City Council holds regular meeting November 9th; Employee of the Month for November and December and Supervisor of the 4th Quarter presented at meeting

The San Saba City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 9th, in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Ken Jordan called the Council to order at 6:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone. Mayor Jordan gave the invocation and led everyone in the pledges to the American flag and the Texas flag.

The following Council members were in attendance: Mayor Ken Jordan; Robert Whitten, Mayor Pro-Tem; Oleta Behrens, Alderman; Marcus Amthor, Alderman; Shawn Oliver, Alderman; and Michael Nelson, Alderman. Others present at this meeting were: Sabrina Maultsby, City Secretary; Charlene Lindsay, Finance Director; Scott Glaze, Public Works Director; Michael Wadsworth, Code Enforcement Officer; John Bauer, San Saba Police Chief; Robert Hensley, Water Wastewater leadman; Alan Trotter, Citizen; Mark Stotzer, Real Estate Investor; Bruce Stewart, Maintanance Supervisor; Luke Van Diest, Engineer for Jacob and Martin; Rodney Norris, Citizen; Ben Burkhalter, San Saba ISD; Denver Daniel, Electrical Department Employee; G. T. Meador. Electrical Department Employee; Greg Parnell, Citizen; Lucas Watson, Water Department Employee; Virginia Sanderson, Citizen; Celia Bell, Citizen and Djuana Payton, Reporter for San Saba News & Star. Open Public Hearings -

Mayor Ken Jordan opened the

Public Hearings. PUBLIC HEARING

1) Daniel and Amber Alcorn are requesting the Planning & Zoning Commission and the San Saba City Council approve the purchase and closing of a 40'x 225' platted unopened portion of W. Annex Street located in the Sunset Heights Addition, between 504 S. Edgewood, Blocks 34, 35, 36 (120x225), and 608 S. Edgewood.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met in Open Session on October 28, 2021 and voted with a 4 to 0 Vote in favor of approving one half of the purchase and closing of a 40'x 225' platted unopened portion of W. Annex Street located in the Sunset Heights Addition, between 504 S. Edgewood, Blocks 34, 35, 36 (120x225), and 608 S. Edgewood to Daniel and Amber Alcorn and one half of the property to the adjacent property owner, and was approved by a 4 to 0 vote.

Reporter's note: The above item was pulled/removed from Agenda.

2) Alan Trotter is asking the Planning & Zoning Commission and the San Saba City Council to approve the purchase and closing of a 20'x106' platted unopened portion of alleyway, located in a part of Block 1 of the Harwood and Fentress Addition, East to West, between West Wallace and West Commerce Streets.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met in Open Session on October 28, 2021 and voted with a 4 to 0 Vote in favor of approving the purchase and closing of a 20'x106' platted unopened portion of alleyway, located in a part of Block 1 of the Harwood and Fentress Addition.

3) Rodney Norris is requesting a Zoning Change currently zoned One Family Residential (R-2) to Commercial-Local and Through Highway Business (C-2) for property located at 265 Kelly Lane, 0.625 Acres of land out of O. Wilcox Survey 38, Abstract 1396, part of Block 9 of the old undeveloped portion of the old Murray Addition to the Town of San Saba, for the purpose of Constructing a Restaurant. The Planning and Zoning Commission met in Open Session on October 28, 2021 and voted with a 4 to 0 Vote in favor of approving the Zoning Change currently zoned One-Family Residential (R-2) to Commercial Local and Through Highway Business (C-2) for property located at 265 Kelly Lane.

4) Virginia Sanderson is requesting the Planning & Zoning Commission and the San Saba City Council approve a Variance to the Existing Zoning requirements for Property located at 1205 Church Street, legal description Block 4 West Addition. (3) Lots as described: Block 4 W 12 of NE 1/490x120; Block 4 PT 45x240; Block 4 W 45 of SE 1/445x120, currently zoned One-Family Residential (R-1) to locate a Mobile Home on said property. This is contingent on purchase of said property.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met in Open Session on October 28, 2021 and voted with a 4 to 0 vote in favor of approving a Variance to the Existing Zoning requirements for Property located at 1205 Church Street, currently zoned One-Family Residential (R-1) to Mobile Home (MH) to locate a Mobile Home on.

Close Public Hearing

Mayor Jordan closed the public hearing.

Public Comments:

Mark Stolzer addressed the Council. He stated he is from Horseshoe Bay and is heavily invested in real estate in San Saba. (He attended the meeting to address the first item under public hearing, but that item had been pulled from the Agenda.) He noted he owns the old nursing home on the outskirts of town and had concerns as to who he would talk to about the maintenance of streets that are by the old nursing home. The Council explained the streets are platted but unopened. Mr. Stotzer shared concerns about trash, vandalism, and theft in that area.

