COUNCIL WRAP UP FROM MAYOR LEWIS

Public Safety Grants

The cost for updating and adding new body cams for police officers is at a constant incline. The Office of the Governor accepted the Forney Police Department's application, and Council approved the grant funds to supplement the cost of this necessary equipment. The grant will provide over $37K with a 25% match by the City. In addition, the Office of the Governor also accepted the Forney Police Department's application for funding to provide officers with Rifle-Resistant Body Armor. This grant will be $17K with no matching amount required. Both of these outside funds will replace the expense that would normally come entirely from the City’s general funds.

Parks And Open Spaces Master Plan

On February 7, 2023, the City Council authorized staff to seek proposals from qualified firms for professional services to update the Parks and Open Spaces Master Plan. The current Parks and Open Spaces Master Plan was last updated in 2014. The development of this master plan involves a new evaluation of recreational demands, a youth and adult amenities study, current outdoor asset conditions assessment, and more. The City received responses from four firms. The staff committee recommended, and City Council approved, for the City Manager to negotiate with Parkhill to update the plan jointly with City staff.

Elm Street Drainage Project

The longstanding drainage issue at the intersection of Elm Street and the eastbound frontage road of US Highway 80 is now complete. This was a collaboration among the City’s Engineering and Public Work Departments (alongside TxDOT) and the design civil engineering services of Freeman-Millican. We appreciate all that was involved to bring this improvement to fruition.

Upcoming Events

The City is hosting two upcoming events - "Movies in the Park" on April 28th and the "Wine and Arts Festival" co-hosted by the Forney Arts Council on April 29th. The Movie in Park - featuring Toy Story - will begin at dusk at the Spellman Amphitheater. The Wine and Arts Festival will showcase local artists, including music by various acoustic artists, and will be held in downtown Forney on Main Street from noon to 5:00 PM. Come for both events to enjoy your neighbors and what Forney has to offer!

The next Forney City Council Meeting will be on May 2nd. Watch live at forneytx.gov