MINUTES OF MEETING
OF
BOARD OF ALDERMEN
THE TOWN OF ANDERSON, TEXAS
November 10, 2011
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, 2011. Mayor Gail Sowell, Aldermen Joe Boudreaux, Tom Johanson, Alderwomen Erna Freeman, Carol DeBose, and Attorney Angela Collier were present. Alderman Daryl Alford was absent.
Mayor Sowell opened a public meeting to determine whether goods in transit, as defined by Section 11.253 Texas Property Tax Code, should be taxed or exempted. There was no public participation or comment. The meeting was closed at 7:04 p.m.
The regular meeting was opened at 7:05 p.m. Mayor Sowell asked members to read and consider approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held on Thursday, October 13, 2011. Alderman Boudreaux made a motion to accept the minutes as presented; Alderwoman DeBose seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Master Gardener members Dorothy Holtkamp and Marty Thomas presented the landscape design planned for Anderson’s Main St. project. Plans to further the project were discussed. The city would be responsible for the water and electricity. After much discussion, members of the Master Gardeners were asked to obtain the needed signatures from the business owners on Main St. that TxDOT needed to proceed with the project. Mayor Sowell addressed the Master Gardners group expressing her appreciation for their help in this beautification program of the town. Alderwoman Freeman made a motion that the city accepts the offer on condition that all business owners approve of the plan. Motion was seconded by Tom Johanson; all members present voted in favor of the motion.
After discussion in the open meeting, Mayor Sowell asked members to consider/approve Resolution No. 51-11 to tax tangible “goods in transit”. Alderman Johanson made a motion to accept the resolution; Alderwoman Freeman seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell asked members to consider approval of the 2011 appraisal roll with tax amounts entered to constitute the 2011 tax roll for the Town of Anderson, pursuant to Section 26.09 (e) Property Tax Code through Ordinance No. 85-11. Alderwoman Freeman made a motion to accept the tax roll as presented; Alderman Boudreaux seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Members were asked to consider/approve Resolution No. 52-11 in which members cast the town’s allotted 3 votes for the Board of Directors of the Grimes County Appraisal District. Alderman Johanson made a motion that all 3 votes be cast for Tommy Szymczak. Alderman Boudreaux seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell asked members to consider/approve the Town of Anderson supplying needed items for the annual Trunk or Treat event such as candy, port-a-potties, etc. Alderman Boudreaux made a motion that funding for this event be included in the official budget in the future and that the Mayor be given discretion to handle such costs. Alderman Johanson seconded the motion; all members present voted in favor of the motion.
Alderman Boudreaux was asked to give an update on the status of a speed limit ordinance. He advised that the city could drop the speed limit to 25 MPH without a study. Signs would be needed; he will check on the requirements and advise the members at the December meeting. Mayor Sowell asked that Joe and Tom go through town and determine the signage needed for “city streets”.
City Attorney Angela Collier was asked to provide an update on condemnation projects. She advised that due to illness she had not made a personal visit to the Bill Bean property to secure needed information for a progress report. She will provide a report at the December meeting.
Mayor Sowell asked members to consider/approve payment of invoices currently due and payable. Alderman Johanson made a motion to pay all bills as listed on the monthly invoice; Alderman Boudreaux seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.
Mayor Sowell spoke to the members about miscellaneous projects that are being dealt with.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.