MINUTES OF MEETING
OF
BOARD OF ALDERMEN
THE TOWN OF ANDERSON, TEXAS
March 8, 2012
State of Texas
County of Grimes
The Board of Aldermen of the Town of Anderson met in regular open session in the American Legion Building in Anderson, Texas, at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2012. Mayor Gail Sowell, Aldermen Joe Boudreaux, Tom Johanson, Daryl Alford and Alderwomen Erna Freeman and Carol DeBose were present. City Attorney Angela Davis was absent.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Guests present at the meeting included Mr. & Mrs. Schelsteder and daughter Becky, Kim and Clint Capps, Billy Bean, Charles Borski, Cindy Bell, Chester Finke.
Mayor Sowell asked members to read and approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on Thursday, February 9, 2012. Alderman Alford felt a clarification of the final vote of all members was needed in the item dealing with Billy Bean’s property. Based on his request the phrase “all members present voted in favor of the motion” will be added to the minutes. Alderman Alford made a motion to approve the minutes presented with the requested addition; Alderman Boudreaux seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell presented a report prepared by Anderson Water Co. listing the average water consumption during December 2011, January and February of 2012 of each business and home in the town. After reviewing the report, it was determined that an increase in the rate was not necessary. Alderman Joe Boudreaux made a motion to accept the rates without an increase for the next year. Alderman Alford seconded the motion; all members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell provided information for members regarding the SECO grant options as presented by Kerbow & Associates. The city was presented with three options and after discussion Alderman Boudreaux made a motion to accept the final option stating “no action taken”. If the DOE approves “N” impeller before June 30, 2012, the Town costs are eligible for reimbursement. Alderman Alford seconded the motion; all members present voted in favor of the motion.
After speaking with Kim Moritz of the Grimes Co. Appraisal District, Mayor Sowell sent a letter to the Anderson Baptist Church regarding their request plans to expand on their property. They had requested information relative to right-of-ways, easements, etc. before beginning their addition; and had requested a letter of approval from the Town. Mayor Sowell discussed the request with Kim Moritz of the Grimes Co. Appraisal District and presented her findings in the letter to Pastor Childress.
Mayor Sowell asked for approval to pay current invoices. Motion to pay bills was made by Alderman Johanson and seconded by Alderman Boudreaux. All members present voted in favor.
City Attorney Angela Collier was unable to be present to discuss the progress on condemnation projects, etc.
Council went into “closed session” meeting to discuss sale of city property. City Attorney Angela Collier arrived in time for this discussion.
The Board of Trustees re-convened in open session, with no visitors present at 7:56 p.m.
Alderwoman Freeman suggested a change in the Agenda format for the future. Based on wording used by City of Navasota, she suggested that the meetings be called to order as follows:
Called to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Remarks from Visitors- limited to 3 minutes relative to Agenda items or other problems.
Alderwoman DeBose presented pictures of places in and around her neighborhood that were in bad condition and/or had not had taxes paid on the property for several years.
The suggestion was made to hold a “town meeting” as was done in the past. The meeting was set for Thursday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. A letter will be mailed to all residents of the town advertising the meeting. A City Cleanup Day was also discussed.
Alderwoman Freeman made a motion to put the small parcel of property discussed in closed session up for sale by sealed bid, with the legal description attached. Alderman Alford seconded her motion; all members present voted in favor of the motion.
City Attorney Collier gave an update on condemnation properties.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m.