MINUTES OF MEETING
OF
BOARD OF ALDERMEN
THE TOWN OF ANDERSON, TEXAS
SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
State of Texas
County of Grimes
The Board of Aldermen of the Town of Anderson conducted a public hearing on the proposed budget for FY 2009-2010. In attendance were Mayor Gail Sowell, Aldermen Daryl Alford, Joe Boudreaux, Ernest Henderson, Alderwoman Erna Freeman and Attorney John DeMille. Absent was Alderman Tom Johanson. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Stanley and Alderwoman Freeman reviewed the proposed budget for 2009-2010. There were no comments or questions. The meeting was closed at 7:14 p.m.
The Board of Aldermen then conducted a public hearing on the proposed tax rate for FY 2009-2010. The meeting was called to order at 7:14 p.m. Bill Sullivan of the Grimes Co. Appraisal District reviewed procedures used by the county to determine a rate per $100 of valuation for new members as well as a review for others. Mr. Sullivan indicated that there was a small increase in the total evaluations this year allowing a reduction in the rate to $1.988 per $100 of valuation. The Board members expressed approval and acceptance of the rate proposed in Ordinance No. 71-09 for the coming year at the established tax rate of $0.1988 per $100 of valuation. There were no comments or questions from the public. The meeting was concluded at 7:27 p.m.
The Board of Aldermen of the Town of Anderson then met in regular open session in the American Legion Building in Anderson, Texas, at 7:28 p.m., Thursday, September 17, 2009. The Mayor, Aldermen Daryl Alford, Joe Boudreaux, Ernest Henderson, Alderwoman Erna Freeman, and Attorney John DeMille were present. Absent was Alderman Tom Johanson.
Guests present for this meeting were Cindy Bell and Bill Sullivan.
Members were asked to read and approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on Thursday, August 13, 2009. Alderwoman Freeman made a motion to accept the minutes as presented; Alderman Henderson seconded the motion; all members present voted in favor.
Mayor Sowell presented Ordinance No. 71-09 to adopt a tax rate for the Town of Anderson for FY 2009-2010. Alderwoman Freeman moved that property tax rate of $0.1988 per $100 of valuation be adopted. Alderman Henderson seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell asked members to consider/adopt a budget by Ordinance, including all receipts and disbursements, for the Town of Anderson for the FY 2009-2010. Alderman Boudreaux made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 72-09 for this purpose. Alderman Alford seconded the motion; all members present voted in favor.
Mayor Sowell was approached by County Judge Betty Shiflet to discuss a solution to the truck traffic around the Courthouse. Alderman Alford presented plans drawn up by TxDOT to hopefully remedy the situation. Upon approval of the plans, Judge Shiflet requested a letter approving the solution from the city council. Alderman Alford made a motion to approve the plans drawn by TXDOT to remedy the situation; Alderman Boudreaux seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor.
Mayor Sowell asked the members to approve the new law set up by TxDOT that would prohibit the use of cell phones inside school zones. The county agrees to enforce the ruling. The city has been asked to send a letter of approval. Mayor Sowell will handle their request for a letter. Motion was made by Alderman Boudreaux to approve the new law; Alderwoman Freeman seconded the motion; all members present voted in favor of the motion.
City Attorney John DeMille is still working on the finalization for the annexation of Fanthorp Inn. Formal approval will be made at a later date.
Attorney DeMille presented a final draft copy of the proposed nuisance/condemnation ordinance for review by members of the board. After review of the draft, the aldermen decided to make some changes and additions. Alderman Alford made a motion to accept the proposed nuisance/condemnation ordinance with the understanding that it would include changes discussed; motion was seconded by Alderman Boudreaux. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell presented a letter of resignation from Alderman Ernest Henderson who recently moved outside the city limits.
Alderwoman Freeman made a motion to pay all invoices currently due and payable. Alderman Alford seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell brought the Aldermen up to date on recent projects.
The official meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p. m.
