MINUTES OF MEETING
OF
BOARD OF ALDERMEN
THE TOWN OF ANDERSON, TEXAS
April 14, 2011
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, April 14, 2011. Mayor Gail Sowell, Aldermen Tom Johanson, Daryl Alford, Joe Boudreaux, Alderwomen Erna Freeman and Carol DeBose, Attorney DeMille, and his assistant, Angela Davis, were present.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Guests present at the meeting included Cindy Bell, Chester Finke, John Freeman, Daryl Alford’s son Dagan, Patty Galloway and Ellyse Lamont.
Mayor Sowell asked members to approve minutes of the regular meeting held on Thursday, March 11, 2011. Motion to accept the minutes as presented was made by Alderwoman Freeman; Alderman Boudreaux seconded the motion, all members approved.
Mr. Billy Bean and his attorney, Matthew Doss, were present to discuss plans and present a 100-day proposed schedule of improvement on property involved in condemnation proceedings. After a lengthy discussion of Mr. Bean’s proposal, Alderman Boudreaux made a motion to deny Mr. Bean’s plan. Alderwoman DeBose seconded the motion. Members in agreement were 3, those opposed 2.
City Attorney John DeMille asked the Mayor and the council if he could give some advice to the council concerning the vote. He recommended the council to reconsider the motion voicing his concerns about the possible legal steps that could be taken by Mr. Bean. After much discussion again, members of the council agreed to rescind the previous motion to allow time for Mr. Bean and his attorney to establish a more specific plan and timeline. Attorney DeMille said a reasonable time to “cure” the situation would be two weeks. Therefore, Alderman Alford made a motion to table this item and that a special meeting would be called on Thursday, April 28 where Mr. Bean and his attorney would present to the council a more detailed timeline. They would also get with our attorneys and work out other minor details discussed. Alderwoman Freeman seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
With regard to the Peavy property, Attorney Angela Davis said a search of the property records indicated no clear owner at this time. The city would have to begin an heir ship search which could cost lots of time and money. She will check to see if another procedure is available. Alderwoman Freeman made a motion to consider the Peavy matter at the meeting on April 28. Alderman Johanson seconded the motion; all members present were in favor of the motion.
Alderwoman Freeman made a motion to postpone the decision on 2011 Consumer Price Index Adjustments to Municipal Telecommunications Right-of-Way Access Line Rates until a later meeting. Alderman Johanson seconded the motion; all members present voted in favor.
Mayor Sowell indicated that two bids have been received on the N-Impeller pumps for the sewer plant under the SECO grant. Action needs to be taken to accept one of these bids, or put out requests again since the bid from Hahn Equipment had been sent to Kerbow & Associates Consulting, Inc. on time but was not found until after the deadline. Alderwoman Freeman made a motion to accept both bids—with the council’s preference to accept Hahn’s bid; motion was seconded by Alderwoman DeBose. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell was unable to speak with Sam regarding the RAP prior to this meeting. Motion was made by Alderman Boudreaux to table the decision until the April 28th meeting. Alderman Johanson seconded the motion, all members present voted in favor.
Mayor Sowell asked for approval to add more street lights in the residential area. She requested at least 7 more lights in some of the darker areas of town. Alderwoman Freeman made a motion to have Mayor Sowell check with Ronnie and see if part of the SECO grant money could be used; Alderwoman DeBose seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor.
Mayor Sowell said that Grimes Co. 911 addressing had furnished street names and a map of the city to be approved by members if no problems were found. Motion was made by Alderman Boudreaux that members take the information home to review and settle at the next regular meeting in May. Alderwoman Freeman seconded the motion; all members present voted in favor.
Mayor Sowell asked for approval to move the meeting date for June until the third Thursday due to Grimes Co. Fair activities. Motion was made by Alderman Boudreaux and seconded by Alderwoman DeBose. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell asked for a motion approving payment of invoices currently due and payable. The only new item was a charge by Gary Holley for fencing the property at the pump station. Alderman Johanson had worked with him on the project by Alderwoman Freeman and seconded by Alderman Johanson. All members were in favor.
Meeting adjourned 9:10 p.m.
