deny making any changes to the Comprehensive Plan. During discussion, Mr. Vike said he would prefer to have this considered during the Comp. Plan review. Mr. Parker said he was on the P&Z when the Comp. Plan was adopted, and many people didn't fully appreciate what was happening. He is sympathetic to t the home owners, but agrees with Mr. Vike about waiting for the Comp. Plan review. Ms. Powers agreed, saying the neighborhood was sentimental to her, and she understands the owners concerns. Mayor Grooms spoke to the audience, explaining the Comp. Plan review was budgeted for this next year, and should start in about October. The city will hire an outside consultant, and will have a citizen panel, as before. As someone pointed out during the P&Z meeting, Broad St. is like a driveway from Forney to the retail centers. Ms. Nilssen stated that this issue would proceed no further, this was the final action. When the steering committee is formed for the Comp. Plan review, they will try to have small area public meetings. Mayor Grooms said he would like to get council approval to form a Downtown Association, to keep the area from becoming stagnant. He urged residents to keep an eye on the front door for agenda postings. Mr. Rozell wants everyone to know he spent a lot of time thinking about this zoning change, and if there wasn't a Comp. Plan review already scheduled, the outcome would probably have been different. He attended a meeting yesterday, the members of which were very condescending towards the council. Defining the "highest and best use" for property doesn't pertain to just the individual, but to the whole city.
  • Public Hearing: rezoning request, AG to PD for General Retail, Place LeGrand
    • City Planner Nilssen briefed the council on the planned development of about 38 acres, stating the landscaping is more than required. There is some likelihood that the roads (FM 741 and 548) will be widened in the future, requiring additional ROW, which the developers are aware of.
  • Approved rezoning request, AG to PD for General Retail, Place LeGrand.
  • Approved ord. #1187 extension of the boundary limits of Forney and annexation of 3.8 acres.
  • Approved ord. #1188 re: Place LeGrand PD. Mayor Grooms stated this is the best PD he's seen yet.
  • Approved revised prelim. plat, Forney Center PD. This is the old Bingo site - the action "flips the lots" in back.
  • Approved revised final plat, Forney Center PD, Lot 1A, Blk A.
  • Approved final plat Monitor Blvd and Rogers Parkway in Fox Hollow.
  • Approved Fox Hollow PD Phase 2A revised final plat.
  • Approved prelim. plat, Park Creek Gardens (H&P PD). This is the residential portion of the PD near Kaufman St. and Park Creek, of about 70 lots.
  • Reappoint Roger Cross to the P&Z.
  • No action re: appoint a member to the board of adjustments.
  • Appoint Mr. Rozell to the EDC, replacing Mr. Hatley, who resigned.
  • Assistant City Manager Brooks -
    • Mr. Patterson recently had a meeting with regional and area TxDOT engineers re: delays on signal lights. Waiting for final word on results from the meeting.
    • Pinson Rd. will be closed from midnight to 5AM for the next three nights while concrete is poured. Mayor Grooms said he has asked TxDOT to find some way to get Pinson finished before school starts.
• 2006-07-11 City Council
  • Approved amending Article 12.300 of the Code of Ordinances, as heretofore amended, establishing maximum lawful Prima Facie speed limits for FM 460, FM1641 and FM 548. The limits were apparently set to TxDOT recommendations.
  • Re: Capital Budget Transfer and award of bid for EastSide Project: Approved awarding bid of $3.7 million to 4D Construction and transferring $519,000 from the contingency fund. This was needed as the project was budgeted at $3.4 million, but the cost of asphalt and pipe has increased due to petroleum costs. This is phase 2 of the EastSide project, covering streets, sewer and drainage.
  • Approved Interlocal Agreement with Kaufman County for roadway repair to portions of CR 212 and Reeder Rd. For the portions of these roads that are now in the City Limits, this agreement provides for the City to pay for materials while the County provides the labor. These upgrades will also allow an alternate route to the new FMS in Windmill Farms.
  • City Manager Patterson -
    • Held first Bond Committee meeting last night, and will have a meeting every week to get a proposal before the council
    • Urges everyone to be careful around the construction projects underway around town, after a tragic fatality near Windmill Farms.
    • He will be out on vacation next week, Brian will sit in for him
    • Mr. Parker inquired about the very short amount of time allowed for payment of water bills - Mr. Patterson replied that issue is caused by an ordinance problem, and is being worked on.
