Meeting Minutes
The Town of Anderson, Texas
November 13, 2014
Members Present: Gail Sowell, Mayor; Erna Freeman, Mayor Pro-Tem; Alderwoman: Karen McDuffie ; Aldermen: Joe Boudreaux, Tom Johanson
Member Absent: Carol DeBose
Anderson Attorney Present: Michael R. Casaretto
Visitors Present: Chester Finke, Cindy Bell, Karrie Cooper, Clint Capps, Ken & Louise Sanders.
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 and invocation were given by Tom Johanson.
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell updated us on the Chamber of Commerce news. She also reminded the board and those in attendance that “Christmas With Us” event is scheduled for December 6th and the next meeting for that event will be held at Anderson Baptist Church on Thursday Nov. 20th at 6:00 P.M. Another event mentioned is the Twilight Firelight at the Fanthrop Inn on Saturday the 29th of November. No action was needed by board.
Mr. Ken Sanders gave a report on the Country Opera Fundraiser that was held at the K of C Hall. The proceeds, ($3,200.00), this year supported the Anderson Baptist Food Pantry. He wished to thank Frank & Velma Smith as well as the community for their support. No action required by the board.
Minutes of previous meeting held on 10-9-14 were read by each board member present. A motion was made by Joe Bourdeaux to approve the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Tom Johanson. All approved, motion carried.
Joe Bourdeaux motioned to adopt the 2014 appraisal roll tax amounts entered to constitute the 2014 tax roll for the Town of Anderson through ordinance #104-14. Erna Freeman seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Joe Bourdeaux moved to enter into agreement with the Grimes County Appraisal District for tax assessment/collections for the year 2015. Tom Johanson seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Ms. Karrie Cooper addressed the board stating her frustrations about her request for annexation. She stated she is planning on proceeding with her plan whether the town grants the annexation or not. Attorney Michael Casaretto apologized to Ms. Cooper about having a wrong address to contact her. He sent her a letter stating that the annexation request was denied at the October 9, 2014 council meeting by the Board of Aldermen. However, the board is open to re visiting another request for annexation with another request when she can include in writing; a business plan, address flood plain issues, approval from TxDot, along with several other minor issues of concern. The town wishes that the business would be successful for both the Town of Anderson and Ms. Cooper. Michael Casaretto gave Ms. Karrie Cooper his business card and stated he would be available to answer any questions that would help guide her in any way possible. Mayor Gail Sowell will contact Mr. Steve Duncan, County Engineer, and give him Ms. Coopers contact information. No further action is required at this time by the board.
The reading of the Salvage Yard Amendment to the Junk Vehicle Ordinance #98-14 was tabled. However, Erna Freeman brought up concerns about a few properties with Junked vehicles, overgrown properties, trailer houses on Johnson Street and last but not least the property on Hwy 90 and Hill Street. A light was also in question on the corner of Hill Street & Hwy. 90. Mayor Gail Sowell stated she would call Ronnie Hale about that light after Tom Johanson reports back to her his findings of any other light issue needing addressed in town.
Mayor Gail Sowell gave an updated report on the success of the Town’s Trunk or Treat event. She stated the Town’s website photos were great and the evening was a huge success. Also reported by Mayor Gail was that Judge Betty Shiflet informed her that Monday morning a company will be removing bees from the courthouse wall and that Buffington Street will be closed from the courthouse to the Sunshine Center during this procedure. Another concern brought up was the current speed limit in front of and between the schools on FM 149. It was suggested that the school needs to request (to TxDot) that the speed be decreased for the safety of the community at large.
Erna Freeman made a motion to pay bills currently due as presented with a written amount of $660.00 for Attorney Michael Casaretto. Joe Bourdeaux seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Open session adjourned: 7:52 P.M.
The board entered into closed session at 8:02 P.M.
Closed session adjourned: 8:36 P.M.
Regular Session reopened: 8:36 P.M.
Attorney Michael Casaretto announced outside the door that the open session has re-adjourned. No visitors remained.
Action was taken on the matter discussed in closed session in reference to Mary Bostelman, Town Clerk, and a pay raise. Erna Freeman made a motion to increase Mary Bostelman’s hourly wage to the rate of $15.00 per hour. Joe Bourdeaux seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
It was discussed that sections of the town be assigned to each of the Aldermen to report back to Mayor Gail with reports of any concerns.
It was announced that Thursday Dec. 4, 2014 there will be a meeting at the Fairgrounds regarding the High Speed Rail Project. Erna Freeman will try to attend that meeting.
It was announce that the 391 Commission meeting will be held in Plantersville on Monday , November 17, 2014 at 7:00 P.M.
Next scheduled meeting: December 11, 2014 @ 7:00 P.M.
Regular session was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
Attest: ______________________________ ______________________________
Mayor Secretary