[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6557409,"mediaKeyId","3295753-60cf733c61654c2f3ebb9f749669ecd8","parentId",3295753,"title","Resident urges transparency on juvenile detention center costs; council hears mixed public comment","audioSeconds",258,"startMs",1032000,"endMs",1290000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295753-60cf733c61654c2f3ebb9f749669ecd8&start=1032&end=1290","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295753-60cf733c61654c2f3ebb9f749669ecd8/thumbnail_1032000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6557409/Forney/Kaufman-County/Texas/Resident-urges-transparency-on-juvenile-detention-center-costs-council-hears-mixed-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557409-67d81c57f3cd2da0eb4fd2aec9f4dcbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770836369&Signature=dZXQFPubl4nR-o6rf-tT86w7Oi2~c2MQ8MTve~RZIamEtj0qS4-8FfKAdPPKYS0xVxBgPl4WGaS5phhLI2V1MXx0fBKx0hDF24VzoE-COiwPB2pX6jbvMT6lAc2trK7NCs2-nDO22jHICeKdBWxzolds6Y4Gc67q7NxG0sEmDoALRkggAZUOWWWlpJmFqFOw1I6AO~O8wsDkmheO5uU801khi6YF6AUhExQKHDpTtZvtp4jZX69cBJJsFL1A2HO~fyVoUMuLwVPeNo9CnQG7UyEAK0HbC8cWbp4Oid3l2aeNxbNCQcRPg~-jjLHlFHGL65RCLoRXiHqum-ElGJE1LQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Forney","date","2025-05-13T00:00:00Z","article","During open forum, resident Tessa Horton expressed concern about a recently passed proposition to build a juvenile detention center and asked for more transparency from county officials about the project's cost and scope.

\"I do not think that means that we should dump $40,000,000 into this facility,\" Horton said, adding that she believed a library should be a higher priority for the community. Horton said she understood the county's need to avoid transporting juveniles across the state but questioned the facility's cost given a reported 32 beds. \"I'm not sure why a 1 bed would cost 1,250,000.00,\" she said, and asked the city to seek an itemized breakdown of the construction costs.

Horton also noted low turnout for the election, saying \"only about 7% of Forney voted,\" and asked that taxpayers receive more detail on where funds would be spent. The council did not take action on the matter during the meeting; open forum rules were noted by staff that the council could not engage in detailed back-and-forth during the public-comment portion.

Another speaker, Terrence Johnson of Princeton, offered congratulations to Mayor Robertson and praise for the council's work, saying Forney was \"a class act\" and that other nearby communities were watching Forney for ideas.

No staff or council budgetary response or follow-up directive was made on the juvenile detention comments during the meeting record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Forney - Special City Council - May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Forney resident urged the council to seek an itemized breakdown and questioned the $40 million cost for a county juvenile detention center after a related proposition passed; another speaker praised Forney city government.","taxTitle","Forney, Kaufman County, Texas","taxId",69540,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557414,"Forney council approves vinyl-coated chain-link fencing for Community Park multipurpose fields",161,1337000,1498000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295753-60cf733c61654c2f3ebb9f749669ecd8&start=1337&end=1498","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295753-60cf733c61654c2f3ebb9f749669ecd8/thumbnail_1337000.jpg","/articles/6557414/Forney/Kaufman-County/Texas/Forney-council-approves-vinyl-coated-chain-link-fencing-for-Community-Park-multipurpose-fields","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557414-25d6493ba61271cc26ab10d9635d57ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1770836369&Signature=jFI6xB8vsd8hwSp2-tL8YqfbDItkMdUJhfn~kGCELShLN6Geu17hgl9TR4kXJtNoZi1EALl6B6ujrUqQBEbpOx2~aPmIwTCtaePPtpGHOFpyG68EdWq7RUGoFNVBz-4jPqJzaPXUMYBAA-TJi4vV3jDjtkP-WzqWdIUjwOyE2IR0NZXupTnnC1k3BXvEKhZz3FucrZXYnDVTMe~Xau3TBCWu8l4ayePW2-78w6t2U8RHvmpfzgKuNSIhxPq2-ZUgMcGBEIFJxStKuAgGre72xVEvhjHOwJXDpz753O8r~xEbzPieZzSiZm8m0m4ZB2vRLGMcTmcZVci~E5liD4m6Ng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Forney City Council approved a resolution to contract for temporary security fencing around the new multipurpose fields at Community Park, specifying vinyl-coated chain-link fencing with vehicle access gates.

