City Council prepares to fix a few problems

During its regular May 21, 2019 meeting, the Forney City Council met and in summary: approved parking restrictions on Cedar St., restricting automotive use locations, street repairs, new sewer inspection gear, new audio/video for council chambers. (watch official video)

• Proclaimed May 19-25 as National Public Works Week.
  
• Mr. Rouvaldt demonstrated the Capital Improvement Program Map feature, which should be on the website tomorrow.     (Try it)
  
• Public Comment - Mr. John Daniels thanked Ms. Brooks and new Mayor, he has spoken to Chief Sherwin about an animal control officer, he invited other citizens and Mr. Willard to come to the meeting; Mr. Willard is willing to add parking. Residents feel their voice doesn't count, he thanked staff for helping. Mayor Penn said staff will setup a meeting with him.
  
• Approved as a single consent item -
  • a revised preliminary plat for Diamond Creek Estates Phase 3, located northeast of the intersection of Diamond Creek Drive and Havenrock Drive.
    
  • a final plat for Diamond Creek Estates Phase 3, located northeast of the intersection of Diamond Creek Drive and Havenrock Drive.
    
  • a revised site plan for Deen Implement, located at 703 W. Broad Street.

• Approved a revised site plan for Alfredo's Steakhouse, located at 111 E. U.S. Highway 80.
      Mr. Morgan said they have plans for expansion, which has been completed, a permit was issued before planning signed off. Second part, front facade changes, have not been done. Inside expansion is for a restroom, not changing the restaurant which would require review of sprinklers. Mr. Thomas asked how the process was handled; Mr. Morgan said doesn't know where the mixup was, all permits were issued, and as built, it does meet all requirements.
  
• Approved awarding a contract to Lone Wolf Construction, LLC, for roadway rehabilitation services for CR212 and related activities.    (documents show total cost of $224,593 )
      Mr. Sailler said 212 between Gateway and Kiest Road is in extremely bad shape, taking it down 10 inches, 2 asphalt layers with a mat layer, 5-10 year lifespan. Mr. Myers asked how much of 212 is in city limits - all of it. Mr. Myers said he's been told the whole road should be done, but don't have budget of about $8.5 million. County did some work on a section. Goodyear is not allowed to have heavy trucks on 212. They won't work on much more N. of Gateway until after Goodyear project is done.
  
• Approved the purchase of Closed-Circuit Televised (CCTV) equipment.     (documents show total cost of $139,999.10 )
      Mr. Sailler said they have an older camera, basically worn out. This allows better job of inspection, will allow point repairs. Mr. Zook said will help offset cost of outsourcing they do for camera work. Mr. Johnson said to comply with CMOM, TCEQ, EPA, this is critical equipment to have.
  
• Held Public Hearings -
  • Approved an Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance by amending the zoning classifications of transportation and automotive uses.
        Mr. Morgan said current ordinances allow this use adjacent to residential, and is #1 use they get calls about. These could go in areas such as Fox Hollow without screening. This change would require a CUP, and will only affect new businesses. Mr. Stewart spoke at P&Z against any regulation of automotive uses. Mr. Moon asked why including rental and leasing - due to storage of vehicles. Mr. Myers asked about expansion of existing business - yes they would be affected. Mr. Thomas asked what if the owner sells - Mr. Morgan & Mr. Thatcher said it is the use, not the owner, already in ordinances as legal nonconforming. Mr. Myers asked if recent applicant would have to comply - no, because they already submitted plans, they are moving forward with plans that conform to current ordinances.
        There was no public input.
    
  • Denied an Ordinance for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Used Merchandise Store (Thrift Store/Donations) to operate at 10462 E. U.S. Highway 80.
        Mr. Morgan said near service road and Reeder, requires CUP, another thrift store nearby also required CUP. Applicant owns Rusty By Design, this will sell items not sold at that business. No outdoor storage allowed. No public response was received to notices. Mr. Myers asked there weren't several others; Mr. Morgan wasn't sure. Mayor Penn asked if the other was for the non-profit, Mr. Morgan believes so. Mayor Penn believed that is why it was approved. Mr. Morgan said the applicant is working with a nonprofit, so can provide tax deduction receipts. Mayor Penn expressed concerns about too many thrift stores in one area. Mr. Morgan read from application that the store would be part of the Non-Profit 19 Ministries. Mr. Myers said it was stated the items were unsold auction items, Mr. Morgan didn't know who the sales would benefit. Mr. Thomas asked where Rusty by Design is; Mr. Morgan believes near this location, which will remain in business. Mr. Thomas also expressed concern about too many thrift store.
        Ms. Mary Hayes said there are enough thrift stores, need department stores, no place in Forney for a man to buy a suit. Too many people have to go to Dallas for clothes. She takes her donations to a store in Kaufman because she knows where their money goes.
        Mr. Thomas wished the owners could have been here to answer questions. Mr. Moon agreed.

