On Tuesday evening, the City Council began their first regular meeting of 2010 by hearing a Power Point presentation from a representative of the consulting team from the University of Texas at Arlington that compiled a downtown revitalization plan last summer for the Forney EDC.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Darren Rozell, who also gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. All Council members were present except James Hatley.

The Power Point presentation was given by Alan Klein, Project Manager.

The project team consisted of representatives of the EDC, the City of Forney’s Community Development Department, the consulting team from UTA, and volunteer assistants at UTA.

Mr. Klein presented a summary of how the project was conducted, including project goals.

No Council action was required.

There was only one consent item on the agenda—to approve the minutes of December 15, 2009. Council member Brian Haughey moved to approve the minutes as presented, with a second by Council member Robbie Powers. All Council members present voted in favor.

There was only one action item to consider—to approve an ordinance amending Ordinance 08-1290 to provide for the appointment of two members to the TIF Board by the Kaufman County Commissioners Court.

After City Manager Brian Brooks explained the Court’s request, City Secretary Dorothy Brooks read the ordinance caption. Council member Andy Parker moved to adopt the ordinance as recommended. Council member Wade Gent seconded and all Council members present voted in favor.

One person was present to speak during “Open Forum” on the agenda. The speaker was Leroy Austin of Forney.

In his report to the Council City Manager Brian Brooks reported on the following:

• In the TIF update report, Brooks stated that the interlocal agreement with Kaufman County is complete. He also explained what the TIF is and how it is related to the proposed Forney Parkway bridge.

• Concerning the Chestnut railroad crossing and quiet zone, Brooks gave an update, stating that the city is waiting for action by Union Pacific.

• Concerning the bridges near Lovers Lane and FM 460 going towards Rockwall: Brooks said that TxDOT has agreed to replace the bridges without shutting down FM 740 completely, but the agency will shut down one lane at a time. The construction project will take 17 months, during which FM 740 will remain open one lane at a time.

• Fire marshall: Brooks said Forney’s new fire marshall will start work Monday, January 11. His name is John Holcomb and he’s from Mabank.

• The sales tax report will be ready at the Council’s next meeting. Brooks said the report is always two months behind.

After Brooks’ report and Council comments, the Council held an executive session with Human Resources Director Leigh Corson to discuss an evaluation form. The Council also met with the City Manager concerning this matter. The executive session began at 7:37 p. m. by unanimous “yes” vote of Council members present  on a motion by Council member David Holler, seconded by Haughey. The Council returned to open session at 9:23 p. m. by unanimous “yes” vote of Council members present on a motion by Haughey, seconded by Holler. The Council took no action concerning the matter discussed in executive session.

There was no other business and the meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p. m.