Council members asked for visual examples and clarifications about appearance and access. Parks Director Kyle Bridal was not present at the meeting; staff said the fencing is expected to be vinyl-coated chain link, likely black, with two roughly 30-foot sliding or automatic vehicle gates and pedestrian access gates. A staff member explained the vinyl coating \"makes it a little bit more kid friendly.\" The project was described as temporary and not requiring concrete footings, though the fence must be durable enough to resist being knocked over or climbed on.

Council discussed access control and scheduling for field rest and maintenance. Staff said gate control and locking schedules will depend on field scheduling to prevent damage and allow periods for the turf to recover. No final gate schedule was set at the meeting.

The item was removed from the consent agenda for brief discussion and then approved as item number 4 by motion; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The contract documents included a services agreement for security fencing; the staff presentation did not include photos in the meeting attachments, which prompted council questions about the fence's appearance and community concerns about overly secure or punitive designs.

Follow-up items include staff confirmation of fence materials and placement and communication to residents about hours of access once scheduling is finalized.","Council approved a services agreement to install temporary vinyl-coated chain-link fencing with access gates around the new multipurpose fields at Community Park; parks director was not present and staff said fencing will be functional, not punitive.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557419,"Forney approves economic incentive agreement with Forney Legacy Holdings LLC for EVO Entertainment project",252,1598000,1850000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295753-60cf733c61654c2f3ebb9f749669ecd8&start=1598&end=1850","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295753-60cf733c61654c2f3ebb9f749669ecd8/thumbnail_1598000.jpg","/articles/6557419/Forney/Kaufman-County/Texas/Forney-approves-economic-incentive-agreement-with-Forney-Legacy-Holdings-LLC-for-EVO-Entertainment-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557419-60d7941dcb3c4cb513a14d4d70ab101b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770836369&Signature=GPbUxoD3IJW6KpguHtyXAT6cLBTafY6giWSsUttGxILUVFgyow6K-IHBKLSlEbsD6pC5jJo89YAOF9T6S5BskqKqW4UL-t3z8APqzKW8wQvL97WyU2VrbFkdVhRB6k7J5LL2qn9r1boX7AZG2JUti7dJ3rmXSmbch6ekrtTWXLSCh4x6EPQgqBRYRZN-P1OtQiYeph8hhwSstR7GcvUJhcR1Nqal4UNqz8UggncX4IX4fPJ9NuyGgN76merJQqmmreIS~QG0SCS4MkX6FStqpPF2E1Actyi20NL8IjpZbHwDErQdjZN9tGgjWRdiNxY2Utb7Wu4bnW24tY4NZmpIyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Forney City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution authorizing an expenditure under Texas Local Government Code Section 501.073 and an economic incentive and performance agreement between the Forney Economic Development Corporation and Forney Legacy Holdings LLC, the development company behind an EVO Entertainment project.

Chris Hips of Direct Retail Partners and Mitch Roberts, owner of EVO Entertainment, addressed the council during discussion, thanking city staff and the Forney Economic Development Corporation for their assistance in advancing the project. \"This is our first time to develop in Forney,\" Hips said, and Roberts described the company name Forney Legacy Holdings LLC as reflecting a family connection to the community.

The agenda item was presented as a consent item (item 3). After brief public remarks from the developers, the council voted to approve the resolution. The motion to approve consent agenda item number 3 was made by Councilmember Schlenzker and seconded by Ms. Elgato; the motion passed by the council's voice vote.

The staff presentation identified the statutory authority for the expenditure as Section 501.073 of the Texas Local Government Code, which governs economic development corporation expenditures. The agenda item description named Forney Legacy Holdings LLC and the Forney Economic Development Corporation as parties to an economic incentive and performance agreement; specific dollar amounts or performance benchmarks were included in the contract attachments but were not read into the record during the meeting.

