The Smith Family Christmas in October will benefit Laurren Smith, a courageous young Forney girl that has been battling cancer for two years. Despite disappointing news from the doctors, Laurren is continuing to fight, now utilizing alternative treatments to keep the cancer from continuing to spread. Her upbeat attitude and amazing strength has inspired us here at 20PM, and several members began to discuss what we can do to help.

Just a few short weeks later, plans are underway for a spectacular “Christmas is October” for Laurren and her entire family. Not only will the event be a very special memory for the family, but it will raise money for the expensive medical treatments Laurren is currently undergoing that are not covered by insurance.

The Smith Family Christmas in October will be held on Oct. 25th from 5-8pm at the Forney Community Park.

To find out more about the event, and how you can help, please visit the 20PM Forum Discussion by clicking here, or go to http://twentypeacefulminutes.com/forums/christmas-in-october-for-laurren-smith.

There are many ways that everyone can help:
-Attend the event: Every dollar raised will go to Laurren’s Medical Fund. There will be food, fun and lots of great memories.
-Volunteer to help with the event: We need help with set-up, clean-up, concessions, cooking, games for the kids, and more.
-Help advertise: Download our flyers to distribute around your neighborhood, office, etc. Add a link about the event to your website, put up a poster at your business, and email your friends.
-Businesses: We need you! Pitch in for a great cause and show your compassion for your community. If you’d like to become a sponsor, please contact josh@twentypeacefulminutes.com. We could also use anything you can donate like copies of flyers, food, paper products, Christmas deco, etc.
-Donate your expertise: Love to cook, bake, craft, decorate for Christmas, or sing Christmas carols? We need you!
-Can’t make it to the event? Your donation would be greatly appreciated. For a list of supplies still needed, the Smith Family Christmas Wish List, or to send a cash donation, please visit the 20PM Discussion Board.

Thanks for your help making the Smith Family Christmas in October a special event for an extra special little girl!

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At the German Pinscher National Specialty held this past Sunday in Salina, Kansas. Number One-ranked German Pinscher female and Number Two-ranked in the Breed, Champion ”Leilani’s That, that is, is”, Known to her friends and family as Maddie, was awarded Best of Breed in a Specialty by Ft. Worth Judge Ed Bivin.

From an entry of 13 dog and 11 female Champions of Record as well as Veteran Dog Winner, Veteran Bitch winner, Winners Dog and Winners Bitch for a total of 28, Maddie was awarded the top honors for 2009. Handled to perfection by her owner and breeder, Karen Mounts, Maddie performed exceptionally well amid tough competition from some of the top German Pinschers in the country. Karen characterized Maddie’s performance, ‘She gave it her all. She acted as if she knew she was THE one.”

The German Pinscher Club of America hosts the National Specialty annually at various locations around the country. The Specialty is open to German Pinschers from across the United States and foreign countries.

Karen is co-owner of Paws Up Grooming Boarding and Training in Forney and Terrell.

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September 7, 2009
12:39 a. m.—Misc. transport/arrest for Mesquite PD
3:24 p. m.—Report, fraud/identity theft, 802 East U. S. Hwy. 80 (Forney Wal-Mart)
4:06 p. m.—Report, fraud/deceptive business practice, 802 East U. S. Hwy. 80 (Forney Wal-Mart)
10:01 p. m.—Report, misc.-missing person, 700 block Redbud Dr.

September 8, 2009
6:45 a. m.—Report, major accident, 100 block Starlight Drive
3:46 p. m.—Report, unattended deaths, 600 block Heritage Hill Dr.
6:23 p. m.—Report, major accident, west side of Wal-Mart between Chase Bank
7:43 p. m.—Report, major accident, 600 block North FM 740

September 9, 2009
9:51 a. m.—Report, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, 600 block Cedar St.
3:34 p. m.—Report, unknown illness at playground, Longhorn Ln. at Longhorn Ct.
4:37 p. m.—Report, theft $500 to $1,500, 100 block Wandering Way
5:59 p. m.—Report, minor accident, FM 548 and FM 1641

