Meeting Minutes
The Town of Anderson, Texas
2-9-2017
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, Lee Arnold, Harold Minor, William Smith, Daryl Alford, Kasey Baker, & Kirk Moreland
There was a quorum thus a public open meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by Mayor Gail Sowell.
Pledges were recited. Karen McDuffie gave the invocation.
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell could not find the agenda on the website. She enjoyed Mayor Sowell’s column in the newspaper on the maps. Cindy also asked if anyone has questions about Brett Mize’s projects to contact him as he could not be here tonight. Cindy appreciated the board members who could attend the Two Rivers and Historical Anderson meeting last month.
Daryl Alford talked to Ron Wise of Wise Landscaping about the flower beds in front of his shop. He stated that Wise is waiting on the board members to approve plans. He wants grass in front of his store instead of plants. Erna Freeman has had contact with Wise Landscaping and will add to the agenda next month to discuss with Wise Landscaping the detailed plans.
Minutes of previous meeting held on Thursday, January 12, 2017 were read by each board member. Joe Boudreaux made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Karen McDuffie seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried. Michael Casaretto wanted to change the wording adding that he met with County Attorney and David Dobyanski. Joe Boudreaux asked to add that Tuck McLain stated in the meeting that 18 wheelers could not go down Houston St.
Mayor Sowell discussed the Joint Election Agreement between Anderson-Shiro CISD and the Town of Anderson. This would only be made if an election is held this year. Erna Freeman made the motion to approve and Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
The agreement between Grimes County and Town of Anderson authorizing the Election Administrator Becky Duff to conduct the election was presented. Joe Boudreaux approved and Erna Freeman seconded. All approved, motion carried.
The Tax Assessment/Collection Agreement had a few changes to the way they make refunds and asked to approve. Erna Freeman made the motion to approve and Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
A new Building Code Ordinance was brought to the council. Erna Freeman made the motion to approve and Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried. Karen McDuffie made a friendly amendment to table items 6- 10 and make changes to some in a workshop. Mayor Sowell asked to table items 6-10 until workshop.
Items 6 – 10 are tabled to a workshop date March 3rd at 3 pm. Karen McDuffie made the motion to approve and Carol DeBose seconded the motion. Joe Boudreaux opposed, motion carried. Discussion was made to make more people aware of things going on. Cindy Olivieri will add the office hours and address to the contact us page of the website.
Mayor Sowell asked the board to consider item 12. P’Ville have mowed the majority of the town except Johnson road. The trash is so bad on that area that the town would be billed for P’Ville to pick up. There are close to 100 tires laying around that area. Kasey Baker asked if there was a Beautification Project committee or anything like that for Anderson. Erna Freeman asked about Condemnations throughout town and when we can progress. Michael Casaretto stated we need to set up hearings for those. Clean Up Day will be April 8, 2017 from 8 -12 pm. Karen McDuffie made a motion to approve and Joe Boudreaux seconded. All approved, motion carried.
The next item was the Chamber of Commerce Banquet to be held at 5:30 at Camp Allen. Mayor Sowell asked how many members could attend – 10 people will attend at a Gold Level Sponsor for $750. Erna Freeman made the motion to approve and Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Mayor Sowell asked for approval for paying bills. Erna Freeman made the motion and Joe Boudreaux seconded. All approved, motion carried. Alderman Boudreaux asked about the printer toner/cartridge expense. Lee Arnold suggested he could help the town with a better printer option. Cindy Olivieri will get with Lee Arnold before the next meeting.
Open session adjourned: 8:11 P.M.
Closed session opened: 8:15 P.M.
Closed session closed: 8:55 P.M.
Open Session re-opened: 9:18 P.M.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.
______________________________ Attest: ______________________________
Mayor Mayor Pro-Tem