    • Mr. Rozell asked if after the 240 days for the EastSide project to be finished, would that be the end of construction? Answer: yes. The time is quite long because every driveway in the area will have its own concrete feed onto the street.
  • Public Communications -
    • Ms. Cunningham asked how the water reduction was coming along. Mr. Patterson replied the city has finally met its 5% reduction goal, but he fears it is mostly due to the recent rain. The lake level only has to drop one more foot to activate the stage 4 restrictions, which ban ALL outside watering.
  • Council Communications -
    • Mr. Hatley thanked those on the Bond Committee for serving. He then asked that an agenda item be placed for the next meeting for accepting his resignation from the EDC, as he doesn't have enough time to devote to it. Mr. Rozell has agreed to be the new member.
    • Mr. Rozell said the Bond Committee looks to be a good group, and he thanked Mr. Patterson and Mr. Brooks for there work in presenting information to the committee. He also invited everyone over to Sammy Walkers BBQ for the Lions Club fish-fry.
    • Mayor Grooms was pleased with the 3rd annual fireworks show, and thanked the sponsors for their support. He recently attended a P&Z meeting, and thanked that board for their work. He mentioned the city staff has a more "can-do" attitude now than it did a year ago, and believes that attitude has trickled down from the top, and thanked Mr. Patterson.
• 2006-07-10 Bond Advisory Committee
  • During its initial meeting, which lasted almost three hours (this is a very condensed summary!):
    • Mr. Patterson explained how Certificates of Obligation and General Obligation Bonds were dealt with. He stated that once the city calls for a bond election, city staff is legally prohibited from promoting the bond. This task falls to the committee, which must also raise funding for publicity.
    • Elected officers:Brian Haughey as chairman, James Hatley as vice-chair, Cindy Calcaterra as treasurer, and Ray Wylie as secretary.
    • Mr. Patterson explained how the tax rate is made up of 16 cents for debt service and 33 cents for operations and maintenance. The rate is adjusted as needed based on property values, which is provided by the Appraisal District.
    • The bond proposal could be broken up into three separate items: roads, parks, and justice center.
    • The reason for the City to sell bonds to upgrade TxDOT roads is mostly because TxDOT projects tend to take 12 years or more. The legislature has provided a work-around in the reverse toll pass-through, which means after the city has finished building the new roads, TxDOT will reimburse the city based on the amount of traffic, over a 20 year period. However, it will likely take 3 years to complete the first project, during which time the city will not receive funds from TxDOT.
    • If the bond passes, it will take about 18 months to get designs and contracts done before construction can start.
• 2006-07-06 P & Z
  • Approved, as consent items:
    • Final plat - Fox Hollow, Phase 2A: revision of 82 acres, concerning 51 acres with 171 lots and 7.3 acres of park land.
    • Final plat - Villages f Fox Hollow ROW - Monitor Blvd and Rogers Parkway.
    • Prelim. plat - Park Creek Gardens: this area is 12 acres residential and 8 acres GR (around No Limit Motors). Will have 70 lots, 8 ft. arterial trail connecting to the other Master Plan trails, and $14,000 fees in lieu of park land.
    • Revised prelim plat - Forney Center PD: moves the hotel to the East side of the property.
    • Revised final plat - Forney Center, Lot 1A, Blk A
  • Public Hearing -
    • Re: application of Whitney Heritage requesting change in zoning from AG to PD (with an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan) to be more commonly known as "Place LeGrand". Approx. 38 acres recently annexed at FM 548 & FM 741, 2.7 acres on the SW corner, the rest on the SE corner. As this plat has been worked on for so many months, no attachments are needed for stipulations. This development will have waterfalls, outdoor dining, possibly office space, and about 25% open (green) space. The parking lot islands will have trees.
    • Lori Leonard asked how sewer services would be provided to this property, and whose land it would cross (the homes in that area are on septic systems). The consensus was that the sewer lines would probably come down FM 548.
  • Approved application of Whitney Heritage requesting change in zoning from AG to PD (with an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan) to be more commonly known as "Place LeGrand", after making sure alcohol sales were not allowed in this area, and with the proviso that the city assigns suite numbers (for 911 services).
