Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 28th HONORING ALL WHO SERVED

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1 Forest Hill News Visit us on the Volume 8, Issue 6, March/April 2018 Three City Council places, charter amendments on ballot The City of Forest Hill will be conducting a General Election on Saturday, May 5, 2018 to elect the positions of City Council Places 1, 2 and 3. Candidates Place 1: Cameron K. Wafer, age 37, lives at 3740 Cecilia Lane and has lived in Forest Hill for nine years. He is a material handler. Racquel Buffin Belle, age 49, lives at 3500 Meadows Drive South and is a federal bureau drug treatment specialist. She has lived in Forest Hill for two years. Candidates Place 2: Carlie Jones, age 47, lives at 3521 Chimney Rock Drive and has lived in Forest Hill for 22 years. She is a legal secretary. S. Eric Robinson, age 55, lives at 6607 Nauert Road. He is a Women s History Month The City of Forest Hill commemorated Women s History Month in March by hosting a celebration before the Council Meeting on March 20. Honored were Shirley Fowkes, Gwen Barbee and Alfreda Colvin nominated by Mayor Lyndia Thomas. Council Member Cameron Wafer nominated Corinne Jimerson and Berniece Taylor-Johnson. Council Member Carlie Jones nominated Velma Butler and Bettie Sheffield. Council Member Michielle Benson Givens nominated Earnestine Sims, Ruby McEwing and Dr. Betty McDaniel. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Beckie Duncan Hayes nominated Connie Hoffman, Diane Williams and Debra Peoples. Mayor Pro Tem Clara Faulkner nominated Linda Mitchell and Mabel Arfman. Council Member Stephanie Boardingham nominated Marta Barron, Marina Perez and Norma Garcia-Lopez. professor and has lived in Forest Hill for 20 years. Candidates Place 3: Michielle Benson, age 55, lives at 6900 Rebel Road and has been a Forest Hill resident for 25 years. She is a retired teacher and current business owner. Sonya Coleman-Norwood, age 52, lives at 6920 Shenandoah Drive. She has lived in Forest Hill for 25 years and is an independent associate. Gerald Joubert, age 58, lives at 7514 Zinnia Lane and has been a Forest Hill resident for 28 years. He is self employed. Ballot by mail applications will be accepted through April 24, Last day to register to vote is April 5, Early Voting will be April 23 - May 1, Regular election day is Saturday, May 5, with polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Forest Hill Civic & Convention Center, 6901 Wichita. Please contact the City Secretary, Othel Murphree at if you have any questions. See page 5 for complete Charter Election Information. HONORING ALL WHO SERVED Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 28th FROM THE FOREST HILL LIBRARY Library: or Info at: Forest Hill Public Library Facebook page Check out the new Facebook page! LIBRARY HOURS: Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 4503 Forest Hill Circle (between Hartman Road and Anglin Drive) Program starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. Info:

2 Forest Hill News April /May 2018 Page 2 From the City Council... Special City Council Meeting - February 27, 2018 The Forest Hill City Council met on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 7 p.m. with all members present. The meeting began with the invocation and pledges to the flags. The Police Department held a special pinning ceremony for newly advanced Sergeant Richardson Wolfe. His father did the honors. (See picture.) The minutes of the February 6 City Council Meeting were unanimously approved. The Council agreed to hold the March 6 meeting as scheduled. The City Council met in Executive Session to deliberate the accomplishments, evaluation and contract for the City Manager. No action was reported. Regular City Council Meeting - March 6, 2018 The Forest Hill City Council met on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 7 p.m. with all members present. The meeting began with the invocation and pledges to the flags. Mayor s Report included (1) Report on Watch Night Play; (2) Report on Party World Ribbon Cutting; (3) Report on upcoming Women s Month nominations due date; (4) Report on Audit Committee Meeting; and (5) Report on Black History Event. The Consent Agenda was approved including Minutes from the February 20 and 27, 2018 Council Meetings and Permit coverage under the reissued Texas Commission on Environmental Quality with the City Manager to engage engineering services not to exceed $15,000. An Ordinance adopting a new Rate Review Mechanism tariff to govern future annual rate filings by Atmos Mid-Tex was passed. (This will not affect current gas rates, only going forward.) In a split decision, the City Council approved the removal of Venus Wehle as President of the Community Development Corporation. (She will continue in other duties at the City.) Dates for a two-day City Council Workshop were discussed. An expenditure for repair of the fire engine was approved not to exceed $30,000. Damien Dalcour and Francisco Hernandez were appointed to the Civic Center Committee. City Manager s Report included: (1) TML Small Cities Advisory Council; (2) Report on street and bridge projects; and (3) Report on certification by City Secretary of Recall Petition asking for the recall of Council Member Boardingham. Mayor s Corner It has been eleven months since you voted the Citizens Advocates into office. Since last May we have been able to accomplish all the things that were promised our citizens except the Recreational Center which we are focusing on making a reality. Since Super 1 had already decided to leave our city during the last mayor