FEDC holds HOT funds class, approves settlement

During its regular May 11, 2017 meeting, the Forney Economic Development Corp. met and (this is the preliminary report, subject to change):

• Financial report -SB said 58% through FY, finance dept est was 1/2% below, expenses at 40% of budget.
  
• Director's report - Donut summit every Fri morning, has schematics fo what it should look like
  
• Held a H.O.T. funds workshop, required attendance for all applicants. Mr. McGregor presented a slide show covering rules about allocation, the application process, and reporting requirements.
  
• Presentation for City Manager James Fisher
  
  • 548/80 corridor traffic study
    Mr. Fisher presented a slide show, stating this study was from Kroger to 1641/548; this was predicated by Raising Canes' application, city felt their desire for exiting traffic to be able to go S. on 548 wasn't safe. Railroad puts a kink in it all. Traffic signal are supposed to be synced, but when the arms go down, it resets the signals, which creates mayhem. Chmn McBeth asked how many cycles it took for everything to work out: probably 5, on a good day. Also looked at getting a signal light at Rogers/Justice Center.
    Signals at 548 & Kroger Drive are not coordinated.
    At 548 & Walmart, issues due to short stacking in driveways; might put non-traversable median, N & S hooded turn lanes, and make driveways right-in and right-out. The goal is to reduce traffic across 548. Businesses have expressed concern about the impact these changes could cause.
    At 548 and Murphy - heavy northbound right turns, may also put in a median. May relocate the gas driveway on the frontage road.
    At 548 & frontage road, see evidence of people making their own paths, it is a safety issue, as is large trucks parking on shoulders.
    At 548 & Broad, generating most discussion. Lack of turn lane for N. bound traffic is a problem, as are folks on Broad trying to go N on 548. It's a tight crazy intersection. Might put signage back at Regal for N 548 traffic; might make turns out of Broad St. right-turn only.
    At 548 & Railroad, currently 20-24 trains per day, could be double that in 5 yrs. Could do grade separation (where traffic would go under RR tracks), signage at Gateway blvd to signal train traffic.
    At 548 & 1641, racetrac will be improving, update signal timing, improve right turn from 548 to 1641.
    Will reevaluate speed limits in the area. Asking txdot to incorporate these items into the 548 expansion project. txdot did their own study, mostly validates city's study. Chmn McBeth asked if any major differences - txdot said to leave Walmart area alone, we know that needs to change. Mr. Fisher said it will take dollars to move txdot along. Kaufman county has intermodal traffic study, asked them to improve 1641 to 6 lane down to I20, 548 also. Mr. Burrus asked if could provide a merge lane for Regal traffic. Chmn McBeth suggested a turn lane on Broad to Regal, and better lighting.
    
  • Mission, Vision & Values:
    Mr. Fisher said the retreat was very productive, talked about how to move forward, leave behind the past. Tweaked the vision, and value statements a little. One advantage to front driveways is you know your neighbors. Need to provide opportunity for businesses to succeed. Mission: fortunate to be growing, but must be careful to not just leave the doors open, but to maintain... Value statement was rewritten. Integrity - everything city does must be above reproach. Employees must understand they represent everyone in the city. Teamwork- Accountable - politics should not be in the organization, staff should stay with facts. Leadership- servant leadership is the core. Best way to sustain is to have a solid core. Expects citizens to hold them accountable.

• Approved redevelopment grant of $25k for 114 Pacific St. Mr. Hough said have been in Forney 7 years, located across from 7-11, drawn to downtown Forney, there is not much commercial property. This property is unique. Will be removing asbestos, remove vinyl siding to expose the original wood, will be train-themed inside. Chmn McBeth asked what construction time is - optimistic: 3 months. Parking spaces? 7+2
  
• Mr. McGregor thanked the Kaufman Leadership group for attending.
  
• Held a 90-minute executive session re: HP Forney 548 partners, et al.

• Re expiration of realty listing for EDC property at Chestnut & Main.
  Moved to not renew contract with Kile Property.
  
• Approved lease agreement between FEDC and Eno's Pizza Tavern, as discussed in executive session
  
• Approved settlement with HP 548 partners as discussed and direct city attorney to draft the agreement.
  
• Mr. Ketteman said Mr. Medford said need another joint meeting.
  
• Adjourned at 2106.