Term Limit Inititive

The following was sent out as a press release this morning.  I will be blogging more on this issue in the coming weeks.  

     Gonzales has successfully spoken once in a ground root effort on how they want to operate, and now a second ground root initiative is started up for Term Limits on elected office in the city government.  The initiative is for an 8 year limit on any one position within the city government and 12 years total elected service and reads as follows:

     No person shall be eligible to hold the office of mayor or city council for more than four full terms, nor hold a total of more than of six terms in combined elected office, and shall not be placed on the ballot for election to any term if service for the full term would constitute a violation hereof.

     We want to stress that currently elected officials term time would not start until this initiative was passed by the voters, so the current mayor and councilmen would be eligible to continue to serve for 8 more years in their current position. 

     Currently there is no time limit on council members or mayor.  The supporters of this initiative believe that the 8 years is more than enough time to get things accomplished on city council.  We know it takes a year or so to learn the ropes, and then things start getting accomplished by the council.  After that it gives the council member plenty of time to get their agenda accomplished.  It’s our belief that after to much time on the council that people have a tendency to get a bit complacent and it shows by our current condition of downtown and the infrastructure. 

     We need approximately 250 signatures, and are shooting to get them into the city secretary by April 15^th so they can go on the current ballot, and no special election is needed.  Once the signatures are verified by the city secretary the council has the right to approve the amendment without it going to voters, or sending it to be voted on by the voters. 

     Petitions will be available throughout town in businesses and several individuals will be going door to door with the petition.

     Remember that your signature just puts the measure on the ballot.  It does not mean that it will pass, and your support at the ballot box will be needed too if you are in support of it. 

     If you are interested in helping get petitions signed or for more information on this initiative please contact Dennis Nesser at 672-6869 or info@90asign.com.  

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Rumor Mill

I wish to kill some rumors. These are from some of the phone calls and visits I've had over the last week.

1) I'm not suing the city or David Huseman
2) I have not had a meeting with the chief of police, Jackie Williamson, and Charles Windwehem.  Hasn't happened.

I have spoken with Mr. Windwehem after a city council meeting, at the council chambers, thanking him for taking on this role in our time of need, and for doing such a great job of bringing things out in the open.

I have spoken with Ms Williamson, again at the council chambers, directly after a council meeting, the first time, a week after Mr. Huseman was fired,  over the $66,766 check and in my words reminding her that she worked for the people of Gonzales, and the second time, after the last council meeting,  to make arrangements for her to look at a term limit document (yes, remember term limits) to be presented to the public so we can get it on the ballet.  No other issues have been discussed.

I have purposely been absent on certain issues and it's been for a reason.  Not to let them fall by the way side, nor let individuals slip through the cracks, but to make sure that loop holes are all filled, and ducks all line up. 

If you have a question about my activities, I'm pretty easy to find.  Most know I eat breakfast every Friday morning about 8 at the Rodeo Restaurant.  I'm listed in the phone book.  I have the only chalkboard I know of posted on the back of a fence, my fence, and will answer the door if you come knocking.  And if you'd like you can email me at txbigden1 at yahoo.com (putting it this way keeps bots from picking up your email address on websites). 

For those of you who disagree with my politics, I'm okay with that.  As I've posted on my blog main page, as long as we can do it respectfully I'm appreciative of the challenge. I don't mind being questioned on the facts.  Keeps me honest.  Maybe when you see some of the facts you'll change your mind.  Maybe I haven't looked at it from another angle, and you'll give me that view point.  It's how we learn and grow. 

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

We have to pay the piper...

So we're done with the budget....at least for the moment.  I'm thinking there still could be a few adjustments to the budget before the year is up. 

But I wanted to let you know where we stand.  Mind you for a year I've been saying we're spending to much!  It's simple math.  More goes out then comes in and we are operating in the red.  Well for fiscal year 2011 we are BUDGETING $400,000 in the hole.  We're already over $2,000,000 in the hole from the last 2 years, and we're still paying for the promises made by the previous city manager.  So why are we having to budget $400,000 in the hole?

Of that $225,000 is going to the expansion of JB Wells to build 90+ slots.  Additionally the 2 projects, St. George and a sewer project in district 4 (that is needed) is several hundred thousand..