and council member s term of office, there was little that could be done to stop the store from leaving. However, we are still working on bringing a store into Forest Hill. I will share with you updated information as I receive it. There will be a Charter School built on Forest Hill Drive this summer - Uplift Academy. Uplift Academy is currently taking applications for children that will be starting the following grades next year: First, Second, and Sixth grade students. This month I want to recognize Bobbie Spence for all she does to help keep this city moving forward. Mayor Lyndia Thomas Regular City Council Meeting - March 20, 2018 The Forest Hill City Council met on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 7 p.m. with all members present. The meeting began with the invocation and pledges to the flags. A letter of Appreciation commending the Fire Department was read and Lieutenant Darwin Lockett, Engineer Terry Cason and firefighters Ryan Davis and Mason Neal were recognized along with firefighters attending. (See picture on inside page.) A Letter of Appreciation commending Public Works was read and Superintendent Roberto Duenes, Supervisor Albert Harris, Anthony Cook, Adolfo Cruz and Jeffery Davila were recognized. (See picture on inside page.) Mayor s Report included (1) Council Members with the Certified Municipal Officers designation were recognized. They are Carlie Jones, Michielle Benson Givens, Beckie Duncan Hayes and Stephanie Boardingham; (2) Report on Civic Center Committee; (3) Report on use of athletic fields; (4) Report on Forest Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church Seventh Annual Parade on April 22; and (6) Report on training. The minutes of March 6, 2018 were approved as amended. A Public Hearing was held on a 44th Year CDBG Grant for the replacement of water lines in the 3800 block of Falcon was held. An Ordinance adopting a Rate Review Mechanism tariff to govern annual rate filings by Atmos Mid-Tex was passed. A Resolution regarding continued participation with the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and authorizing a payment of two cents per capita to the Steering Committee to fund regulatory and related activities was approved. An update was given on website remodeling. The Council voted to allow Council Member Boardingham an opportunity to present her explanation, defense and argument in regards to a recall petition by registered voters. The date was set for the second meeting in April which will be April 17. No action was taken on ordering an election for recall on November 6. A City Council Retreat scheduled for March 31 was canceled in a split vote. City Manager s Report included TML Region VIII meeting in Granbury on April 6. The Council agenda item calling for an Executive Session to evaluate the City Attorney was moved to open session as requested by City Attorney Warren Spencer. Each City Council Member had the opportunity to offer input and the City Attorney also gave a response. No action was taken.

3 Forest Hill News April /May 2018 Page 3 Women employees honored at lunch Around Town By Shirley Fowkes news@foresthilltx.org The Forest Hill News is available online by the 15th of each month. You can now submit birthdays, anniversaries, birth or other special events to the above. All items are subject to verification. Donald Buddy Carter passed away March 9 at the age of 83. He had served on the Forest Hill City Council and helped build the Ballpark and was instrumental in developing the Library. We extend our sympathy to his wife of 63 years, Roberta, and his children, Suzanne and Andy. We missed a couple of important birthdays - Brayden Scarver on March 17 and Tyiah Mitchell on March 25. City employees with April birthdays include William Blackwelder (Firefighter) and Adriana Ruiz (Police Dispatch) - April 1; Noheley Olvera (Court) - April 8; Robert Rico (Accounts Payable/Payroll Clerk); April 6; Denea White (Warrant Clerk) - April 12; Anthony Cook (Crew Leader - Public Works) - April 28; and Marisol Prater (Utility Billing Clerk) and Mary Green (Warrant Clerk), both on April 29. Police Sergeant Tracy Wells also celebrates in April. Happy birthday to the whole crew! In May, Richard Winters, Star Gonzalez and Lee Sumpter from the Police Department celebrate birthdays. Firefighter Chris Ellis from the Fire Department celebrates on May 24. City Attorney Warren Spencer has a birthday on May 11 and Venus Wehle celebrates on May 17. Public Works Department employees who celebrate birthdays in May are Nicole Brown on May 18, James Tatum on May 13, Adrian Cano on May 31 and Jeffery Davila on May 21. Gary Maserang has a birthday on May 19. Happy Birthday! No election needed - Library candidates unopposed The Forest Hill Library District will not need to have an election this year since candidates for the two open seats are unopposed. Taking office will be Alicia Wilson in Place 4 and Sharon Peevy in Place 5. An Order of Cancellation of Election has been filed at Tarrant County. Women employees of the City of Forest Hill were honored at a special lunch on March 29 by members of the City Council who served the meal followed by a short program in recognition of Women s History Month. Richardson Wolfe, center, received his sergeant s pin from his father at a recent Council Meeting. Saturday, April 14 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. You bring it - We remove it! At Public Works, 3101 Horton Road Recycling available for: Clothing/Shoes and Electronics Proof of residency required. Household waste not accepted. No hazardous materials. Volunteers are needed to help. Call for info.

