Forney City Council Sep. 2 lowers taxes, debates Booker T. building, accepts land for new fire station

considered options for the Booker T. Washington school - either possible $3 million renovation, or a less expensive stabilization of the structure for future renovation.
  Ms. Nash said they requested a visual inspection from Schrickel Rollins: staff wanted to make sure potential uses were in line with the Park Survey results, and needed a cost estimate. Mr. Williams from Schrickel Rollins show pictures of the building condition. Gymnasium and stage are mostly unchanged, but other sections were modified into apartments, and an addition for apartments. The estimate is to return building to original condition, with office and small kitchen, classrooms. Would have to add restrooms on S. side. Would have 51 parking spaces. Cost estimate: $3 million w/ 15% contingency. Many roof leaks and wall problems add uncertainty. Estimate does not cover "soft costs" of design, geotech, permitting, or furniture and fixtures. Mr. Stephens questioned going back to full basketball court - Mr. Williams said it was a multi-purpose concept: gym, auditorium, community center. Mr. Regan asked about side rooms - classrooms, storage and HVAC as building never had air conditioning, also an electrical room. Mr. Regan asked what features would be retained; stage, office, kitchen, gymnasium, bleachers. The court is narrower than current basketball courts, no 3-point line. Mr. Hobbs asked about inspections for electrical and plumbing - those have not been done. Mr. Regan asked about the court being used for multi-purpose, if the floor would be wood; currently, yes, but considering other surfaces. Mayor Rozell talked about using original materials. Mr. Regan asked about capacity: 9700 sq. ft., so about 370. Mr. Parker said they really don't know what the condition is, will need to do more work before ask for bids. Estimates are using "big-city" numbers, Mr. Craig Randall has been good on other jobs. If the $3 million is a firm number, they will need to consider priorities for spending money. Mr. Brooks said a contractor would be very careful about estimates on existing building; the committee felt roof was good to start on, but the foundation is hard to tell from just site inspection.
  Ms. Nash said would like to have more in-depth analysis, foundation, soil tests, to allow getting closer to construction costs - will take about 4 months. Could consider just stabilizing the building. Ms. Penn was inf favor of stabilizing, even if would only be $2 million for project, fire station and animal shelter are important. Cost of stabilizing is unknown. Mr. Parker asked if foundation was in good shape; they believe so, except where fire was put out, but roof does have many leaks. Mr. Brooks said priorities had been fire station, animal control facility, could have a separate issuance vote for this, it would be wise to have structural analysis done first. Mr. Parker agreed, shouldn't rush this. Ms. Nash listed future steps to take. Mayor Rozell suggested council wants to go with option 2.
• Amended last years budget, then adopted a new budget, and reduced ad valorem taxes from $0.749020 to $0.723486
• Accepted 4.33 acres of land in the Meadow Ridge Farm LP PD for use as a future fire station.
• Heard from Ms Tracy Tamez who has not seen improvement in code enforcement in her neighborhood.

More Details to follow...