By Alice Smith, Reporter

The City Council of the City of San Saba, Texas met for a regular meeting on Monday, January 19th in the City Hall Council Chambers. President Ken Jordan called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. followed by the invocation and everyone joining in for the pledges to the American and Texas flags.

Charles Peeler and Stan Weik presented the “Joe Ragsdale Employee of the Month” award to Justin Stewart. He received a day off with pay, name on the plaque and a carryall caddy. Justin accepted the award and introduced his wife Jennifer.

The following consent agenda items were approved.

1. Minutes from the December 15, Council Meeting.

2. Payment of bills.

3. Authorized submission of VOCA grant.

4. Appointing directors to the EDC Board.

5. Designated the San Saba News and Star as the official town newspaper.

6. Acceptance of 2008 Racial Profiling Report.

7. Amended and restated wholesale power agreement between City of San Saba and LCRA.

At 6:07 p.m. the Council went into Executive Session to discuss the Water Park lawsuit with an attorney from Austin. The Council returned to convene the meeting at 6:43 p.m. but did not give an update on the Water Park.

The following items were discussed and action taken:

a. Approved Resolution No. 2009-04 directing the creation of a Section 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation for the purpose of raising funds for the Dove Project. The Dove Project is operating on 1/2 the budget from last year because one of their grants was not renewed. This resolution will enable them to apply for grants on the non-profit status.

b. Approved Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation for the Dove Project Section 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation.

c. Approved Resolution No. 2009-05 passed by the San Saba EDC to participate in the Texas Leverage Fund. Gale Ivy presented the first reading of the two required for this resolution whereby the Council is applying for a loan for $350,000 for improvements and developments.

d. Changed the February 16th meeting to Tuesday, February 10th.

e. Unanimously voted to manage the operation of the San Saba Municipal Golf Course and set up an Advisory Committee. The Golf Course is owned by the City of San Saba and has been operated by a Golf Course Association that owns the equipment and etc. and has had financial problems. Recommendations for the Advisory Committee will be considered next month.

Stan Weik, City Manager, reported on a letter from the San Saba County Chamber of Commerce thanking the City for participating in the Christmas Parade and helping make it a success with a record amount of participants. Stan also reported that a new business has broken ground this week.

Al Hamrick, City Inspector and Fire Marshall, gave a summary of his departments for the year 2008. His report included the number of permits, inspections, clean up violations, red tags and 5 sent to Judge Les Dawson to comply to regulations. Roger Verette will have an Electric Department Report during the February meeting. Tony Guidroz, Economic Development/Tourism, gave the report that permission to put up another sign at the entrance of the city on SR 16 has been secured; the Friday night Skate Night has been well attended and has provided fun for families; the Pecan Trade Days will resume the first Saturday in March; the Awards event will be March 12th; progress is being made for the 24 hr. Fitness Area. Other Reports were in the Councils folders.

Stan Weik gave an update on the health insurance coverage for city employees. The city’s policy with Scott & White increased 28% so a search for a lower amount was conducted. They signed up with Blue Cross/Blue Shield with some changes such as Life Insurance of $50,000.00 instead of $5,000.00; choice of doctors and hospital; dental coverage alternated; and more updated.

Scott Glaze, Public Works Department, presented a video of the following: New sign being put up on the West entrance to San Saba; trash containers enclosed in park area; fire ring at RV Park; dead trees removal; early morning siren repaired; new electric poles being installed; trash trailer maintenance; bales of metal at transfer site; water and sewer line repairs; old sewer lines are rusting and deteriorating; waiting for grant for sewer plant repairs - pictures of bad conditions; ditch cleaning at Mill Pond; Rusty Glover’s new plant.

Mayor Jordan adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m. Those attending the meeting were: Mayor, Ken Jordan; Aldermen: Marvin Riggs, Shawn Oliver, Martha Leigh Whitten, Charles Peeler, Oleta Behrens, Farrel Whitley, Scott Glaze, Roger Verette, Tony Guidroz, Stan Weik, Buddy Whitley, Al Hamrick, Wayne Yarbrough, Justin & Jennifer Stewardson, Larry & Becky Hardin, Sabrina Maultsby, Dorothy Prescott, Charlene Lindsay, Gale Ivy, Georgia Harris, Kenneth Shephard, Keith & Crystal Harris with daughter, Rachel and Alice Smith.