Council gets audit report, annual Racial Profiling report

During its regular Feb. 21, 2023 meeting, the Forney City Council met to get clean audit, racial profiling report, consider Community Park and PD Dispatch projects.
(watch official video)

Mayor Lewis Announced vacancy in Place 6, due to resignation of Mr. Roberson to run for Mayor, and called for applications to fill the position for the remainder of the term. Applications will be taken until March 1st. She asked City Attorney Barnes-Smith for qualifications to apply; Ms. Smith said no one running for office could apply, unless they removed their name from the ballot.
2.

• Presentation of the annual audit for FY2022 -
  Mr. Chris Pruitt presented the report, which meets criteria for receiving another excellence award. The city got an unmodified option, which is desired. There was a prior period adjustment, almost 30 mln, due to developer contributions related to construction projects that weren't being recorded. This is a not uncommon problem, procedures have been changed to avoid this in the future. Fund balance of 3 mln is slightly shy of 2 months reserve. Water/sewer reserves are good. General fund got 245k above expected, spent extra 200k.
  10 year trend data section is un-audited.
  3 findings - 1 with developer contracts, previously mentions. 2 with investments - 1) banks were not insuring funds as should be, problem has already bee addressed. 2) not reporting investments at Fair market value, a change finance dept needs to do on their own.
  In general, city has a "very strong finance department." The Audit went smooth. Pg 2 of letter states significant risks identified - it's a change in the standard identified - it's a change in the standard, they were identified before the audit. These were manager override ("that's everywhere"); split-funded debt; leases.
  He restated the city should get the award.
  Council had no questions.

• Public Comment - none.
  
• Approved as one consent item:
  • a Resolution approving a contract with Parkhill to provide landscape architecture consulting and design services for the Forney Community Park Field Improvements – CIP 231 project and all related issues.
    
  • a final plat for the Towneplace Suites Marriott Forney, located south of U.S. Highway 80 and west of Regal Drive.
    
  • a preliminary plat for Family Cathedral of Praise Addition located at 1032 E. U.S. Highway 80.

• Approved a Resolution awarding a contract to AUI Partners, LLC for the Police Station Dispatch Renovation Project - CIP 228 and all related issues.
  Ms. Salgado asked if this was doing with FISD - Mr. Zook said not that he knows of. Mr. Daniels said still being discussed. Ms. Salgado asked about consoles for FISD - Chief White said one will be for FISD.

• Approved revised elevations for Gateway Apartments Phase 5, located east of North F.M. 548 and south of North Gateway Boulevard.
  Mr. Morgan said this going to more hardi-board, can't regulate percentage of materials, only that approved building materials.

• Held Public Hearings -
  • Approved an Ordinance approving a conditional use permit for a child care center to operate at 601 Ridgecrest Road, Ste. 100.
    Mr. Morgan said they want to expand the child care, playground is between the two buildings. PZ approved, no responses to public notices.
    There was no public input.

• PowerPoint presentation on the 2022 Racial Profiling Final Report as compiled by Dr. Alex del Carmen.
  Chief White said Mr. del Carmen is reliable, and credible - works for over a hundred cities in TX. State modified requirements in 2009. City is in compliance with all requirements. 2022 had 41% increase over 2021 for traffic stops, due to staffing, COVID. The increase is a good thing. Item "race known at the time of stop" was 96% unknown.
  
  There was more discussion, details to follow.
  The entire report is available here.
  
• Approved a Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Forney and AED123, LLC for performing monthly inspections on AED units at 23 locations across the City.
  Mr. Groves said have 13 units in city, going to 23 for cost of 17k. Required to have maintenance program; 3 yr program for 35k paid from operations budget.
  
• Approved an Ordinance amending Chapter 13 "Utilities" of the Code of Ordinances.
  Ms. Woodham said this is an update to clarify payment arrangements.
  
• Approved an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances by amending the Master Fee Schedule to reflect changes to certain fees and miscellaneous permits.
  Ms. Woodham said this normally done by budget, but need to include Sports Pass fees enacted by the Parks Board. also changes meter pricing to 'request quote' as prices changing rapidly. Also clarify that senior rates only apply if owner lives in the home.
  
• Approved a Resolution authorizing continued participation with the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and authorizing the payment of the 2023 membership dues to fund regulatory and related activities related to Atmos Energy Corporation, Mid-Tex Division.
  Ms. Barnes-Smith said this is similar to what did last month for Oncor
  
• NO - Discuss possible amendments to the City Charter.
  
• NO executive session.
  
• Adjourned at 1920