Council meets new Purchasing Manager, new policy
During its regular May 17, 2022 meeting, the Forney City Council met new purchasing manager Ms. Castillo and new policy, considered many plats, EDC budget.
(watch official video)
- Mayor Lewis proclaimed May 15-25 National Public Works Week.
- Public Comment - none
- Approved as one consent item:
- a Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. to provide consulting and design services for CIP 219 project to upgrade and replace waterlines along Highway 80 and all related issues.
- the acceptance of public improvements for the Overland Grove Phase 5A project.
- a final plat for Overland Grove Phase 5B, a residential subdivision located south of Pecan Lane and east of S. Bois d’Arc Street (F.M. 740).
- a preliminary plat for Forney Marketplace Addition, Lots 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, & 2F, located north of E. U.S. Highway 80 and west of Marketplace Boulevard.
- a final plat for Forney Marketplace Addition, Lots 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, & 2F, located north of E. U.S. Highway
80 and west of Marketplace Boulevard.
- a preliminary plat for Forney Marketplace Addition, Lots 7A & 7B, located north of E. U.S. Highway 80 and west of Marketplace Boulevard.
- a final plat for Forney Marketplace Addition, Lots 7A & 7B, located north of E. U.S. Highway 80 and west of Marketplace Boulevard.
- a site plan for Forney Marketplace Lots 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F, located north of U.S. Highway 80 and west of Marketplace Boulevard.
- a final plat for Holt Lunsford, located southeast of the Helms Trail and Sage Hill Parkway intersection.
- authorizing Staff to initiate a replacement Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between the City of Forney and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) for cooperative purchasing discounts on Fire Department uniforms and other related goods.
- a Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. to provide consulting and design services for CIP 219 project to upgrade and replace waterlines along Highway 80 and all related issues.
- Approved the updated Purchasing Policy.
Ms. Castillo, new purchasing manager, said she immediately reviewed the policy and came up with some changes. Added an introduction for what the department does, expanded the process definitions, the findings from the forensic
audit. All purchasing will go through the department, and what requires a bid. Mr. Chambers asked what happens if there is a conflict, between a request and policy; Ms. Castillo said they would discuss the policy requirements with the requester. They will provide the policy to all departments.
Mayor Lewis asked about a change for quotes at a lower dollar threshold; Ms. Castillo said going with cheapest is not always the best, if it's lower quality. There was some discussion about sole-source vendors.
- Approved an Ordinance amending the Forney EDC budget for fiscal year 2022.
Ms. Spencer gave a brief presentation about EDC budget process and the reason for amendments. Amounts for approved incentives are not always known at budget time. The EDC had a 5 mln reserve balance, which is now being spent for the approved Trailhouse incentives. The fund balance is used for projects that were not known at budget time.
Mayor Lewis verified this does not include costs of the new building - correct, as they have hired a consultant to
help them determine whether to remodel or rebuild, so nothing for that is included in this amendment. Ms. Schlensker asked about time-frame - Ms. Spencer hopes will have consultant response in June. Ms. Schlensker asked about the cost of redoing the roof - not doing that until decide on the fate of the building.
Mr. Chambers asked if should have decided this before bought the building; Ms. Spencer said the board felt it was important to be at this location, to help control downtown and provide use for citizens. Mr. Chambers asked when she wanted it to be done - Ms. Spencer said they were ready to paint and update, until got quotes for roof, and the visioning meeting had suggestions for uses. When they reviewed where to move the EDC office, they realized this corner was important. Mr. Chambers said he approves of economic development, but is also steward of tax funds. Ms. Spencer said they also take direction from council, and get approval for spending. Ms. Schlensker asked about the strips of land - Ms. Spencer said no other buildings downtown with a yard, the beauty shop owner is in no hurry to sell. Attorneys are still working on it. EDC is allowed to spend funds on open spaces, so they would like the property. Mr. Traylor said he would like to discuss this in executive session, then asked why the prior request had 900k for building. Ms. Spencer that was in case they needed to spend for the building before October. At the last EDC board meeting, when the amendment was declined, that spurred discussion about other options for the building.
Mayor Lewis stated this request was just for incentives already approved - yes.
- City Manager's report - Mr. Daniels thanked employees for working the wine and arts
festival, which brought 3,500 people downtown. For the Comprehensive Plan process, there will be a community forum Thursday 4:30-7:30 with interactive activities. During his career, has had to make some difficult decisions, worst was laying off 100 people at start of COVID, but the decision about police chief was just as difficult, as there were two extremely qualified candidates. His decision was to hire N. Richland Hills Asst. Chief Carrie White as Forney Police Chief, who starts June 20. He thanked acting chief Eudy for his work, resulting in a standing ovation for Mr. Eudy.
meeting_date:
Tuesday, 2022, May 17