Council ponders long-term vision for Main St.

During its regular June 18, 2019 meeting, the Forney City Council met and in summary: honored fire-fighters, donated funds to non-profits, viewed a plan to extend downtown, plans for two new events. (watch official video)

• Presentation of American Flag by The King's Fort Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
  
• Presentation of the Fire Department Life Saving Award
  
• Presentation of Forney BBQ Cook-off & Festival Donations
  
• Public Comment
  • Ms. Margaret Ervie has been here 6 months, she has asked repeatedly for the city to clean up near her home on Buffalo, and to fix the street.  She was told the lot next to her belongs to the city.

• Approved as one consent item:
  • a preliminary plat for Caliber Collision, located northeast of the intersection of Broad Street and Regal Drive.
        Mr. Thomas asked if they were buying the whole 12 acres - Mr. Morgan said just 2 acres, but drainage is shown on the plat.
    
  • a final plat for Caliber Collision, located northeast of the intersection of Broad Street and Regal Drive.
    
  • a site plan for Caliber Collision, located northeast of the intersection of Broad Street and Regal Drive.
    
  • a preliminary plat for the Forney Mustang Creek Lift Station, consisting of 2 acres of land out of the Martha Music Survey, Abstract No. 312.
    
  • a final plat for the Forney Mustang Creek Lift Station, consisting of 2 acres of land out of the Martha Music Survey, Abstract No. 312.
    
  • a site plan for the Forney Mustang Creek Lift Station.

• Vision 2025 -- Goals and Initiatives.  Mr. Carson said council should have received document, he will answer questions.  Mr. Ketteman spoke about downtown expansion.  Watch Video
      He introduced Mr. Dan Whelen of Eric Davis Engineering who had a slide show of historic Forney.  He said many small towns are experiencing a revival of downtown areas.  The plan shows widening main st, covering ditches, having a traffic circle at Chestnut.  Could allow parking on the street.  He showed a walking and fly-by video, introduced Irma who did the video.  Mr. Johnson said this will take a lot of financial involvement, the EDC is not the type that can put up shell buildings, he wondered if should have an election regarding that.  Mr. Ketteman thinks maybe they can, he prefers public/private partnerships.  They will need buy-in from property owners. Mr. Thomas believes they use the 4B option, have many options.  Mr. Ketteman said wants living lofts above businesses.  Mr. Thomas pointed out the UPRR has been here over 100 years, said many cities use UPRR right-of-way (ROW) for parking.  The plan shows continuing Front St.  Mr. Carson says they have applied to UPRR for use of the space.  Mr. Ketteman said normal ROW is 100 ft, here it is 300 ft.  Mr. Thatcher said cities undergoing revitalization often send RFQ for single developer to buy and develop areas.
  
• Approved an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances by amending the Master Fee Schedule.
      Mr. Morgan said state introduced new law, cities may not charge residential fees using valuation.  They recommend using sq ft. rates, vs. current reliance on value.  This should keep rates the same.
  
• Approved street closures on October 5, 2019 and December 31, 2019 for Downtown Events.
      Mr. Carson said this is appropriate for downtown events, Oct. 5 will be music, food.  Dec. 31 will be a ball-drop.
  
• Made board and commission appointments: generally reappointed members to Animal Adoption Center/Shelter Advisory Committee; Board of Adjustment; Building Standards Commission Board; Economic Development Corporation; Historic Overlay District Architectural Review Board; Library Board.
      Mr. Johnson expressed concern about attendance of park board members; Mr. Thatcher said can remind all board members about attendance requirements;
      Reappointed Mr. Chambers, Mr. Shimkus, to Planning and Zoning Commission; Mr. Myers wants a different vision so nominated Casey Bingham to take place of Keith Wilkins, approved 5-2 (Johnson, Powers).
  reAppointed Mindy and Tina and Dr. Nix to Animal Adoption Center/Shelter Advisory Committee;
  Reappoint Board of Adjustment;
  appointed Joe Ferguson, reappointed mark houston? and Mr. CLine to Building Standards Commission Board;
  reappointed Fred Alexander, Amanda Lewis & Scott Burrus, tabled appointment for vacancy on, Economic Development Corporation;
  appointed Brian ,,, and reappointed members Historic Overlay District Architectural Review Board;
  appointed kim boyd?,,, Library Board;
  reappointed Ms. ,,, McNear, Luna, Daniels, appointed Edward Detmer to Park and Recreation Board;
  
• City Manager's report - txdot 80 expansion June 27, 1641 July 11, June 29 IDC largest event of year, groundbreaking of trailhouse June 28 10 am; citizens have spoken about increased enforcement - in lst month had 16 junk vehicle citations.  Mr. Johnson said workers and 740 & had cones for traffic control.  Mr. Myers asked about Gateway / 548 light - Mr. Zook said right turn lanes must go in first, couple months away.  CMC said weather has delayed it.
  
• Council Comments - Mr. Thomas welcomed Mr Cooper;
  
• Held a 71-minute executive session re:
  • PUC Docket No. 46662; SOAH Docket No. 473-17-4964.WS – Petition of the Cities of Garland, Mesquite, Plano and Richardson Appealing the Decision by North Texas Municipal Water District Affecting Wholesale Water Rates.
    
  • PUC Docket No. 47814; SOAH Docket No. 476-18-1344.WS - Petition of High Point Water Supply Corporation, Talty Special Utility District, and Markout Water Supply Corporation Appealing the Decision by the City of Forney Affecting Wholesale Water Rates.
    
  • Pump Station 2, Crescent Contractors
    
  • Compromise Settlement and Release Agreement between City of Forney and South Forney, LLC for Sanitary Sewer Improvements.
    
  • Police Chief

• Approved compromise settlement and release agreement with South Forney LLC for sanitary improvements.
  
• Adjourned at 2104.