Council Approves Lagoon, makes statement about CRF funds

During its regular Jan. 19, 2021 meeting, the Forney City Council met to consider several annexation requests, zoning for Bellagio, plats for distribution centers, Mr. Johnson announced will not run for re-election, Mr. Thatcher made a statement about CARES Act Fund expenditures.
(watch official video)

• Approved as one consent item:
  • Acceptance of Public Improvements for the 7-Eleven project.
    
  • the Acceptance of Public Improvements for the Akron Way Phase I roadway project.
    
  • a preliminary plat for Dossett Addition, located northwest of the intersection of Farm-to-Market Road 740 and County Road 209 in the City of Forney extra-territorial jurisdiction.
    
  • a preliminary plat for the Pinnacle Montessori - Heartland, located northeast of the F.M. 741 and Interstate Highway 20 intersection in the City of Forney extra-territorial jurisdiction.
    
  • the authorization to allow staff to seek bids for the Annual Price Agreement Contract for general asphalt and concrete maintenance and all related issues.

• Held Public Hearings -
  • Approved annexation of approximately 34.2 acres of land located in the Absolom Hyer Survey, Abstract 203 at 11379 County Road 212, owned by the Beene Family Limited Partnership and discussion and possible action on an Ordinance approving the annexation.
    There was no public registered to speak.
    
  • Approved proposed annexation of approximately 3.95 acres of land located in the Absolom Hyer Survey, Abstract 203 at 11263 County Road 212, owned by George Brown and discussion and possible action on an Ordinance approving the annexation.
    There was no public registered to speak.
    
  • Approved proposed annexation of approximately 7.9 acres of land located in the Absolom Hyer Survey, Abstract 203 at 11305 County Road 212, owned by Edwina Elaine Edwards and discussion and possible action on an Ordinance approving the annexation.
    There was no public registered to speak.
    
  • Approved proposed annexation of approximately 1.14 acres of land located in the Absolom Hyer Survey, Abstract 203 at 11237 County Road 212, owned by Bobby Wayne Hilbert and discussion and possible action on an Ordinance approving the annexation.
    There was no public registered to speak.
    
  • Approved proposed annexation of approximately 25.3345 acres of land located in the Absolom Hyer Survey, Abstract 203 on County Road 212, owned by Platform 80-20, LP and discussion and possible action on an Ordinance approving the annexation.
    There was no public registered to speak.
    
  • an Ordinance rezoning 113.878 acres of land from Agricultural District to Planned Development District with a base zoning of Light Industrial District. The property is located west of Helms Trail and north of Plantation Ridge.
    There was no public registered to speak.
    
  • Approved an Ordinance rezoning 43.615 acres of land from Agricultural District to Planned Development District with a base zoning of Light Industrial District. The property is located at the southeast corner of U.S. Highway 80 and S. Gateway Boulevard.
    There was no public registered to speak.
    
  • Approved an Ordinance zoning 39.16 acres of land to Light Industrial District. The property includes Kaufman County Appraisal District Parcels 7814, 7815,7817, and 7818.
    There was no public registered to speak.
    
  • Approved an Ordinance zoning 47.16 acres of land to Planned Development District with a base zoning of Light Industrial District. The property is located south of U.S. Highway 80 and west of Co. Rd. 212.
    There was no public registered to speak.
    
  • Taken out of agenda order: Approved a Resolution approving a Development Agreement between the City of Forney and Bellagio Laguna Azure, LLC for the development of an approximate 106.99 acres of land located on FM 741 within the City of Forney and its extraterritorial jurisdiction; setting a date, time and place for a public hearing on the proposed annexation of an approximate 4.28 acres located at 8092 S FM 741, Forney, Texas, within the Absolom Hyer Survey, Abstract 203, owned by Bellagio Laguna Azure, LLC.
    
  • Approved an Ordinance rezoning 349.09 acres of land from Agricultural District to a Planned Development District with a mix of residential and non-residential uses. The property includes 246.38 acres located southeast of Forney High School and south of F.M. 741 and 102.71 acres located east of F.M. 741 and Lakemont Drive.
    Chantell Lacelle from Grayhawk thanked council for their service. She's opposed to this at this location, doesn't want the high density development, don't need retail that will only be open part of the year.
    (details to follow...)
    Mayor Penn said several citizens had questions - she read them out and they
    were discussed.
    Mayor Penn asked Chief Lunt if had concerns about crime rate - he said with growth come increased crime, this development shouldn't be more than any other. Forney has a low violent crime rate, most is property crime, don't expect a change with this.
    (details to follow...)

• Approved a preliminary plat for the Seefried Addition, located west of Helms Trail and north of Plantation Ridge.
  Mr. Morgan said adjacent to akron and helms trail. 13 lots.
  
• Approved a site plan for the Seefried Addition, located west of Helms Trail and north of Plantation Ridge.
  Mr. Morgan said this is ph 6, with screening wall along residential.
  
• Approved a preliminary plat for the Van Trust Gateway Industrial Addition, located south of U.S. Highway 80 and east of S. Gateway Boulevard.
  
• Approved a site plan for the Van Trust Addition, located south of U.S. Highway 80 and east of S. Gateway Boulevard.
  
• Public Comment - none?
  
• Council Comments - Mr. Traylor - get vaccinated, he works with elderly, can't get vaccines for people, very frustrating. Mr. Myers said the value of construction in distribution centers is 358 million, 4.9 mil for FISD / yr. He tanked staff for years of work on these. Ms. Powers appreciates Chief Lunt for working on vaccines. Mr. Cooper thanked Mr. Johnson for trying to explain how things work. Mr. Johnson said get on multiple vaccination lists - country restrictions have been lifted, thanked staff for their work, no such thing as TMI, he will not file for reelection due to health issues with his wife, and he's been in government for 48 years, it's a great council and staff. Mayor Penn Said it's been a pleasure serving with him and appreciates his wisdom. Many community members have been covid positive. She appreciates staff and council.
  
• Held a 55-minute executive session re:
  
• Mr. Thatcher read a statement regarding Cares act funds, which are managed through TX Dept of Emergency Management, which was lengthy and probably said everything is fine with their CRF expenditures... - Listen -