Forney Council to Consider Traffic-Calming Rules and Fire Response Fees Nov. 17
Tuesday's agenda includes a city-funded neighborhood traffic-calming proposal, insurance-only fire response fees and a public safety facilities review. No vote has happened yet.
FORNEY, Texas - A revised process for requesting neighborhood traffic-calming devices and a proposed schedule of fire response fees are on the Forney City Council's agenda for Tuesday, Nov. 17. The regular meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the City Hall Annex/Council Chambers, 101 E. Main St.
These are proposals on a posted agenda, not measures already approved. Here is what residents can look for.
Traffic calming: city funding, but no speed humps
The revised handbook would let residents request certain devices on eligible two-lane neighborhood streets. The city's staff report says the proposal now calls for 100% city funding of approved devices, subject to available annual budget funds. It would also require approval from property owners next to a device.
Eligible streets would need a speed limit of 30 mph or less, more than 500 vehicles a day and a length of at least 1,000 feet. Arterial and collector roads would not qualify. Applicants would first meet with the Engineering Department, then submit an application with a petition representing at least 60% of properties in the affected area.
The proposed options are flashing beacons, pavement markings, rumble strips and digital speed display signs. Speed humps, speed tables and chicanes are not included. Approval would not be automatic, even if a street meets the thresholds.
For a device next to a property, the proposal calls for mailed notice to the owner; a failure to respond within 30 days would count as approval. The city would maintain installed devices. Applicants could pay the full cost themselves to speed installation.
Fire response fees would go to insurers, not residents
A separate draft ordinance would set fees under the city's fire cost-recovery program. The draft lists $600 for a basic motor-vehicle crash response, $700 when fluid cleanup is involved and $850 for a vehicle fire, alongside other apparatus, equipment and service charges.
The draft expressly limits claims to applicable insurance carriers. It would prohibit direct billing, balance billing or collections against residents, drivers, property owners or other people and entities, including amounts an insurer refuses to pay. Fees would not be a condition of emergency service.
Public safety buildings and other agenda items
Council is also scheduled to receive a public safety facilities needs assessment and give staff direction on priorities, planning and funding analysis. The posted summary does not establish a final construction budget or approve a building project.
Other listed business includes canvassing the Nov. 3 bond election, an O'Reilly Auto Parts site plan northwest of Monitor Boulevard and FM 741, and a revised site plan for the Forney Hospital Addition. Agenda placement should not be read as approval or an opening announcement.
Read the documents before the meeting
The agenda provides a citizen-comment opportunity and says comments are limited to three minutes. Check the city's posted agenda for any changes before attending.
Sources: Nov. 17 City Council agenda; traffic-calming staff report; proposed handbook; draft fire fee ordinance; public safety facilities staff report. Reporting is based on documents available Nov. 12.