  • Public Hearing -
    • Consider an amendment to the Zoning Map (adopted Aug. 19. 2003) with an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Forney (adopted June 5, 2001) for that portion of the City generally to include properties that have frontage on the N. and S. side of Broad St (FM 688) from the centerlines of Alexander and Cedar Streets and that is currently zoned General Retails and Central Business Overlay District (CBT). The amendment is to consider rezoning the effected properties to Single Family (SF-6). Item was tabled due to process questions
    • This item has been withdrawn by staff, so no hearing or action was necessary or taken. The belief is that the Comprehensive Plan should be changed first, as it is the basis for zoning.
  • Public Hearing -
    • Consider an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Forney (adopted June 5, 2001) for that portion of the City generally to include properties that have frontage on the N. and S. side of Broad St (FM 688) and that is currently zoned General Retails and Central Business Overlay District (CBT). The amendment will consider changing areas of Broad Street from retail to residential on the Future Land Use Map.
    • City Planner Nilssen explained while a Comprehensive Plan is expected to last 20 years, it does need updating every 3-5 years, and it so happens an update is budgeted for this year. However, nothing has changed along Broad St. to warrant changing the Comp. Plan. Staff recommends denying this change, but instead developing a Small Area Plan during the Comp. Plan update.
    • William Lewis said he agrees with Ms. Nilssen, to wait until the Comp. Plan is changed as a whole, and take into consideration drainage and traffic in the area.
    • Michael Hall stated he still has a problem with the way folks were notified, and citizens haven't been given enough information.
    • Gloria Crosby pointed out that Broad St. is the only street that goes from one end of the city to the other, and she believes the city wants that property, but the homeowners are standing in the way. The zoning will make senior citizens homeless if a natural disaster occurs (by not being able to rebuild destroyed homes). Somewhere down the line will make all of Broad St business and push everyone out to make way for condos or such.
    • Mary Hayes asked that the Comp. Plan not be changed. She listed many people she knows who worked on the Steering Committee and spend a lot of time working on the Comp. Plan, and feels they had a great deal of foresight.
    • Duane Hall said he sees friends, neighbors and investors here, but investors have no interest other than money. He asked that homeowners be allowed to keep their property and maintain it as residences.
    • Pat Adams asked if this property were owned by a developer now, would the city allow them to divide it into lots with homes and driveways that back out onto a busy thoroughfare? The highest and best use for this area is not residential, and the market will dictate how long it takes to make the slow transition. He urged the zoning remain intact.
    • Randy Philbeck stated he would like the plan to stay the same.
    • Ms. Nilssen received one written comment on this item, from the FEDC, which asked that the Comp. plan not be changed now, due to the upcoming review.
  • Discussion:
    • Chairman Dobbs told Ms. Crosby that she struck a nerve w/ him re: being able to build a home on her property, and he does not want anyone to be forced out. But Forney has had a bad downtown, ever since he was a kid, and now Broad St. is in the middle of a big town. He won't allow condos or strip malls in that area, but do have to look at things like connecting the town to the Wal-Mart area. He stated the actions taken tonight aren't aimed towards anyone.
    • Mr. Yandell stated he and Mr. Alexander were on the P&Z when this first came up, and the public had nothing to say on it then. There was no intent by the board to get anyone out of their property.
    • Mr. Wilkins mentioned that the Comp. Plan changed Broad St on both sides of Forney, from Daniel Implement on the west, to the East side.
  • Denied by 4-2 vote (Wilkins & Alexander voting no) an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Forney (adopted June 5, 2001) for that portion of the City generally to include properties that have frontage on the N. and S. side of Broad St (FM 688) and that is currently zoned General Retails and Central Business Overlay District (CBT).
• 2006-06-20 City Council
  • Public Hearings -
    • First Public Hearing - consider annexation petition from Jay Webb for 3.8 acres. There was no public input.
    • Consider amendment to an existing Conditional Use Permit for Beary Best Academy - approx. 4 acres located at 929 FM 741. An additional building, similar in appearance, will be constructed, with 6 more parking spaces. A covered walkway will be added between the buildings. A five foot sidewalk will be built along Holly Leaf.
         Buster Johnson, owner of Beary Best, was the only speaker. He did mention the sidewalk will appear to connect to nothing - Mr. Patterson said plans were to have connections to it, and hopefully a school crossing added in the future.
