Council debates proposed budget and police pay

During its regular Aug. 01, 2017 meeting, the Forney City Council met and (this is the VERY preliminary report, it WILL change):

• Held a 70-minute executive session regarding, but not limited to:
  
  • North Texas Municipal Water District
    
  • Fox Hollow Development Agreement
    
  • Release of information requested through the Public Information Act

• CrossFit Forney USA Weightlifting Youth National Champions Proclamation
  
• Presentation of the GFOA Budget Award
  
• Fire Department Presentations and Reception - Chief Townsend presented awards, after Mayor Wilson stated the department has received a Class 1 rating.
  
• Mr. Fisher presents Fiscal Year 2018 budget to Council. He said departments have presented 5yr plans. The requests outpace funds. The proposed rate increase is needed due to infrastructure and increased water costs. He indicated there is new servant leadership in place. He reviewed 2017 achievements. A compensation study was started last week. Budget includes 1% coa for all, 4% merit for non-step employees, 1 step for PD & FD (increased from 4% to 5%). Estimated 20% increase in health care cost. (more to follow)
  
• As consent items -
  
  • Approved Public Improvements for Gateway Parks, Phase 1B.
    
  • Approved the quarterly investment report ending 6/30/17. Mayor Wilson asked Ms. Woodham to elaborate on the report - she said 51mil invested, avg yield -.8%, many funds in securities, investing as aggressively as can with public funds.

• Announced public hearing dates for the FY 2017-2018 proposed tax rate on August 22, 2017 and September 5, 2017.
  Ms. Penn moved to approve with a lower tax rate, Mr. Myers second, Mr. McGee voted against. Watch Video
  
• Announced public hearing dates for the FY 2017-2018 proposed budget on August 22, 2017 and September 5, 2017.
  
• Approved an Ordinance amending the budget for Fiscal Year 2016-17 to transfer $25,000 from EDC Fund Balance to EDC Project Expense in regard to a redevelopment grant.
  
• Approved an amendment to City of Forney Code of Ordinances, Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Article V. Development Standards, Section 38 Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements, Sub Section 38.3 Nonresidential and Multi Family Districts – Special off-street parking provisions.
  This relates to "temporary" (5 year) parking lots, prompted by expansion at the county sub-courthouse. (details to follow)
  
• Approved a preliminary plat for Windmill Farms Phase 4A & 4B, a residential subdivision located south of Falcon Way, between Irongate Boulevard and Windmill Farms Boulevard in the City of Forney ETJ.
  Mr. Morgan briefed the council, item was tabled pending attorney review. Mayor Wilson asked Mr. Fisher asked about milestones concerning lot sizes, asked if they were meeting the requirements. Mr. Morgan said they have not reached the 25% threshold. Mr. Fisher agreed. Mayor Wilson said the developer is no longer in phase 1A - Mr. Fisher said that is the agreement for the entire development.
  
• Approved the Kaufman County Regional Wastewater System Feasibility Study, Cost Sharing Of Feasibility Study and authorize the City Manager to execute necessary documents. Mr. Myers voted against.
  
• Approved a resolution approving an interlocal agreement between the North Central Texas Council of Governments and the City of Forney for the provision of map-based information systems data.
  Mr. Morgan said the cost is in the 2017 budget.
  
• Discussion with Clint McNear, of the Texas Municipal Police Association, concerning the police market, compensation and the challenges they are facing. Watch Video
  Mr. McNear gave a lengthy talk about the competitiveness of hiring police officers, the need to increase pay to avoid being a training department that is always staffed by lesser experienced officers, the possibility of companies not moving here because of perceived crime issues. (details to follow)
  
• Capital Improvement Program Presentation - Update.
  A slide show presented the projects, there was much discussion about Trinity St. sidewalks being non-continuous, the College Ave fence project, and the large Redbud project.
  
• Capital Improvement Projects.
  Approved moving fwd on college fence replacement program.
  Approved moving fwd on Broad St sewer program.
  Approved authorizing city manager to negotiate with atmos for relocating gas line, cost not to exceed 366k + contingency to equal 400k.
  
• Approved agenda placement and speaker requirements for “Citizen Comments,” to the beginning of the meeting
  
• Tabled a Development Agreement regarding Fox Hollow, by request of developer.
  
• Approved the release of privileged information requested through the Public Information Act by 6-1 (Mayor Wilson voting nay).
  Mr. Thatcher said they had a request about information made during a meeting in july, the documents would be considered atty/client priviledge, or a work product, it is up to the council if they would ever agree to waive their right
  
• City Manager’s report -
  Mr. Myers asked about the ruts at the Walmart and Kroger entrances; Mr. Fisher will work on it.
  
• Adjourned at 2229