Now St. George has been mismanaged since day one.  It was inappropriately brought up to the council, and what the council was presented with was not what they got.  Another words they thought they were getting a turn key project, start to finish, not part one of a multi-part project.  The project is needed, but now the cost has gone many times over the initial amount the council voted for.  The compromise between business owners and the city saving the city $200,000 will make the street look nice and get it finished finally.

I personally am interested in seeing how the JB Wells expansion is going to work.  For the first time since we've started JB Wells (or at least this is my understanding) we are being billed for the primary lines coming in.  The cost to us for these primaries?  $150,000 + $10,000 for engineering.  I'm EXTREMELY excited to think that our city is going to pull off putting the rest of the slots together for a mere $677 each.  Because ALL that was budgeted for the entire project was $225,000.  We're watching this one closely. 

We still have the operations of JB Wells that will make a profit this year, but I'm betting without the trailers we would not.  We CAN NOT keep doing business this way, and must learn to get this under control while we can.   I have recommended to several of the council members that a non-binding committee needs to be formed that looks at the processes of JB Wells and come back to the council in 3 months with recommendations for them to implement if they feel like they would help. I believe that you take 4-5 business men to look at the operations down there and you'll turn that place around in no time. 

Our pet control is $150,000.  PET CONTROL!!!  No other city of our size spend more than $40-50k.  Victoria spends $150,000 for their zoo.  Not us, we spend it for cat control.  Lots of rumors, and I don't know if they are true or not, but bottom line is this budget item is way out of proportion for our size town and budget. 

Now a couple of other things have happened.  No more will a handshake be a contract with the city.  To many promises were being made that there are no records of, yet we have bills for.  Museum work, work in the square, etc etc etc all was promised payment and yet we don't have even a Purchase Order for them. It's NOT the proper way to do business.  So I'm thrilled to hear we are changing this in our city procedures. 

Did you know that prior to last night the city manager had NO authority to enter into ANY contract for the city?  WOW!  And yet...oh this is to easy...you know who did it time and time again.  Last night the city council authorize the city manager to enter into contracts for budgeted items up to $25,000.  Anything over that had to have specific city council approval. 

So we're still paying for the sins of the past.  And we have best get a few of these items under control or next year we will be looking at serious tax increases and or serious reduction in services.  I think we are on the right track, but there is still plenty of work to do.  It's not over yet. 

I do want to give kudos to the city works department. I've seen more work accomplished in the last 2 weeks than I have in the last year.  I'm not blaming the department, I'm blaming the manager that wasn't directing them properly.  But it's nice to see things working AND GETTING DONE! Nice job guys!!!

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

New Way of Business

Wow, what a city council meeting!!! For the first time in years I saw an open and honest meeting happen in our city council.  I saw the city manager come forward and say, "we have some issues that need to be addressed, and I believe these are decisions you need to make, not me as the city manager." WOW!!! What a change in the way business is done.

I heard about $28,000 in funds for Friends of Gonzales overspent in their contract.  I heard where we needed to make adjustments of $125,000 for the weather station to be place at the airport.  I heard that the museum work done for phase one wasn't paid for, even though the work was authorized and completed.  I heard what was going on in the city from code enforcement, and the city engineer.  WOW!!!

I also heard from Mr. Windwehen that our credit card usage procedure needs to be reviewed and changed.  That no more business is done with a handshake, but through a contract that has been approved by the city lawyer and properly signed by all parties.  That all financial transactions and money handling have checks and balances, receipts, etc to prevent potential fraud.  That the city council will start receiving a monthly report of actual vs budgeted for all departments.  WOW!!!

WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! We have a man in the position right now that understands (and he even said this), that this needs to be run like a business and appropriately.  WOW!!!

I walked out of this city council meeting not happy that FOG has no repercussions for over spending, especially in tight times like this for the animal shelter, and I wish the council had allowed the money to come out of their 2011 budget, but honestly this was a meeting I felt like will put this city back on track with open and honesty. 

I spoke to one city employee after the meeting who told me he can't express how relieved he is to work for someone who is doing things correctly, and he can be proud of his work again.  We have a leader to be proud of who is leading this city in a professional, honest and open manner.  I see our department managers that are answering questions to the council, and honestly I think they are stepping up and are looking like department managers instead of a figure head.  WOW!!!

