Centerville City Council sets hearing date for proposed annexation

City Council members John Franks and Tammy Mason at Thursday night’s council meeting. Sherry’s Shots In an unusually long city council meeting Thursday, August 6, the Council agreed to set times for two public hearings as one more step in the process of allowing KTR, managed by John Tuma, to annex land for building a subdivision on Highway 7 at CR 200. Hearings were set for Tuesday September 1, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. The hearings allow the general public to voice their opinions about the proposed annexation. Following the hearings, if the City Council agrees to proceed, the next step will be for Tuma to provide a detailed plat of his plans for the property.

The meeting began with public comments which allow four minutes per person. Rebecca Frohmuth, from the Centerville Economic Development Board was present to discuss a question concerning a bid for lawn service of a city area. Mayor N. R. Goolsby advised Frohmuth that CED funds were to be used for Economic Development and should not be used for property maintenance.

Marilyn Johnson, a Centerville resident, was present to ask the Council to consider building a “splash pad” similar to the one in Shelly Pate Park in Buffalo. Johnson said she and other mothers take their kids to Buffalo at least once a week and she feels it would be a wonderful benefit to the community to have a splash pad in Centerville. Mayor Goolsby said it sounded like a good idea and the Council would take the proposal into consideration.

Laura Bloss with Texas Municipal League, insurance provider for Centerville City employees, discussed the rerate for the upcoming year. City employees will see a 6% decrease in premiums and retired employees’ rates will increase by 5%. Councilman Bobby Walters requested a look at other options that might be available, possibly a greater deductable for the employee, which would lower the City’s cost. Bloss advised that a change such as Walters suggested should take place at the beginning of the calendar year because of the way the deductibles are figured. She also said that a plan could be changed at anytime, thereby permitting the proposed plan to be effective but allowing a change at a later date if the Council so chooses. The Council approved the current rate but agreed to look at other options.

The Council reviewed and approved a draft for Building Ordinances provided by City Attorney Charley Johnson. The Ordinance discusses substandard structures and minimum building standards. Complaints by any citizen would go to the Utilities Director who would refer it to the City Council for a hearing. The Council would make the decision if the structure is in violation and allow 30 to 90 days to make repairs or corrections.

One of the primary reasons for the new City Building Ordinance is the apartment complex which burned last year. The structure was empty when it burned and has set in disrepair since that time, creating a possible safety and health hazard. The Ordinance will provide a tool to force property owners, such as this one, to do what is necessary for the good of the community.

The Council unanimously nominated Dewayne Bell to serve on the Leon County Central Appraisal District Board of Directors.

The 2009 Appraisal Roll was set for the 2009 City Tax Roll. The Council voted to adopt the suggested roll back rate of .288766 for the City of Centerville tax rate. According to City Secretary Lindsie Wood this represents a 1.6% decrease but since appraisal values have increased the City will see a slight increase in taxes collected. A special meeting date will be held on August 20th at 7:00 p.m. to approve this rate.

The 2009/2010 annual budget, employee time sheets and last month’s meeting minutes were approved.

The Council went into Executive Session to consider employee raises for 2009/2010. The Council agreed to give full time employees a raise of $100.00 per month.