Meeting Minutes
The Town of Anderson, Texas
April 9, 2015
Members Present: Gail Sowell, Mayor; Alderwoman: Erna Freeman, Carol DeBose, Karen McDuffie; Aldermen: Joe Boudreaux
Member Absent: E. Tom Johanson
Anderson Attorney Present: Michael R. Casaretto
Visitors Present: Cindy Bell, Chester Finke, Daryl Alford, Z. Brett Mize, Ronnie Hale, Ken Sanders, Louise Sanders, David Tullos, Dennis Hughes, Melinda Hughes
There was a quorum thus a public open meeting was called to order at 7:01 P.M. by Mayor Gail Sowell. The Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Allegiance were recited.
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell reminded the board of the upcoming Chamber events. The Discover Grimes County Expo on April 21, 2015 4:30-7:30P.M. and the First National Bank of Anderson will be awarded “business of the Month” on April 14 at 11:30 A.M.
Daryl Alford stated that Master Gardeners unequivocally stated that they would take care of the maintenance of the project. It was also stated that the water system is not working correctly for the flowers. And that the Christmas Decorations are still up. Attorney Michael Casaretto will contact business owners affected by this project and report back to the board of aldermen.
Z. Brett Mize brought a concern of his regarding Johnson Street. There has been unusual tracks, trespassing issues, stuck vehicles, etc. He requested something be done about the road. His suggestion is to either sell it to him to continue to maintain, put a chain across it, or have it maintained by whomever responsibility that portion of the road is that leads to his property. Attorney Michael Casaretto informed Mr. Mize that selling it is not an option. The board will take the issue under advisement.
Minutes of previous meeting held on Thursday, March 12, 2015 were read by each board member present. A motion was made by Joe Boudreaux to approve the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Carol DeBose. All approved, motion carried.
Cathy Nolte of Texas Parks and Wildlife gave a report on the upcoming project at the Fanthrop Inn which is scheduled to close the Park for the summer month while many updates to improve the historic site are performed.
Entergy representative, Ronnie Hale, spoke on the two bills CSHB 1535 and CSSB 841 informing us the purpose of these two bills and asked for the towns support through resolution #63-15. Erna Freeman made a motion to accept resolution #63-15 supporting CSHB 1535 and CSSB 841 to encourage timely investment in electric infrastructure. Carol DeBose seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
David Tullos addressed the council about the upcoming high speed train rally that is set for the end of the month. Joe Boudreaux made a motion to give permission to list the Town of Anderson as a sponsor to stop the High Speed Rail project. Carol DeBose seconded the motion. Discussion followed. There were two (2) yes votes and two (2) no votes. Mayor Gail Sowell voted yes to break the tie. Motion passed.
Motion was made by Joe Boudreaux to approve a Proclamation declaring April 2015 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the Town of Anderson. Erna Freeman seconded the motion. All approved, motion passed.
The board of alderman approved sending Mayor Sowell, Mary Bostelman, and Erna Freeman to the TML Public Funds Investment Act workshop being held in Austin on June 18-19, 2015. Mary Bostelman will register for the event on-line and Mayor Gail will look into hotel accommodations.
Michael Casaretto requested that the board allow him to attend the HOG WILD 2015 Seminar being held at the Texas State University in San Marcos on May 29, 2015. The board unanimously approved his attending with the city allowing for accommodations for one night.
Karen McDuffie made a motion to pay bills currently due as presented. Erna Freeman seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Karen McDuffie motioned to change the date of the town Clean-Up Day to May 2, 2015 8:00-Noon. Carol DeBose seconded the motion. Discussion on the details of the morning event followed. All approved, motion carried.
Open session adjourned: 8:31 P.M.
No need to reopen Open session.
Next scheduled meeting: May 14, 2015 @ 7:00 P.M.
______________________________ Attest: ______________________________
Mayor Secretary