  • Approve ordinance #1183 re: CUP amendment for Beary Best Daycare.
  • Approve final plat, Villages Of Fox Hollow Phase 4. This is for 135 lots on 54 acres.
  • Approve final plat - Mustang Crossing PD, Shops at Mustang Crossing, Lot 1 Blk C, which is 1.4 acres, South of the Lowes lot.
  • Approve final plat, City Plaza PD Lot 1 Blk 1, which is 3.4 acres at FM548 & FM1641.
  • Approve amendment to wholesale water contracts between City of Forney and Highpoint, Markout and Talty water supply corps.
  • Authorize the Mayor to execute, on behalf of the City, a letter agreement with TXU Electric Utility related to the Jan. 27, 2006 extension and modification of settlement agreement. Marshal from TXU detailed the agreement, which requires the city to continue to not be involved in the Coalition of Cities which filed suit against TXU. Forney will receive the same amount as cities in the Coalition receive. If a long list of things don't happen, TXU will continue to pay Forney until June 2008, and increase the franchise fee by 5%.
  • On recommendation of the P&Z, remove Robert Smith from office.
  • Appoint Mr. Rozell as Council Member to the 2006 Bond Committee established by resolution #06-03.
  • Appoint David Johnson and Wade Gent to the Planning & Zoning commission.
  • Appoint Bill Cates, Jay Calvin, Tyler Moore, and Frank Burns to the Economic Development Corp.
  • Appoint Thomas Bedingfield, Curtis Marshall and Prevell Hardin as alternate members to the Board of Adjustments.
  • Second Public Hearing - consider annexation petition from Jay Webb for 3.8 acres. There was no public input.
  • City Manager Patterson -
    • Pinson Rd. project is coming along, despite digging up a previously unknown utility. The road will remain one-way, North - bound only, until the construction is completed.
    • Drought restrictions - usage is down some. Most citations to this point have been warnings, but fines will be issued now. He congratulated the water supply corps for reducing their usage.
    • Introduced Brian Brooks, the new Assistant City Manager, who comes here from Kerrville, by way of Ennis and Duncanville.
  • Public Communications
    • Christie Cook asked about the green-space behind sonic, whether the water rationing was the reason it looked so bad. Mayor Grooms replied that is TxDOT property, and it is part of the wetlands remediation.
  • Council Communications - all members welcomed Mr. Brooks, and:
    • Mr Holler thanked the Rotary Club for having Forney look so good on Flag Day.
    • Ms. Powers thanked Mayor Grooms for helping with the Eastside Juneteenth event.
    • Mr. Rozell said the Juneteenth event was well attended.
    • Mr. Parker jokingly offered his condolences to Mr. Brooks, then welcomed him to the team, and congratulated the appointees that were placed to boards tonight.
    • Mayor Grooms said in the past, getting one application for an opening was difficult, now the city gets several applications for each opening, which is good. The fireworks show is July 1 at 9:15, parking at FHS & FBC. He warned folks to check their sprinkler systems after any power outages, because if they turn on at the wrong time of day, fines could be made. He thanked the Rotary Club for the Flag program. He estimated 75-100 folks were at the Juneteenth event yesterday.
• 2006-06-12 FISD
  • Held a marathon 4-hour workshop on Facilities Planning, during which the board discussed and reviewed demographic studies, enrollment trends, facilities requirements, and considered various reasons why the bond proposal was voted down. Aiming for another bond election in November, the board gave the Administration directions on preparing a bond presentation of $130 - $160 million, including a "secondary campus", about 4 primary schools, and land for another 4 schools. This proposal appears to have fewer primary schools, and no third FMS, compared to the bond proposal that was just denied. It appears the Facilities Assessment Committee will not be involved in crafting this proposal.
• 2006-06-06 City Council
  • Presentations for City Council Service Recognition to Phil Wood and Skip Weatherford. Mr. Weatherford congratulated Ms. Powers and Mr. Holler, said it was an honor to have served, but he had to leave to watch his grandkids.
  • Proclamation - June 6 is now Don Themer Day. The proclamation was read in turn by 5 councilpersons who had Mr. Themer for their teacher in FHS - Rozell, Hatley, Powers, Vike and Holler. Mr Themer recounted a favorite Twilight Zone episode where a retired professor is before a panel of his former students. He is proud to see 5 of his former students (some of his best students, he said) on the city council.