September 10, 2009
10:07 a. m.—Report, burglary of a vehicle, Chestnut St. at Broad
3:17 p. m.—Report, simple assault, 600 North FM 548 (Starplex Cinema)
5:21 p. m.—Report, harassment-phone/writing, 500 block Woodcrest Way

September 11, 2009
12:46 a. m.—Arrest after traffic stop, West U. S. Hwy. 80 at FM 460
2:44 p. m.—Arrest after traffic stop, FM 548 across from Chase Bank
11:03 p. m.—Report, harassment-phone/writing, 600 Pinson Ave. (208 Forney Pinson Apts.)

September 12, 2009
10:00 a. m.—Report, major accident, 12749 FM 1641 (Henderson Elementary)
11:20 a. m.—Report, theft-tamper with ID number, 110 Justice Blvd. (Forney Police Dept.)
2:07 p. m.—Report, minor accident, 972 East U. S. Hwy. 80 (Forney Auto Zone)
2:23 p. m.—Report, theft $1,500 to $20,000, 319 Industrial Dr. (The Mustang Shop)
6:59 p. m.—Report, major accident, south on FM 740 past Pecan
8:55 p. m.—Report, theft $500 to $1,500, 752 Pinson Ave. (Best Western)
9:01 p. m.—Arrest after investigation of suspicious vehicle, 752 Pinson Ave. (Best Western)

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The Kaufman County Commissioners held a regular meeting of the Commissioners Court on Monday, September 14 at 9:30 a. m. with all Commissioners and County Judge Wayne Gent present.

Commissioner Jerry Rowden (Precinct 1) gave the invocation. The Court led the audience in the pledges to the U. S. and Texas flags.

The first item of business was to approve the minutes of September 8. Commissioner Ray Clark (Precinct 2) moved for approval of the minutes as presented, with Jim Deller (Precinct 4) seconding. All Commissioners voted in favor.

The first item of business after consideration of the minutes was to hold two concurrent executive sessions concerning the following topics:

Pending litigation in Cause No. 66164-86 styled “Jo Ann E. Combs vs. Kaufman County, Texas, et al., etc.” in the 86th District Court, Kaufman County, Texas, including any appeals or requests for post-order relief.

To discuss legal and factual issues related to Lawson Road and the boundary line with Dallas County.

The executive sessions were held with the attorney, who was present for consultation. Commissioner Deller moved to call the executive sessions, with Deller seconding. All Commissioners voted in favor.

The executive sessions began at 9:45 a. m. and ended at 12:30 p. m.

Upon returning to open session, County Judge Wayne Gent announced that there was no action to be taken on either topic.

In open session, the following actions were taken:

Commissioners held a public hearing by unanimous “yes” vote on a motion by Commissioner J. C. Jackson (Precinct 3), seconded by Deller, to discuss the 2009-2010 proposed county budget. No one from the public was present to speak and the public hearing was closed by unanimous “yes” vote on a motion by Rowden, seconded by Clark.

Approved implementing the new district court records archive fee of $5.00 for filing papers in district court. The fee will become effective October 1, 2009 and shall remain in effect until further action is taken by the Court. Motion to approve: Deller; seconding: Jackson. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Adopted the budget for FY 2009-2010, with changes as previously discussed. Motion to adopt: Rowden; seconded by Clark. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Set the 2009-2010 tax rate as follows:
?General Fund: .4545
?Road & Bridge Fund:
??.0680
?I&S; .0340
?Total: .5565

There will be no tax increase. No employees were laid off, and no raises for employees were given.

Judge Gent reminded everyone that this is a “very tight budget” with all departments requested to reduce their budget requests by 10 per cent or more. Motion to approve: Deller; seconding: Rowden. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Held a lengthy discussion with Constable Joe Don Law, Precinct 2, representing the constables throughout the county concerning approving salary structure for all of the constables’ offices as requested by the constables in each precinct. After the discussion, it was decided to table this matter for further study and receipt of further information. Motion to table: Rowden; seconding: Jackson. All Commissioners voted in favor. This matter will be put on a future agenda for further discussion.

