Meeting Minutes
The Town of Anderson, Texas
June 11, 2015
Members Present: Gail Sowell, Mayor; Alderwoman: Erna Freeman, Carol DeBose ; Aldermen: Joe Boudreaux, E. Tom Johanson
Member Absent: Karen McDuffie
Anderson Attorney Absent: Michael R. Casaretto
Visitors Present: Cindy Bell, Chester Finke, Bob Cochraine
There was a quorum thus a public open meeting was called to order at 6:57 P.M. by Mayor Gail Sowell. The Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Allegiance were recited. Tom Johanson spoke the invocation.
There was no opposition to the positions of Mayor and two aldermen up for re-election. Therefore all duly elected candidates shall qualify by taking an Oath of Office. Carol DeBose was not present at the May 2015 meeting thus Mayor Gail Sowell swore Carol Debose in as alderwoman for the Town of Anderson at this meeting.
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell gave an update on the Navasota/Grimes County Chamber of Commerce stating that the new Executive Director is very enthusiastic with new ideas. She also made note of several upcoming events in the area. No action required by the board.
Minutes of previous meeting held on Thursday, May 14, 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 Tom Johanson. All approved, motion carried.
Erna Freeman made a motion to grant the increase of $200.00 a month to the operator of the Anderson Water Company thus raising the monthly check to $1000.00; with the understanding that the job description, which is attached, is followed.
There was discussion between the Mayor, the Board of Aldermen, and Bob Cochraine of Road & Bridge of the recent damage to the streets in town. Joe Bordeaux submitted a list to Mr. Cochraine, (attached) of areas around town with streets that are in need of various repairs. Additional areas in town were discussed including culverts, manholes, the berm of Hill Street, and the need of several loads of rock for the sewer plant. Discussion also followed with concerns of driveways and lack of driveways with homeowners driving across ditches without culverts to park on their lawns and causing damage to the ditches. Mr. Bob Cochraine will look into the issues, and address them with TxDot, Road & Bridge, as well as research the culvert permit code in conjunction with the driveway (lack of) issue and act accordingly. He will report back to the board with his findings as well with a bid for repairs/culverts by our next meeting.
Mayor Sowell reported that attorney, Michael Casaretto was unable to attend tonight’s meeting due to illness. He stated he is working on Mr. Mize’s matter. He has also been in contact with Mr. Winerey in email and hopes to have some finality with both matters soon.
Mayor Sowell stated that she is working on a follow-up letter to those who are in violation of our ordinances. Carol DeBose and Joe Bordeaux will compile a listing of those residents and businesses that clearly violate those ordinances and report back to the Mayor with said list of names and addresses.
Tom Johanson made a motion to pay bills currently due as presented. Joe Bordeaux seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
The Master’s Gardeners project on Main Street was once again discussed. It was understood that the Master Gardeners are responsible to continue the maintenance of the flowers planted on Main Street. Mayor Sowell will find out who is the head of that organization and ask for representation at the next meeting being held on July 9, 2015.
Open session adjourned: 8:04 P.M.
No closed session:
Next scheduled meeting: July 9, 2015 @ 7:00 P.M.
______________________________ Attest: ______________________________
Mayor Secretary