  • Recess for 20 minutes for cake and punch for the honorees.
  • Approved an ordinance limiting the ad valorem taxation of a residence homestead of an individual over the age of 65 or a disabled individual for tax years commencing in 2006; providing a severability clause, a repealing clause and an effective date.
        Mr. Patterson pointed out that the definition of "disabled" is not made by the city - it is defined by the tax code. Anyone wishing that exemption must apply with the Appraisal District.
  • Approved ordinance amending Article 11 of the Code of Ordinances by deleting Section 11.207 related to discounts for early payment and direct staff to forward such ordinance to the County Tax Collector. Forney is the last city in the county to remove early payment discounts.
  • Accept annexation petition from Jay Webb for 3.8 acres in the Samuel Smith Survey, Abs. #450. This property is located near Hwy 80 and CR211.
  • Direct staff to publish notice June 7 in newspaper of annexation petition from Jay Webb for 3.8 acres.
  • Call for public hearings on June 20 to consider annexation petition from Jay Webb for 3.8 acres.
  • Approve ordinance denying Atmos Energy Corp. Mid-Tex Division's statement of intent to increase the gas utility rates in the City of Forney.
  • City Manager Patterson -
    • Stage 3 rationing has been implemented, and it has been interesting. It appears to be reducing usage in the city, and the Supply Coop's are being monitored daily to gauge their usage trends.
    • Pinson Rd. has been made one-way, North. It will be this way for several months, but this should be the easy part of the project.
    • The $8 million pump station #2 project is underway - that is the construction happening on the N. side of Broad St. on the E. side of town.
    • Drainage & Sewer along Buffalo St. is being started, and as promised, it resembles a war zone. Bids will be opened on June 9 for the contracted portions.
    • In response to a question by Mr. Hatley, stated the amount of time being spent on implementing and responding to the Stage 3 rationing has prevented getting the Bond Committee to meet.
    • Reminded everyone that for the first four days of rationing, enforcement has been limited to warnings, but that time has ended. Should someone acquire 4 citations, their irrigation system may be disconnected from the water supply.
  • Held a 65 minute Executive Session - Review of City Manager
  • Re: Annual Performance Review of City Manager - Approved motion to "direct city manager to move forward with items discussed in executive session" - no details were provided.
  • Council Communications
    • Mr. Holler thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.
    • Mr. Vike thanked Weatherford and Wood for their service, and congratulated Mr. Themer on his retirement. He also discussed the request from Judge Ashcroft for a workshop meeting, tentatively scheduled for June 21.
    • Ms. Powers thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.
    • Mr. Hatley congratulated Mr. Themer, thanked Weatherford and Wood for their service, and thanked Mr. Patterson for being here a year.
    • Mr. Rozell thanked Weatherford and Wood, and thanked Mr. Themer for the 2 years that Rozell had him. He thanked Mr. Patterson for putting up with the council, and Mary Nichols for her work on
    • Mayor Grooms mentioned that Highpoint Water Corp. had 2 board members die in the past week. He hopes that citizens will continue to abide by the water restriction rules.
• 2006-06-05 FISD
  • Kelly Educational Staffing Contract - Approved renewing of contract, which is an increase of about $8900 over last year (based on same number of absences as last year), or 6%.
  • Architects/Construction Manager Report(s) - lots of moving to get into new facilities; FMS movers will start next week. AEP has moved into new building already. The old buildings across parking lot from admin. building will be removed during the next couple weeks. Lewis elementary punch-out this Thursday - everything right in line district wide. Windmill Farms only on stage 2 water rationing so are proceeding with football fields etc at new Middle School.
  • TASB Policy EEB(Local) - Instructional Arrangement: Class Size - Policy for secondary (grades 5-12) have been at 27-1 but want to increase to 30-1. Intend to start out at 25/27-1 at the beginning but would allow for rapid growth during the year. Any time it exceeds 30 students in core subjects the board would be notified. Bell recommends putting on consent item on July meeting.
  • TASB Delegate Selection - Delegate Bell volunteered, Alternate Dr. Taylor volunteered, Board concurred.