Kathy Morris with Kaufman County Emergency Management requested that the Court consider approving the interlocal agreement between the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and Kaufman County for the Cities’ Readiness Initiative (CRI) project implementation. She told Commissioners that this is the fifth year for the County to apply for the grant at no cost to the county, and that the county had received the grant for the last four years. Motion to approve the agreement: Rowden; seconding: Deller. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Ms. Morris also requested that Commissioners approve the Point of Dispensing (POD) sites for the Cities’ Readiness Initiative (CRI) project implementation. Motion to approve: Rowden; seconding: Deller. All Commissioners voted in favor.
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Approved the request of Carrie Sharp of AgriLife Extension to fill a vacant employee position for Program Assistant position. Motion to approve: Jackson; seconding: Deller. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved the Tax Assessor/Collector’s report for August, 2009 for the 2008-2009 collection report as presented by County Tax assessor/Collector Dick Murphy. The report shows that for the General Fund, 96 per cent of taxes due and 34 per cent of delinquent taxes have been collected. For the Road and Bridge Fund, 96 per cent of taxes due have been collected and 34 per cent of delinquent taxes have been collected. Motion to approve report: Rowden; seconding: Deller. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved moving Voting Precinct #10’s voting location permanently from Mt. Olive Baptist Church to Scurry ISD’s administration building in Scurry to be effective with the November, 2009 election. Motion to approve: Deller; seconding: Rowden. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved the consolidation of polling locations for the November 3, 2009 election as requested by County Election Judge Dick Murphy. Motion to approve: Deller; seconding: Jackson. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved advertising for bids for a prisoner transport bus for the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department. Bids will be closed and opened on Wednesday, October 22 at the South Campus as requested by County Purchasing Agent Jack Sebastian. Motion to approve: Deller; seconding: Jackson. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved an interlocal agreement for road maintenance for the city of Post Oak Bend. Motion to approve: Rowden; seconding: Clark. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved an interlocal agreement for subdivision regulations for the city of Post Oak Bend. Motion to approve: Rowden; seconding: Deller. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved the 2010 Kaufman County resolution for indigent defense discretionary grand program and designated County Judge Wayne Gent as the authorized official to apply for, accept, decline, modify, or cancel the grand application; designating the county’s Public Defender as the program director and contact person, and designating the County Auditor as the financial officer for the grant. Motion to approve: Deller; seconding: Rowden. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved line item transfers as presented by County Auditor Hal Jones. Motion to approve: Deller; seconding: Jackson. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved the payment of bills in the amount of $966,168.39 as presented by County Auditor Hal Jones.

There was no further business. The next meeting of the Court will be Monday, September 20.

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Donny Kresnik and David Kresnik, both juniors at Forney High School and cadets in the Junior ROTC program, were recognized at a dinner honoring the 2009 Recipients of the Scottish Rite and National Sojourners Awards of Excellence on September 10, 2009. The event was held in the Dallas Scottish Rite Cathedral’s Crystal Banquet Hall and the cadets were accompanied by their instructors, Lt. Colonel (Ret) Cheeks, USAF and Senior Master Sergeant (Ret) Willie, USAF.

Cadet Airman First Class Donny Kresnik was FHS’s first recipient of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonary Southern Jurisdiction, USA Award. This award recognizes a cadet that contributes the most to encourage Americanism by participation in extracurricular activities and community projects, who demonstrates academic excellence, and qualities of dependability, good character, self-discipline, good citizenship and patriotism.

Cadet Second Lieutenant David Kresnik received the National Sojourners Award. This award recognizes an outstanding cadet who encourages Americanism within the Corps and on campus. This cadet also demonstrates the potential for outstanding leadership.