4 Highlights from Easter Egg Hunt Forest Hill News April /May 2018 Page 4 City Council honors firefighters Egg hunters rushed across the grass to find treats. The Easter Bunny visited with youngsters while they waited in line for free snow cones. The City Council honored Lieutenant Darwin Lockett, Engineer Terry Cason and firefighters Ryan Davis and Mason Neal at the City Council Meeting on March 20. Public Works employees honored The Easter Bunny (Charlotte Hogan-Price) arrived in a Police vehicle and visited with youngsters. The City Council honored Public Works employees Superintendent Roberto Duenes, Supervisor Albert Harris, plus Anthony Cook, Adolfo Cruz and Jeffery Davila at their meeting on March 20. Early voting set for Charter, City Council election Early voting will be held at the Civic & Convention Center, 6901 Wichita Street as follows. April (abril) Monday Friday (lunes viernes) 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. April (abril) 28 Saturday (sábado) 7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. April (abril) 29 Sunday (domingo) 11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. April (abril) 30 Monday (lunes) 7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. May (mayo) 1 Tuesday (martes)7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. More info is available from City Secretary Othel Murphree at

5 Forest Hill News April /May 2018 Page 5 LEGAL NOTICE CITY OF FOREST HILL, TEXAS ORDINANCE NO AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FOREST HILL ORDERING AND PRO- VIDING NOTICE OF A SPECIAL ELECTION ON THE 5th DAY OF MAY, 2018, FOR VOTER CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT OF SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF THE HOME RULE CHARTER; DECLARING BALLOT LANGUAGE FOR SUCH PROPOSITIONS FOR AMENDMENT; SPECI- FYING THE LANGUAGE OF THE CHARTER FOR EACH PROPOSITION APPROVED BY THE VOTERS; PROVIDING FOR EARLY VOTING BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE; PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF POLLING PLACES; PROVIDING FOR A CONTRACT FOR ELEC- TION SERVICES WITH TARRANT COUNTY; AND RESOLVING OTHER MATTERS INCIDENT AND RELATED TO SUCH ELECTION; PROVID- ING FOR PREAMBLE INCORPORATION; CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; SEVERABILITY; PROPER NOTICE AND MEETING; AND AN EFFEC- TIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Forest Hill (City Council), by Ordinance No , dated February 6, 2018, ordered a general election to elect the officers of City Council Place 1, 2, and 3 for Saturday, May 5, 2018; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Forest Hill, Texas, finds it to be in the public interest and welfare to call a special election to be held jointly with the general election to be held on May 5, 2018 and add to the ballot for voter consideration propositions for amendment of specific sections of the Charter; and WHEREAS, the City Council has authority pursuant to Chapter 31, Texas Election Code, to enter into an election services contract with the Tarrant County Election Officer to obtain certain election services and intends to do so by separate action; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FOREST HILL, TEXAS that: SECTION 1. All of the above premises are hereby found to be true and correct legislative and factual findings of the City Council and are hereby approved and incorporated into the body of this ordinance as if copied in their entirety. SECTION 2. There is hereby called a Special Election to be participated in by the qualified voters of the City of Forest Hill, Texas, to be held jointly on the second Saturday in May, being the 5th day of May, 2018, between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm (the Election ), and at the election, for the purpose of amending the Home Rule Charter of the City of Forest Hill. The following propositions shall be added to the ballot and submitted to the voters: Proposition 1 ballot language shall read: Shall Section 3.01, entitled Number, Selection, Term, and Section 3.04, entitled Vacancy, of the Charter be amended to change the term of office of the mayor and six (6) council members from two years to three years and, in order to comply with Article 11, Section 11 of the Texas Constitution when doing so, to provide that all vacancies in the office of mayor or council member shall be filled by special election, which is required by the Constitution for cities having terms of more than two years. In the event that Proposition 1 is approved by the voters on May 5, 2018, the current Sections 3.01 and 3.04 shall be repealed and new Sections 3.01 and 3.04 shall be added that shall read as