Meeting Minutes
The Town of Anderson, Texas
12-10-2015
Members Present: Gail Sowell, Mayor; Alderwomen: Erna Freeman, Carol DeBose; Aldermen:
E. Tom Johanson, Joe Boudreaux
Member Absent: Karen McDuffie
Anderson Attorney Present: Michael R. Casaretto
Visitors Present: Cindy Bell, Susan Boudreaux, Vida Slaton, Kermit Bostelman, Will Ray
There was a quorum thus a public open meeting was called to order at 7:00P.M. by Mayor Gail Sowell. Pledges were recited and Tom Johanson spoke the invocation.
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell reminded the board of the upcoming 100th Chamber of Commerce banquet.
Minutes of previous meeting held on Thursday, November 12, 2015 and special meeting held on November 19, 2015 were read by each board member present. A motion was made by Erna Freeman to approve the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Tom Johanson. All approved, motion carried.
V.L. Snider, CPA presented the audit of the financial and other pertinent records of the Town of Anderson for the F.Y. 2014-2015 stating all looks good and in order.
Mr. Will Ray updated the aldermen on several issues that were brought to his attention during the last council meeting he attended. He has addressed the open drain issue with Carl Nelson and the right a way division, while Sam Nobles was contacted on the Cedar Street issue. He suggested a meeting with the school to look into the possible right turn lane. The school is currently utilizing both drive ways and TxDOT stated the right turn lane is not warranted at this time. Other issues were addressed such as lack of parking up town and it was suggested that a possible shoulder on Main Street from the courthouse to 149 be looked into allowing for vehicles to park on the side of the road. Mr. Ray will look into that with the Director of Traffic and the Safety Review Team and get back with us. It was questioned whether the person putting in the culvert & driveway on FM 149 West had a permit from TxDOT. Mr. Ray will look into that issue as well and report back to the aldermen.
Joe Boudreaux made a motion to sponsor one silver and one gold table at the total cost of $1250.00 for the 100th year celebration Navasota Grimes County Chamber Banquet being held at Camp Allen on February 11, 2016. Erna Freeman seconded the motion, all approved.
Tom Johanson made a motion to select Theresa Clark, Melissa Vezurk, Meribeth Shimshack, and Ben White as the Town of Andersons choices to the Board of Director positions for the Navasota Grimes County Chamber of Commerce. Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. Three approved, one nay vote, motion carried.
Tom Johanson made a motion to pay bills currently due as presented. Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Updates & Questions: Mayor Sowell updated the board on the new Subway restaurant stating it should be up and running by the end of the year. A question was raised by an alderman concerning the bales of hay at the sewer plant wondering who is selling that hay. Mayor Gail Sowell will request that Mr. Frank Matejicek come to our next regularly scheduled meeting to discuss the issue of mowing. Mayor Sowell reported that she received a phone call regarding 20 acres, not within the city limits, needing sewer and water service. She will meet with them on Tuesday, Dec. 15th to find out more details. Mayor Sowell and alderwoman Erna Freeman met with Sara Korpita who was appointed by Judge Ben Leman to talk about economic development. They stated it was an informative meeting and would like for her to be placed on the workshop agenda. The board set up a workshop date of January 11, 2016 11:00 am- 4:30 p.m. Michael Casaretto will send an agenda before the end of the calendar year to the town email for posting. Mayor Sowell reported also that the house on Hill Street appears to be abandoned with two broken down vehicles and trash. Mayor Sowell will contact the Sheriff and have Ryan Rutledge to check into that so a condemnation letter can be sent to the owners. Due to the Chamber banquet being held on February 11, 2016 the board will be moving the February meeting to 2-18-2016 @ 7:00 p.m.
Open session adjourned: 8:04 P.M.
No closed session
Entered into end of year celebration with all in attendance.
Next regular scheduled meeting: January 14, 2016 @ 7:00 P.M.
______________________________ Attest: ______________________________
Mayor Secretary