These awards were given out at FHS’s JROTC award ceremony in May of 2009 and were presented by Wendell P. Miller, Chairman of the Dallas Scottish Rite. Mr. Miller also served as Master of Ceremonies for this evening’s event.

In addition to FHS, 35 other JROTC programs were represented at this event. After a very teen-friendly dinner of chicken strips and mashed potatoes, the highlight of the event was the guest speaker, Retired Brigadier General W. David Counts, Grand Master of Masons in Texas. General Counts told the cadets how his military service gave him the discipline to succeed not only in the military but in civilian life as a successful business man. He talked about the many great military leaders in WWII, names like Patton, Eisenhower, and Mac Arthur but how he felt the greatest leader was General George Catlett Marshall, because though not as well known, he was the mastermind that put these other great generals in the right location at the right time to win the war.

General Counts talked about serving others and has led a life exemplifying that.

The evening concluded with a tour of the building and the viewing of Audie Murphey’s Medal of Honor and many other awards.

FHS JROTC has started it’s second year and currently has 62 students involved. These students will be participating in flag ceremonies at the home football games, marching in the Homecoming Parade, and competing in UIL competitions throughout the year.

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During the City Council meeting held September 15, Council members adopted the proposed budget for fiscal year 2009=2010 and adopted the ad valorem tax rate for the year.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Darren Rozell at approximately 7:00 p. m. Council member Wade Gent gave the invocation, and Cub Scout Packs 339 and 1007 led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The first item of business was to approve the minutes of September 1. Council member James Hatley moved to approve the minutes as presented. His motion drew a second from Council member Robbie Powers. All Council members voted in favor except Andy Parker, who abstained because he was absent at that meeting.

The next item on the agenda called on Mayor Rozell to present a proclamation in honor of Constitution Week, which is September 17-23, 2009. Rozell presented a copy of the proclamation to each of the Cub Scout packs in attendance.

The next item was to conduct a public hearing to discuss the 2009-2010 fiscal year proposed budget. Council member David Holler moved at 7:10 p. m. to open the public hearing with Council member Brian Haughey seconding. All Council members voted in favor.

Cara Stafford, Director of Finance for the city, presented a short Power Point presentation, which gave an overview of the proposed budget. The proposal includes a balanced budget, with no tax rate increase.

Ms. Stafford said the effective tax rate is 71 cents per $100.00 in assessed property valuation, and that the city’s tax rate is approximately 68 cents—far below the effective tax rate. Most residents will pay less in taxes this year because the value of their property may have decreased.

Ms. Stafford reviewed the following funds: the General Fund, the Water and Sewer Fund, debt service, capital improvements projects, and restricted funds.

After Ms. Stafford’s presentation, the Mayor asked three times for any public comment on the budget, but there were none. Hatley then moved to close the public hearing at 7:22 p. m., with Parker seconding. All Council members voted in favor.

There were five action items on the agenda, all of which were approved by unanimous Council vote. These were:

Approval of an ordinance adopting the amended budget for fiscal 2009. Before the vote, City Secretary Dorothy Brooks read the ordinance caption. Motion to approve: Parker; seconding: Haughey.

Approval of an ordinance adopting the budget for fiscal year 2009-2010. Before the vote, City Secretary Dorothy Brooks read the caption of the ordinance. Motion to approve: Hatley; seconding: Gent.

Approval of an ordinance levying the proposed tax rate for 2009-2010. The tax rate will be $0.680535. Dorothy Brooks read the caption before the vote. Motion to approve: Haughey; seconding: Holler.

Approval of a resolution which is required by state law to be adopted annually for the city’s investment policy. Motion to approve: Haughey; seconding: Gent.

Approval of the purchase of software for use by the City of Forney Parks and Recreation Department to improve connectivity to the general public, reduce employee hours, provide a system for park management of amenities, labor and material. Money is available for this purchase because the Parks Department has not had to augment current employees at the park with contract labor. Motion to approve: Hatley; seconding: Holler.

There was no one present to speak under “Open Forum” on the agenda.