The City Manager stated he would get back to Mr. Stotzer on the topic of the undeveloped roads and maps. The Mayor explained the roads had to be opened first, and then they could be paved.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. Employee of the Month award for November, 2021:

Lucas Watson, Water Department Employee, received recognition as November’s Employee of the Month. Robert Hensley was present in Supervisor Jesse Hunt’s absence to present Lucas with the award. Robert said Lucas is very diligent, a hard worker, an employee you can always count on. Lucas’ name was engraved on a dedicated “Employee of the Month” plaque. In addition, he was given a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

2. Employee of the Month award for December, 2021:

G. T. Meador, Electrical Department Employee, received recognition as December’s Employee of the Month. Denver Daniel, his supervisor, presented G. T. with the award. He said G. T. is his foreman, lead lineman, and is dependable. G. T.’s name was engraved on a dedicated “Employee of the Month” plaque. In addition, he was given a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

3. Supervisor of the 4th Quarter, 2021:

Bruce Stewart, Maintenance Supervisor, received recognition as the Supervisor of the Fourth Quarter. Scott Glaze, Public Works Department Supervisor, presented him with the award. He described Bruce as his righthand man, and said he is always there and does so many different things. He takes care of the filters, locks, electrical, and keeps all the flags around town looking good, to name a few.

Bruce’s name was engraved on a dedicated “Supervisor of the Quarter” plaque. In addition, Bruce received a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

4. Review and Discuss Section 3 Policy Updates and Information for the City of San Saba's TxCDBG Contract CD #7220420 and the City of San Saba's ARP-CLFRF Contract #TX4312.

This item was purely procedural. It was explained that HUD requires this to be read to the City Council.

Mayor Jordan read the update to the Council.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: 1. Minutes from the October 12, 2021 Council Meeting.

2. Payment of bills presented to the City Council.

Decision: The Council voted unanimously to approve both of the above items.

Discussion/Action Items:

1. Discuss and consider approval of Resolution No. 2021-48 approving the budget amendments for FY 2020-2021.

The City Manager explained this was a normal procedure at the end of the year.

Decision: The Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution No. 2021-48 approving the budget amendments for FY 2020-2021.

2. Discuss and Consider approving the purchase and closing of a 40’x 225’ platted unopened portion of W. Annex Street located in the Sunset Heights Addition, between 504 S. Edgewood, Blocks 34, 35, 36 (120x225), and 608 S. Edgewood requested by Daniel and Amber Alcorn.

Reporter’s note: The above item was pulled/removed from the Agenda.

3. Discuss and Consider approving the purchase and closing of a 20’x106’ platted unopened portion of alleyway, located in a part of Block 1 of the Harwood and Fentress Addition, East to West, between West Wallace and West Commerce Streets requested by Alan Trotter.

Mr. Trotter addressed the Council and explained the small strip of alleyway is over 100 years old and is mostly tall grass. He would like permission to purchase it and get more parking and make extra green (lawn) space to be used when he opens his coffee shop. He stated he had already spoken to the Christadelphian church (on the other side of the alley), and they said they didn’t want it.

Mayor Jordan asked him to explain how he wanted to use the building. Mr. Trotter explained that it is an original 1930’s gas station. The inside will look like a 50’s diner.

Decision: After discussion about fencing, electrical,and access to City vehicles, the Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase and closing of a 20’x106’ platted unopened portion of alleyway, located in a part of Block 1 of the Harwood and Fentress Addition, East to West, between West Wallace and West Commerce Streets requested by Alan Trotter.

4. Discuss and Consider approving a Zoning Change currently zoned One-Family Residential (R-2) to Commercial-Local and Through Highway Business (C-2) for property located at 265 Kelly Lane, 0.625 Acres of land out of O. Wilcox Survey 38, Abstract 1396, part of Block 9 of the old undeveloped portion of the old Murray Addition to the Town of San Saba, for the purpose of Constructing a Restaurant requested by Rodney Norris.

Mr. Norris stated that when he bought the property, it was zoned commercial. He didn’t find out until recently that it is now zoned residential.

Greg Parnell asked questions and shared some concerns about the possibility of this food establishment moving across from his house. He stated he wanted to make sure Mr. Norris wasn’t blindsided by any surprise costs after he opened. Rodney Norris was present to answer questions. Some of the concerns voiced were: a hard building or a food trailer, plans for parking places: kind of surface (dust-free?), possible street parking in front of and opposite Mr. Parnell’s house; entrance and exit to the establishment, restrooms available, fencing to contain trash from blowing into the neighborhood. Mr. Norris said he would comply with code enforcement rules. Mr. Parnell asked the Council about how to get “No Parking” signs on both sides of the street. Ms. Maultsby had already spoken to the City Attorney about this, and could give Mr. Parnell steps to take for the signs.

