Council considers NYE, +1,720 new homes

During its regular Jan. 08, 2019 meeting, the Forney City Council met and in summary:

• Public Comment - none.
  
• Potential 2019 City events. Ms. Penn said she & Mr. Myers went to Maryland to see their NYE ball-drop (which was exciting and fun, and reminded her of street dances Forney used to have), and a celebration of light, which could be difficult to do, but could be done at a profit. Mr. Myers said they had two ball-drops; one at 6pm for kids, and at midnight. The festival of Lights draws 100k people. Mr. Moon asked if there was a website to visit about the event. Mr. Myers said they have a special website just for the Festival.
  
• Approved as one consent item:
  • a Resolution ordering the General Election for May 4, 2019, and take any action necessary.
    
  • a site plan for Goodyear, located at the southwest corner of S. Gateway Boulevard and U.S. Highway 80.
    
  • a final plat for Gateway Parks Addition, Phase 4B, located northwest of the intersection of S. Gateway Boulevard and Holly Creek Road.
    
  • a final plat for Gateway Parks Addition, Phase 4B, located northwest of the intersection of S. Gateway Boulevard and Holly Creek Road.
    
  • a Resolution awarding a contract to Patterson Professional Services, LLC for construction services for the Weaver Lift Station Project, and all related issues.
    
  • approval of and acceptance of the Public Improvements for Park Trails Phase 3.
    
  • approval of and acceptance of the Public Improvements for Victory at Forney.

• Held Public Hearings -
  • Took no action on an Ordinance to zone property from Agricultural District to Planned Development District with single-family residential base zoning. The property consists of approximately 348.82 acres of land located south of Forney High School, on the south, east, and west sides of F.M. 741.
        Mr. Morgan said 246 acres inside city, application included voluntary annexation request dependent on zoning approval. 1,278 SF-6 lots, smaller than SF-66 zoning: 6,000 & 7,200 sq ft lots, minimum is 7,700; 50 ft width, 60 is minimum; floor area 1,800 which is over minimum of 1,500. A 10ft trail is included, amenity center included, to be built before 30th house built. Plan shows 32 acres open space, 12.9 acres park and 2.9 dog park, which does not meet new park ordinance which requires 51 acres. Staff and park board prefer park dedication considered during zoning request. Ordinance and TxDOT both require TIA (Traffic Impact Analysis) before plat approval. P&Z considered it, one person spoke in opposition, suggesting more commercial. P&Z voted 6-0 to deny due to abundance of residential, traffic issues, limited land for development.
        Applicant, Mr. Pat Atkins of Saddlestar Development, presented a slide show for Whaley Farms. They have worked with staff for 6 months, trying to blend in with the topography and area. They will adhere to city requirements for open space so could be fewer lots than shown. Their residential will be in the city, will continue to work with staff, have coordinated with FISD. Homes will be in the 300k+ range. P&Z thought commercial would be better use of the land; they want to do a mixed-use community. He realizes won't get approval, but would like feedback on residential use for this property.
        There was no public input.
        Mr. Johnson asked why residential? Have 1,000 homes on 548, 1,800 on 1641?, Clements ranch, overrun with residential. He's not anti-development, believes in quality, and have enough residential. Don't have enough infrastructure, TxDOT doesn't have funds to expand roads. Mr. Atkins said 345 acres surrounded by residential, bringing in other uses not near major thoroughfares. With 741 as the feed, lends to residential use. Current developments are lower priced homes. This would have no district or bonds, infrastructure would become part of the city. 345 acres of commercial, office or industry would be challenging. Tax base would be 380 million. Could be an upper-end community. If council wants commercial not adjacent to interstate, good luck. He discussed the issues w/ big box stores and the Amazon impact. They might later request walkup neighborhood services.
        Mayor Wilson said not meeting SF-6 standards, even largest lots don't meet standards. Mr. Atkins said he would build same value unit on either size lot, would lose tax base. He will look at meeting the minimum, if council supports this being residential. Mayor Wilson said his concern is density and roads.
        Mr. Moon asked about TIA - Mr. Morgan said during platting, but could request during zoning request. Mr. Atkins spoke about the curves on 741 slowing traffic down, and Monitor being a collector. Mr. Morgan said the TIA will just provide recommendations, not whether the property use is suitable. Ms. Powers asked if anticipating signal lights - Mr. Morgan said not until after TIA. Ms. Penn said even w/ a study, doesn't mean they will widen the road. Mr. Myers thanked Mr. Atkins for considering Forney, but he agrees w/ P&Z that have enough homes. Get complaints every day about traffic, TxDOT has no plans for 10 years to expand roads. He would rather consider commercial.
        Ms. Penn liked him bringing nicer products, but more residential brings problems. She mentioned the Victorian ground-breaking, he might consider building office space. She appreciates his higher quality product. Public doesn't want more residential. Mr. Atkins said construction is going on everywhere, with a good ISD residential demand will be high. He thinks residential should be next to FHS. There will not be a 30-acre commercial user in this area. Even "A" markets are struggling in retail. It's challenging to get big box except on highways. They can include neighborhood services. He didn't want to include commercial due to dmand - it's all Amazon, or people want to walk to their shopping. He again stated residential is the lowest traffic generator. He offers to withdraw their request to consider their input.
        Ms. Powers liked the presentation, she's on the fence. Been trying to push for more commercial and retail, but Amazon has an impact. She agrees residential makes sense there. She suggested entertainment, don't have much here for youth. Mr. Atkins showed the amenity center they proposed, and the trail system, maybe an elementary school, a community garden. He said will look at justifiable retail that could be supported by the residents. He mentioned town homes; Ms. Powers said she's not opposed to town homes.
        Mayor Wilson thanked him for considering Forney. Mr. Atkins complimented staff, could mix in a fire station with mixed use. He requested pulling both items from consideration.
        Mr. Johnson said current developments have a lack of variety, for a mixed residential. He also is not opposed to town home, or zero lot-line homes. Mr. Atkins said political bodies get nervous about density when presented with that.
    