In his biweekly report to the Council, City Manager Brian Brooks gave special thanks to the city staff for the work they did to come up with a balanced budget with no tax increase. Brooks thanked the department directors, the Council and the public for their support during the budgeting process. He especially thanked the city finance department—Cara Stafford, Director of Finance, and Charity Vankirk, the city’s Budget Analyst.

Next, Brooks announced that school zone signs had been installed at Claybon Elementary and that the city would soon install school zone signs on streets in nearby neighborhoods.

The last item Brooks gave was an update on the progress of construction along FM 548/U. S. 80. He said bids would be taken in October and awarded in early November.

The Council held an executive session beginning at 7:47 p. m. by unanimous “yes” vote on a motion by Holler, seconded by Haughey to discuss personnel issues, including board, commission and committee appointments and related matters. They returned to open session at 8:02 p. m. by unanimous “yes“ vote on a motion by Parker, seconded by Haghey. The Mayor asked for a motion concerning any action taken in executive session. Hatley moved to appoint Patricia Ashcroft as Presiding Municipal Judge for another term and to authorize the Mayor to execute the contract. Wade Gent seconded and all Council members voted in favor.

There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned by unanimous “yes” on a motion by Parker, seconded by Haughey.

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Kaufman County Sheriffs investigators have charged a man with attempted burglary of a habitation.

Gary Burrow age 28, of Forney, Texas is recovering from a gunshot wound from an incident this past Sunday. Kaufman County investigators say Burrow was shot as he attempted to forcibly gain entry to a Forney couples Melody Lane home in Forney Texas.

Investigators say a man who lives in the 14000 block of Melody Lane, in Forney, Texas called 911 to report someone trying to break into his residence. When deputies arrived at the scene they reportedly found the suspect Gary Burrow shot. Mr. Burrow was taken into custody and transported to a Dallas hospital for treatment, and later formally charged with attempted burglary of a habitation, which is a Third Degree Felony.

Mr. Burrow is currently held in the Kaufman County Law Enforcement Center.

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The community of Forney may be starting to see an economic turnaround, City Manager Brian Brooks hinted this week.

In words of cautious optimism, Brooks said Monday that the number of homes going on the marker was declining in many Forney neighborhoods.

“(I’m seeing) the least number of homes on the market and the biggest pickup in building permits (that I’ve seen) in the past 10 to 12 months,” Brooks said.

Even more encouraging are signs that new home starts are on the rise. Brooks told the Messenger that there has been a jump in new housing starts in at least five subdivisions in the Forney city limits in recent weeks. He cited 5 new home starts in Mustang Place; a few new homes in Diamond Creek; close to 10 in The Trails of Chestnut Meadows, “probably some in Greyhawk,” and 5 to 6 new homes in Fox Hollow.

“The economy even seems to be levelling off nationally,” Brooks said. He explained that a national economic recovery would be good for Texas, because Texas was among the states that was least affected by the economic collapse of 2008 and the ensuing recession. The Dallas Metroplex itself was one of the last major metropolitan areas to go into recession after the summer of 2008 and it will “probably be one of the first to come out,” Brooks said.

Brooks said that in comparison to the the rest of the country, Texas has shown only a slight dip in economic indicators during the recession.

Brooks also expressed pride that Forney sales tax revenue has actually shown a 15% growth this month. In addition, Brooks said there hasn’t been a massive drop in either spending or jobs inside the Forney city limits.

This story and any accompanying photo(s) were originally published in the Forney Messenger and are Copyright © 2009, Forney Messenger, Inc. and have been used by permission. The Forney Messenger is the publisher of Kaufman County’s oldest newspaper and may be found online at www.ForneyMessengerInc.com

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During their regular meeting on August 20, the Forney EDC received, and later in the meeting approved, a final report on a set of findings regarding possibilities for the renewal of Forney Heritage Towne Center compiled in a months-long study of Forney’s downtown area by urban design students at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Presenting a summary of their findings by Powerpoint were SUPA study project manager Alan Klein and Dr. Arjomani, professor of city planning within UTA’s Department of Urban Design.

