The Tuesday, July 17, 2012 Forney City Council meeting attracted a packed room full of Forney citizens, including a group of well behaved Boy Scouts decked out in their uniforms. The meeting included an official goodbye to outgoing council member Brian Haughey, the ceremonial swearing in of newly appointed council member Ray Stephens, and an important presentation by the PM Group regarding who and what they can bring to the new Spellman Amphitheater.
The Tuesday, July 17, 2012 Forney City Council meeting attracted a packed room full of Forney citizens, including a group of well behaved Boy Scouts decked out in their uniforms. The meeting included an official goodbye to outgoing council member Brian Haughey, the ceremonial swearing in of newly appointed council member Ray Stephens, and an important presentation by the PM Group regarding who and what they can bring to the new Spellman Amphitheater.
Ray Stephens was appointed to the City Council last week after a total of nine applicants were interviewed for the position that was vacated by Brian Haughey. He received a standing ovation after City Secretary Dorothy Brooks conducted the swearing in ceremony. Stephens said, “It's an honor to be allowed up here by the city council.” Stephens encouraged Forney residents to to apply for open board positions and to participate in leadership positions. Former councilman Brian Haughey was presented with a pen and pencil set to thank him for his five years of service to Forney. He said, “It's been a privilege to serve this city...I appreciate all the support I've gotten over the years.” Haughey congratulated Ray Stephens and gave him a piece of advice, “Listen to what people say... they are the ones that vote for you.”
After presentations and proclamations were over, Brad White, a representative from the PM Group-Creative Entertainment Unlimited, addressed the council. He discussed what his company is capable of providing Forney in regards to bringing acts to the new Spellman Amphitheater. White said that the PM Group oversees 600 events a year nationwide and they are looking forward to working with the City of Forney. Council member Robbie Powers asked White what types of shows his company works with and White named everything from the Ringling Brothers Circus, to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, and Dora the Explorer.
Councilman Andy Parker wanted to know what types of shows the PM Group could have brought to Forney's amphitheater this year if the venue had been up and running. White told the council they could have booked Crosby, Stills and Nash, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Huey Lewis and the News, and many other acts to come perform in Forney. White pointed out that the Fire Marshall has approved Spellman as a 5,000 seat venue, but in many cases they would program an event for 4,500 people to allow more elbow room for event goers. He said that the amount of people that could fit in the amphitheater would also depend on whether folding chairs were allowed versus blankets. In most cases he would prefer towels and blankets because folding chairs take up more room and can be used as weapons.
Councilwoman Mary Penn asked Mr. White how long a typical concert would run and whether some of the shows would be booked during weekdays. White said a typical national headliner act would perform for 75 minutes, an opening act would play for 60 minutes, and there would be a 30 minute intermission between acts. Essentially a show would run for three hours. Although they would try to book some weekend shows, there is will likely be shows booked for the middle of the week as well. Mayor Rozell wanted to know how long it would take to book shows and White explained that most shows would need 60-90 days, which would give the city plenty of planning time before an act was brought to town.
Security and alcohol sales were a main concern for the council as they work on creating policies and procedures specifically for the Spellman. White said that all of their security officers are trained and certified and that the PM Group would like to hire off duty local police officers to work at major events at the Spellman. White said they utilize only licensed liquor sellers that have taken the training that TABC requires. The council is only considering beer and wine sales at major Spellman events and no hard liquor would be sold. A third party concessionaire would sell the alcohol and according to White, they would ask for a valid ID to prove the persons age before giving them a special wristband that would allow them to purchase alcohol inside the venue. The security officers and off-duty police officers would be there to make sure no minors were drinking or being sold alcohol. Mayor Rozell reminded everyone that the Forney Jail is within walking distance of the park. Mr. White said his group runs a tight ship and are diligent about making sure everyone at their concerts is safe and having fun.
White addressed concerns regarding parking at Forney Community Park when Spellman events are taking place. He said that if it is a larger concert, his company could provide shuttles to and from the Forney High School parking lot for overflow parking. He told the council that his company has years of experience in making sure events run smoothly and that event goers are able to get in and out safely. White believes that the Spellman Amphitheater is a beautiful venue for the community and that if it is used correctly it tells the world, “We have arrived and we can offer our community what other cities offer their communities.”