SCTSRPC Meeting Minutes

SCTSRPC Meeting Minutes September 23, 2008

Meeting called to order by President Kathy Palmer at 2:03 PM.

Commissioners in attendance: Kathy Palmer, Susann Baker, Ralph Gerhardt, Larry Wiley

Commissioners absent: Mary Jo Dylla, Judge Marvin Quinney

Citizens present: John Long, Marty Wernle, Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Hild, Jim Burgin, State Representative Joe Farias, Julianna Gonzaba

Several additional citizens were on hand under the misconception that our meeting was being held to discuss a new route for the TTC-35. Misinformation was apparently posted in an unknown news article.

Minutes from the August 27, 2008, meeting were reviewed and approved.

During “citizens to be heard” portion, Mr. Harvey Hild expressed concern to the commission that the terminology used regarding “whether or not” to extend invitations to other cities/organizations to join our commission should be to absolutely invite them and to do otherwise would be a mistake on our part.

President Palmer expressed that we are moving slowly until we find our own footing and then our intent is to invite other to join us. After some discussion, invitations will be extended to the following: Guadalupe County, the city of Elmendorf, and the city of Marion as well as the Marion School Board

Discussion regarding the proposed by-laws was opened. President Palmer said she made the necessary changes to fit the scope and intent of our commission. A motion was made and seconded to accept the amended by-laws. The vote was unanimous and the by-laws were accepted.

Still no response from TXDOT regarding our coordination letter at this time. However, a letter has been received notifying us that Mr. Mario Medina is our new district Engineer. President Palmer indicated she would contact Mr. Medina with a deadline of September 30, 2008, to respond before further correspondence to TxDOT would be sent.

President Palmer said that the Stewards of the Range organization was setting up a November meeting with all nine commissions in Texas. She plans to try to attend the workshop at least for one day. A meeting was held with AACOG (Alamo Area Council of Governments) after the August SCTSRPC meeting to discuss the possible duplicity of efforts between their organization and our 391 commission. The meeting was held with Ms Gloria Arriega, Executive Director, Mayor Dylla, and Kathy Palmer. The concern was that the newly created RPO (Regional Planning Organization) would conflict with the mission of our 391 commission. The RPO is made up of County Judges and is funded by TxDOT. St. Hedwig is covered by the municipal MPO and there is not conflict with the 391 commission which was created to protect our interests as communities when dealing with TxDOT issues.

It was discussed and approved by the Commission that the order of invitations to join the SCTSRPC would be to Guadalupe County first, then the City of Marion, then Marion ISD if needed, and finally to Elmendorf. President Palmer would be extending the invitations.

Announcements: None

Agenda for next meeting: Extending Invitations to local school districts, water districts, or cities into the commission Response from TxDOT on coordination letter Any actions from other 391 commissions around the state

Next Meeting: October 29, 2008, 2PM, St Hedwig City Hall

Adjournment: Approximately 2:32

Respectfully submitted by: Susann Baker