  • Took no action on an Ordinance to zone property to Planned Development District with single-family residential base zoning. The property consists of approximately 124.716 acres of land located north of High Country Lane and southwest of the Lakewood Trails subdivision in the City of Forney ETJ.

• Vision 2025 -- Goals/Initiatives Mr. Carson said working on Sep 17 workshop.
  
• Postponed until after executive session: allowing staff to seek construction bids for the Trailhouse Roadway Project, and all related issues.
      Ms. McQuiston said this will create another connection from Kroger to Hwy 80 access, reduce traffic on 548 and Marketplace. Two phases: road paving and culvert, new water and sewer lines. Phase 2 would be off-site sewer line. Completion Sep. 2019 and Feb 2020. Can use impact fees; cost is 4.375 million, budgeted is 3.4 million, will bring back if approved for bids.
      Mayor Wilson asked if a traffic study was done; Mr. Dormier said this is in the thoroughfare plan. Mr. Johnson said EDC and city gave incentive to developer, what are they spending money on? Mr. Thatcher said there are no agreements in this area. Mr. Moon asked about funding; Ms. McQuiston said $3.4 million in budget, the road will connect to apartments, Kroger Driver.
      Mr. Carson said will be going into another fiscal year before complete. Ms. McQuiston said the funding will be staggered with the two phases.
  
• Approved a market adjustment for Community Waste Disposal for the solid waste collection and recycling services agreement.
      Ms. Woodham said the budget has a 5% increase; staff recommends approval. Ms. Penn asked if it isn't the citizens who pay the service - Ms. Woodham said that is the rate they set.
  