Klein, who gave the bulk of the presentation, prefaced it by acknowledging and thanking the Forney groups and individuals who supported the effort. These included the Forney EDC, the City of Forney staff, and the Forney public, who provided needed project input, particularly during a pubic meeting last spring at First United Methodist Church. At that meeting, Forney residents who attended were divided into teams and asked to mark map overlays to give their views on various aspects of what a future Forney downtown area should look like. Attendees also completed a survey on design elements.

The final report on the UTA SUPA study includes recommendations on accessibility and mobility factors affecting the downtown area. Among those recommendations is that the southern portion of Pinson Road be extended over the railroad and over U. S. 80 in such a way as to hook around as another thoroughfare into downtown. It is also suggested that East Main Street be redesigned as a boulevard, which would make it easier to close the roadway to motor traffic for public downtown festivals.

Other UTA findings show a need for a mixed-use civic center, a retail/lifestyle center, or a community/civic center; a continuation of the historic streetscape found on South Bois d’Arc and Main Streets; and the development of alternatives for the former First Baptist Church property on South Bois d’Arc.

Presentation of the UTA study findings came under Discussion Item 4a on the agenda, which was taken out of order right after approval of the minutes so that the two UTA officials would not have to stay for the remainder of what turned out to be a relatively lengthy meeting. Their presentation took approximately 30 minutes.

The August 20 EDC meeting began at 6:34 p. m. as Board President Bill Cates called the meeting to order with all board members and Executive Director Fran Owens present.

After Cates welcomed guests, he called on board member Jay Calvin to give the invocation.

Next, the board approved the minutes of the EDC’s July 18 meeting. The minutes were approved as presented with one minor correction by unanimous “yes” vote on a motion by Calvin, seconded by board member Mark Ellis.

The Treasurer’s report, given by Board Treasurer Meredith Briggs, and the Director’s report, were given after the UTA presentation.

Fran Owens’ August Director’s report included the following:

A recap of the Texas Economic Development Council’s 2009 summer conference and economic development sales tax training seminar July 23-24 in Corpus Christi;

A brief report on the August 11 quarterly meeting of the Kaufman County Leadership Council. Owens reported that during this meeting, a consortium of law enforcement groups presented a proposal to establish a “Crime Stoppers” program for the county;

Preliminary plans for the second annual Turkey Trax Car Show to be held in downtown Forney Sunday, November 15;

A report on staff participation in eight business retention meetings to date. Meetings will continue through September, after which time an aggregate of information gathered at the meetings will be presented to the EDC Board;

The Forney EDC’s reception of a $25,000.00 check representing a refund of money that was paid for one share in the now-defunct equity group proposed for the Forney Regional Medical Center;

A report on promotion of Forney’s Best Western to area employers and prospective guests;
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A report on a staff review of efforts by the firm of Grubb and Ellis to market the Forney Business Park;

A report on a meeting which the EDC staff held with Sara Edquist of Insight Research to review the 2009 Fast Tracker program. Fast Tracker is a computer model that allows EDC staff members to generate cost-to-benefit ratios of proposed projects;

A report on the recent third-quarter Bankers Profit meeting;

A recap of recent activities of the EDC’s website subcommittee, which is studying options for design of the EDC’s next website;

A report on completion of the EDC’s first tourism map of Forney; and

A report on a contact with Kimberly Pulaski of Pathfinders regarding a timeline for completion of Pathfinders’ Workforce Development Study.

Four items besides the presentation of the UTA downtown revitalization study findings were on the August 20 agenda:

A presentation of the proposed 2009-2010 EDc operating budget by the EDC staff

A report on website redevelopment by the Board’s webside subcommittee

A discussion of potential property acquisition and

A discussion of relations between the EDC and the Boards and staffs of the Chamber of Commerce, the FISD, the P&Z, and other community entities

There were four action items on the agenda. Action was taken on each item as follows:

Discuss and approve the findings and recommendations for the Forney Heritage Towne Center as presented by the UTA SUPA study: After a lengthy discussion, Board member Tyler Moore made a motion to approve the study and to sent it on to the City of Forney for incorporation into their Comprehensive Plan and other related plans regarding the downtown area. Board member Justin Darland seconded, and all Board members voted in favor.

