Forney City Council Dec. 02 ponders trash and Parks Master Plan

During it's regular Dec. 02, 2014 meeting, the Forney City Council-

• Held a work session re: trash and recycling contract. The general consensus was that staffs' idea to hire outside service procurement consultants would be worthwhile. Issues with current contractor include missed pickups, brush removal, especially after storms, and treatment of trash cans and their placement after being emptied. Mr. Brooks said CWD has lost some large customers, and has had to lay off staff, which has led to service issues. Mr. Morgan said CWD has had 4 different service rep's during these 4 years. The CWD 5-year contract will expire in one year, so negotiations need to begin now. Ms. Nash said they have looked at consulting firms, and Burns McDonald is the one they prefer. Mayor Rozell said selecting the consulting firm should be a staff decision. There was discussion about including Smurfit-Kappa in the new contract, as they currently have an independent contract with EISI - both parties would benefit if they were included.
• Approved the 2014 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Update. Mr. Curry presented a slide show of the highlights of the proposed plan, stating the city would likely need a commercial partner to provide an aquatic center, and the indoor rec. center should not be done now. The 43 miles of trails is a goal to shoot for. Ms. Penn asked about a bridge over Hwy 80, Mr. Curry said they would work w/ TxDOT during the redesign of Hwy 80, Mr. Brooks said going over the RR would likely be more difficult.
  Some proposed plans for a North park were shown.
  Mr. Parker asked about partnering with FISD on aquatic - Mr. Curry said it had been discussed in the past, and at that time the city would have lost money on such a project, but it could be revisited now that the FISD is much larger.
• City Manager's Report - Mr. Brooks reminded everyone that Christmas on Main is this Sat., the new road striping at FM 548 near WalMart was completed very quickly. He said Mr. Metz has received responses from TxDOT approving the proposed quiet zone, so the remaining approvals should go well, and construction could begin soon.
• After a two and one-half hour executive session, council reconvened and took no action.