Council seeks assistance in managing federal funds, gets a TX proclamation for 150th

During its regular Nov. 02, 2021 meeting, the Forney City Council met to receive a 150th proclamation from TX Rep. Keith Bell, proclaim Municipal Courts Week, then consider hiring consultants to spend federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, expanding Platform 80-20 agreement, Windmill Farms appeal, project King Kong.(watch official video)

• State Rep. Keith Bell presented the 150th Anniversary Proclamation from the State
  
• Mayor Lewis presented the Municipal Courts Week Proclamation for November 1 - 5.
  
• Public Comment - none
  
• Approved as one consent item:
  • the quarterly investment report ending 09/30/21.
    
  • accepting a bicycle rack donation from the Forney Lions Club and the Forney Downtown Business Association and direct staff to install the bicycle racks.
    
  • a Resolution approving the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. Membership Application and Agreement for Membership Year 2022 and authorizing the City Manager to take all necessary action.

• Approved authorizing staff to seek proposals through a request for qualifications from qualified firms for American Rescue Plan Act consultant services.
        Ms. Powers asked for background information - Ms. Woodham said will get $6.7 mn, this is to hire a consultant to make sure the funds are spent properly.  Have $3.5 mn in the bank now.  Mayor Lewis asked if applicants for funds would deal with the firm - yes.  Mr. Roberson asked about cost - Any cost would come from the funds, not the city.  Mr. Chambers asked about time frame - Must be spent in two years.
  
• Approved a Resolution approving a Development Agreement between the City of Forney and Platform 80-20, LP for the development of an approximate 40.565 acres of land situated southwest of additional property owned by Platform 80-20, located south of the intersection of CR 212 and Akron Way.
        Mr. Thatcher said in Dec. 2020 council approved an agreement covering about 60 acres.  The PD base zoning is LI, the additional 40 acres are currently in the ETJ.  Developer will request annexation, then ask for similar agreement to existing one.  This section will not directly connect to a road.  Talty SUD provides the water, but sewer and road impact fees will apply.  Ms. Salgado asks if annexation was part of agreement - Mr. Thatcher said they will petition to be annexed.
  
• City Manager's report - congratulations to FEDC for the job fair, had 38 businesses and 140 attendees.  On Saturday city and CWD held paper shredding event, 4k lbs done, plan on another event in spring.  Recently formed a committee to review proposals for police chief, looked at 4 strong applicants, they all picked The Bowman Group, led by former Arlington police chief, will present contract to council on 16th.  Town hall Nov 10, 6:30 - 8 at NFHS auditorium, residents can come and ask questions, or prior to meeting may email questions for presentation to dbrooks@forneytx.gov . 
  
• Events - Mayor Lewis said next farmers market is Nov. 13th.  CarterCare blood drive at Soulmans BBQ Nov 12.
  
• Held a 96-minute executive session re:
  • Global Opioid Settlement.
    
  • Windmill Farms Preliminary and Final Plats, Phases 4D-2 and 4D-3; Appeal of determination of Parkland Dedication and Park Development Fees.
    
  • PUC Docket No. 47814; SOAH Docket No. 46-18-1344.WS Petition of High Point Water Supply Corporation, Talty Special Utility District and Markout Water Supply Corporation Appealing the Decision by the City of Forney Affecting Wholesale Water Rates.
    
  • Facility Entertainment Management Agreement.
    
  • Project King Kong

• Approved Denying EQK appeal and affirming directors' decision to require fees in lieu for parkland and park development fees.  (this was the Windmill Farms item)
  
• Adjourned at 2033