follows: Section Number, Selection, Term. The governing and policy making body of the City of Forest Hill shall consist of the mayor and six (6) council members designated as places one (1 through six (6), elected at large for three-year terms, and shall be known as the City Council of the City of Forest Hill. At the regular municipal election to be held in May of 2019 Council members for places 4, 5 and 6 and for the office of mayor shall be elected for a term of three (3) years and in May of every third year thereafter shall be elected for a term of three years. At the regular municipal election to be held in May of 2020 Council members for places 1, 2 and 3 shall be elected for a term of three (3) years and in May of every third year thereafter shall be elected for a term of three years. Section Vacancy. Any vacancy or vacancies occurring on the City Council, including the Mayor, shall be filled by majority vote of the qualified voters at a special election called for such purpose at the next available uniform election date provided by law, except that for a vacancy occurring for an unexpired term of 12 months or less, a majority of the remaining members of the City Council may appoint a person who shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term. Proposition 2 ballot language shall read: Shall paragraph (1) of Sec. 3.09, entitled Prohibition and Ethics, of the Charter be amended to prohibit the holding of any other elected office during a council member s term on council? In the event that Proposition 2 is approved by the voters on May 5, 2018, the current paragraph (1) of Section 3.09 shall be repealed and a new paragraph (1) of Section 3.09 shall be added that shall read as follows: Section Prohibitions and ethics. (1) Holding other office. No council member shall hold any other elective office during the term for which he/she was elected to the City Council. Should a Council member hold any other elective office during the term for which he/she was elected to the City Council that member shall be considered to have immediately forfeited and resigned his/her position on the City Council. No Council member shall hold other city office or employment during the term for which he/she was elected to the City Council. No former Council member shall hold any compensated appointive city office or employment until one year after the expiration of the term for which he/she was elected to the City Council. Proposition 3 ballot language shall read: Shall paragraph (A) of Sec. 5.03, entitled City Attorney, of the Charter be amended to allow the City Council to appoint the City Attorney without requiring a consultation with the City Manager? In the event that Proposition 4 is approved by the voters on May 5, 2018, the current paragraph (A) of Section 5.03 shall be repealed and new a new paragraph (A) of Section 5.03 shall be added that shall read as follows: Section City Attorney (A) Appointment and Qualification: the City Council shall appoint a competent, duly qualified, licensed and practicing attorney in the State of Texas who shall serve as the City Attorney. In no event shall a City Attorney be terminated within ninety (90) days after a general election, except for misconduct, malfeasance, or misfeasance. Proposition 4 ballot language shall read: Shall Sec. 5.07, entitled Finance Director, of the Charter be amended to have the City Finance Director appointed by the City Council? In the event that Proposition 6 is approved by the voters on May 5, 2018, the current Section 5.07 shall be repealed and new a Section 5.07 shall be added that shall read as follows: Section City Finance Director The City Council shall appoint the City Finance Director and the City Finance Director shall report to the city manager. Proposition 5 ballot language shall read: Shall Sec. 6.02, entitled Submission of Budget and Budget Message, and Section 4.04(e), entitled Powers and Duties of the City Manager, of the Charter be amended to require the City Manager to submit the budget for the ensuing fiscal year to the City Council on July 31st of each year? In the event that Proposition 7 is approved by the voters on May 5, 2018, the current Sections 6.02 and 4.04(e) shall be repealed and new Sections 6.02 and 4.04(e) shall be added that shall read as follows: Section Submission of Budget and Budget Message On or before the 31st day of July of each year the City Manager shall submit to the City Council a budget for the ensuing fiscal year and an accompanying message. Section Powers and Duties of the City Manager (e) He or she shall prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program to the City Council by July 31st of each year.

