Meeting Minutes
The Town of Anderson, Texas
8-10-17
Members Present: Gail Sowell, Mayor; Alderwomen: Erna Freeman, Carol DeBose, Karen McDuffie; Aldermen: Joe Boudreaux; Harold Minor
Anderson Attorney Present: Michael R. Casaretto
There was a quorum thus a public open meeting was called to order at 7:04 P.M. by Mayor Gail Sowell.
Pledges were recited. Carol DeBose gave the invocation.
Bid Opening:
Bids submitted included Glenn Fuqua, Johnny Young Paving, A-1 Construction. Mayor Sowell asked town attorney, Michael Casaretto to read and review the sealed bids. All bids had proper insurance, bonds, and appeared complete. Mayor Sowell asked Harry Walker with Grimes County Road & Bridge, if his staff would review bids for calculation errors.
Visitors Present: Cindy Bell, Blondie Carrell, Carnell Carrell, Mary Bostelman, Freddie Hensen, Daryl Alford, William Smith
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell September 23 is Diabetes Bike Ride.
Agenda Items:
Erna Freeman made motion to accept the minutes. Carol DeBose seconded the motion. All approved; the motion passed.
Erna Freeman made a motion to partner with Historic Anderson, Inc. to work together to preserve the character of the town. Joe Boudreaux seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Mayor Sowell asked council to review the newsletter. Karen McDuffie asked to add the new ordinances and changes. The letter would be mailed out to local residents and land owners. The title should be changed. Joe Boudreaux made a motion to send out newsletter with modification. Erna Freemen seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Item #5 regarding opening up streets. Joe Boudreaux made a motion to table the topic until Erna Freeman can get with local surveyor to get all the streets in Anderson surveyed. Carol DeBose seconded. All approved; the motion carried.
Sewer fee changes would remove all appendix to the old ordinance and making the sewer rate based on actual usage. The sewer tap fees would remain the same. The new rate should be effective immediately. Joe Boudreaux made a motion to accept the new rates. Carol DeBose seconded. All approved; the motion carried.
Michael Casaretto asked to table the Interlocal agreement with Anderson Fire Dept. due to wording. Karen McDuffie made a motion to table until the wording in changed and a new Fire Marshall elected. Erna Freeman seconded. All approved; the motion carried.
Joe Boudreaux made a motion to table the Burn Permit. Erna Freeman seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Carol Debose asked for a vote as to whether or not to close Houston Street. Joe Boudreaux made a motion to leave Houston Street open between Hwy. 90 and Buffington. Carol DeBose seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Michael Casaretto discussed the need for Anderson to create an Economical Development Council. It would report to council but focus on bringing business into town. Erna Freeman brought up the discussion made during the CETA meeting and how Entergy RFI’s come only through the Economic Development Council. Joe Boudreaux made a motion to move forward on developing the council. Harold Minor seconded the motion. All approved.; the motion carried.
Joe Boudreaux had questions regarding the current rental policy and the contracts signed. Mayor Sowell stated she handles that and is getting all the contracts signed and they are being kept in the office. There was a question as to amount charged; $150 is the current rate for everyone except the various organizations within the county. Michael Casaretto is looking into an interlocal agreement for the courts to use the building. Karen McDuffie made a motion to keep the lease agreement. No one seconded the motion therefore the present lease agreement stays the same.
Mayor Sowell asked council to review the current months billed to be paid. Joe Boudreaux made a motion to pay the bills with stipulation that the Grimes County Road and Bridge bill was as agreed to in contract. Erna Freeman seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Mayor Sowell is looking into the American Legion memorial. The Mayor will get with Commander Thomas Finke for wording of the memorial. She has a price for a foot stone 10 X 20 x 4 for $305. She also asked about getting pricing for a walkway and handicap parking as well as a flag pole for Texas flag inside the hall.
Open session adjourned: 8:58 P.M.
Closed session opened: 9: 05P.M.
Closed session closed: 9:45 P.M.
Meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.