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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING August 3, 2010

The Waelder City Council met for their regular monthly meeting on August 3, 2010 at Waelder City Hall. Those present were Mike Harris, Robert Tovar, Annie Jackson and Becky Ayala (Absent: Dora Ramirez). Mayor Roy Tovar did preside.

The meeting was called to order and quorum was established.

A motion was made by Mike Harris to approve the minutes, with a second by Robert Tovar. The vote was unanimous and the motion was passed.

A motion was made by Annie Jackson to approve the payment of the bills, with a second by Robert Tovar. The vote was unanimous and the motion was passed.

A motion was made by Mike Harris to approve financial reports, with a second by Becky Ayala. The vote was unanimous and the motion was passed.

Open Forum:
Oscar Melchor spoke for Felipe Bracamontes about pitbulls caged in his property. Oscar had pictures of the dogs and the cage in Mr. Bracamontes property. Chief Stamps did speak to Mr. Bracamontes on an aftertnoon. The following morning Chief Stamps did notice that the dogs were fed and had water. Chief Stamps said “The dogs did have a smell. The dogs are living in garbage cans. Mr. Bracamontes has lived in his property for 3 years. Chief Stamps, “What steps are needed to get the problem resolve?” Chief Stamps stated that Mr. Bracamontes needs to file civil action in court of law to get the dogs removed. Becky stated “I do believe in the legal statutes, it states that once the dogs have been on his property longer than 12 months, they become his property; what he chooses to do with the dogs, that’s up to him. She would like to get this resolved as soon as possible. I’ll take this step and I’ll call the attorney tomorrow and get this solved and done.
Kenneth Prince (D.A.V. Development) is a Build Estate Developer. I identify areas that would need a Family Dollar or other different Businesses. For example: In Gerald, Texas, a 9 acre property there was a contract to put a grocery store, Family Dollar Store and other different stores. He notice one day that he was passing through that this city didn’t have a General Dollar Store or anything else like that and went back to look at the demographics and it didn’t show much. I ask this young lady here, to go ahead and pull me some demographics base upon the factories and people that come into this city and work here everyday. It doesn’t cost the city anything to provide me with these demographics. I will put a book together to let the investors know about this area and a need for a General Dollar Store. This will bring in more taxes to the city and more income. In Martindale, there was a General Dollar Store just built there. General Dollar Stores are not just being built in Texas. The investors will rather purchase than lease this business for 20 to 30 years. The other store that I also, deal with is a grocery store name Brookshire Brothers. The Brookshire Brothers is a little different. The grocery store will be located in an area with an average income. I am leaving a book with information and what is needed for businesses like the General Dollar Store. This usually takes a year or so.

A motion was made by Mike Harris to do the In-kind/Force Account services for the installation of the sidewalks, driveway, tree removal, by the City Crew; Chief Stamps and his staff by securing the houses and is investigating the theft of property from the houses, since the project is being funded by Federal Funds (this is a serious matter that the State and Federal agency would like to have investigated) and Avery post keep out signs on the houses, attempt to remove metal carport on 309 NW 1stand wooden stairway, doors and other furnishing on 211 N. Main could serve a public use with a second by Annie Jackson. The vote was unanimous and the motion was passed.

A motion was made by Mike Harris to record that there will be no appliances purchased for the new houses with a second by Becky Ayala. The vote was unanimous and the motion was passed.

The Council convened to Executive Session at 7:37 p.m. according to Texas Government Code Section 551.074; Personnel Matters; Hiring Police Department Personnel

The Council reconvened to open session at 7:47 p.m.
A motion was made by Annie Jackson with a second by Mike Harris to hire Austin Shiloh Harper for the City of Waelder Police Department at a salary of $33,000/yr. And Jimmy Loer as a Unpaid Reserve Officer. The vote was unanimous and the motion was passed.

A motion was made by Robert Tovar to adjourn with a second by Becky Ayala. The vote was unanimous and the motion was passed.