Forney City Council Feb. 03, 2015 ponders infrastructure needs

During its regular Feb. 03, 2015 meeting, the Forney City Council heard a presentation from Chris Metz, Director of Public Works, regarding roads and maintenance:

• Currently 123 miles of concrete roads, 27 miles of asphalt, 25 miles of storm drainage with 951 inlets
• Roads should last 50 years if properly maintained - it costs 18% more to build a 50-year road than a 25-year road
• The 10 worst streets are: Trinity, Elm, Redbud, Bowie, Carl C Senter, York, Park Creek Ave, Maple Ave, Magnolia Dr, Currency Cir. The current estimate to repair these roads is almost $12 million.
• In 50 years, all roadways will have to be replaced, the current value is about $114 million. Industry standards recommend 2% annual reinvestment which would be $2.286 million. A more realistic approach is 0.5% which is $572,000. Ms. Penn asked what the current budget is - Mr. Metz replied it is about $230,000.

The only action item was approval of minutes.
Mr. Brooks introduced Mr. Warren Ketteman, the new FEDC director.
Mr. Parker asked if there was any progress on an ordinance prohibiting landing of helicopters in residential areas - staff is still working on it, should be ready for presentation at the next one or two meetings.
Mr. Regan asked for clarification on the ambulance situation - Mr. Brooks stated they had been told ETMC will no longer serve Kaufman County (or Ellis County), but there will not be a disruption of service. The city will be working on a contract with CareFlite, hopefully in conjunction with Kaufman County.
Mr. Regan also asked about a signal light at Chestnut & FM 741, which is dangerous in the mornings. Mr. Brooks & Mr. Metz said TxDOT has done a study there, and concluded no signal was needed, but they will request a review by TxDOT. Mayor Rozell pointed out TxDOT studies look at the 24-hour traffic conditions, not the peak traffic times. Mr. Brooks asked drivers in that area to be considerate and careful.