Forney EDC awards grants to ABS, Bush's Chicken

During its regular June 08, 2017 meeting, the Forney Economic Development Corp. met and (this is the preliminary report, subject to change):

• 2/3 way through year, sales taxes up a little.
  
• Directors report - ICSC in LV, fruitful show, probably more drop-ins than before, some developers from GA. Had Utility providers luncheon on 31st, an event that was started prior to Mr. Ketteman's time.
  Downtown improvements: moving the island planned in front of city hall, move the pavers to front of city hall, move flagpoles from side of building, create a barrier in front of city, help prevent someone driving into the doors again. Ms. Lewis asked about timeline - about 2 months, then bois d'arc, which will be the tough one.
  Identifying empty & underutilized properties in downtown corridor: summer intern Elenor Griffith, a Sr at SMU studying economics with a minor in German - her first language was German, grew up in Austin, lived in Japan for 1 year. She has been working on map of areas in downtown that can be developed.
  
• Approve a redevelopment grant for 325 S. Bois D'Arc St., Forney, TX. Mr. McGregor intro'd the request. Robert Jeansonne spoke about their purchase of the building, when had a visit from Mr. McGregor and suggestion by Mr. Ketteman about providing office space; they only use about 1/3 of the space. Real issue is parking, JM asks # offices - 3. Would be willing to lease entire building. Ms. Lewis asks about the sign. Mr. Ketteman said they have met w/ PM & had DRC meeting. They will be able to nose-in parking on the side of the building. Robert said they are not going to enclose the carport. Mr. Ketteman said constantly getting calls from people looking for single office space. There was discussion about the roof, and air conditioning system. There will be 12 parking spaces. < nop brick? brought it up in '11, city said !historic, shot it down. JM asks if had roofers look at roof. >
  
• the 2017-2018 EDC Budget - expenses will be up slightly, pending sale of Crumbzz property will affect budget.
  
• Held a 75-minute executive session re:
  
  • sections 551.072, 551.087
  • section 551.701, HP Forney 548

• Returned to open session at 2115
  
• Approve incentive of $25k to Josh Edwards: $20k for fire lane going into Bushs' Chicken, $5k conditional to adjacent commercial entity receiving building permit within 6 months of opening of Bush's Chicken.
  
• Mr. McGregor: city has canceled all meetings in July, might have to call special meeting.

• Adjourned at 2117