2011 12 08 Minutes

 MINUTES OF MEETING

OF

BOARD OF ALDERMEN

THE TOWN OF ANDERSON, TEXAS

December 8, 2011

State of Texas

County of Grimes

The Board of Aldermen of the Town of Anderson met in regular open session in the American Legion Building in Anderson, Texas, at 7.00 p.m. Thursday, December 8, 2011. Mayor Gail Sowell, Aldermen Joe Boudreaux, Daryl Alford; Alderwoman Carol DeBose, and Attorney Angela Collier were present. Alderman Tom Johanson and Alderwoman Freeman were absent.

The meeting was called to order at 7.00 p.m.

Guests in attendance included Cindy Bell, Chester Finke, Clint & Kim Capps, Christian Falcon, John & Rosa DeMille, Ronnie Hale and Billy Bean..

Mayor Sowell asked members to consider/approve Ordinance No. 86-11 to decline the change in rates requested by Entergy Texas, Inc. or another ordinance presented from the City of Normangee to join their coalition with other cities. Ronnie Hale of Entergy was present to present facts pertaining to the Ordinance. After discussion of the facts, Alderman Joe Boudreaux made a motion to accept Ordinance No. 86-11, Alderman Alford seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of Alderman Boudreaux’s motion.

Mayor Sowell asked members to read/consider approving the minutes of the regular meeting held on Thursday, November 10, 2011. Alderman Boudreaux made a motion to accept the minutes as presented; Alderwoman DeBose seconded the motion, all members present voted in favor of the motion.

Agenda item asking members to consider/approve renewing the contract with Grimes County Appraisal District for tax appraisal and collection services for 2012 was discussed. Mayor Sowell indicated that members did not have to approve the contract due to the fact that the August contract was good through December 2012.

Mayor Sowell advised members that a representative of the Master Gardner’s Program would not be present, even though an update was scheduled on the Agenda. She advised that at this time they were busy securing signatures from all businesses along the area of the street involved in the beautification project.

Alderman Boudreaux presented an update on the proposed ordinance covering speed limits in town and needed stop signs. He informed members that 25 MPH on all city streets was an acceptable figure. Also that abandoned vehicles could be removed after a notice was provided. Fines also were being considered. Mayor Sowell advised she would take a copy of the document to Sheriff Sowell for review. After reviewing a copy of an ordinance covering public nuisances it was decided to add an addendum since so many lots were being used as “dumping grounds”. More information will possibly be available in January.

City Attorney Collier advised she had visited Billy Bean’s project area and found several safety issues which needed Mr. Malek’s review. Mayor Sowell advised she had also received a complaint regarding Mr. Bean’s burning trash near the roadway. Mr. Bean requested another extension to March, 2012 to make it a 12-month project. Attorney John DeMille was in the audience and was the town’s attorney at the time of the original contract. Mr. DeMille was unaware that Mr. Bean was way behind on his schedule and asked him why he did not stick to the original contract and informed Mr. Bean that he was in breach of that contract. After much discussion between Mr. Bean, the attorneys and the council, the decision was made to not accept the extension and to go ahead with the lawsuits on the Terrell property as well as the Bean property. The attorneys advised Mr. Bean that he could continue to work on the property but his agreement was up and the city would move forward as planned. The situation will be reassessed at the January meeting.

Mayor Sowell asked for a review and approval of payment of all accounts currently due and payable. Alderman Boudreaux made a motion to pay bills; Alderman Alford seconded the motion. All members present voted in favor of the motion.

Mayor Sowell advised the members of the town’s activities and projects.

Meting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. with a Christmas meal following. 

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TOWN OF ANDERSON

P.O. Box 592
Anderson, TX 77830

Ph: (936) 873-3102