Discuss and approve the 2009-2010 Forney EDC Annual Operating Budget: After discussion, Board member Mark Ellis moved to approve the budget as presented and forward it to the City Council. Board member Meridith Briggs seconded. All Board members voted in favor.

Discuss and take possible action regarding entering into a contractual agreement with ED Suites as recommended earlier in the meeting by the Board website subcommittee for the purpose of EDC website development: After discussion, Board member Mark Ellis moved, with a second by Board member Jay Calvin, to instruct the subcommittee to continue negotiations with ED Suites only but not to hold negotiations with any other vendor. The goal is to reach a contractual agreement with ED Suites by the next Forney EDC meeting in September. All Board members voted in favor.
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Authorize the Executive Director to execute a check payable to Mustang Crossing LTD for second-quarter 2009 sales tax abatement in an amount not to exceed $110,702.60. Tyler Moore moved to authorize the Executive Director to issue the check, with Calvin seconding. All Board members voted in favor.

The agenda allowed for an executive session, but none was needed.

There were no public communications, and no Board members had any future agenda items to propose.

There were no public communications and no further business. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p. m. by acclamation.

No related posts.

Photo below: Rick Harrison and Laurren Smith in a photo taken after the proclamation was read aloud to the Commissioners Court and visitors during the Court’s regular meeting on Monday, August 24.

The Kaufman County Commissioners held a regular meeting of the Commissioners Court on Monday, August 24 at 9:30 a. m. with all Commissioners present. County Judge Wayne Gent was absent. Commissioner Jerry Rowden (Precinct 1) presided in Gent’s place.

Commissioner J. C. Jackson (Precinct 3) gave the invocation. The Court led the audience in the pledges to the U. S. and Texas flags.

The first item of business was to approve the minutes of August 17. Commissioner Ray Clark (Precinct 2) moved for approval of the minutes as presented, with Jim Deller (Precinct 4) seconding. All Commissioners voted in favor.

There was no routine correspondence.

The Commissioners discussed, approved or tabled the following items as follows, all by unanimous “yes” vote:

Appointed Tina Beard, Luana Johnson, Susie Kimberling, David Morgan, Cindy McKinney, Lynette Ladeau, Bonnis Nichols, and Lisa Gray Smith as Kaufman County Child Welfare Board members. Motion to make these appointments: Clark; seconding: Deller.

Under “Remarks from Visitors”, four representatives from four separate fire departments were present to speak to express their concerns regarding the county cutting their budgets for the fire districts throughout the county. Speakers were Eddie Brown, Kaufman Volunteer Fire Department; Jeff Davis, Kaufman County Services; Casey Vance, Terrell Volunteer Fire Department; and Keith Heggingbotham, Scurry Volunteer Fire Department. Commissioner Jerry Rowden told the speakers that Commissioners could not respond because this was not an agenda item. He suggested that this matter be put on the August 31 agenda.

The Court proclaimed August 26, 2009 as Laurren Smith Day in Kaufman County. After Kaufman County District Attorney Rick Harrison read aloud the proposed proclamation, Commissioner Clark moved to adopt August 26 as Laurren Smith Day in honor of Laurren, who is a Forney resident. His motion was seconded by Commissioner J. C. Jackson, and all Commissioners voted in favor. Laurren received a standing ovation. Both Commissioner Clark and D A. Rick Harrison live near Forney in Precinct 2.

Next, Commissioners conducted a public hearing on the creation of Ledbetter Fresh Water Supply District No. 2 in Kaufman County. Motion to open the public hearing was made by Jackson, seconded by Deller. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Representatives of the project told the Commissioners that District 2 would be approximately 386 acres in size and is located in North Kaufman County near Rockwall County on FM 548 and SH 205, close to North Forney High School. The project lies in both Forney and Terrell school districts.

