City Council holds regular meeting Tuesday, May 12th

The San Saba City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12th, in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Ken Jordan called the Council to order at 6:00 p.m., announced a quorum and welcomed everyone. Alderman Michael Nelson gave the invocation and led everyone in the flag pledges.

The following Council members were in attendance: Michael Nelson, Alderman; Marcus Amthor, Alderman; Shawn Oliver, Alderman; Oleta Behrens, Alderman; Ken Jordan, Mayor and Stan Weik, City Manager. Robert Whitten, Mayor Pro-Tem, did not attend this meeting.

Others present at this meeting included: Sabrina Maultsby, City Secretary; Jody Fauley, Judge Sharon Blossman, Charlene Lindsay, City Treasurer, Charlie Boyce, Sergeant with the San Saba Police Department, Michael Wadsworth with Code Enforcement, and Djuana Payton, Reporter with the San Saba News & Star.

• Installation of newly elected officials for May 2, 2020 General Election and Issue Statement of Elected Officials and Oath of Office to winning candidates by Judge Sharon Blossman:

Judge Blossman issued the statement of elected officials to Ken Jordan and Oleta Behrens. Judge Blossman swore in Ken Jordan as Mayor and Oleta Behrens as Alderman, and they took the oath of office.

• Elect an Alderman to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem: Bob Whitten was nominated to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem.

Decision: The Council voted unanimously by roll call vote to elect Bob Whitten as Mayor Pro-Tem. Open Public Hearing:

Mayor Ken Jordan opened the Public Hearing:

The City of San Saba will hold a public hearing at 6:00 PM on May 12th at City Hall, 303 S. Clear Street, San Saba, Texas to receive comments from the Public regarding the following:

Jody Fauley has asked the P&Z and City Council to approve a variance to the zoning ordinance to the City of San Saba's minimum yard requirement for R-2 Zoning. The Zoning Variance is for Property located at 2406 W. Commerce Street, San Saba, Texas, Legal Description, Lot 21, 0.465 Acre of the Thornton addition, from twenty-five (25) ft. to fifteen (15) ft. in order to construct a new garage for the existing structure.

Decision: The Planning & Zoning Commission met in open session on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 and recommended on a 4 to 0 vote to approve the Zoning Variance to the minimum lot requirement in R-2 zoning from twenty-five (25) ft. to fifteen (15) ft. in order to construct a new garage for the existing structure located at 2406 W. Commerce Street, San Saba, Texas.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: NONE. CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS:

• “Employee of the Month” for May was previously presented to Kyle Anderson, who works in the Electric Department.

• Proclamation recognizing May 10th through May 16th as San Saba Police Week. Mayor Jordan presented a plaque to Police Sergeant Charlie Boyce.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

1. Minutes from the April 14, 2020 Council Meeting;

2. Payment of bills presented to City Council;

3. Approve Resolution No. 2020-15, a Resolution to waive an ordinance defining noise nuisances for Charles Collins/Sutton Reunion, May 23, 2020 at Risien Park Pavilion;

4. Approve Resolution No. 2020-16, a Resolution to waive an ordinance defining noise nuisances for Maria Patino, May 30, 2020 at Mill Pond Gazebo;

5. Approve Resolution No. 2020-17, a Resolution to waive an ordinance defining noise nuisances for Gaylee Jimenez, June 6, 2020 at Mill Pond Gazebo; and

6. Approve Resolution No. 2020-18, a Resolution waiving Ordinance defining noise nuisances for Cow Camp, June 12, 13 and 14, 2020 at Risien pavilion.

Decision: The Council unanimously approved all of the above items.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

1. Discuss/Consider approval of Ordinance No. 2020-05, an Ordinance granting a variance to the zoning ordinance to the City of San Saba’s minimum yard requirement for R-2 Zoning. The Zoning Variance is for Property located at 2406 W. Commerce Street, San Saba, Texas, Legal Description, Lot 21, 0.465 Acre of the Thornton addition, from twenty-five (25) ft. to fifteen (15) ft. in order to construct a new garage for the existing structure.

Discussion: Stan Weik stated the Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve this motion.

Decision: The Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2020-05 granting a variance to the zoning ordinance to the City of San Saba’s minimum yard requirement for R-2 Zoning.

2. Consider and approve Budget Calendar for the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year.

Decision: The Council unanimously approved the Budget Calendar for the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year.

3. Approve changing Council meeting date in June to the third Tuesday; i.e., Tuesday, June 16th requested by City Manager Weik.

Decision: The Council unanimously approved changing the Council meeting date in June to June 16th as requested by City Manager Weik.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT:

Stan Weik, City Manager, reported the following:

• Mayor Ken Jordan, Judge Byron Theodosis and Dr. Craig Whiting signed the attestation to compliance form for allowing restaurants to open up to 50% starting Monday, May 18th. San Saba restaurants have shown great compliance with the 25% restriction and were in compliance each time they were checked.

• The Mayor and City Manager learned on a conference call with the governor that San Saba is eligible for federal funds to help with extra COVID-19 expenses. However, since there are no cases at this time, no monies are being spent any differently. Man hours have been spent but nothing that is not already budgeted.

• Mill Pond - Additional lines are being laid in order to help the debris by the beach drain better. This project should be finished this week. The gate will be open just to make sure it works properly, but the pond will not be drained.

• The City feels it is not safe yet to open the playground; still want to be cautious.

• The City is on good financial footing; no recommendations for a tax increase.

• Some projects have been rolled back, and some will be reinstituted next year. Do not want to put a drain on our citizens.

• Lowe’s update: Lowe’s relocated some citizens in a hotel for about a week due to the issues getting the old property cleared off and cleaned up. They used disinfectant to help with the smell at the property. The delay in clearing the property was due to the insurance investigation. As soon as the insurance gave the go ahead, Lowe’s was able to come in clean it up.

Lowe’s is looking at several building designs. Once they start building, they believe they can be open in four months.

• The City is spraying for mosquitos.

• The Golf Course is still closed, but local members can still play.

• Churches are back in order and are taking great precautions. VBS may not happen, but maybe a youth project in the Civic Center could take place.

• The Electric Department put up the senior pictures downtown, and they did a great job!

• Keep San Saba Beautiful ladies have put in new flowers.

• Pecan Grill is coming along, and they will start working on the patio soon. They may be ready to open in October.

OTHER REPORTS: NONE.

Since there was no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.