Meeting Minutes
The Town of Anderson, Texas
1-12-17
Members Present: Gail Sowell, Mayor; Alderwomen: Erna Freeman, Karen McDuffie, Carol DeBose; Aldermen: Joe Boudreaux
Anderson Attorney Present: Michael R. Casaretto
Visitors Present: Cindy Bell, Kermit and Mary Bostelman, Tom Johanson, Sarah Korpita, Tuck McLain, Carnell Carrell, Ian & Mejhin Momin, Ben Leman
There was a quorum thus a public open meeting was called to order at 7:07 P.M. by Mayor Gail Sowell.
Pledges were recited. Kermit Bostelman gave the invocation.
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell announced Historic Anderson & Two Rivers having a joint meeting Tuesday January 17. at 6 pm at Town Hall.
Bret Mize wanted to clear up any confusion about his project.
Minutes of previous meeting held on Thursday, December 9, 2016 were read by each board member present. Joe Boudreaux made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Carol DeBose seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Johnny McNally discussed the chamber banquet. By next monthly meeting, we will discuss and decide how many will attend. The theme is True Texas. Chamber Banquet will be at Camp Allen on February 23, 2017. Details will come in the mail we will get an accurate count on people attending to purchase correct amount. Deadline to RSVP February 14.
Houston Street Project was presented by Judge Ben Leman. Judge Leman discussed the proposal to close Houston street for the benefit of the County. He stated abandoning Houston Street would help with security issues for the county offices, illegal dumping, and moving fuel pumps for the Anderson Store. He stated that present Houston Street goes through county property. Sewer easement would be dedicated. The First National Bank of Anderson gave Mayor Sowell a letter supporting the Anderson Market which was read at the meeting. Judge Leman offered help getting City projects completed for our consideration of the project. Alderman Boudreaux asked about the increased sales tax and what was estimated. Ian Momin stated the increased tax would come from sales inside store due to increased customers who currently do not come in. Judge Leman offered to lead the charge to help the City with abandoned buildings, road repairs, and other issues. Alderwoman Freeman asked about county building being moved. Judge Leman stated those buildings would stay county property. Alderwoman McDuffie asked about the pumps and their location being a traffic concern. The county office would benefit due to parking issues where employees park end to end leaving no place for customers to park; the street closing would allow for county parking. TXDOT doing a study is up for future discussion, and Michael Casaretto will meet with County Attorney and David Dobyanski to discuss the situation. Tuck McLain stated that this project is in early planning and has not been taken to Commissioners Court.
Discussion about abandoned building and foreclosure. Everyone commented on the progress of the new mowing of the Town’s right of way. Mayor Sowell discussed new areas being mowed and updated everyone on future mowing. Discussion was that the county now needs to mow their property. Bret Mize brought up that people have been dumping sheet metal and concrete on his property. He does not mind people dumping limbs and shrubs but not trash. Alderwoman Freeman asked about proceeding with past abandoned building. The county will post a tax sale in February.
Mayor Sowell brought up for discussion purchasing a CD. Discussion was held and council decided it would not be beneficial.
Mayor Sowell asked for approval for paying bills. Karen McDuffie made the motion and Joe Boudreaux seconded. All approved, motion carried.
Michael Casaretto discussed power issues with the renovation. No problem with the power issue. Time line for the grant to renovate the building.
Alderman Boudreaux brought up the idea of asking for road work on the books or almost a year to be completed since no road work has been finished. Michael brought up he has a meeting and everyone should email him with their concerns.
Open session adjourned: 8:15 P.M.
Closed session opened: 8:20 P.M.
Closed session closed: 8:55 P.M.
Open Session re-opened: 8:57 P.M.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:59 pm.
_____________________ Attest: _____________________
Mayor Mayor Pro-Tem
Joe Boudreaux wanted to add to the minutes that Tuck McLain stated that 18 wheelers could not travel on Houston St. Joe Boudreaux stated he watched delivery trucks travel on Houston St..