City Council says No to several developments, yes to Farmers Mkt, prepare to issue C.O.s

During its regular June 21, 2016 meeting, the Forney City Council met and (this is a preliminary report, subject to revision):

  • As consent items:

    • Denied a final plat for a residential subdivision identified as Vintage Meadows Addition, Phase 2, located southeast of High Country Lane and northwest of F.M. 741, in the City of Forney extra-territorial jurisdiction.
      Mr. Mcgee said he would like to consider items 1-3 seperately. Mayor Wilson said they would be considered individually.
      Mr. Morgan briefed council.
      There was a very lengthy discussion about lot sizes, legal options.

      Ms. Powers moves to approve, Ms. Penn seconds, motion fails 3 - 4.
      Mr. McGee move to deny, Mr. Regan seconds, passes 4 - 3.

    • Denied a final plat for a residential subdivision identified as Vintage Meadows Addition, Phase 3, located southeast of High Country Lane and northwest of F.M. 741, in the City of Forney extra-territorial jurisdiction.

      Mr. Stephens moved to deny due to safety concerns, Mr. Regan seconded, all voted in favor of denial except Ms. Powers.

    • Denied a one year extension for the approval of the preliminary plat for the Lakewood Trails Addition, located south of F.M. 741 and west of High Country Lane, in the City of Forney extra-territorial jurisdiction.

      Mr. Regan moved to deny, Mr. McGee seconded, motion carried with Ms. Powers voting against.

    • Approved elevation plans for an accessory structure in the Forney Center Planned Development (PD 1158).

    • Approved the public improvements for the Stonebridge Veterinary Hospital of Forney.
      Mr. Morgan across 711, meets all requirements, are open for business.

  • Held Public Hearings regarding:


    • Extending the corporate boundary limits of the City of Forney, Texas, to annex approximately 76.071 acres of land situated within Abstract No. 171, Kaufman County, Texas, generally located south of U.S. Highway 80 on the western boundary of the City of Forney city limits.

      Mr. Morgan briefs council, notices were sent.
      Kelli Rod, community affairs at Luminant, spoke. She met weeks ago with some staff, some was productive. Talking about annexation was fruitful. Important the city considers defering annexation so talks may continue. Without the annexation train running full steam. She is looking forward to having community meetings at their location. All want to work together.

    • Extending the corporate boundary limits of the City of Forney, Texas, to annex approximately 76.071 acres of land situated within Abstract No. 171, Kaufman County, Texas, generally located south of U.S. Highway 80 on the western boundary of the City of Forney city limits.
      Ms. Rod again said must be diligent, next few months. All are committed to work together.
      Mr. Regan said open and candid dialog is important. offer olive branch. Ms. Rod said that is how Lumina works. Mr. McGee said he is committed to win-win for both.


  • Approved an Ordinance for a Conditional Use Permit for a request is for the use of Farmers Market to operate on the property located at 210 E. Broad Street.
    Mr. Morgan briefed council - 10 each food and non-food vendors proposed. Food trucks would be inspected separately. Parking on elm - public works wanted angle parking. Provided notfications, no repsonses. Staff reccomends approval. If expands, must come back for approval.
    Wm Gray - supporting, been in Dalls 35? yrs, this is a great idea. When decide to implement produce, should be a success. Concerned about 1 day per month, produce is perishable, can't make profit 1 day per month. Usually open 3 days / wk. Thanks volunteers who worked for this.
    Kindal Milton with DBA & FAC who partened to bring this, worked to develop ordinances, to pz, couple months work since last fall. Something the public wants to see.


  • Denied a final plat for Lucky Three Forney Crossing, LLC, Lot 1, Block 1, located south of F.M. 688 and the railroad and west of S. F.M. 548.

    Mr. Regan, Mr. Stephens to deny. unanimous.

  • Approved Matters incident and related to providing for the redemption of certain outstanding bonds of the City, including the adoption of a resolution relating thereto.
    Ms. Woodham briefed council - 4th year of TxDOT project, first year that will receive maximum payment. So far 7.1 million excess payments, saved about 5 million.
    Ms Penn: good news!
    Mr. Johnson: how many years taken off the life of the bonds?

  • Approved all matters incident and related to approving and authorizing publication of notice of intention to issue certificates of obligation, including the adoption of a resolution pertaining thereto.
    There was a lengthy discussion about the price increase, and which roads should be done.

  • Recess until 2030.
  • Discuss the plan of finance for The Villages of Fox Hollow Public Improvement District No. 1.
    Nick Bulaich presented information about the areas affected.
    Jim Bell spoke about the advantage of having large lots.

  • Approved an Ordinance amending the budget for Fiscal Year 2015-16 to transfer $51,685 from EDC Fund Balance for a new project in regard to 106 Main Street.

  • Public Input -

    • Amy Byers - re Fox Hollow: majority of FH is unhappy with the way money is spent, it has a substandard perimeter wall. 30 cent assessment is substantial. She used Mr. Stephens home as example to compare taxes in Grayhawk, Rockwall and the new phase of Fox Hollow. Supposed to be a premier community, but isn't. Nothing to substantiate the extra cost. Rogers and Monitor are public roads, has a public school. 700 kids go to that school, shouldn't be the responsibility of homeowners to pave it.
    • Kevin Wong who is on PID Board. Maintenance has been horrible, no other properties in Forney had wall failures. Only 11 years old. He urged council to do due diligence for the safety of city residents.

  • City Manager - Mr. Daniels: next meeting be July 5, July 4 celebration on 2nd, all day event, fireworks at sundown.
    Good news for Fire Dept., last week John Holcomb was notified by FEMA approved 98,550 grant, to meet firefighter and emergency response needs, will be spend on self-contained breathing apparatus.
    Thursday Tx A&M agrilife will offer gardening class. This is the final free class this year.
    Code enforcement efforts - usually busy time of year, managers office gets most ngry calls. So far, not one call, applauds Mr. Morgan & staff for concentrating on areas that normally get complaints.
    For several years complaints about parking Mulberry park, staff has put together a team, like to see that done before he leaves office. No need for ppl keep getting stuck in mud.
    Council will be interviewing candidates for city manager & attorney, july 6 & 7.
    Insert in Dallas Morning News, shout to Mr. Ketteman & Stuart, & Kyle PIO.
    Mr. Stephens-RR crossing Quiet Zone area - no lighting, people are hitting the median, can the city put reflectors. Mr. Metz said they will paint yellow, put on reflectors, as soon as contractors are done.
  • Held a 50-minute executive session
  • Took no action after executive session.
  • meeting_date: 
    Tuesday, 2016, June 21