MINUTES OF MEETING
OF
BOARD OF ALDERMEN
THE TOWN OF ANDERSON, TEXAS
September 12, 2013
Members Present: Gail Sowell, Mayor; Erna Freeman, Mayor Pro-Tem; Alderwomen: Carol DeBose; Aldermen: Joe Boudreaux, Tom Johanson
Member Absent: Alderman: Karen McDuffie-Melton
Anderson Attorney Present: Angela Collier Seager
Visitors Present: Chester Finke, Cindy Bell, Les Shipman, Julie & Ricky Wehmeyer , Andrew Williams, Kevin Minor, Gwendolyn Minor, Samuel Citizen, Norman Blake, Brett Mize, Bob Cochran.
There was a quorum thus a public open meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Mayor Gail Sowell. The Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Allegiance were recited. Tom Johanson opened the meeting with poem & prayer.
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell, Kevin Minor, Les Shipman, Brett Mize addressed the Aldermen on certain matters. No action was required by the board.
Minutes of previous meeting held on August 8, 2013 were read by each board member present. A motion was made to approve the minutes as written by Joe Boudreaux. The motion was seconded by Tom Johanson. All approved, motion carried.
Grimes Co. Road & Bridge Engineer, Mr. Bob Cochran, reported on issues throughout the town of Anderson. Road & Maintenance is here to assist the town with road issues. The inlets near the restaurant The Owls Nest is actually a state maintenance issue and he was in touch with Carl Schroeder who is looking into and will be fixing the issue. Bob and the state have been trying to get together but have been very busy. His crew continues to mow when requested and twice a year in town along the roadways. They continue to clean up trees as well. Bob stated that weeds and trees on Woodward St. have been stripped off and erosion could possibly become an issue with heavy rains. He stated that vegetation needs to be left alone for the root systems to stay intact or the road in the future could possibly be in jeopardy of collapsing due to undermining wash outs. Les Shipman stated he dumped concrete down there to prevent erosion. Bob reiterated that his concern is that the vegetation even if it is weeds need to grow to keep a root system to avoid erosion.
Angela Collier Seager stated that the Master Gardeners will be signing the letter of agreement at their next meeting. After that letter is signed then the TXDOT agreement can be signed and mailed. During our meeting…she received noticed from Master Gardeners that the letter has been officially signed.
Erna Freeman moved to accept the mowing ordinance on this the 2nd reading. Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. Tom Johanson questioned if growing hay on his property in town would be affected by this ordinance. It was answered with: Hay is not considered a weed and it is a cultivated growth so no, it is not affected by the rules of this ordinance. The Mayor stated the county mows our streets and the ordinance is about personal property owned. Property owners have a duty to maintain the rite-a-way adjacent or up to the property. Erna called for question. One nay vote (Tom Johanson). Motion passed.
Carol DeBose moved to adopt the first reading of the Junk Vehicle Ordinance. Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. All approved. Angela questioned what civil penalty will be included. The second reading will be at the October open session meeting.
Discussion was held on the additions and/or deletions to the upcoming proposed 2013-2014 budget. The general budget: the Anderson Fire Department donation–increase $ 500.00, Lawyers fee need to be looked at closely to adjust for the increase in work load. Additional donation: Senior Citizen (Sunshine Center) donation of $500.00. The sewer budget will need some increases due to the needed upcoming repairs. Ricky and Julie Wehmeyer will get estimated costs and submit them to us.
Anderson Water Company, Julie & Rickey Wehmeyer, gave a report/update on the issues of manholes and cleanouts. Scopes of the manholes were completed with a rented scope. There were no rags in the manholes however the problem is the tap behind Wiley Hurst place, the 4”pipe is sitting in the 6’ pipe. Brandon Balanowski will be pumping out the manholes when Anderson Water company employees digs it out 8 ½ feet. The water company is able to do this one because it is less than nine feet deep. They plan to have that fixed this Wednesday, 9-17-13. While they still had the scope rented Anderson Water Co, scoped another problem; Cindy Williams and Dorothy Calhoun’s place has a 90 & T that needs to be replaced, however it is not in immediate need for fixing. Anderson Water Company cannot do this job due to its depth of 12’ which calls for shoring equipment that they do not have. This project needs to be hired out. Julie and Rickey will get quotes.
City cleanup was tentatively set for October 19th. Mayor Gail Sowell will double check with Karen McDuffie-Melton. Discussion on having the clean-up done before the 26th of October, as that is Trunk or Treat night.
A motion was made by Tom Johanson to pay bills as presented. Carol DeBose seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Open session closed: 8:05 P.M.
Closed session opened: 8:07 P.M.
Closed session closed: 8:34 P.M.
Open session re-opened: 8:34 P.M.
Action being taken on closed session discussion: We will give notice to Billy Bean that we are proceeding /refilling for order of condemnation.
Budget Hearing will be held next Thursday, September 19, 2013
Next Regular Session town meeting is scheduled for October 10, 2013.
Meeting adjourned: 8:38 P.M.