6 Community Calendar All meetings are subject to change. City info: April 16 - Blood pressure checks & BINGO - Senior Activity Center - 9:30 a.m. April 17 - City Council Meeting - 7 p.m. - City Hall April 18 - Lions Club - 7 a.m. - La Quinta Inn - Visitors eat free; Historical Commission - 3 p.m. - City Hall April 23 - Blood pressure checks & BINGO - Senior Activity Center - 9:30 a.m.; Library Board Meeting - 6 p.m. - Library April 28 - Forest Hill Church of Christ Helping Hands Food Distribution Program - 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. May 1 - City Council Meeting - 7 p.m. - City Hall May 2 - Lions Club - 7 a.m. - La Quinta Inn - Visitors free May 4 - Food Day for regular attendees - Senior Center May 5 - City of Forest Hill Election - 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Civic & Convention Center, 6901 Wichita May 7 - Blood pressure checks & BINGO - Senior Activity Center - 9:30 a.m.; Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - 6 p.m. - City Hall May 14 - Blood pressure checks & BINGO - Senior Activity Center - 9:30 a.m.; Parks, Recreation & Clean City Commission Meeting - 5 p.m. - City Hall; Police Alumni Association Meeting - 6:30 p.m. - Civic & Convention Center; Friends of the Library - 7 p.m. - Library - Info: May 15 - City Council Meeting - 7 p.m. - City Hall May 16 - Lions Club - 7 a.m. - La Quinta Inn - Visitors eat free; Historical Commission Meeting - 3 p.m. - City Hall May 21 - Blood pressure checks & BINGO - Senior Activity Center - 9:30 a.m.; Library Board Meeting - 6 p.m. - Library May 26 - Forest Hill Church of Christ Helping Hands Food Distribution Program - 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. May 28 - City of Forest Hill Memorial Day Celebration, 8:30 a.m. Forest Hill Memorial Park, 4503 Forest Hill Circle Emergency warning sirens are tested at 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, FROM THE FOREST HILL LIBRARY at 6962 Forest Hill Drive LIBRARY HOURS: Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Closed Friday, Sunday & Monday. Low cost animal vaccination clinic Animal Clinic of Forest Hill Every 2nd Saturday of the month 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at 3350 Lookout Drive for info Forest Hill News April /May 2018 Page 6 Check out the new books at the Library Forest Hill Library Manager William D. King reports: April 19 - after school: Celebrate Week of The Young Child. Fantastic selection of new books here for you! May 5 - sign up beginning at 7 p.m. Program starts at 8:10 p.m. when the stars come out. Family Night - Look Up In The Sky! An Evening of Stars with The Fort Worth Astronomical Society. Come visit your library after dark! They call it A Star Party. If you have a telescope, bring it. There will be some available. Call for details. Volunteer opportunities available. Call for info. May 14 - Sign-up begins for the First Annual Forest Hill Public Library Master of The Grill This is a New Library Fundraising event which will take place Saturday, June 23, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Compete for the top prize! Surrounding community competitors are welcome. Bring your grill, your wood and your favorite grilling recipes... There is a sign-up fee. Door-to-door Peddler Permits required Door-to-door Peddler Permits are still required. If someone comes to your door, ask to see their permit. If you have questions, call the Permit Department at If you have a problem, call the Police Department at and they will check out the solicitor. Catch the Vision Parade set for April 22 The Forest Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church will hold its annual Catch the Vision Parade on Sunday, April 22, at 3 p.m. Floats, horses, classic/antique cars or individual cars, churches, Pathfinders, praise dancers, drill teams, business, sports teams, everyone is invited. There is no entry fee for the parade but vendor s rental space is available after the parade. Lions Club annual golf tournament set The Forest Hill Lions Club will hold its fifteenth annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 17, at Prairie Lakes Golf Course, 3202 S.E. 14th Street in Grand Prairie. There are opportunities for sponsorship of teams and holes. All funds raised are used to fund community activities. Donations of prizes and cash are also welcome. For information, contact Jeff Barton at Tournament is limited to the first 36 teams. Volunteers are needed to serve on boards and committees. For applications call City Secretary Othel Murphree at or