  • 2006-2007 Salary Schedules to Include Paraprofessionals, Teachers, and Administrators - Finance people in Austin still working on new funding information based on the new State Law. The school has no choice on the salary schedule increase mandated under new funding bill -- have to add $2500 for each teacher plus their step. The total new cost is $1,495,168, which does not include Support staff and Administrators. Administration suggesting Support staff receive 3.5% increase plus $500 medical insurance stipend . Will act on Administrators salary in July but project that administrators will get 4% and no $500 stipend.
        Approved state mandated teacher salary plus Support Staff increase of 3.5% + $500.
  • 2006-2007 School Start Times - Linda Jacobs went over projected start and end time schedule for next year. Need to have times split so that primary and secondary schools don't ride on the same bus whenever possible. No board action required, as a consensus they will support this item.
  • Preliminary 2006-2007 Budget and Tax Rate - The tax rate will be mandated to the district -- the formula still in the works. There will be discussion in next regular session about taxpayers with frozen taxes (over 65 & disabled) - they will be paying more than the current tax rate now if their frozen rate is more than the current rate. School districts across the state are still trying to figure out how the new funding bill will work and what effects it will have on schools.
  • After a 2 hour Executive Session -
    • Employment of Professional Contract Personnel - hired personnel as recommended.
    • Future School Sites - took no action.
• 2006-06-01 P&Z
  • Held another 30 minute workshop on Commercial PD ordinance.
  • Approved, as consent items:
    • Final Plat Villages of Fox Hollow, Phase 4 - 135 lots, 54 acres, approx. $27k in fees for parks.
    • Final Plat Shops at Mustang Crossing, Lot 1, Blk C
    • Final Plat City Bank - City Plaza PD, Lot 1, Blk 1
  • Public Hearings -
    • Tabled until July 6 item - Public hearing to consider an amendment to the Zoning Map (adopted Aug. 19. 2003) with an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Forney (adopted June 5, 2001) for that portion of the City generally to include properties that have frontage on the N. and S. side of Broad St (FM 688) from the centerlines of Alexander and Cedar Streets and that is currently zoned General Retails and Central Business Overlay District (CBT). The amendment is to consider rezoning the effected properties to Single Family (SF-6). Item was tabled due to process questions about amending the Zoning and the Comp. Plan together. Members of the public were allowed to speak:
      • Michael Hall said he had given a petition to the city council, but was told it wouldn't go far. He feels the residents of the area are quite capable of making their own decisions about their property, and don't need folks who've only been in Forney 10-15 years making decisions for them. When asked, his main concern was having to get special permission to build a house in this area. The commissioners believe no such permit exists - houses simply can't be built in this zoning.
      • Gloria Crosby said she signed the petition, owns several lots in the area, as do her family, and she doesn't want to live next to a business. Some of her relatives would like to move back here, but they can't build a home on the vacant lots she owns. Her family goes back 3 generations, and this area has always been residential.
    • Tabled, due to remaining issues about traffic impact analysis, item - Public Hearing to consider the application of Whitney Heritage to change from AG to PD (with an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan), to be more commonly known as "Place LeGrand", approx 38 acres 35.5 is on SE corner of FM 741 & FM548 & 2.5 acres on SW corner of those roads. This item was tabled in May.
    • Public hearing to consider an amendment to an existing CUP for the Beary Best Academy, of approximately 4 acres located at 929 FM 741. An additional building is to be constructed to handle about 50 more kids.
          No members of the public spoke.
  • Approved an amendment to an existing CUP for the Beary Best Academy, of approximately 4 acres located at 929 FM 741.
  • City Planner Nilssen provided the commission with information showing that member Smith has missed the last four meetings (five, including tonight), and that the telephone number she has for him is inactive. The bylaws allow replacing a member who misses 3 consecutive meetings, and with summer here, it will be harder to achieve a quorum. The commissioners voted to have the City Council seek a replacement for Mr. Smith.
• 2006-05-25 Special City Council
  • Judge Ashcroft administered Oath of Office to Robbie Powers. Mayor Grooms said he was excited to have Robbie on the council, and she was the first African-American woman to be so elected.