Decision: This item was tabled until more information on requirements could be worked out.

5. Discuss and Consider approving a Variance to the Existing Zoning requirements for Property located at 1205 Church Street, legal description Block 4 West Addition, (3) Lots as described; Block 4W 12 of NE 1/490x120; Block 4 PT 45x240; Block 4 W 45 of SE 1/445x120, currently zoned One-Family Residential (R-1) to Mobile Home (MH) to locate a Mobile Home on said property requested by Virginia Sanderson.

Ms. Sanderson addressed the Council. She provided pictures showing she has cared for her current property around her mobile home and the upkeep of her home. She has purchased this new lot in question and asked for permission to move the mobile home onto the lot.

Decision: The Council unanimously approved granting the Variance to the Existing Zoning requirements for Property located at 1205 Church Street.

6. Approve Resolution No. 2021-49 a Resolution regarding a Finance Contract for the purpose of Procuring a “Vehicle” 2022 F94d Ford F250 Crew Cab.

The City Manager reported this was approved in the budget. This vote is the next step to secure the funds and the acquisition.

Decision: The Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 2021-49.

7. Discuss and Consider approval of Ordinance No. 2021-10 an Ordinance of the City of San Saba, Texas, approving a request submitted by Benjamin Burkhalter, San Saba ISD School Head Ag Teacher, on behalf of San Saba ISD to temporarily close a portion of the 800 block of East Annex, beginning the corner of East Annex and Water Streets going East on Annex Approximately 150’ of said intersection beginning January 5, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. and ending January 7, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. for the safety, health and welfare of the Students and General Public attending the 2022 Livestock Show.

Benjamin Burkhalter was present to answer any questions. He told the Council that in the past when calves would get out, the students would run after them. This temporary enclosure would protect the animals and the students. Temporary livestock panels would be used.

Decision: The Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2021-10.

8. Discuss and consider approval of Resolution No 2021- 50, a Resolution for the City Council of the City of San Saba to appoint an individual to the Board of Directors of the San Saba County Appraisal District for a two-year staggered term for 2022 and 2023.

Decision: The Council voted unanimously to appoint Alderman Marcus Amthor to the twoyear staggered term for 2022 and 2023 to the Board of Directors of the San Saba County Appraisal District. Alderman Amthor did not vote on this measure.

9. Discuss, Consider, and Approve changing Council meeting dates in December, January, and February to second Monday; i.e. Monday, December 13th, Monday, January 10th, and Monday, February 14th.

Decision: The Council voted unanimously to approve changing the Council meeting dates in December, January, and February to the second Monday of each said month.

10. Discuss and consider awarding Viking Painting, LLC the Contract for Storage Tank Improvements, TDA Project No. 7220420 or go out for rebid.

Mr. Wadsworth stated they had received two bids, both from out of state. Those contract bids included the yard piping (which normally would have been subcontracted out) which made a considerable difference in the price.

Decision: After discussion, it was decided that the City could do the yard piping themselves and send the contract back out for rebid without the yard piping included.

City Manager’s Report

City Manager, Scott Edmonson updated the Council on the following:

• With the state redistricting, David Spiller of Jacksboro will be our State Representative.

• There is a City staff Christmas party meal on December 8.

• The City-Wide Cleanup on the 23rd collected 12,941 pounds of trash.

• There was a meeting with Jacob Martin on tanks and water lines with Scott Glaze and Jesse Hunt; they prioritized the streets.

• Meeting with LCRA - they are expanding coverage area with the radios.

• KSSB redid the flowerbeds, and City crews helped.

• There was a meeting with engineers on the street projects, and they had a prioritized plan to treat the streets every seven years.

• On April 8, 2024, there will b a total eclipse which will last about three minutes. San Saba will be in the direct path of it. There will be an influx of people here for this, possibly from all over the county. Emergency personnel and grocery stores need to know to stock up on items. It would be good to get a group together to plan since this could be great for our community because of the visitors.

• There are upcoming household hazardous waste events in the next year (2022); handouts will be given out. We are eligible to go to this because it is sponsored by Central Texas Council of Governments.

• Progress is being made with the railroad tracks.

• There are a few issues with campers in the parks; they were issued citations.

Sarah Saldivar, KSSB/EDC, reported that Pecan House Grill won the Best Downtown Business Award, and Clay Nettleship won the 2021 Downtowner of the Year.

Mr. Glaze said the lights are on schedule in Mill Pond Park to be fully functional by Thanksgiving, and he said it would be spectacular.

The Golf Course is blading dirt, nursery for the grass to cover all the greens.

Mr. Wadsworth stated he would contact Chase Pecan about zoning variance on their property. Chase is getting back with him on the new edition.

Tony Jacob’s work on building has stopped. No update.

Mayor Ken Jordan adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m.