The City Council of San Saba, Texas held their regular meeting on Tuesday, October 14th at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Ken Jordan called the meeting to order followed by Martha Leigh Whitten giving the invocation and everyone joining for the pledges to the American and Texas flags.

A presentation was made by James Jones, Fire Chief of the San Saba Volunteer Fire Department. There has been 4-500 acres burned this fall which caused problems with the grass trucks. They have one new truck and need more and presented the request to add a $1.00 voluntary contribution to the monthly utility bills to purchase the needed trucks. The fire department expressed appreciation for the help the Council has done in the past.

Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator, gave a report on the assistance the community gave to the Hurricane Ike evacuees. It began with a call to Stan Weik, who contacted the family of the San Saba Nursing Home who consented to open it as a turn-key operation. Another key person, among many others, was Tony Guidroz. There were two EMS runs to the Home and 21 visited the Hoester Clinic. An account was set up at G & R Grocery for food that the Ministerial Alliance would pay. However, there was contributions of $1,291.00 and expenses were $302.25. There was a check to the Ministerial Alliance for community needs in the amount of $970.75.

City Employee Cole McDowell was selected as the Joe Ragsdale Employee of the Month for October.

The Supervisor of the Quarter Award was presented to City Treasurer Charlene Lindsay.

A proclamation recognizing Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator for San Saba County, was presented.

The following Consent Agenda Items were approved:

• Minutes from the September 9th and September 30th Council Meetings.
• Payment of bills presented to City Council.
• 2009 Holiday Schedule for the City of San Saba.
• Resolution No. 2008-26 authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with TxDOT for the closure of Wallace Street on December 13th to accommodate the Christmas Parade.
• Resolution No. 2008-28 a Finance Contract with Government Capital Corporation for the purpose of purchasing 4 trucks.
• Resolution No. 2008-29 a resolution to waive an ordinance defining noise nuisances.

The following items were discussed and action taken:

1. A unanimous vote approved adding a $1.00 voluntary contribution to the monthly utility bills supporting the San Saba Volunteeer Fire Department.

2. A unanimous vote approved the EMS’s request to move $14,452,93 from the EMS salaries to another category in the 2008-2009 budget.

3. The Council changed the regular meeting dates for the next four months; November, December, January and February to be on the 3rd Monday of the month instead of the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

4. The committee of Tony Guidroz, Scott Glaze, Oleta Behrens and Martha Leigh Whitten presented the proposed contract with the Hill Country Bible Church for Sunday morning services at the Civic Center for one year beginning January 1, 2009. The Council unanimously approved the contract.

5. Council unanimously approved continuing 2009 Market Pricing Option with Georgetown Utility Systems, Kerrville Public Utility Board and Central Texas Electric Cooperative.

6. Council approved Resolution No. 2008-27 amendments to the budget for 2007-2008

7. Resolution No. 2008-30 was discussed and voted approved with one opposed to authorize the San Saba Municipal Golf course to sell the pecan crops located at the golf course and Riesen Park and use the money for expenses.

8. The Council unanimously approved No. 2008-26, an ordinance authorizing and allowing, under the Act governing the Texas Municipal Retirement System, restricted prior service credit to employees who are members of the system for service previously performed for various other public entities for which they have not received credited service; and establishing an effective date for the ordinance.

9. The Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2008-27 establishing an Identify Theft Prevention Program; providing definitions, policies and procedures; providing an effective date and an open meetings clause. This ordinance was requested by attorneys.

City Manager Stan Weik’s report included that new uniform jackets with city logo have been distrubuted and also bright orange safety vests. Gale Ivy sent information to our Insurance agent about the request last month to pay expenses for an incident. Since there has not been a claim, there is no obligation to pay, so the insurance is taking care of this. Reported on the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program.

Tony Guidroz gave the following information and activities: Going to Austin starting a 4 year course Sept. 29-Oct. 2; The most visitors for Pecan Trade Days of 412; Movie in the Park was well attended and the movies will be at the Civic Center during colder weather; Businesses have donated items and information for the Airstream Campers next weekend; Car Show is Oct. 24-25; working on the skating rink project and a San Saba Business Service Directory; promote the Mill Pond as The Best Fishing in Texas; and in the future hope to have a Vocational School in the County.

The following gave reports: Roger Verette, Electric Department; Wayne Yarbrough, Water/Wastewater; Clifton Ott, Street Department; Farrel Whitley, Parks; Leo Sanchez, Sanitation; Robert Carroll, Transfer Site; Ray Riggs, Police Report; Jake Shepherd, Animal Control.

Scott Glaze, Public Works Department showed a video of sign installation, Scoreboard installation, constructing the Mobile Stage, dirt work at Golf Course, water plant, road paving, handicap ramp fixed, China Creek Rd. improvements and Farrel’s Great Wall.

Mayor Jordan adjourned the meeting. Those in attendance were: Mayor Ken Jordan, Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Oliver, Aldermen: Martha Leigh Whitten, Marvin Riggs, Charlie Peeler, Oleta Behrens; City Manager Stan Weik; City Secretary Gale Ivy, City Treasurer Charlene Lindsay, City Employees: Dorothy Prescott, Scott Glaze, Clifton Ott, Wayne Yarbrough, Jacob Sheppard, Cole McDowell, Farrel Whitley, Robert Carroll, Leo Sanchez, Roger Verett; Director/ Tourism Coordinator Tony Guidroz, Chief of Police Ray Riggs, City Police Officer Kevin Barclift, Golf personnel: Keith Harris and Jerry Minter; Volunteer Fire Department James Jones, Emergency Management Marsha Hardy and San Saba News & Star Reporter Alice Smith.