  • Approved adopting an ordinance adopting a drought contingency plan, after City Manager Patterson briefed the council with a slide show. He stated the two goals are:
    1. Stay out of Stage 4 rationing - it's bad!
    2. Reduce current consumption by 5%
    Some of the actions that are prohibited:
    • hosing of paved areas
    • use of ornamental fountains, if they use treated water
    • washing of vehicles with a hose
    • allowing runoff
    • prohibit outdoor watering with sprinklers or irrigation systems between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
    • swimming pools may not be drained and refilled
    A surcharge will be instituted for those using over 15,000 gallons. The average monthly use by commercial customers is 9,810; by senior citizens is 7,912; and by other residents is 12,200 gallons. Mr. Patterson thanked the Forney Messenger for printing the rationing advertisements for free, and showed the information that is on ForneyWater.com.
  • Adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 13, Utilities; Articles 13.100 - water rates, 13.300 - water and sewer utilities, 13.400 due date for utility bills, reconnection fees, 13.800 - illegal connections and tampering with water meters.
  • Approved a fuel surcharge for IESI trash and brush collection services.
• 2006-05-22 FISD Board
  • Approved as Consent Items:
    • TASB Policy FFA (Local) - Student Welfare: Wellness and Health Services
    • Extended Sick Leave Request
  • Recognized Forney High School Student Jennifer Hazelwood as HOSA National Qualifier
  • Mick Spellman and the Forney Historic Preservation League presented to Forney ISD a piece of artwork by Mary Coreen Spellman painted in 1928.
  • Tycoy Young addressed the board concerning the bond election failure. She said she was excited that the community is concerned enough about the district to become more involved in the process. She feels that every No vote cast in the election was due to the opposition having better funding and planning, and she wishes that they would have expressed their concerns in 2002, so the district and the Facilities Committee would have known they would have to start over. She hopes that parents and concerned citizens will realize they have to come to board meetings, read the paper, and become actively involved in the schools. She stated their was no Great Conspiracy by the board or the committee to keep information from the public, that it is the responsibility of citizens to become involved in the process, and that she didn't see any concerned citizens at the informational meetings held in the weeks prior to the election. Further, the committee worked hard to make a plan that would last the district for many years, and she hopes that the district doesn't look back in a few years and find it is more expensive to do things then than it would have been now. She thanked Becky Dobbs and Sandi Fudge for their service and involvement, and hopes that the newfound concerned citizen will join in doing what is best for all the children in the district, not just the chosen few.
  • Canvassed Election Results
  • Issued Certificates of Election
  • Administered Oath of Office to Bruce Benedict and Tony Fitzgerald.
  • Organization of Board and Election of Officers - elected Keith Bell as President, David Walker as VP, and Al Hogan as Secretary.
  • Adopt 2006 Media Honor Roll Resolution
  • Tobacco Compliance Grant for School-Based Police
  • Architects/Construction Manager Report(s)
  • Forney High School Additions
  • Girls' Locker Room
  • Network Operations Center
  • Golf Hitting Cages
  • Forney High School Cafeteria
  • Forney High School Security System
  • Criswell Elementary School Restroom Renovations - not recommending these tonight.
  • Approved the base bid for new wing of high school and add-ons 1, 5, 6, 8 and 9.
  • Lewis elementary getting close to completion, punch-out next week.
  • Construction documents are about 95% complete on tear-down and reconstruction of old middle school.
  • 2006-2007 Preliminary Budget Information
    • House Bill 1 passed and will probably become law.
    • Electricity costs are up 61% now that their 3-year contract has expired.
    • To balance next year's budget, the district would have needed an additional $815,000 to balance the budget, under the new law will need an additional $966,415.
    • Maximum tax rate under House Bill will be 1.295, which is 16.5 cents lower than the current rate. During fiscal year 2007-2008 the rate will be reduced further.
  • TASB Delegate Selection - moved to June 5.
  • After a 20-minute Executive Session
    • Approved Employment of Professional Contract Personnel as recommended.
  • Announcements and Adjournment
  • June 12 at 6PM Facilities Planning Workshop.
• 2006-05-16 City Council
  • Approved Resolution 06-05 canvassing the 2006 general election.
  • Administered Oath of Office to Darren Rozell & David Holler.
  • Mr. Wood stated that, on ending his six years of service, a lot has changed in Forney, with the council defining a path for growth. He has retired from SBC, and is now working with disadvantaged children. During jury duty a few weeks ago in Judge Norvilles court, the Judge stated it wasn't her court, but the public's court - being on the city council is like that, and the duty should be taken with honor and respect.
