Forney EDC April 09, 2015 approves downtown renovation money, moves to buy land

During its regular April 09, 2015 meeting, the Forney EDC -

  • Heard Fiscal Year 2013/2014 Audit Financial Report prepared by Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P. Certified Public Accountants, who said the audit was an unmodified, clean opinion, and went well for a first-year audit. Mr. Ketteman verified that the cash position listed included the unused bond money, and made sure the board realized that. Mr. Conner asked if the auditors had seen anything odd during the audit - they did not.
  • Approved Fiscal Year 2013/2014 Audit Financial Report.
  • Approved, as consent items:
    • Approval of the FEDC Minutes – March 12, 2015 Regular Meeting
    • Financial Report - Mr. Burrus said the EDC was living well within its means. He did have a question about the drop in lease income.
    • Executive Director’s Report - Mr. Ketteman reported on his first Eggs & Updates meeting, and will look for ways to strengthen it. He & Kayla did a windshield-tour of town, his goal is to be the best unpaid real estate agent in town.

  • Tabled updates to Lease Agreement for Downtown properties for future tenants so board members can review.
  • Approved a Downtown Renovation Incentive application for 212 S. Bois D’Arc Street. The issue was the application was made under the old incentive rules, which allowed up to $5,000, but the ordinance at that time would not allow awnings that were wide enough. Now that the awning ordinance has changed, the new incentive rules are in place which will only pay 50% of the cost. After some discussion, Mr. McBeth pointed out the FEDC owns the building. The item was then approved at the original amount of $5,000.
  • Approved a Downtown Renovation Incentive application for 201 S. Bois D’Arc Street. This is to repair the stucco along the Main St wall where the FBDA plans to have a mural painted, which is a different item that will use HOT funds.
  • Held a 79-minute executive session.
  • Approved moving forward as discussed in executive session re: acquisition of land for required utility easement.
  • Approved contractual agreement with the City of Forney in regard to TxDOT surplus property. Mr. Ketteman explained the lengthy process required.
  • Approved distribution of a Request for Proposal (RFP) in regard to a sealed bid purchase of TxDOT surplus property.
  • Took no action re: a proposed economic development incentive to a business prospect seeking to locate in Forney, Texas.
  • Mr. Ketteman explained an April 30 meeting was needed to fulfill requirements for selling the surplus TxDOT property.