Several speakers were present to ask questions about the project.

After the speakers had asked their questions, Deller moved to close the public hearing, with a second by Jackson. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Next, Commissioners created and established the Ledbetter Water Supply District No. 2 in Kaufman County. Motion: Clark; seconding: Deller. All Commissioners voted in favor. Then, in a separate motion, they appointed temporary supervisors for the district. Jackson made the second motion, with Deller seconding. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Commissioners then held another public hearing concerning the creation of Ledbetter Fresh Water Supply District No. 1. Deller moved to open this public hearing, with a second by Jackson and all Commissioners voted in favor.

The developers told Commissioners that this district contains approximately 978 acres and includes the sewer plant for both Ledbetter 1 and Ledbetter 2. Water for both districts will be purchased from High Point Water Supply Corporation.

There was no public comment and Deller moved to close the public hearing, with a second by Jackson. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Commissioner Deller than moved to create Ledbetter Fresh Water Supply District No.1 in Kaufman County, to grant the petition creating and establishing the district pending approval by the DA, and to appoint the temporary supervisors of the district. Commissioner Jackson seconded. All Commissioners voted in favor.

In other business Monday, Commissioners:

Tabled considering using Don Bell to audit phone bills, conduct traffic studies, and make recommendations for phone-system improvements as requested by George York. Motion to table: Deller; seconding: Jackson: All Commissioners voted in favor.

Accepted the final report on recycling drop-off grant and approved the request by Marilyn May of Environmental Co-Op for the new NCTCOG grant cycle for the Co-Op. Motion to approve: Jackson; seconding: Deller. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Accepted the County Treasurer’s report for July, 2009 as presented by County Treasurer Johnny Countryman. Motion to accept: Deller; seconding: Jackson. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved the 2010 TCDRS plan document for the Kaufman County Retirement Plan as requested by Johnny Countryman. Motion to approve: Deller; seconding: Clark. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved donating miscellaneous cameras and film to the Kaufman County Children’s Shelter, as per section 263.152(4)(A), (B), and (C), of the Local Government Code. Motion to approve: Deller; seconding: Jackson. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved advertising for bids for the annual contract for inmate prescription medication for the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department. Motion to approve: Jackson; seconding: Deller. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Accepted the 2009 appraisal roll as the 2009 tax roll. Motion to accept: Clark; seconding: Deller. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Tabled a measure to authorize the County Judge to sign a personal services contract with Marion Porter to perform certain construction repair, maintenance or remodeling of the property of the county and the supervision of such work for the year ending September 30, 2010, and to grant exemptions from the bid requirements under the Local Government Code, Section 262 for personal services contract, pending more information. This item will be placed on the Commissioners’ August 31 agenda. Motion to table: Deller; seconding: Clark. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved the easement and right-of-way agreement with TVEC on CR 4068, Precinct 4. Motion to approve: Deller; seconding: Clark. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Denied the petition for local option to legalize for JP 1 District, Precinct 1, for the legal sale of all alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption only due to a lack of qualified signatures on the petition. Motion to deny: Clark; seconding: Deller. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved the request of EMBARQ to install buried communications drop wire under (across) the right-of-way of Brooks Lane, Precinct 1. Motion to approve: Rowden; seconding: Deller. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved the request of EMBARQ to install buried communications drop wire under (across) the right-of-way of Woodruff Circle, Precinct 4. Motion to approve: Deller; seconding: Jackson. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved line item transfers as presented by County Auditor Hal Jones. Motion to approve: Deller; seconding: Clark. All Commissioners voted in favor.

Approved the payment of bills in the amount of $323,203.57 presented by County Auditor Hal Jones. Motion to approve: Deller; seconding: Jackson. All Commissioners voted in favor.

There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Clark, seconded by Deller. All Commissioners voted in favor.

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