Meeting Minutes Of The Town of Anderson, Texas
March 13, 2014
Members Present: Gail Sowell, Mayor; Erna Freeman, Mayor Pro-Tem; Alderwomen: Carol DeBose, Karen McDuffie; Aldermen: Joe Boudreaux, Tom Johanson
Anderson Attorney Absent: Angela Collier Seager
Visitors Present: Chester Finke, Cindy Bell, Julie Horn, Louise Sanders, Ken Sanders, Geoff Horn, Brett Mize
There was a quorum thus a public open meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Mayor Gail Sowell. The Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Allegiance were recited. Invocation by Tom Johanson.
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell updated the council on her property/trailer issue. No action by the board is needed. She also informed the council that on April 26th a group from Houston will be visiting Anderson. They hope to get a tour of the Court House. Mayor Gail Sowell will check her calendar. The Master Gardeners project was discussed with the problem of water runoff onto Main Street.
Minutes of previous meeting held on February 13, 2014 were read by each board member present. A motion was made by Erna Freeman to approve the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Joe Boudreaux. All approved, motion carried.
The council reviewed a report prepared by Anderson Water Company listing the average water consumption during December 2013, January 2014, and February 2014 of each business and home in town. Joe Boudreaux made a motion to adopt the same rate for sewer services from last year, March 2013 through February 2014, for the period of March 2014 through February 2015. Erna Freeman seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried. Mayor Gail Sowell will let Anderson Water Company know the rates will stay the same.
Tom Johanson made a motion to accept Resolution Order # 56-14 cancelling the election ordered by the Board of Alderman to be held on May 10, 2014 for the purpose of electing (3) Aldermen, therefore this Resolution declares the unopposed candidates for the three (3) vacant un-numbered positions are considered elected. Carol DeBose seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Karen McDuffie motioned to approve the first reading of the Amendment to the Mowing Ordinance #95-13. Carol DeBose seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
A motion was made by Joe Bourdeaux to pay bills as presented with the inclusion of $2500.00 to Pat Siegle Construction for the clean-up of Mr. Billy Bean’s property. Erna Freeman seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Mayor Gail Sowell read a report from Town attorney, Angela Collier Seager. The board discussed Mr. Billy Bean’s expenses for the condemnation. Erna Freeman made a motion to proceed with invoicing Mr. Billy Bean for the expenses incurred by the town permitting him 30 days to pay his balance, if he fails to pay the expenses, Attorney Angela Collier Seager will proceed with placing a lien on his property. Carol DeBose seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Joe Bourdeaux made a motion to table the Texas Transportation Code until the board obtains more information on it. Erna Freeman seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Karen McDuffie updated the board on the upcoming Town of Anderson clean-up day being held on April 12, 2014 between 8:00 A.M.-12:00 Noon. Karen will hand deliver flyers to town residents. One or two containers will be placed in Anderson’s Historic Park. Mayor Gail Sowell will have information about the clean up in the Anderson column of the Navasota Examiner including that no tires or hazardous material will be accepted.
Mayor Gail Sowell reported that Janeth of the Master Gardeners requested that no signs or trash be placed in the containers or mulched area. She suggested trash cans be placed up town. The board tabled the issue until it becomes a problem for the town.
Mary Bostelman gave an update on the website progress, stating it is coming together nicely. Historic pictures are needed still along with a couple of the board member photos. She mentioned that Pam Beard thought she was able to provide the town with some photos but Mary has not received a response from her via e-mail as of yet.
Carol DeBose stated that resident Mary Johnson asked if a light could be placed on the corner of Johnson & Woodward. Mayor Gail will look into it with Entergy. It was also stated that the places adjacent to Mary Johnsons place are over grown. The property owners are John Williams and Danny Thomas. Mayor Gail Sowell will call the both of them. It was also mentioned that a letter should be sent to those who are in violation of the Mowing Ordinance.
There was no closed session.
Next regular session town meeting is scheduled for April 10, 2014 @ 7:00 P.M.
Meeting adjourned: 7:44 P.M.