The Forney City Council met on Tuesday evening, October 12, 2012 to discuss a full agenda of items. The two hour meeting held surprises and controversy and the latter left an uneasiness in the air at City Hall.
The Forney City Council met on Tuesday evening, October 12, 2012 to discuss a full agenda of items. The two hour meeting held surprises and controversy and the latter left an uneasiness in the air at City Hall.
Municipal Court Clerk Jennifer Clark was given the STAR Employee Award for her efforts in finding a way for the Municipal Court to remain open later to better serve the public. She volunteered to adjust her hours to make it happen. She saved the city time and money and for her efforts she received a certificate for one paid day off and an undisclosed monetary bonus.
Judy Griffin of the Forney Messenger was surprised when Mayor Darren Rozell proclaimed October 17, 2012 to be “Forney Messenger Day” in Forney. He issued the proclamation in acknowledgment of Judy and Cary Griffin's 40 years with the Messenger. Mrs. Griffin said, “This is such a nice honor...what a nice surprise.”
Forney City Council considers approval of new Special Events Policy
The Council heard from Kaufman County Environmental Co-op Director Marilyn May before approving an agreement of services with the Co-op for 2013. The Co-op participates in two cleanups a year in Forney, as well as educating the community about the benefits of recycling and, properly disposing of litter and electronic items. The vote to continue working with the Co-op was unanimously in favor of it.
The Council also voted unanimously to approve a two year renewal reappointment of Margaret Spain as the Municipal Presiding Judge.
Council members passed a code of ordinances amendment of article 12.402 (Streets Where Parking is Prohibited). The amendment makes it illegal to park on Justice Center Drive from FM 548 into the Spellman Amphitheater area of Forney Community Park.
Forney City Council approves engineer for FM 460 project
A bit of controversy occurred when EDC Director Kim Buttram presented to the council a proposal to amend the tax abatement percentage for the PM Realty Group (PMRG). The PMRG is currently building Phase II of the Emergency Medical Department near Highway 80 and FM 548. The tax abatement agreements include a condition that the City of Forney must secure the “right-of-way for the construction of a helipad.” Buttram explained to Council that a problem arose with the right-of-way after TxDOT had a management change and informed PMRG that the helipad would be too close to the roadway.
Rather than the City giving PMRG the additional $25,600.00 needed to purchase part of the Phase III medical development property on which to build the helipad far enough from the roadway, they agreed to accept changing the first year tax abatement from 50% to 100%. The next four years will remain at the originally agreed upon 50% abatement. Councilwoman Mary Penn questioned why the problem arose, and after additional explanation from Buttram, Penn was not satisfied. She said she felt like “somebody should have done their homework” and that they should have known they couldn't put the helipad in the right-of way.
City Manager Brian Brooks addressed Penn, explaining that the City was working in good faith with TxDOT and that TxDOT never previously indicated to them that there was a problem with the project. Penn was still unhappy with the information provided to her and did not understand why the City would need to change the first year tax abatement. Mayor Rozell took exception to Penn's earlier statements and interjected by loudly stating that her question had been, “housed with the implication that staff somehow did not do their job.” Mayor Rozell, obviously frustrated with the Councilwoman, said that he believed the staff had done an “excellent job” getting them to this point, in regards to bringing an Emergency Department and helipad to Forney.
Despite the heated disagreement between the Mayor and Councilwoman Penn, moments later the Council voted unanimously to fulfill their contracted agreement with PRMG and amend the first year of the tax abatement agreement as requested.
