Council considers annexation hearings

During its regular Jan. 05, 2021 meeting, the Forney City Council met to consider scheduling public hearings for annexations, tax abatement policies, wrecker service contract.  (watch official video)

• Mayor Penn read aloud the GFOA CAFR award for the finance department.
  
• Approved as one consent item:
  • a Resolution ordering the General Election for May 1, 2021, and take any action necessary. [Comenta y considerar la aprobación de una Resolución que ordena la Elección General el 1 de mayo de 2021, y tomar las medidas necesarias.]
    
  • a Resolution setting a date, time and place for a public hearing on the proposed annexation of an approximate 1.14 acres located at 11237 County Road 212 owned by Bobby Wayne Hilbert.
    
  • a Resolution setting a date, time and place for a public hearing on the proposed annexation of an approximate 3.95 acres located at 11263 County Road 212 owned by George Brown.
    
  • a Resolution setting a date, time and place for a public hearing on the proposed annexation of an approximate 7.9 acres located at 11305 County Road 212 owned by Edwina Elaine Edwards.
    
  • a Resolution setting a date, time and place for a public hearing on the proposed annexation of an approximate 34.2 acres located at 11379 County Road 212 owned by the Beene Family Limited Partnership.
    
  • a Resolution setting a date, time and place for a public hearing on the proposed annexation of an approximate 25.3345 acres located on County Road 212, in the Absolom Hyer Survey, Abstract 203 owned by Platform 80-20, LP.

• Approved a Resolution approving a contract for depository banking services with American National Bank for a period of five (5) years.
       Ms. Woodham said 5-year contract with ANB was up, law requires to request bids every 5 years.  Two replies were received, ANB offers the best rate. Mr. Myers said ANB has been good for the city. 
  
• Approved a Resolution adopting tax abatement guidelines and criteria for granting a tax abatement in reinvestment zones for economic development.
        City Attorney Mr. Thatcher said state law requires this; ordinance good for 2 years, last adopted in 2019, which were the same as adopted in 2017.  This policy is the same.  The city has used chapter 380 agreements, this is required for true tax abatements.
  
• Approved a Resolution approving a contract for wrecker/towing services with Buster's Automotive.
        Mr. Carson said two bids were submitted, Busters is the one recommended.  Mr. Moon asked who second was - Chubbs Towing and Recovery from Terrell.  Mr. Moon asked about requirement to have property in city limits; Mr. Carson said RFP was expanded to allow a 12-mile radius.  Mr. Moon said that was good to know.  Mr. Myers thanked Chief (Lunt) for working on this.
  
• Public Comment - none
  
• City Manager's report - - none
  
• Council Comments - Mr. Traylor said happy for a new year.  Mr. Myers said ditto, thanked staff.  Ms. Powers wished happy new year and follow guidelines as hospitals are overwhelmed, not letting up any time soon.  Mr. Moon said: get vaccinated.  Mr. Cooper congratulated finance dept. for award.  Mayor Penn asked City Secretary Brooks for update on bond committee - it has been posted online, may be completed online, or Downloaded as a PDF and filled out.  It will be advertised.  Citizen survey: working on election, will discuss survey w/ Mr. Carson & Mr. Thatcher.  Ms. Powers asked where the application was: on city secretary page, or use search box.  Mayor Penn suggested including a notice on the water bill.  Ms. Powers thanked Mr. Rouvaldt for working at Eastside (Park).
  
• Adjourned at 1851