Forney roundup: Data center ban, police and fire talks on recent agendas; budget votes set for Aug. 4
Forney's City Council had a packed agenda July 21, including a proposed citywide ban on data centers and appeals of two denied land-use permits. Minutes from that meeting and several others over the past two weeks have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet available in the public record.
City Council — July 21
The Council and the Crime Control and Prevention District held a joint meeting. Agenda items included:
- A public hearing on the CCPD budget for FY2026 and proposed FY2027.
- An appeal of the denial of rezoning 5.4 acres near FM 1641 for a data center under a Planned Development Overlay.
- Discussion of initiating a text amendment to remove data centers as a conditional use and prohibit them citywide.
- An appeal of the denial of a conditional use permit for truck rental and outside storage at 109 Industrial Drive.
- Consideration of funding for Mulberry Park Four-Plex renovations and drainage improvements.
- Consent agenda items including plats for Forney Carwash Addition and Ace Forney, a site plan for Forney Marketplace Lot 2F, and interlocal agreements.
Because minutes have not been published, the record does not show how Council voted on any of these items.
Meet and Confer Sessions
The City held open deliberations with two employee associations:
- **July 20** — City of Forney and Forney Police Association. Public monitoring was allowed, but active participation was prohibited unless permitted by ground rules.
- **July 23** — City of Forney and Forney Fire Association, at City Hall, Conference Room 109, 401 Pinson Road. Closed caucuses were authorized under Texas law. Contact Jamie Holbert for disability accommodations.
Minutes are not yet published for either session.
Building Standards Commission — July 28
This meeting was procedural. The only substantive agenda item was a presentation and discussion of the commission's roles and responsibilities. No cases, rezonings, or contracts were scheduled.
TIRZ Board — July 30
The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. One Board agenda included:
- A resolution to add Cypress Hollow Drive to the Third Amended Project Plan and Reinvestment Zone Financing Plan.
- A third amendment to the Owner Reimbursement Agreement with Meadow Ridge Farms, LP.
- Review of project costs including the Gateway Bridge, North Spine Bridge, and South Spine Bridge.
- An update on projects within the TIRZ.
Minutes are not yet published.
Coming Up
- **Aug. 4, 6:30 p.m. — City Council, Council Chambers.** Agenda includes a vote on the FY2027 CCPD budget; a contract award to Falkenberg Construction Co. for the $256 Municipal Signage Project; a $68,303.95 annual cybersecurity solution for three years; an EMS contract with Careflite Ambulance Service; and discussion of the proposed tax rate for the FY2027 operating budget.
- **Aug. 6 — Planning & Zoning Commission.** Public hearing and votes on a conditional use permit for an automobile repair shop at Lot 14, Block 3, Village at Gateway Addition; site plans for Brake Masters (north of U.S. Highway 80, east of Cypress Hollow Drive), Walmart at 802 E. U.S. Highway 80, and BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse (north of U.S. Highway 80, west of N. Gateway Boulevard); and preliminary and final plats for Water of Life Addition (north of F.M. 1641, west of South Gateway Boulevard).
- **Aug. 10 — City Hall.** Meet and confer deliberations between the City of Forney and the Forney Fire Association.