  • Elected Rodney Vike as Mayor Pro-Tem.
  • Mr. Tyler Moore briefed the council on the Rotary Club, its mission, and in particular the flag leasing program, where Rotarians will take care of putting up & taking down a flag at your home or business for $48 / year for the six flag holidays.
  • Public Hearings-
    • Application of 4S Development Inc. for a concept plan and text amendment to a portion of the Park Trails PD District, re: the portion called out as Lot 9A, Blk W located to the East of the extension of Longhorn Lane, to be more commonly known as the Park Trails Amenity Center. This is about 4 acres. The change will allow an amenity center by right, rather than by Conditional Use Permit. No one from the public spoke.
    • Consider amendment to the City of Forney Thoroughfare Plan, primarily in the NE & SE quadrants of the City. No one from the public spoke.
    • Application of Uptown-Summers Forney Partners, L.P. to approve a concept plan amendment to a portion of Mustang Crossing PD, re: the portion E. of the proposed Lowes and N. of Hwy 80 frontage road to be more commonly known as the Shops at Mustang Crossing, of about 5.5 acres.
          Barbara Yates asked if the text should really read Mustand Crossing...
  • Approved Ord. #1174 re: the Uptown-Summers Forney Partners, L.P. concept plan amendment to a portion of Mustang Crossing, as listed above.
  • Approved Ord. #1175 re: the 4S Development Inc. concept plan and text amendment to a portion of the Park Trails PD District, as listed above.
  • Approved Ord. #1176 re: amendment to the City of Forney Thoroughfare Plan, primarily in the NE & SE quadrants of the City.
  • Approved prelim. plat - Shops at Mustang Crossing - 3 lots.
  • Approved site plan - Shops at Mustang Crossing - Lot 1.
  • Approved Revised site plan for Marquis (Maravee) Self Storage, located at FM 548 & Don T. Cates, adding fencing. About 30-40 ft of the masonry fence will be allowed to be wrought iron, as an easement for water lines exists there.
  • Approved Prelim. plat for Forney FEDC, ph. 2 of 50 acres.
  • Approved Prelim. & final plat, and site plan for NTMWD Pump Station - 6 acres with 2 reservoir tanks. Some portion of Kaufman St. will be constructed as part of this project.
  • Approved Prelim. & final plat, and site plan for Hibernia Bank, Mustang Crossing, Lot 5 Blk A, E. of Wendy's, 1.5 acres, building of 5,300 sq. ft. and 43 parking lots.
  • Approved Final plat for Shafer at Mustang Crossing, Lots 4, 5, 6 & 12
  • Approved Site plan for Shafer at Mustang Crossing, Lots 6 & 12 - 3 retail restaurant style buildings of about 15, 10 and 6 thousand sq ft.
  • Approved Final Plat - Villages of Fox Hollow Ph 2 - 113 lots, 9 acres of park plus park fees.
  • Approved Final Plat - Wilbur Addition - Vet Clinic on 2 acres. Plans are for the existing building to be demolished after the new one is built.
  • Approved Prelim. plat - City Plaza PD, of 11 acres and 4 lots.
  • Approved Site plan - City Bank - Lot 1, Blk 1 - 3 acres,
  • Awarded bid of about $856,983 to Fox Construction for Pump Station #2 water transmission line. Mr. Patterson stated the $6.2 million project was well within budget, even after having to pay an extra $459,000 for agreements with Windmill Farms that they backed out on.
  • Accepted public improvements of Wendy's.
  • Approved Ord. #1177 amending Section 4.400 of the Code of Ordinances re: peddlers & solicitors, removing the section requiring fingerprinting of applicants.
  • Accepted public improvements for Highland Prairie Subdivision, Phase 4.
  • Approved a contract for Professional Services related to the provision of a pyrotechnics (fireworks) display, for the 3rd annual July 4 display, to be held July 1, again on property of Fox Hollow by permission of Jim Bell.
  • Rescheduled the July 4 meeting to July 11.
  • City Manager Patterson -
    • Pinson Rd. project making progress - the final crossover for drainage was made today. In a few weeks the road will become one-way, and will probably be North-bound first.
    • Pump Station #2 pre-construction meeting was today, construction should start in a couple of weeks.
    • Signals at FM 741 & FM 548 are still approv