City appoints new Interim City Manager

During its regular Oct 03, 2017 meeting, the Forney City Council met and in summary:

• Mayor Wilson presented a Fire Prevention Week Proclamation
  
• Mayor Wilson presented the GFOA (Government Finance Officers Assoc.) Award to staff
  
• Approved as consent items in one motion:
  
  • acceptance of the public improvements for the Pristine Carwash.
    
  • a Resolution approving an assignment of a Development Agreement with Wynne Jackson, Inc.
    
  • a Resolution accepting the petition for annexation and authorizing preparation of a service plan for 309.103 acres of land.
    
  
  
• Approved the 2015-16 TIF Annual Report. Mayor Wilson wanted to make sure approving this would not approve all the listed expenditures; Ms. Woodham said it was a record of what was expended to date and the revenue. The audit RFP has had 4 responses. Mr Johnson asked Mr. Thatcher if approving this report would approve items the auditors would be looking at - no.
  
• Approved a Resolution designating the Forney Messenger as the official newspaper.
  City Secretary Brooks said the Messenger meets all requirements. Mr. Johnson pointed out state law requires it to be a printed paper.
  
• Approved the contract with Canary Construction, Inc. for construction services to replace approximately 3,200 linear feet of sanitary sewer line on Broad Street and authorize the Interim City Manager to sign the necessary contract.
  Ms. McCuiston said 9 qualified bidders responded, low bid $565870. Mayor Wilson asked if budgeted: yes, 750k w/ 15% contingency. Ms. Penn asked if just because lowest bidder - Ms. McCuiston they have very good references. Mayor Wilson asked Mr. Sullivan if they could meet deadlines - Mr. Sullivan said doesn't see why not.
  
• Approved the Microsoft Enterprise Enrollment Volume Licensing Agreement with SHI Government Solutions
  Tony Gonzalez said this would be a 3yr license for all city computers for windows, office, visio, and would move email from google to an exchange server. The city is out of compliance now. Mr. Myers asked why so far behind - Tony Gonzalez said it started before he got here, there is no record of where the license keys came from. Mayor Wilson verified there was no equipment being purchased.
  
• Approved City Council appointee(s) to a "Selection Review Committee" in support of a Texas Capital Fund grant application.
  Mr. Ketteman said the program allows grants, this one is through Ag Dept. It will pay for all infrastructure improvements up to 1.5mil, money ebbs & flows from federal funds - January looks good. The rules were changed - city should have a review committee. He knows several companies that do this work. He reads the rules for the committee. This is part of project "Big Deal," will know by end of Oct. if it's a go. Ms. Lewis & Mr. Alexander from FEDC volunteered. Ms. Penn said really appreciate him getting ahead of curve; she asked if council was allowed to serve - yes, law requires at least one. Ms. Penn, Mr. Myers & Mr. McGee volunteered. Mr. Medford asked about terms of committee - it is a one-time. Council has final say in the agreement.
  Council also approved the EDC board and council members for the committee.
  Mayor Wilson asked about number of council members on the committee and open meetings act; Mr. Thatcher said the entire council could be on it, just changes how staff notices meetings.
  
• Approved a Resolution to call a public hearing to consider the levy of special assessments in the Fox Hollow Public Improvement District No. 1.
  Mr. Thatcher said the two items are tied together, but need very separate consideration. Last year city considered a board. There is a 5 yr plan that must be reviewed annually. It was created in 2004, covers common areas, lighting, exterior walls. This will call for a public hearing on Nov. 7 for the levy to be considered.
  
• Approved a Resolution to call a public hearing to consider the levy of special assessments in The Villages of Fox Hollow Public Improvement District No. 1.
  
• Mr. Thatcher said for this second PID, a capital PID, city has been working with Mr. Bell. PID was created in 2008. Council previously decided to not sell bonds. This is just to call for a Public Hearing. Ms. Powers asked if on Nov 7 would have all information - yes, it will show breakdown of cost of public improvements, and portion that will be reimbursed. There would be a need to hire a PID oversight company, which is reimbursable. Ms. Powers asked if was common to solicit a management company - yes, PID is a partnership between city & developer, so to not strain the city.
  
• Discussion regarding Council Rules and Procedures regarding length of meetings.
  Mr. Medford said this was requested by 2 members. Ms. Penn said she was one of them, she doesn't function well after 10pm, she has 3 options: start earlier, have 3 meetings per month, or must adjourn at 9 and continue next night. Mayor Wilson asks if open meeting act allows extending meeting; Mr. Thatcher said in limited conditions, could list in the agenda there was a hard stop time. There was much discussion about the options, and length of public input period.
  Approved looking for ways to streamline meetings.
  
• Managers report - College St. fence replacement work in it; downtown may be closed for asphalt replacement Oct 16-17 ; Trinity st working on master punch list, asking feedback from residents. Redbud meeting with next week re: utility relocation; Irish Ridge lift station on track for Nov. completion; Christmas in Park, ice rink on 27th, tree lighting Dec 1, event Dec 2; animal shelter opening Oct. 7; Trail of Treats Sat Oct. 28; Blackburn students will visit Nov. 9. Ms. Penn asked for open date on Bois d'Arc - maybe end of Oct, contract ends in Feb. Ms. Penn asks about the sidewalk that comes out into the road, who dropped the ball? Mr. Sullivan wants to wait for facts. Mr. Johnson asks when will stripe the parking downtown, because its a free for all now. Ms. McCuistion says will be one of last things.
  
  
• held a 1 hour executive session < nop 1701 - 1808 >
  
• Appoint Mike Alexander through SGR as interim city manager effective Oct 16.
  
• Adjourned 1808.