City to help fund parking, buy land, work with Markout WSC

During its regular Dec. 06, 2016 meeting, the Forney City Council met and (this is the preliminary report, subject to change):

• Presented a Certificate of Recognition to Rolland Pickens.

• Approved, as consent items:
  
  
  
  • a preliminary plat for a residential subdivision identified as Grayhawk Addition, Phase Three, located within the Grayhawk Planned Development.
    
  • a facade renovation for Touch Up Salon at 204 S. Bois D’Arc St
    
  • public improvements for Gateway Boulevard (South) FM 1641 to Hwy 80 Gateway Bridge.
    
  • public improvements for Gateway Parks Phase 1A.
    
  • public improvements for Forney Fire Station No. 2.
    
  • cancelling the December 20, 2016, City Council meeting and moving the January 3, 2017, City Council meeting to January 10, 2017.
    
  • renewal of agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Texas for employee health insurance.

• Held a long recess to attend the tree lighting ceremony with Santa.
  
• Approved an Ordinance amending the FY 2016-17 budget to transfer $305,000 from EDC Fund Balance to the Downtown Parking Project.
  Mr. Ketteman briefed council, stating biggest issue is drainage. During 2 bid processes, only one bidder responded. Ms. Penn asked if all the bond money was gone? Mr. Ketteman said this will use all available, plus this extra from the city, total 1.3 mil. Downtown Forney is really flat.
  
• Approved obligating remaining EDC bond funds to the Downtown Parking Project.
  Mr. Ketteman said it was best to split the items up.
  
• Approved an Ordinance amending the FY 2016-17 budget to transfer $250,000 from the City’s CIP Fund to the Downtown Parking Project.
  
• Appointed two TIF Board members and TIF Board Chair pursuant to TIF Board Bylaws.
  Chandra Goodson, Skeet Phillips as chair, Chad Thorpe.
  
• Approved a FM 548 area traffic study proposal from Lee Engineering.

• Approved the creation of an industrial rate category for water and sewer charges.
  Mr. Fisher has been in discussion w/ Smurfit-Kappa for a year. He doesn't have a way to negotiate outside the existing rates. Mr. McGee asked about company size; Mr. Fisher said 200 employees.
  
• Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Wynne Jackson.
  Mr. Fisher been in discussion some time ... gives developer better comfort level.
  
• City Manager’s report
  Thanks public works guys for work done for events. Mr. Stephens asked about strategic retreat dates. Mr. Johnson: Lovers Lane, anything back from engineers? still waiting for results. Mr. Stephens mentioned the star awards; Mr. Fisher wants to create a program to recognize employees. Mr. Stephens asked about small trailer for FD combat team; still on list. Mr. McGee asked if could recognize employees on water bills. Mr. Regan: hwy 80 expansion? Mr. Fisher said schedule pushed back a little, probably March before start again. Mulberry Park will be on Jan 10 agenda, Mr. Dormeyer looking at it.
  
• Mr. McGee good turnout for tree lighting, thanks to staff; Mr. Stephens recognizes Alexa for right call canceling Christmas on Main; Ms. Powers thanks staff for decorations; Mr. Regan awesome tonight, one of few cities where Santa rides in on an F350; Ms. Penn congratulates FD on 1st resp award, and for extenguishing house fire; Mr. Johnson commends staff for all thru year; Mayor Wilson spoke about Jamie Barkham, De Soto honor guard.
  
• Held a

  75-minute executive session re:
  

  
  
  • Markout Water Supply Corporation
    
  • Fenilli
    
  • Fox Hollow PID
    
  • WJI Development
    
  • Deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property.
    
  • Police Chief

• Authorize city manager and attorney to draft documents to purchase 16.26 acres of property SE side of Pinson N. of 80.
  
• Approved maintenance agreement, subject to revisions discussed, with Markout and authorize city manager to execute accordingly.
  
• Adjourned at 9:20.