Forney EDC forges ahead with downtown renovations

During its regular Dec. 08 meeting, the Forney EDC met and (this is the preliminary report, subject to change):

• Treasurers' report - 1st month of fiscal year 8% on sales tax, well ahead of last yr.
  
• Mr. Ketteman introduces new wireless microphones.
  The service line training was well attended.
  Monday veterans job fair in kaufman. There is a red white & u event, by TX Workforce, in Frisco.
  Will be discussing a prospect on 215 building in executive session.
  Another plaque for the wall: Community Economic Development award, merit recognition, (like 2nd place) for entrepneurship forum. Terrell won (in a tie).
  Chmn McBeth asked about the discolored water at Groovy's - Mr. Ketteman believes is due to work on Trinity St.
  
• Downtown parking project: Mr. Ketteman: been a long time coming, provide roadwork, parking.

  The EDC has sought bids twice, each time the only responding bidder was Axis. Mr. Ketteman worked with them to get cost down; concrete costs in the area are up about 40%. This 1.3mil is a small project for most contractors. City Mgr. Fisher likes this project.
  There was a lengthy discussion, the city is likely to provide some additional funds for this project.

  
  Ms. Griffin asked when it would start and how long it would take - Mr. Ketteman said probably after January, and a 6 month project.
  Ms. Browning asked if there was a time limit on spending the bond funds, and if there had been any response from TXDOT on releasing Bois D'arc - Mr. Ketteman said the process has formally started, could take a year or more. Ms. Browning asked what the harm would be waiting until it is released; mostly the cost of concrete.
  The item was approved with one Nay by Ms. Browning.
  
• Approved a redevelopment incentive grant for the Latham Bakery & Deli at 106 E. Main St.
  Mr. Ketteman said this was for the new redevelopment grant, not a facade grant.
  Ms. Latham said they would not be using the upstairs because of sprinkling requirements.

  Mr. Burrus asked what has been done at 106 so far - about 51k budgeted, 26k on design & roof repair, so 25k remaining. That did not include the restroom, that came from general budget for building repair. Charity said it did come out of cip. Ms. Browning asked if haven't already awarded 30k? Mr. Ketteman yes, only spent 6.8k on design. This redevelopment grant would be in addition to that. Chmn McBeth said this is the only grant applied for; Mr. Ketteman said a few other inquiries, this is the first.

  Expected opening date is after Christmas. Mr. Ketteman said lease starts on issue of CO, Ms. Latham is ready to sign agreement tonight.
  

• Approved a facade grant for TouchUp Salon.
  Mr. Ketteman said they are adding on, almost doubling space. They will have to go to P&Z yet, board can approve it contingent upon P&Z approval. It has been ARB approved. Is more than just awning, also windows & more.
  
• EDC cost participation with a traffic study in the area of FM 548 & Hwy 80.
  Mr. Ketteman said this was brought to him by City Mgr. Fisher, because of issues about Raising Cane's, believe it's best to have private firm to move quicker than TXDOT will. This is not budgeted, would have to come from reserves & be approved by city council. There is movement on properties there now. Chmn McBeth asked if will include impact of Gateway connecting to 1641 - probably not. Participating will give them input. Ms. Browning asked if hadn't been a study by Raising Cane's & TXDOT - Mr. Ketteman said Traffic Impact Analysis was done, which shows impact of just one business.

• executive session