Anderson Town Hall approves new roof

BY EMMA CAMPBELL

Examiner Intern

ANDERSON – Anderson Town Hall is receiving a new roof after aldermen unanimously awarded the bid to America’s Choice Roofing.

The winning bid of $20,980.66, was one of three bids presented to aldermen at the regularly scheduled council meeting Thursday, Aug. 11. Other bidders included Aggieland Roofing and Grandchamp Roofing LLC. The possibility of adding gutters and downspouts will be discussed in the future. Alderman Marc Benton abstained from the vote due to a personal project with ACR. Mayor Karen McDuffi e attended the meeting via Zoom call.

Proposed 2022 Tax Rate and FY23 Budget Workshop There was a review over the possibility of lowering or raising the current tax rate, but council decided not to propose changes at the moment. The rate is currently just over 15-cents. This passed with 4-0 in favor of no-change. The item will be back under review during the budget workshop, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m.

Wastewater Report

Big Wastewater Company reported six violations, four resolved and two in the process of being resolved. One of these includes a request for the pond liner certificate and the other is temperatures and drought affecting samples from the pond.

Salvage Yard Compliance Proposal

Jerome Pasket spoke at the meeting about the Salvage Yard ordinance, an agenda item that was tabled at the July 14 meeting when Pasket was not in attendance. Pasket owns property at 353 Main Street. Town ordinance requires an 8-foot fence around the perimeter of a salvage yard, but Pasket constructed a 6-foot tall fence around the perimeter of the property. The proposal stated every 8-foot fence Pasket found for a salvage yard is made of metal, which is not as aesthetically pleasing as the fence he constructed.

Pasket raised concerns of the temporary privacy fence not having any real benefits. There were concerns expressed by council about being able to see the Salvage Yard from Highway 90 over an 8 ft fence. Jerome asked the council for 60 days to finish gathering bids and planning. This request was granted. There is still work being done towards a beneficial and efficient outcome for everyone.

Abatement Procedures

Council discussed prioritization of vacant properties for abatement. They voted to move forward with the abatement process for the “Harbour House,” 348 N. Main Street in Anderson. According to Council, the home is an abandoned residence that has received numerous complaints from the community.

Road Update

A road work update from Harry Walker said it will take about two more weeks to finish the first course seal. The section on College Street has been delayed for ongoing activities. After this, work will begin on the second course seal and is estimated paving will continue into October.

Custodian resigns

Council accepted the resignation of the current custodian. Details of job duties to include in the job posting were discussed. The job opening will be posted to the city website, www.andersontx.gov.