The San Saba City Council conducted a Public Hearing prior to the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 15th at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Ken Jordan called the meeting to order and announced a quorum present with Council members Shawn Oliver and Charles Peeler absent. Council member, Martha Leigh, gave the invocation followed by everyone joining for the pledges to the American and Texas flags.

A. The Public Hearing was to receive comments for or against a variance in zoning for property located at 505 W. Sunset Street. The owner of the property gave comments wanting the variance to put a mobile home on the property.

B. Public Hearing to receive comments for or against condemnation of structures located at 802 N. Cherokee, units #4 & #121, owner known; and unit #1, owner unknown. No one appeared to make comments on these structures.

The Planning & Zoning Commission met on February 14th, and received information regarding the above Public Hearing items. Their recommendations were given to the City Council for the February 15th meeting.

Mayor Jordan closed the Public Hearing and the Regular meeting commenced.

The Employee of the Month award was presented to Susie Jimenez who is an employee at the City Hall office. Her name was added to the plaque and she was given a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant, and a day off with pay.

The Supervisor for the First Quarter was presented to Charlene Lindsay. Charlene is the Office Supervisor at City Hall. Her name was added to the plaque, and she was given a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant, and a day off with pay.

The following Consent Agenda Items were approved:

1. Minutes from the January 17th Council meeting.

2. Payment of bills presented to City Council.

3. Joint election agreement with SSISD.

4. Notice of Joint School and City Election.

5. The Order of the Election.

6. Accepted 2010 Racial Profiling Report.

7. Proclamation recognizing February 20th - 26th as Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Action was taken on the following items:

a. The property owner of 2006 W. David, San Saba, addressed the council concerning his claim for property damage. The City insurance did not cover the entire claim and the owner requested that the City pay at least $685.80. After discussion, there was no motion, so no action was taken.

b. CPA Kevin Shahan presented the Financial Audit. The report showed finances in very good order.

c. It was approved that a cultural resources survey will be conducted prior to the Sewer Treatment Plant project because it is a Historical area.

d. There will be no changes with the interpretation of the Franchise Agreement Terms with Atmos Energy.

e. After discussion and the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission, Ordinance No. 2011-01, an ordinance variance for 505 W. Sunset Street, the Council denied the variance.

f. After discussion, viewing photos, and considering the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission, Ordinance No. 2011-02 condemning units #1, #4 and #12 located 802 North Cherokee Street was approved.

Stan Weik, City Manager gave comments on the three weeks of freezing weather; on Wednesday, February 16th, there will be a pre-construction meeting for the new downtown sidewalk project; City Secretary, Gail Ivy, will be on the TxDOT/Historical Committee; Susie Jimenez will be taking care of the Keep San Saba Beautiful project; there will be a Utilities/Streets Committee to explore streets, sewer lines, water lines and present recommendations for improvements/replacements; reported the survey of five areas of San Saba that was graded for litter (streets not yards); SSISD students were given pizza for their help in KSSB.

Larry Alderson, Electric Department Supervisor, gave information regarding the recent power out-ages; San Saba’s electric power was off one hour, other’s four to five hours; many area businesses and schools were closed which helped with the high usage of electricity; it was a valuable learning experience to be aware of the ALERT messages and will be better prepared and make some changes; there was equipment failure because of freezing conditions - Texas power plants are not equiped for severe cold weather; there will be a LCRA meeting in Austin next month to address the situation.

Al Hamrick, Code Enforcement, recognized the Sanitation Dept. employees for low percentage of trash on the streets during the survey of five areas of San Saba.

Keith Harris, Golf Pro, reported that the Golf Course survived the cold weather; during the time of freezing weather, his wife was very diplomatic in making sure no one walked on the greens; now the greens are looking good.

Tony Guidroz, Tourism/Economic Developement, reported that there will be a City Skate Night Friday, February 18th; a storage room for skates has been installed; next Thursday, February 24th, Stan and Tony will go to New Orleans for a presentation; Tony will go to the The Woodlands February 28th to March 4th to receive certification; March 5th Pecan Trade Days will be at the Civic Center; March 10th will be Hula Time at the 3rd Annual San Saba Awards Recognition Banquet; A City Wide Yard Sale will be held during Pecan Trade Days Saturday, April 1st; Stonewalls Pizza, Wings & Things will be coming to San Saba and have selected a location on the square;A 20-page information and opportunities packet about San Saba has been sent to an overseas company that wants a rural community in Texas for a business that would employ 300 people.

Scott Glaze, Director of Public Works, presented a video that included: San Saba Museum work; baseball field project; water leak repair at Baptist Church; snow pictures; ice frozen on wheel at Garden Club; Civic Center new storage building room for skates; Golf Course work; EMS Barn project showing construction of shower/bathroom for new paramedics.