The San Saba City Council met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 8th at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Ken Jordan called the meeting to order and announced a quorum present. Marvin Riggs gave the invocation and everyone joined for the pledges to the American and Texas flags.

The “Joe Ragsdale Employee of the Month” award for September was presented to Rick Reynolds. Rick is in his second year working in the Sanitation Dept. and received a travel bag and one day off with pay. Richard Huron received the Supervisor of the Quarter Award and was voted for this honor by all the other Supervisors. He was also given one day off with pay and a travel bag.

The following items were approved by the Council:

1. Minutes from the August 4th, 11th, 25th and 27th Council Meetings.

2. Payment of bills.

3. Resolution No. 2009-19 authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with TxDOT for the closure of Wallace Street on December 12, 2009 for the Christmas Parade.

4. Resolution No. 2009-21 designating Chief Riggs and Officer Barclift as firearm proficiency officers for the San Saba Police Department.

5. Updated contract with Municipal Judge Les Dawson.

6. Economic Development Policy approved by EDC August 5th.

An update on the LCRA Park was given by David Whatley, Parks Appropriation Manager from Austin. Whatley distributed a proposed Map of the park that will be constructed on the east side of San Saba, just west of the Risien Park. He answered questions and explained many aspects of the project.

The Council approved Resolution 2009-20, approving the proposed budget for the 2009-2010 Fiscal Year and Ordinance No. 2009-14 levying a tax rate of $.31942 for the City of San Saba.

Ron Greiner, Vice President of Government Capital Securities, explained the Certificates of Obligation in principal amount not to exceed $915,000. The Certificates will be used for waterworks and sewer system improvement and related matters. The Council approved this as Resolution No. 2009-22.

Ordinance No. 2009-15 entitled “Use of Hand-Held Mobile Telephones in School Zones” was discussed. This Ordinance has been implemented by the State of Texas and enacted by the cities and towns of the state. Discussion of the ordinance included the need to put information on Signs in the School Zones that would be effective during school hours and could produce a fine of $200 for those using “cell phones” in school zones. The Council approved the Ordinance.

The Council approved Ordinance No. 2009-16 making South 10th Street from West Commerce Street to West Wallace Street one way during certain school hours. This Ordinance is needed for a serious safety issue.

The Engineering Services Agreement with Jacob & Martin, L.T.D. was approved by the Council to recoat the ground storage tank and to construct wastewater treatment plant improvements.

Stan Weik, City Manager, gave a long partial list of the different projects the City has worked on this year, many implemented by Tony Guidroz, Tourism/ Economic Development. Other accomplishments are: New signs that welcome visitors; the Awards & Recognition Banquet; procurement of the Golf Course and many improvements; new business opportunities; installed new electric lines and poles; Pecan Pool improvements; and other annual events.

Tony Guidroz reported a high number of 18 booths at the Pecan Trade Days Saturday, September 5th and at least 318 visitors to enjoy the vendors and entertainment. Guidroz listed future events including the Classic Cars and Hunters Welcome.

Scott Glaze, Public Works Department Supervisor, showed a video of the following: Ball Field construction; North Entrance sign & flagpole installation; tree roots in sewer lines; excavation at Burden Hotel and old pipes and electric; new fountain at Golf Course and new Tee Signs.