Richard D. Chambers

The meeting included several action items related to land use and development. Three items, concerning preliminary plats and a final plat for Standridge Forney, and a replat for New River Church of Christ Addition, were withdrawn by the applicant prior to the meeting. The Commission proceeded to approve a replat for Lot 5R, Block A, of the Clements Park Addition. A right-of-way plat for Cypress Hollow Drive was also approved. Approval was granted for a replat of Lot 1R, Block 4, of the Village at Gateway Addition. Subsequently, the Commission voted to deny a site plan request for a multi-tenant retail center in Village at Gateway due to non-compliance with requirements. A discussion item addressed a directive from the City Council to initiate a text amendment to the City of Forney Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to update residential area regulations, specifically increasing minimum lot sizes.

The meeting included a presentation on an International Code Council/Independent Alliance of the Electrical Industry Award received by the City. Key actions involved approving the Consent Agenda, which included authorizing an expenditure agreement with XO Texas, LLC (Project Core) and ordering a General Election for City Council Places 4 and 6 for May 2, 2026, with changes noted for the early voting schedule. Discussion items included the approval of the Northside Park Master Plan and the amendment of the 'Multifamily and Single-Family Rental Property Registration and Inspection' ordinance, which included raising the Late Fee to $500.00 and the Reinspection Fee to $300.00. The City Manager's report covered various departmental updates. The session concluded with an Executive Session to deliberate on personnel matters, resulting in the removal of a member from the Historic Overlay District Architectural Review Board.

The regular meeting included a presentation regarding an International Code Council (ICC)/Independent Alliance of the Electrical Industry (IAEI) Award to the City. Key discussions involved the approval of the Northside Park Master Plan, and the removal from the table and subsequent approval with amendments to an Ordinance concerning Multifamily and Single-Family Rental Property Registration and Inspection, which included raising the Late Fee to $500.00 and the Reinspection Fee to $300.00. The Council also considered a Resolution ordering a General Election for City Council Places 4 and 6 and approved a Resolution authorizing an expenditure under Section 501.073 of the Texas Local Government Code related to XO Texas, LLC (Project Core). Following an executive session to deliberate on the evaluation/appointment of a public officer, the Council removed a member from the Historic Overlay District Architectural Review Board.

The Board of Adjustment meeting included public hearings regarding requests for sign variances for H-E-B, BJ's Wholesale Club, and Costco, each requiring multiple deviations from zoning ordinances related to sign size, placement on canopies, and letter height. Additionally, a public hearing was held and approved a light intensity variance for the new Wells Fargo location to comply with Texas Finance Code requirements for ATM safety lighting. The board also approved the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting.

The board meeting included discussions on potential events. Key topics involved exploring the feasibility of hosting an adult-only community music event at the Spellman Amphitheater, which required further research on vendors, staffing, and costs. Additionally, a proposal for a Latin Food Festival in 2026 was presented, requiring additional consideration regarding projected costs and optimal scheduling. The Department Report covered updates on parks and recreation, upcoming special events, and recreational opportunities.