Meeting Minutes
The Town of Anderson, Texas
6-8-17
Members Present: Gail Sowell, Mayor; Alderwomen: Erna Freeman, Carol DeBose, Karen McDuffie; Aldermen: Joe Boudreaux; Harold Minor
Anderson Attorney Present: Michael R. Casaretto
Visitors Present: Cindy Bell, Blondie Carrell, Carnell Carrell, William Smith, David Tullos
There was a quorum thus a public open meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Mayor Gail Sowell.
Pledges were recited. Carol DeBose gave the invocation.
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell told council that she attended the Navasota Small Business forum. She asked about the buildings around the donut shop. It is believed to be storage buildings. Cindy Bell brought up the monument which was on the agenda and asked if Historical Anderson could participate in that.
Carnell Carrell commented on clean up around town and how well it was going. He asked if the council would consider opening up Austin and Houston Streets from Buffington to FM 149.
William Smith asked if he could come in during the week and use the towns Wi-Fi. We explained we will be setting up a guest password and that he would be welcome to use the Wi-Fi. He also stated that he prefers to use the dump rather than individual trash pickup.
Agenda Items:
David Tullos from Grimes County 391 Commission asked if Anderson would sponsor a Grimes County Planning Commissions workshop. He asked if the town would consider sponsoring the event. Erna Freeman made a motion for the town to sponsor the 391 Commission Workshop and we donate the facility. Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. All approved and the motion carried. David Tullos would get with Mayor Sowell to arrange a date.
Discussion was held regarding the monument for the American Legion. Historical Anderson would like to be part of this process. Erna Freeman made a motion to table the budget portion and approve the design and planning of the monument with Joe Boudreaux and Cindy Bell working together. Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Mayor Sowell asked for the minutes to be reviewed. Joe Boudreaux made a motion to approve the minutes. Harold Minor seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Mayor Sowell informed the council that she had received a call asking if the new county court, to be formed in October, could possibly meet in the hall twice a week if needed. No set plans have been made. Several details would have to be worked out such as: Judges chambers, office use and times.
Joe Boudreaux informed the council on upcoming plans with the County Road and Bridge Dept. Joe Boudreaux has been working closely with Harry Walker. They will start on Johnson St. and on Main St. in front of the Methodist Church.
Carol Debose gave an update on the town clean up. Carol DeBose would like to have an appreciation day for the town. She also talked about having a roll out dumpster again. Discussion was made regarding having quarterly dumpster days or semi-annually. Karen McDuffie will check with the Waste Company. The appreciation day has been tabled. Karen McDuffie made a motion to table and Harold Minor seconded. All approved and the motion carried.
Discussion was made about beginning a newsletter to thank everyone and inform everyone of what is going on. Erna Freeman made a motion to start a quarterly newsletter. Karen McDuffie seconded. All approved; motion carried.
Mayor Sowell asked for approval for paying bills. Erna Freeman made the motion and Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Recess called and Mayor Sowell had to leave for personal reasons. Mayor Pro-Tem Erna Freeman handled the rest of the meeting.
Discussion was made regarding setting fees for the wastewater fee. Karen McDuffie made a motion to go to the usage rate rather than monthly averaging. The town attorney asked to go into executive closed session.
Open session adjourned: 8:20 P.M.
Closed session opened: 8:21 P.M.
Closed session closed: 8:27 P.M.
Open Session called back 8:30 P.M.
Karen McDuffie withdraw motion. Carol DeBose seconded. All approved; motion carried Joe Boudreaux made motion to table the rate and add amending the motion to next month. Harold Minor seconded. All approved; motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.