Council considers FTW5 zoning and plans - with 800+ jobs

During its regular June 16, 2020 meeting, the Forney City Council met to approve Project Hummingbird (FTW5/Amazon w/ 800+ jobs) rezoning and plans, cancel July 7 meeting, reopen splash pad soon.
(watch official video)

• Approved as one consent item:
  • a Resolution awarding a contract to H&H Electrical Contractors, INC for the Electrical Improvements at Pump Station No. 2, and all related issues.  Documents show the bid + alternates equal $140,555.
    
  • a final plat for 7-Eleven, located northeast of the intersection of North Gateway Blvd and North F.M. 548.
    
  • a preliminary plat for the FTW5 Addition, located northeast of County Road 212 and west of S. Gateway Boulevard.
    
  • a final plat for the FTW5 Addition, located northeast of County Road 212 and west of S. Gateway Boulevard.
    
  • a replat of Forney High School Addition, located at 1800 College Avenue.
    
  • a right-of-way plat for Akron Way.
    
  • the acceptance of public improvements for the Diamond Creek Estates Phase 3 development
    
  • the acceptance of public improvements for the Villages of Fox Hollow Phase 2A development
    
  • a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with the Kaufman County Election Administrator for the November 3, 2020, General Election and Special Election, which were postponed from May 2, 2020.

• Held Public Hearing:
  • Approved an Ordinance to rezone 79.362 acres of land from Agricultural District to Planned Development District with a base zoning district designated as Light Industrial. The property is situated in the S. Smith Survey, Abstract No. 450, located northeast of County Road 212 and west of S. Gateway Boulevard.
        Mr. Morgan said this is for a 1,077,416 sq. ft. distribution center, S. of Goodyear.  It does require a large amount of parking spaces: 964 cars, 125 box truck, 389 truck parking.  Trucks will access property using Akron way - 131 each day, with limited trips during peak hours.  Staff expressed concerns about trucks stacking onto Akron Way; applicant agreed to language to prevent that.  Concrete wall panels are the building material.  P&Z members asked about number of jobs - 800 - 1000; P&Z approved the item.  Mr. Johnson asked if trucks would only come from and go to Hwy 80 - Mr. Morgan said code prohibits trucks going S. on Gateway.
        There was no public input.

• Approved a site plan for the FTW5 Addition, located northeast of County Road 212 and west of S. Gateway Boulevard.
      Mr. Morgan said this is the plan for the previous item, P&Z approved.
      Mr. Myers welcomed Amazon again to Forney, will be second in employment behind FISD, have already been a great community partner.
  
• Approved cancelling the July 7, 2020, regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council.
      Mr. Carson said nothing from staff requires a meeting.  Mayor Penn was concerned about going an entire month without a meeting.
  
• Re: action related to the Declaration of State of Disaster and Public Health Emergency, and all related issues.
      Mr. Carson mentioned the previous discussion about splash pad - Mr. Rouvaldt said the leak has been fixed, if council wants to open it.  Mr. Myers said water parks and pools are open in many places.  Ms. Powers said there have been many new cases, she's not thrilled about it, she's cautious.  Mr. Johnson said the numbers are going up because people not following common sense, ok as long as a sign shows 'use at own' risk so city has no liability.  Mr. Carson said will need a couple days to open it.
      Mr. Thatcher said Governor stated there has been a surge of cases, some due to testing from large congregations so were expecting more cases.  Governor said it's still important to distance and wear masks.  Governor will not get in the way of local government requiring masks, but should be no jailing.  Governor also suggested staying home unless necessary.  City will need to reinforce distancing rules for upcoming events.
  
• Public Comment - none.
  
• City Manager's report - events coming to Amphitheater, people can make their own choice if safe to attend.  Friday is Memphis Soul, June 26 is Bad Moon Rising, July 4th 4-10pm w/ evening entertainment.  Ms. Powers asked about food at events - Mr. Carson said JAC contract says JAC provides the food and beverages.
  
• Council Comments - Mr. Johnson: thanked staff during these trying times, budget this year won't be fun, excited about first concert, see what JAC can bring.  DC: excited about concerts. Ms. Powers: thanked staff. Mr. Myers: excited about Trace Adkins, been a goal to get big acts; thanks Amazon - 800 jobs is huge. Mayor Penn: also excited about concerts, people have been hibernating, this is something to look forward to.  She welcomes the FTW5 addition.  It's been a tough couple of months, a prayer vigil tonight at park.  She thanked everyone for condolences; Mike Thomas just lost his mom.
  
• Adjourned at 1903