No amendments or conditions to the agreement were recorded at the time of the vote. The city manager and EDC staff will handle final execution and any follow-up reporting under the agreement's terms.

The council approved the item as part of the consent agenda; following the vote the meeting proceeded to the city manager's report and additional items on the agenda.","The council approved a resolution authorizing an expenditure under Texas Local Government Code §501.073 and an economic incentive and performance agreement between the Forney EDC and Forney Legacy Holdings LLC to support the EVO Entertainment development.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557424,"Forney council formally canvasses May 3 election; Jason Robertson and Cecil Chambers re-elected, Robertson sworn in",354,186000,540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295753-60cf733c61654c2f3ebb9f749669ecd8&start=186&end=540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295753-60cf733c61654c2f3ebb9f749669ecd8/thumbnail_186000.jpg","/articles/6557424/Forney/Kaufman-County/Texas/Forney-council-formally-canvasses-May-3-election-Jason-Robertson-and-Cecil-Chambers-re-elected-Robertson-sworn-in","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557424-adad0a5f1ed31e0b515c5a184c903642/orig.mp4?Expires=1770836369&Signature=Oz5vlx20uw8aFdykd4vBigLh6CAY1xBk8ShQ4Rx-a123wE7XuQ381fWLTxYgjDWOYs9wcMhDYkfmE9uiXG7xQMC6x5b3NnAr-Nx7U2RGGB-RPkEYvs-BEMsoYolzvvtdU0tUH6iTCTcFwSGUyramtSN4sXsKPdNg07RmNdflJZ3AwT1J3cmpPx1i8sPKH1bY-AmfQIgREH~WdDbucy1sBu3RxeDyq0jhP68u9FwzjgD1WNvyTUpYO7Aekkl~PzgwhVZfKdDSXSAj8vMvptc0rFljDkxs0eZF7l7ucLALsZ-f2yTBFH7mq2inqAqLq2X~55y3H32anRH1y7L~QMpK~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Forney City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution canvassing the returns of the May 3, 2025 general election, confirming Mayor Jason Robertson and Council Member Cecil Chambers (Place 2) as the winners and completing the certification and swearing-in process.

The action was taken after the city secretary presented precinct-by-precinct unofficial returns and a summary of totals. \"Jason Robertson received the majority of votes cast at 972 votes,\" the city secretary reported, and \"Cecil Chambers received the majority votes cast at 955 votes.\" The presentation also noted 39 undervotes for mayor and 70 undervotes for council Place 2.

The canvass resolution authorizes the city to declare and record the results of the general election and to issue certificates of election to the successful candidates. Councilmember (mover) made the motion to approve the resolution; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Helm and approved by the council on a voice vote.

Following the canvass, the council issued elected-officer documents. The city presented a certificate showing the election date and the names of the successful candidates. Judge Shelton Gibbs then administered the oath of office to Jason Robertson, who repeated the statutory oath, including language that he had not paid or promised anything for votes and that he would faithfully execute the duties of mayor for the City of Forney.

Mayor Pro Tem Cecil Chambers was noted as unable to attend the ceremony in person but had signed his certificate of election. Council staff asked both newly issued officials to sign their documents to finalize the certification process.

No questions were asked by council members during the canvass presentation. The council recessed briefly after the swearing-in and reconvened later in the meeting.

The resolution described the action as canvassing the returns, including early voting ballots, and providing an effective date; the document presented to council identified the election as held on 05/03/2025 for terms of three years for each office.","The Forney City Council voted to approve a resolution canvassing the returns of the May 3, 2025 general election, confirming the re-election of Mayor Jason Robertson and Council Member Cecil Chambers (Place 2). Judge Shelton Gibbs administered Robertson's oath of office and the city issued certificates of election.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges transparency on juvenile detention center costs; council hears mixed public comment

Forney council approves vinyl-coated chain-link fencing for Community Park multipurpose fields

Forney approves economic incentive agreement with Forney Legacy Holdings LLC for EVO Entertainment project

Forney council formally canvasses May 3 election; Jason Robertson and Cecil Chambers re-elected, Robertson sworn in