Meeting Minutes
The Town of Anderson, Texas
June 12, 2014
Members Present: Gail Sowell, Mayor; Erna Freeman, Mayor Pro-Tem; Alderwomen: Carol DeBose, Karen McDuffie; Alderman: Joe Boudreaux
Member Absent: Tom Johanson
Anderson Attorney Present: Angela Collier Seager
Visitors Present: Judge elect Mr. Ben Leman, Chester Finke, Cindy Bell, Ken Sanders, Louise Sanders, Karrie Cooper
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 were recited. Invocation: Mr. Ken Sanders.
There was no opposition to the positions of the three Aldermen up for re-election. Therefore all duly elected candidates shall qualify by taking Statement of Officers and then the Oath of Office. Town Attorney read the Statement of Officers to the candidates Erna Freeman, Joe Boudreaux, and Karen McDuffie. Each Candidate signed the statement and it was witnessed and notarized by Mayor Gail Sowell. Town Attorney proceeded with the reading of the Oath of Office for each candidate. Erna Freeman, Joe Boudreaux, and Karen McDuffie each were sworn in and each signed the Oath of Office.
A motion was made by Joe Boudreaux to elect Erna Freeman as Mayor Pro-Tem and one secretary, Tom Johanson. It was seconded by Karen McDuffie. Discussion pursued because Tom Johanson was not in attendance. It was stated that he agreed to the position and was okay with a motion if brought to the table. All approved, motion carried.
The regular meeting resumed:
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell stated website is looking good along with the new facebook page.
Karrie Cooper stated she spoke with Mr. Steve Duncan. She reported that either the city or she needed to contact the Anderson Church of Christ to obtain an easement. The board encouraged her to contact the appropriate person at the church. She also stated that she would like to annex the entire 12 acres she purchased to be able to hook up to the sewer and water of the Town of Anderson so she could possibly have a R.V. park or a warehouse facility. A lift station would be needed and Erna Freeman suggested before moving forward on that Mr. Steve Duncan should be at the next meeting to discuss this situation. Town Attorney advised Karrie that Mr. Steve Duncan would need to order a service plan, however her first action would to be to research the properties records for prior easements as well as talking with the Church of Christ. No other action was required at this time from the Board of Aldermen for either Cindy Bell or Karrie Cooper.
Minutes of previous meeting held on May 8, 2014 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 Joe Boudreaux. All approved, motion carried.
Mayor Gail Sowell reported that Mr. David Dobyanski requested if someone would serve as town representative for 391 Commission. A motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Erna Freeman for Tom Johanson to be the town’s representative for the 391 Commission. It was seconded by Joe Boudreaux. All approved, motion carried.
Judge–elect Ben Leman takes office in January. Mayor Gail Sowell introduced visitors and members to Mr. Leman. Mr. Leman thanked the board for the invite and addressed the board about the future of county and town relationships. He stated it was critical that the county interacts within local communities. He spoke about infrastructure because growth is coming and he feels the Town of Anderson is very important to the county of Grimes. He is here to listen and learn. Visitor Cindy Bell gave a list of questions and concerns to Mr. Leman. Other issues were mentioned such as the lights and lack of lighting around the County Court House, parking, and a lack of being sincerely listened to by the Commissioner Court. He will address these issues and stated he plans to establish a strategic plan with timing of growth. Preliminary analysis of the building would be first before a plan can be in place. He is hoping for a consensus from Commissioner Court to come up with that strategic plan by working together. He wants to embrace progress and a good working relationship.
Erna Freeman made a motion to pay bills as presented. Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. All approved, motion carried.
Mayor Gail Sowell gave an update as follows:
This year’s “Clean-Up” day is scheduled for June 14, 2014. Juneteenth celebration is next week. Bob Cochran started mowing before the Juneteenth celebration. If anyone wishes to use the park, the mayor reminded everyone that is owned by the Historic Anderson Society and any use of the park needs to be approved by them. Keeping in the clean-up mind set, Joe Boudreaux, Erna Freeman, and Carol Debose inspected houses and yards in town that are not in compliance with the nuisance ordinance or mowing ordinance. They have submitted a listing with some pictures (see attached). Mayor Gail Sowell stated she has noticed that the town residents are making an effort to keep their properties maintained. Mayor Gail talked about Wes Moreland about taxes on Confederate Park.
Erna Freeman and Joe Boudreaux will talk with Bill Sullivan about properties owing back taxes and report back to the board and Mayor.
Angela Collier Seager stated she earned her teaching certificate and will be starting a new job. She still plans on attending the July meeting. She gave an update on the Salvage Ordinance: the town can do a civil suit, unlicensed dealers are referred to local task force. The DA can file a case under the Transportation Code. The Town can also pass the Salvage Yard Ordinance and have civil penalties as well. Angela stated that a lawyer, Attorney Michael Casaretto, contacted her and has shown interest in filling her present position with the Town.
Mayor Gail Sowell will place Attorney Michael Casaretto on the agenda for the July 10, 2014 town meeting. Mayor Sowell will post a Job Opening Opportunity ad in the Examiner, at the court house, and the city bulletin board. Mary Bostelman will place the ad on the website and on the town’s face book page.
The Town tabled the Salvage Yard Ordinance until next meeting.
Mr. Billy Bean’s payments and status of the lien on his property will be discussed at the July 10, 2014 meeting.
There was no closed session.
Next scheduled meeting: July 10, 2014 @ 7:00 P.M.
Regular session was adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
Attest: _____________________ ___________________
Mayor Mayor Pro-Tem