Council approves indoor gun range, alcohol sales at Eno's

During its regular Mar. 07, 2017 meeting, the Forney City Council met and (this is the preliminary report, subject to change):

• Annual Presentation by Community Waste Disposal (CWD).
  Mr. Roemer gave the presentation, stating the entire city is serviced on Wed. Recycled materials collection has increased 26%, during the 10 months the new carts have been in service. Had an increase in service calls, still below the industry average. Some of the 2016 calls might have been due to questions about recycle pickup schedule. Driver incidents were down slightly, 11 last year. A new service is door-side hazardous material pickup, including e-waste; this replaced the extreme green events. MP asked if it includes shredding; it does not, that doesn't fit well with door-side services. They prefer the hazardous material be at door-side, not next to the garbage. They have donated to Chamber, done green events at events, city had a Certificate of Merit from Keep TX Beautiful. They are donating a recycling barrell.
  
• Approved a Resolution approving the Contract for Election Services for the May 6, 2017 local election with the Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector.
  
• Held Public Hearings -
  
  
  
  • Approved an Ordinance for a Conditional Use Permit for a Gun Range (Indoor) to operate at 206 E. U.S. Highway 80, Forney, Texas.
    
  • Approved (with one abstention by Mr. Regan) an Ordinance for a variance to the location restrictions for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at 215 S. Bois D’Arc Street.
    Mr. Morgan briefed the council, this will be for the Eno's restaurant, the FEDC offered leasing to them, contingent on approval of this waiver. Staff sent required notices, 1 owner at 108 was in favor, the FISD sent a resolution opposing the waiver.
    Mr. Spillers, one of the owners, spoke giving a history of the business in the Bishops Arts District - he sees many similiarites in that area 10 years ago to Forney now. They specialize in craft beer, and have a strong wine selection. They are a community organization.
    Ms. Penn asked if they would consider rooftop dining; they will consider it. They had planned to do that at the Bishop location, but the building has to support it. Mr. Regan asked what percentage of sales is alcohol : 25-30%. Mr. Regan asked how they answer the FISD document; Mr. Spillers said it is the right call for the FISD, and Eno's runs a tight ship, everyone is TABC trained and they card . Mr. McGee asked about rooftop dining; Mr. Ketteman said he's not an structural engineer, could probably have one diner before it fell. Mr. Spillers said one thing drawing them to Forney is the surrounding area and the empty lot, they would like to create a green space there, for outdoor dining, possibly live music. Ms. Powers likes their interest, she has been to Eno's. Mr. Stephens said this has been spun-up politically, for some reason, he sees no reason any councilman would vote against this, as done it before for Zanatas, public has been spun up for absolutely no reason, sorry if Mr. Spiller has had stress about this vote.
    Mike Thomas spoke, says he's always before them about alcohol, he was instrumental in getting the JP Precinct election approved (by 2-1 margin), and it was worded to require restaurants, so it can't be a bar. TABC doesn't have a distance requirement, but will respect local ordinances, so it in councils perview to approve this.
    Sam Keats, not in the city limits, was here 6 months ago, asking about the difference between the store that wanted to sell alcohol for off premises, vs a restaurant. Mr. Thatcher said there are differences, but it is in the council perview to grant a variance.
    Amanda Moore Hood said having Eno's in the neighborhood, ability to walk to and gather, like the green space; would be nice to have something community oriented and in downtown area.
    Ms. Powers asks what the hours would be: closed Mon, open at 1130 tue - sun, until 10 except on Fri & Sat until midnight.
    Mr. McBeth spoke in favor of the variance.
    After the vote, Mr. Fisher thanked the FEDC for their work on this project.
    Mayor Wilson stated this is a good fit for the area.

• Discussed an update to the City of Forney Fire Code and the City of Forney Technical and Construction Codes and Standards.
  
• Approved request to repair a portion of Lover’s Lane and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
  
• Discussion regarding the proposed development agreement for the Whaley Tract, aka the Wynne-jackson tract. Mr. Thatcher said he would like to brief council in executive session first.
  
• Approved an Ordinance amending the FY 2016-17 Budget to transfer $45,000 from EDC fund balance to the Sophia Design Group incentive project.
  Ms. Woodham said this is a housekeeping item.
  
• Approved a letter supporting the SAFER Grant
  Chief Townsend spoke, as last year, applying for this grant for partial support for up to 6 fire fighters. Previously they would fund completely for 2 yrs, now is 75% for two years, 35% for 3rd yr. Last received the grant in 2012; got a 95k grant last year for airpacks.
  
• City Manager’s report -
  
• Held a 63-minute executive session re:
  
  
  
  • Windmill Farms Support Resolution
    
  • North Texas Municipal Water District
    
  • High Point Water Supply Corporation

• Took no action
  
• Adjourned at 2058