Meeting Minutes
The Town of Anderson, Texas
9-20-18
Members Present: Gail Sowell Mayor Karen McDuffie, Mayor Pro-Tem; Aldermen Harold Minor, Daryl Alford, Carnell Carrell
Alderman Absent: Carol DeBose
Anderson Attorney Present: Michael R. Casaretto
Visitors Present: Cindy Bell, Charles Borski, Will Borski, Shannon Sanders, Anthony Olivieri Erna Freeman, Joe Boudreaux, Kason Menges, Lori Clayton, Kyle Childress, Jenna Blinn, Freddie Henson, Quintera Calhoun, Susan Boudreaux
Called to order at 7:01 pm.
Pledges recited
Kyle Childress offered the invocation.
Remarks of visitors:
Cindy Bell reminded everyone that this Saturday will be the Ride for the Cure.
Susan Boudreaux used an analogy of a school teacher and a substitute teacher regarding agenda items #5 & 9. Substitute does not plan for a future and the students fail. She feels the consequences of items 5 & 9 will cause long term irreversible damage and potential growth and property values in town.
Joe Boudreaux – Commented that it was reported in the last meeting that the permitting and inspections process has impeded the progress of the Mission Reclaim’s project. Joe Boudreaux asked council to investigate what was the problem with one and not the other permits. He also commented on Houston Street. On item #5, he asked if property owners were notified of variance. He also is concerned about no inspections and voluntary compliance with no oversight.
Kyle Childress asked to speak on Trunk or Treat. He has received phone calls from people who would like to donate. The church was wondering about using funds to buy shirts or something. He is going to see if they can raise enough funds to give them away or do more bouncy houses or something.
Agenda Items:
Mayor Sowell asked council to review the minutes. Karen McDuffie made the motion to approve the minutes. Daryl Alford seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Daryl Alford moved that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of 0.219000, which is effectively a 5.62 percent increase in the tax rate. Carnell Carrell seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Mayor Sowell asked council to review the amended budgets from FY 2017-2018. Daryl Alford made a motion to approve the amended budgets. Carnell Carrell seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Mayor Sowell asked if there were any questions regarding the Ordinance 128-18. Karen McDuffie made the motion to adopt the Ordinance 128-18 regarding Budgets. Daryl Alford seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Mayor Sowell asked Lori Clayton to explain her request for variance to the council. Lori Clayton stated she felt she would provide affordable living for people wanting to move into the area. Mayor Sowell stated what they have now is grandfathered in but to add 3 new trailers is more than our ordinance allows which is one per lot. Harold Minor made a motion to postpone until next months meeting. Daryl Alford seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Mayor Sowell informed council about the Community Pep Rally in front of the Courthouse on Wednesday September 26 at 6:30 pm.
Mayor Sowell informed council that the date for Trunk or Treat in Anderson set for October 27, 2018. Daryl Alford informed council that the Facebook page is getting a lot of activity. Kyle Childress offered to sell T-Shirts at the event; however council agreed it should stay a free event. Karen McDuffie suggested purchasing bags with the logo.
Mayor Sowell discussed the TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool ballot. No motion was made to vote. Motion died.
Item #9 it was pointed out that there was an error on the agenda regarding Ordinance #117-19 should be #119-17. Daryl Alford made a motion to remove inspections from the Ordinance prior to pointing out error. Harold Minor seconded the motion. Mayor Sowell asked for a vote. No one voted. Motion dies. Mayor Sowell asked that from now on any item an alderman wants to add to the agenda should be requested a week before agenda is set.
Mayor Sowell asked Cindy Olivieri to explain changes to Item #10. Cindy Olivieri talked with Shannon Sanders and turned property ID# R20555 to the county for collection of back taxes.
Mayor Sowell asked council to review the payment of invoices due. Karen McDuffie made a motion to approve. Carnell Carrell seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Mayor Sowell updated council on areas the county has mowed for the town and informed council that she spoke with Al at Adult Probation. Al is working on Project Day’s for cities in Grimes County. He also informed her that there was no 2 for 1 work credits hours.
Karen McDuffie made a motion to adjourn. Daryl Alford seconded the motion. All approved; the motion carried.
Adjourned at 8:30 pm.