Meeting Minutes
The Town of Anderson, Texas
8-11-2016
Members Present: Gail Sowell, Mayor; Alderwoman: Erna Freeman, Carol DeBose, Karen McDuffie; Aldermen: Ed Tom Johanson (late), Joe Boudreaux
Anderson Attorney Present: Michael R. Casaretto
Visitors Present: Cindy Bell, William Smith, Miriah Cunneen, Nancy Perry
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.
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell commented that John DeMille sends his regards to everyone. He is doing well. She reminded all of the Navasota Blues Festival. She also stated there was a minor car accident on Woodward and Main and suggested that possibly signs are needed at that intersection. The board took that under advisement.
Minutes of previous meeting held on Thursday, July 14, 2016 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 Karen McDuffie. All approved, motion carried.
Mark Boehnke, Chief Appraiser for Grimes County, reviewed the appraisal roll for the Town of Anderson and stated the 2016 taxable value is $10,843,937. He reviewed the worksheet of tax revenue and by keeping the tax rate the same per $100.00 of taxable property would generate an estimated increase of revenue of $1,230.
The tax rate will be voted on at our next council meeting. Publication and meeting dates were set for the Tax Hearing (Sept. 8, 2016 @ 7:00) and Budget Hearings (Sept. 29, 2016 @ 7:00).
No one was representing Anderson Water Co. thus no quarterly report was presented by Anderson Water Company.
The board considered and approved two meeting dates for Tax Hearing (Sept.8, 2016 @ 7:00 p.m. and Budget Hearings Sept. 29, 2016 @ 7:00 p.m.)
The board discussed a possibility of hiring a contract worker to mow the ditches within the town limits in between the time that Road & Bridge mows. Joe Boudreaux would like to see it all sprayed with herbicide in conjunction with mowing. Michael Casaretto will contact Mary Bostelman and work on the verbiage for an ad for bids. It will be placed on agenda for next month. Someone will check with Will Ray to see what herbicide the state uses and what kind of license is necessary for application.
Miriah Cunneen gave an update on the new housing development that she is working on. They are evaluating the lift station and looking into easements. She has been talking with MidSouth and Entergy hoping to move three poles but thus far it has been frustrating. It is making her step back to reevaluate the whole plan and if she doesn’t get anywhere with the power and sewer she might have to abort the plan. She is looking into another option for the community because of where the lines are located she can possibly create 1 1/2 to 2 acre lots but the cost of the land and housing would be increased. She is trying to see if there is another way around these obstacles.
City attorney Michael Casaretto gave an update on the High Speed Rail Project and the slave cemetery.
Erna Freeman made a motion to pay invoices currently due as presented. Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Open session adjourned: 8:00 P.M.
Closed session opened: 8:02 P.M.
Closed session closed: 9:00 P.M.
Open Session re-opened: 9:00 P.M.
Mary Bostelman was informed by attorney Michael Casaretto that the council is going over the increase in hours and pay proposal presented in closed session and will present a package on the 29th of September for action.
Open Session closed: 9:02 P.M.
Next scheduled meeting: Sept. 8, 2016 @ 7:00p.m.
______________________________ _________________________________
Mayor Mayor Pro-Tem
Minutes submitted by: Mary Bostelman