City Council honors local Cadet, presents yet another Budget Award

During its regular Apr. 19, 2016 meeting, the Forney City Council met and (this is the initial summary report):

• Ray Stephens presented a Certificate of Recognition to Kaden Kinnart in honor of his acceptance to the US Military Academy at West Point. The entire council joined in.
  
• Mayor Wilson Presented the GFOAT Budget Award to staff via Ms. Woodham.
  
• Ms. Woodham then presented the Mid-Year Budget Update, stating sales tax revenue is up 12%, staff had budgeted a 3% increase. There a few departments over budget: legal services, city manager and human resources, due to the searches for a new city manager and in-house legal counsel.
  
• As consent items, approved:
  
  • The 2014-15 TIF Annual Report.
    
  • A preliminary plat for Cedars at Gateway Phase III, located east of F.M. 548 and south of N. Gateway Boulevard.
    
  • A site plan for Cedars at Gateway Phase III, located east of F.M. 548 and south of N. Gateway Boulevard.
    
  • A site plan for the Gateway Parks amenity center, located northeast of F.M. 1641 and east of the future S. Gateway Boulevard.

• Held a Public Hearing re: an Ordinance amending the Forney Center Planned Development (PD 1158) to allow the use of “Auto Leasing and Rental” as an approved use.
  
  This property is east of, and adjacent to, the McDonalds. There was considerable discussion about the car wash area, which the applicant stated would not be visible from the access road, but did agree it would be visible to persons at the Best Western.
  
  There was no public input; the item was approved with the addition of language requiring removal of the car-wash station if the lease is terminated.
  
• Considered appointment of TIF Board Chair pursuant to TIF Board Bylaws.
  
  Council selected Skeet Phillips as the chair, after making sure an elected official was allowed to chair the board.
  
• Approved a request from Leon Capital Group for extension of contract termination date of eight months in regard to property at FM 548 and US Highway 80.