MINUTES OF MEETING
OF
BOARD OF ALDERMEN
THE TOWN OF ANDERSON, TEXAS
November 10, 2005
State of Texas
County of Grimes
The Board of Aldermen of the Town of Anderson met in regular open session in the American Legion Building in Anderson, Texas, at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 10, 2005. Mayor Gail Sowell, Alderman Bill Robinett, Alderwoman Erna Freeman, Alderman David Heyman and Attorney Lovett Boggess were present. Alderman Tom Johanson was absent.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Guests in attendance included Cindy Bell, Maurine Wehmeyer, David Pasket and Mary Wright.
Mr. Ronnie Hale of Entergy addressed the members briefly. On behalf of Entergy he wanted to express thanks to all customers for their patience with service problems due to the number of people returning home after the serious weather problems. The volume slowed service to the entire area.
Grimes County Deputy Norman Lofland addressed members of the Council regarding nuisance abatement. In an attempt to clean up certain areas of the town, and the county, warnings are being issued giving citizens 10 days to clean up or remove vehicles, buildings, lots, trash, etc. A follow-up would then be issued, followed by a court appearance if the nuisance situations have not been dealt with. Deputy Lofland distributed copies of state law covering such problems to members of the council and discussed particular problems in more detail. He will keep the council members informed regarding on-going situations in the near future.
Mayor Sowell asked for approval of the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, October 12, 3005. Alderman Freeman made a motion which was seconded by Alderman Robinett. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell discussed the closing, or leasing of the 27’ alleyway between block 9 and 10 owned by St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. The church had requested by letter to close this alleyway in order to build a Parish Hall . Mayor Sowell advised the council that she had spoken with TML and the Attorney General’s office regarding closing this alleyway. She was informed that in 1995 a bill was enacted giving towns the right to close such alleyways or streets with a local ordinance. This law renders any other law prior to 1995 null and void.
The issue was debated. Both Attorney Lovett Boggess and Alderwoman Freeman reminded those present that the Town of Anderson was unique in that a legislative act was used to form the town back in the early 1800’s. But up to this time, no official and written proof has been presented to the council.
After a great deal of heated discussion David Pasket was asked to speak with church officials about accepting a long-term lease on the area in question.
A motion was made by Alderman David Heyman to offer a 100-year lease for $1 to the Church (in lieu of closing the alleyway). Alderman Bill Robinett seconded the motion. A vote was taken. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell asked the Council to re-adopt a resolution for the Hazard Mitigation Plan for Brazos Valley. Motion was made by Alderwoman Freeman to re-adopt Resolution 33-05; Alderman David Heyman seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell asked Council members to approve Ordinance 50-05 covering the 2005 tax roll. Alderwoman Freeman made the motion; Alderman Bill Robinett seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell asked Council members to take action on Resolution 34-05 covering ballot for Grimes County Appraisal District Board of Directors Election for 2006-07. Alderwoman Freeman made a motion to approve the resolution; Alderman David Heyman seconded the motion. Mrs. Susan Boggess received 5 votes from the Council.
Alderman Bill Robinett made a motion that all invoices current due and payable be paid. Alderman Henderson seconded the motion; members voted in favor of motion.
Mayor Sowell gave members an update on the town’s activities and projects.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
