The San Saba City Council met for a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 12th prior to the regular monthly meeting. Shawn Oliver, Mayor Pro Tem, called the meeting to order and announced a quorum present. Council member Martha Leigh Whitten gave the invocation followed by everyone joining for the pledges to the American and Texas flags.

A public hearing was held to receive comments concerning a requested variance in the zoning for property located at 1102 W. Sunset Street owned by Jeff and Kristi Peterson who wish to open a beauty salon. The Planning & Zoning Commission met in open session on October 4th to consider this variance and recommended on a vote of 6-0 to approve this variance from R-2 to C-2. The public hearing was closed with no comments.

The Employee of the Month for October was presented to Jake Lackey, an employee of the Parks Department. Jake’s name was inscribed on a plaque and he will receive a day off with pay and a $25.00 gift certificate from a local restaurant.

Jake Sheppard, Animal Control Officer, was recognized as being State Certified after attending the Animal Control School in Temple recently.

The following items were approved by the Council:

1. Minutes from the September 14th and 24th council meetings.

2. Payment of bills presented to the Council.

3. 2011 Holiday Schedule for the City employees.

4. Resolution No. 2010-33, a resolution waiving an ordinance defining noise nuisances for October 30th at the Gazebo at Mill Pond Park.

5. Resolution No. 2010-34, waiving an ordinance defining noise nuisances for October 16th at the Pavilion at Risien Park.

6. Ordinance No. 2010-15 to temporarily close a portion of North Sixth Street on October 17th as requested by St. Mary’s Catholic Church, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the Fall Festival.

7. Ordinance No. 2010-16 amending the boundaries of a zoning district within the City of San Saba for Jeff and Kristi Petersen at 1102 Sunset Street for a Beauty Shop.

8. Ordinance No. 2010-17 amending Ordinance No. 2010-09 to address commercial/industrial service deposits and refunds.

The Council reviewed bids for the wastewater treatment plant improvements and approved the lowest bid.

The Council meetings for November, December, January and February were changed to be the 3rd Monday of each month instead of the 2nd Monday at 6 p.m.

Stan Weik, City Manager, reported on the following:

a. Museum area at Mill Pond Park had some drainage problems that were fixed.

b. The memorial walk has two benches and some memorial bricks in place.

The City Manager reported he has received phone calls from citizens who have been pulled over by the San Saba County Sheriff’s Department and the callers believe their civil rights have been abused. He has also heard concerns by visitors who had been stopped after the City-sponsored dance, and from hunters who reported being harassed. Weik stated he was considering going to a higher authority concerning these matters.

Director of Operations, Scott Glaze, gave a short report and expressed thanks for his new pickup.

Al Hamrick, City Code Enforcement Officer, reported that 237 junk vehicles have been removed from the City since June 07. ALCO and Hill Country Transportation, new businesses in the city, are completed and work is starting on the new Fire House and the LCRA Park.

Keith Harris, San Saba River Golf Course Pro, reported that weekend golfers who have come for years, may not come back because of an incident with the Sheriff.

City Secretary, Gale Ivy reported that a Keep America Beautiful Training will be November 4th; The Trash Bash Cleanup is November 13th; Keep San Saba Beautiful will be selling plants, including daffodil bulbs, at Pecan Trade Days; 1,000 wild seed packets, donated by San Saba Pecan and Harry’s will be given away; it’s time to start planning for the Christmas parade float.

Tony Guidroz, Economic Developement/Tourism, welcomed Jeff and Kristi Petersen as owners of a new beauty salon in San Saba. He recently went to a Texas Economic Developement Seminar that included a sales tax workshop, and a legislature update.Guidroz supported the comments by Stan Weik regarding the concerns against the Sheriff’s Department.He reported that some of the attendees were stopped by the Sheriff’s Department after the dance. ALCO’s Grand Opening will be October 13th. Guidroz stated that the City-sponsored dance was enjoyed by a record number of people. The City is getting ready for the Hunters Welcome. Singer Daryl McCall will perform that weekend and there will be lots of other activity in town; Pecan Trade Days will be at the Civic Center in December, January and February; a new Chinese restaurant will be open for business on the edge of town very soon. Mayor Pro Tem, Shawn Oliver, adjourned the meeting.