The San Saba City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 9th, in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Ken Jordan called the Council to order at 6:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone. Alderman Marcus Amthor gave the invocation and led everyone in the pledges to the American flag and the Texas flag.
The following Council Members were in attendance: Kenneth Jordan, Mayor; Oleta Behrens, Alderman; Marcus Amthor, Alderman; Shawn Oliver, Alderman; and Michael Nelson, Alderman. Robert Whitten, Mayor Pro-Tem, and City Manager Stan Weik were not present at this meeting.
Others present at this meeting included: Sabrina Maultsby, City Secretary; Charlene Lindsay, Finance Director; Scott Glaze, Public Works Director; Jesse Hunt, Water Wastewater Department Supervisor; Robbie Hensley, Water Wastewater employee; Michael Wadsworth, Code Enforcement Officer; Angie Chandler, Dove Project; Brianna Woolsey, the Dove Project; Javier Baez, citizen; Javier Baez, Jr., citizen; Joseph Sutton, citizen; and Djuana Payton, San Saba News & Star.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Brianna Woolsey with Dove Project informed the Council about the Annual Golf Tournament that would take place April 3rd; tee off is at noon. Cost is $200 per team. Their goal has been raised from 48 to 60 players. She reminded everyone to “bring your own tees.”
Ceremonial Presentations:
1. Employee of the Month award for March, 2021
“Employee of the Month” Award for March 2021 was awarded to Robbie Hensley with the Water/Wastewater Department. His supervisor, Jesse Hunt, stated that Robbie never complained about any struggles during the recent winter storm, even when he only had two hours of sleep before being called in again. Jesse stated Robbie is his right hand man and is almost irreplaceable. Robbie’s name was engraved on a dedicated “Employee of the Month” plaque. In addition, he received a gift certificate to a local restaurant. 2. Supervisor of the First
Quarter, 2021
“Supervisor of the First Quarter” Award for the First Quarter 2021 was awarded to Jesse Hunt, Water/Wastewater Department Supervisor. Mr. Glaze stated that during the ice event, Jesse was always right there with the team, and his leadership is greatly appreciated. Mr. Glaze stated it was unanimous in the staff meeting that Jesse be the recipient of this award. Jesse’s name was engraved on a dedicated “Supervisor of the Quarter” plaque. In addition, he received a gift certificate to a local restaurant.
Mayor Jordan stated it was extremely cold and frustrating with the electrical outages, and no City employees complained. They made sure everything was up and running and were always looking for a solution.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Minutes from the February 11th, 2021 Council Meeting and the February 24, 2021 Special Called Council Meeting.
2. Payment of bills presented to City Council.
3. Acceptance of Updated 2020 Racial Profiling Report.
Decision: The Council unanimously approved all of the above items.
Discussion/Action Items:
1. Discuss and consider approval of Resolution No. 2021-07 cancelling the City Council Election and accepting the Certification of Unopposed Candidates for the May 1, 2021 City Council election declaring the unopposed Candidates elected to office.
Decision: The Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 2021-07 cancelling the City Council Election and accepting the Certification of Unopposed Candidates for the May 1, 2021 City Council election declaring the unopposed Candidates elected to office.
2. Issue Certificate of Election to re-elected City Council Aldermen: Shawn Oliver, Marcus Amthor, and Michael Nelson.
Decision: The Council unanimously agreed to issue Certificate of Election to re-elected City Council Aldermen: Shawn Oliver, Marcus Amthor, and Michael Nelson.
3. Discuss and consider approval of Resolution No. 2021-08 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Saba regarding the purchase of a Diesel Fueled Generac Generator System for the Water Department.
Mr. Glaze explained this would help to be able to run the water system if we ever had another winter weather event like we had in February.
Decision: The Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution No. 2021-08 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Saba regarding the purchase of a Diesel Fueled Generac Generator System for the Water Department.
4. Discuss and consider approval of Ordinance No. 2021-03, an Ordinance of the City of San Saba, Texas Amending Chapter 4 of the San Saba City Code of Ordinance to add Article 4.06, Game Rooms and Amusement Redemption Machines, Providing Definitions, and Regulations to Operate Both Game Rooms and Amusement Redemption Machines within the City; Providing for Affirmative Defenses; Providing for a Severability Clause; Providing for a Penalty; Providing for a Savings Clause; Providing for Repeal of Conflicting Provisions and Providing for Publication and an Effective Date.
Decision: After discussion, the Council voted unanimously to approve Ordinance No. 2021-03.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT:
In the City Manager’s absence, Mr. Glaze reported the following to the Council:
There was a TCQ inspection today at the transfer station. Mr. Glaze stated Juan did a great job getting it all cleaned up. The inspector was pleased. It has been about five years since the last inspection.
LCRA will be coming in next month to help with Mill Pond Park to help plant grass.
Mr. Glaze commended all the City Employees for all they did during the winter storm. When they would see water flowing down the street, they would track it down and shut off the water.
The water handout went well, and we are very thankful for it.
Communication went well. Keeping people informed during a crisis is the most important thing we can do.
Very proud of the City and how the crisis was handled.
Mayor Jordan stated how fortunate we were that we had the new water lines in place before this emergency happened.
Things are looking great at the golf course. The greens got burned a little bit during the cold, but they are coming back.
Lowe’s was supposed to start erecting the red iron Monday, but they had issues getting parts for the scissor lift. Should start erecting it tomorrow.
Family Dollar Tree is hoping to start in March; we are waiting for them to come down to fill out the permits.
Central Baptist Church is putting up a three-foot rock wall around the entire building. They have had some issues getting some materials.
Mayor Ken Jordan adjourned the meeting at 6:28 p.m.
Please note: The photos for Employee of the Month and Supervisor of the Quarter will be published in next week’s edition.