• Approved an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Article 12.05, "Truck Routes" to amend the designated truck routes for commercial motor vehicles.
      Chief Sherwin said worked on ordinance at council request. The old ordinance was a vehicle with load limit 4,000 lbs, but zoning indicated 16,000 lbs. Added FM roads. They included Gateway from 80 to 212, and to Reeder, is not in Gateway development.
      Mr. Johnson asked about Bois d'Arc ; Sherwin said it is no longer a truck route. They will need to add GIS info on website for truckers. Mr. Myers asked about plans for enforcement; Sherwin said the ordinance was insufficient, so this is first step.
      Ms. Hayes commented about trucks coming through on Aimee.
  
• Approved an Ordinance annexing an approximate 29.224 acres, owned by Pacific & Pinson, situated in the J. Lopez Survey, Abstract No. 286, Kaufman County, Texas, Kaufman CAD Property ID 9187, generally located on the north side of FM 740, east of Clements Drive.
      Mr. Thatcher said next 3 are all involuntary annexation. Council held public hearings, this is adjacent to city limits on 2 sides, no comments were received to notices.
  
• Relocated considering an Ordinance annexing an approximate 48.717 acres (listed below)
      Mr. Thatcher requested this item be considered after the 51 acres.
  
• Approved an Ordinance annexing an approximate 51.431 acres, owned by Whaley Investments, Ltd., situated in the A. Hyer Survey, Abstract No. 203, Kaufman County, Texas, Kaufman CAD Property ID 7865, generally located on FM 741 adjacent to the southern boundary of the city limits.
      Mr. Thatcher said this was a problem with how presented on agenda. This is E. of Lewis Circle and FM 741.
  
• Approved an Ordinance annexing an approximate 48.717 acres, owned by Helen M. Whaley, situated in the A. Hyer Survey, Abstract No. 203, Kaufman County, Texas, Kaufman CAD Property ID 7810, generally located on FM 741 adjacent to the southern boundary of the city limits.
      Mr. Thatcher said this is adjacent to property just acted upon.
  
• Approved a Resolution supporting the continuation of Chapter 312 Tax Abatements for Economic Development.
      Mr. Ketteman said the code is very specific, is up to expire. EDC board is in support of continuing the code. Texas Assoc. Manufacturers press release said "49 other states will love it when TX abandons economic development." Mr. Johnson said state is becoming more anti-city.
  
• Approved an Ordinance amending the 2018-19 Fiscal Year Budget transferring $50,649 from the EDC Fund Balance to the EDC Project Expense line item in support of an economic development incentive to Deen Kubota for their new facility.
      Mr. Ketteman said it's good need to move funds, means projects are being worked on. Mr. Deen came to board, who approved the requests. They are working on new sewer line to cover that area. Ms. Penn said glad to see progress there. Mr. Myers said the new building looks good.
  
• City Manager's report - introduced redesigned website; congrats FD on ; Forney on Ice ended, 6100 skaters; movies and music in park be announced soon; downtown electronic crosswalks are installed and being tested; Atmos has sent notice they will refund $5 million to customers. Mayor Wilson mentioned a letter regarding Kaufman CAD members. Mr. Myers asked how Forney on Ice compared to last year; Mr. Curry said might be down slightly. Ms. Penn how many families were helped; about 60.
  
• Council Comments - Mr. Johnson thanks for coming, will have to keep guard up w/ stat legislature in session, looks forward to projects; MP ; KM be a good year, lot of brainstorming; Ms. Powers great opportunity for 2019; Mr. Myers excited about coming year, seeing good comments about PD; Mayor Wilson thanks staff and public works.
  
• Held a 70-minute executive session re:
  
  
  • Soah Docket No. 471-17-4964.WS; PUC Docket No. 46662--Pet. of Plano, et al.
    
  • PUC Docket No. 47814--Pet. of Talty SUD, et al.
    
  • Projects Eagle and Falcon
    
  • Economic Development Project -- Kroger South

• Approved item 2: allowing staff to seek construction bids for the Trailhouse Roadway Project.
  
• Adjourned at 2136