Council considers Lover's Landing, Wellington Ridge

During its regular Apr. 16, 2019 meeting, the Forney City Council met and in summary: re-tabled Wellington Ridge, approved FISD plans, going for bids on CR212. (watch official video)

  • Proclamation for National Safe Digging Month and presentation from ATMOS Energy to the Forney Fire Department
  • Mid-Year Budget Update - Ms. Woodham showed that half-way through the year, city has collected $13.5 million of the $18 million budget, and spent $8.6 million of the $19 budgeted. She said they have collected 75% of revenue, expect to be higher than budget due to increased sales tax revenue, and penalties and interest. Legal dept. high due to two PUC cases.
        For utility fund: revenue $8 million of $16 million budge, expenses $7 million of $15.7 budgeted. Industrial and Sewer district sales higher than predicted.
        Ms. Penn asked why penalties in revenue - delinquent property taxes, unpaid utility bills.
  • Public Comment - none.
  • Approved as one consent item:
    • a final plat for Lover's Landing, located north of U.S. Highway 80 and east of Lovers Lane.
    • a preliminary plat for the Grayhawk Addition, Phase Four, single-family residential subdivision.
    • acceptance of the project for the EDC Detention Pond Repairs north of Highway 80 and east of FM 548, adjacent to Lowe's Home Improvement store.
    • awarding a contract to DDM Construction Corp. for the construction services for the Trailhouse Roadway Completion Project, Phase One, and all related issues.
    • acceptance of public improvements for Overland Grove, Phase 1B development.
    • acceptance of improvements for the Windmill Farms Phase 3B final plat, located in the City of Forney extra-territorial jurisdiction.

  • Vision 2025 -- Goals and Initiatives - no update.
  • Tabled until May 7 an Ordinance rezoning 108.2 acres of land from Mixed-Use District to a Planned Development District with single-family, multi-family and commercial uses. The property is located south of the U.S. Highway 80 and F.M. 460 intersection in the City of Forney. (known as Wellington Ridge)
        Mr. Brad Watson spoke for Vistra Energy, parent of Luminant: at last meeting council had questions, he wants to update them. They remain strongly opposed, the zoning does not comply with comprehensive plan. They feel mixed use is better use, hundreds of homes and apartments threatens damage to water line, and a reverse-nimby situation for new home owners. Council spoke about redundant water supplies - they communicated to applicant they would not accept two offers to buy the property. The plant must have a supply of water: if lines are damaged, plant must shut down immediately. Luminant reviewed plans for relocating water lines - estimate is $4 million, U.S. Army Corps would likely require a permit. They have reviewed their IDA w/ city, which requires them to supply water - it is treated waste water, not potable. As Mr. Johnson mentioned before, a rupture could have impact on ground-water.
        Mayor Wilson said applicant has asked to be tabled - Mr. Morgan said request to May 7.
  • Approved a revised site plan for Blackburn Elementary School, located southwest of the intersection of Irongate Blvd and Concord Drive in the City of Forney extra-territorial jurisdiction.
        Mr. Morgan said requests are for 3 elementary schools, but all plans are the same, to expand classroom space, and to provide storm shelter (as required by 2015 building codes), large enough for all students in each school. They are requesting variance of 90% masonry; elevations show 79%, partly due to the storm shelters. P&Z approved. Ms. Penn asked if it was wise to reduce the masonry to allow separation. Mr. Jameson, with Huckabee Architects, said it is for screening for equipment, needs to separate during storm. Mr. Myers asked if look like Smith & Rhea - similar, but buildings are slightly different. Mayor Wilson asked how likely the screening would come off; Mr. Jameson didn't know, but design is for F5 tornado. Ms. Penn appreciates increased safety at schools.
  • Approved a revised site plan for Crosby Elementary School, located west of the intersection of Overton Drive and Diamond Creek Drive.
        Mr. Morgan said this is same request, same plan, P&Z approved.
  • Approved a revised site plan for Henderson Elementary School, located south of the intersection of Monitor Boulevard and F.M. 1641.
        Mr. Morgan said this is same request, same plan, P&Z approved.
  • Bid Advertisement for CR212 Roadway Restoration Project. Mr. Sailler said the road is in poor shape, will not do complete rebuild but are going 10" down w/ 6" asphalt. Mayor Wilson asked if coordinating w/ county - Mr. Sailler said it was annexed into the city, the entire CR212.
  • City Manager's report - cornhole downtown may? 11, movies and music in park quickly approaching. Mayor Wilson asked about incident with train, Rep. Bell & Gooden got involved to help, PD has been given a new # to call which starts a clock on response time - Mr. Carson thanked Mayor Wilson for contacting Bell & Gooden.
  • Council Comments - Mr. Thomas asked if boy scouts here for merit badge - yes; Ms. Penn said to keep Dan Chambliess in mind, go vote; Mr. Johnson ; Mayor Wilson thanked ppl for car show at lowes, play for Em night, FBC 125th year + grand opening of facility.
  • no executive session
  • Adjourned at 1911.
meeting_date: 
Tuesday, 2019, April 16