• Vision 2025 -- Goals and Initiatives.
  
• Approved an Ordinance amending Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances to provide parking regulations for Cedar Street.
      Mr. Morgan stated issues with Willard AC parking on the street, is a safety concern. Ordinance prohibits parking on E. side 1000 ft from service road. They spoke with Mr. Willard, he does not oppose this. Expecting an application from him to expand parking. Ms. Powers asked if this reasonable; Mr. Morgan said it is, but not opposed to prohibiting parking on both sides. Mr. Moon asked why not both sides? Mr. Morgan said up to council. Mr. Myers suggested waiting until Willard expands parking to prohibit parking on both sides. Mr. Thomas agrees. Chf. Sherwin has had complaints when both sides are parked, this ordinance will satisfy most people. Ms. Powers suggested waiting until Willard gets variance approved. Mr. Morgan pointed out the request is not guaranteed.
      Mr. Daniels said he spoke about his last meeting, he was almost in a wreck there due to rain and oil on road. He suggested they talk with Furniture One to share parking. He said should be no parking on both sides down to the church.
      Ms. Margaret Fields said she lived there many years, good to see city working with the business to resolve the issue, this ordinance is a good start.
  
• Approved the Council Chambers voting and Audio/Video System.     (documents show total cost of $82,544.60 )
      Mr. Cardwell said want to overhaul audio/video system, and install a voting system. Mr. Carson urged him to work on this, as citizens have to struggle to hear the online meetings. Microphone dias stands will be better positioned, also have buttons for voting. Could optionally use a lapel mic. Mic's can be muted, can be setup to request permission to speak. Would mount 2 75inch TV's behind council, another facing council, upgrading the projecter which would not require lights to be dimmed. All that can be shown on the current Swagit system.
      Mr. Myers said it would be awesome, Rockwall has similar system; how would it interact with laptops, Mr. Cardwell said can be positioned to side of laptops, might convert to tablets for council. Mr. Myers asked about time limits for public speakers; Mr. Cardwell will check, other cities just turn off the mic. Mr. Thomas asked if could put the timer on the TV's, believes this upgrade needs to be done. Ms. Powers is happy to move forward, TVs will be usefull for public. Mr. Moon said the mechanical timer was a bit distracting. Mr. Cardwell said likely would not add to this contract; installtion takes about a week. Mayor Penn asked if is in budget - it can be covered. Mic's - is it either / or, or both; can have both. Erroneous votes - it is possible to change your vote during a short time. Mr. Johnson asked if the value shown was the actual cost - yes.
  
• Approved Bid Advertisement for Mill & Overlay Pavement Resurfacing.     (documents show total cost of about $200,000 )
      Mr. Sailler said this is west downtown area, removing 2' asphalt, on Border, Weaver, Church, Austin, part of ongoing maintenance work. Mr. Moon said previously left out two worst streets in that area. Mayor Penn said those streets are more narrow that Cedar st. Mr. Moon said trucks working on Trinity broke these streets too. Mr. Johnson suggested they put in budget more road repairs.
  
• Approved proposal by Architexas for Pinson Farm Master Plan, with additional $12k for topography survey.     (documents show total cost of about $40,000 )
      Mr. Curry said winter 2018 had RFQ reviewed and approved, 3 companies submitted bids, this one was approved by parks board. Mr. Thomas asked if this was phase 1 services - yes, get plans before construction. Mr. Thomas wondered if topo survey should be done now; Mr. Curry said could add that, wasn't in budget then. Ms. Woodham said could cover the $12k. Ms. Powers asked if would have to do topo again later - should not. Mr. Craig Melde said won't need to redo it, would provide information, would inform them about water retention on the site. Ms. Powers mention traffic analysis' that had to be redone. Mr. Johnson said topo is a good idea.
  
• Appointments to various boards and commissions:
      Ms. Brooks said NTMWD position 1, held by Mr. Grooms, is expiring. Mr. Thomas asked if there were any other applicants - no. Mr. Moon asked if Mr. Grooms had agreed to continue - yes. His appointment was approved. Mr. Thomas said Grooms will soon be secretary of the board, due to seniority.
      BOA - the only applicant Gina Talkington was approved.
      Park Board to fill vacancy of Ann Enloe - Mario Luna was approved.
  
• City Manager's report - txdot hearing may 28 NFHS; edc partned with others for google class ,,, ; bbq cookoff, pd & fd hosting tournament. Mayor Penn asked Mr. Curry if have staff to pickup trash on park trails; Mr. Curry said there are some volunteer grups, but due to rains, trash is being swept in, it's snake season there now.
  
• Council Comments - Mr. Thomas ; Mr. Johnson happy about public works week, similar to first responders; Mayor Penn said Margaret Burchett passed away, dad was Don Cates, who only died a year ago; appreciation to council for being unified to make Forney better.
  
• Held a 52-minute executive session re:
  
• Took no action.
  
• Adjourned at 2104