MINUTES OF MEETING
OF
BOARD OF ALDERMEN
THE TOWN OF ANDERSON, TEXAS
May 12, 2009
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, May 12, 2009. Present were Mayor Gail Sowell, Alderwoman Erna Freeman, Aldermen Tom Johanson, Ernest Henderson, Daryl Alford, Joe Boudreaux and Attorney John DeMille.
Visitors present were Cindy Bell, Bill Thomas and Chester Finke.
The members began a canvass of votes received by all candidates at the May 9, 2009 election. Results are listed below:
Mayor’s Race: Gail Sowell 34 votes Elected by 77% majority
Wayne Rucker 13 votes
Aldermen Positions: Ernest Henderson 27 votes Unopposed
Tom Johanson 33 votes Unopposed
City Attorney John DeMille administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected officials. The officials signed Oaths required by law.
The Aldermen re-organized the council. Alderman Daryl Alford made a motion that Alderwoman Erna Freeman be re-elected to the position of Mayor Pro-Tem. Alderman Ernest Henderson seconded the motion. Alderwoman Freeman was elected unanimously.
Alderwoman Erna Freeman made a motion that Alderman Tom Johanson be re-elected to the position of Secretary. Alderman Daryl Alford seconded the motion; Tom Johanson was elected by a unanimous vote.
Mayor Sowell introduced Bill Thomas, who spoke to the members about ordinances needed in the town (with special interest being directed toward vacant, run-down homes.) He asked the council to begin looking at establishing basic ordinances covering yard and home maintenance, possibly establishing an historical district and removal of buildings in the community that have become health and/or fire hazards to other homes nearby.
Mayor Sowell indicated that she would contact Navasota personnel to review many of their ordinances. She also mentioned that TML can assist the town with wording of ordinances required. The suggestion was made that the council secure rough drafts of ordinances and put this item on the agenda for June.
Mayor Sowell asked that minutes from the regular meeting held on April 9, 2009 be considered/approved. A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Alderman Daryl Alford. Alderman Ernest Henderson seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Inasmuch as the superintendent of the school district could not be present to discuss the school’s new lift station the matter was tabled.
Consideration/approval of a Municipal Maintenance Agreement and Resolution with the Texas Department of Transportation was discussed. There were questions regarding new wording in the agreement. A motion was made by Daryl Alford and seconded by Ernest Henderson to table the matter until a later date. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Alderman Daryl Alford made a motion to pay all invoices currently due and payable. Alderman Ernest Henderson seconded motion. All members present accepted the motion.
Mayor Sowell addressed the members regarding pertinent happenings in the town.
The meting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.