Gonzales, if ever there was hope, it's right now!  I heard a song the other day at church "Greater things are yet to come, greater things are yet to be done in this city"...AMEN!  AMEN! AMEN! (Chris Tomlins - God of this City)


Thank you Mr. Windwehen for coming to Gonzales in these dark times and be a shining light. 

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Budgets and Council Meeting

This will be short.  I'm working on a couple of things, but do not have everything to back them up yet. 

But I did want to remind everyone today is the Public Meeting for the Budget.  If you have any input NOW is the time to say something or you just better hold your peace.  It's kind of like voting, you don't vote, don't bitch.  You don't get involved then you can't expect to do anything but pay higher taxes.  Pretty simple. 

It is also the monthly city council meeting.  It starts at 6 and I would expect it would be over by 7:30.  Let's not only fill up the chambers, but feel free to speak for or against anything you feel passionate about. 

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

PS - Saturday (8 - 11) the Boy Scouts will have a pancake breakfast at St. James church.  Cost is $4 for all you can eat pancakes and a scoop of eggs.  $2.50 of each ticket goes to helping a boy make it to camp.  Because of the generosity of so many, most of the kids have paid at least 1/2 of their way to camp, some have paid it all.  We thank those who have already purchased tickets.  We will have to-go plates, and yes, you can purchase tickets at the door. - God Bless

So now what

I have been watching the last 2 weeks as the budget workshops have been going on.

I've also been going through the packet of paperwork I have received, and sorted through other things that have been coming my way.

First, in fairness to all I have a copy of the Mayflower invoice in my possession, and it is from Colorado to Gonzales.  It's for 14,000 lbs of household goods.

The payment to Borrer Electric Services stems from a failed inspection (I have the copy of that too) and that DH (David Huseman) authorized for payment.  After speaking with other city managers (2 of them) both of them stated that they would of turned it into insurance company for indication as to where or not they felt there was any liability, if not they wouldn't pay, if it didn't exceed the deductible they would of paid. While I'm certain this didn't exceed our deductible I'm also certain DH determined that it was easier for you and I to pay than to pack up our Code Enforcement. 

The rest of the package I'm going to have to defer on for right now.  I'm having to get some guidance from those more those who understand the laws better than I do.  I will update you later on those.

As for the budget. Let me start out by saying that JB Wells lost $16,069.46 if you don't take into account trailer rentals in the month of January.  On top of that we want to expand JB Wells by 91 slots at a cost of $225,000 (plus city labor).  So at this rate JB Wells will cost the city of Gonzales $425,000+ this year.  That's COST us dang near a half a million dollars.  (Entire JB Wells breakdown for January will be at the bottom of this blog)


Look I'll say it again, we have JB Wells, it's not going away. But to continue to throw good money after bad is just plain stupid! Why haven't we as a city taken the appropriate action to fix these problems? Why don't we have a committee that is looking into processes and procedures to rectify this issue.  So now yo and I will all be paying $75 each for every man, woman and child for the privilege of....of.....heck I'm not sure what privilege I can exaggerate and say here.  But I know that means my house hold is responsible for $450 this year and I haven't even been out to the arena in years.  So yeah, I'm not happy.


I also want to know why are we paying Friends of Gonzales Animal Shelter over $4000 a month? It was my understanding they were given a building and the city would pay utilities, but that the shelter was to be at no cost to our paying citizens.  Instead our cats are being treated for diabetes, fed the best food out there, and treated like royalty while our city is trying to maintain the most basic of services to our citizens.

Included in this years budget is $300,000 in transferring funds and $100,000 in reduction of the General Fund. That's $400,000 down, and yet we're throwing $425,000+ to the arena and $50,000 to the cats. Let me see, $400,000 in the hole, and almost $500,000 wasted. $400,000 in the hole, $500,000 wasted. Nope I don't see any way to make a difference at all.

Look, I don't expect JB Wells to make us millions.  I do expect it to carry it's own.  If that loss was $1,500 a month I wouldn't blink an eye.  But we can't keep $20k a month in losses out there, we MUST plug the leaks!

There are other areas of the budget I don't get.  I don't understand how we can see an actual amount of revenue this year, and expect a 40% increase (or more) next year in any one area with the one exception of Trailer Space Rentals, which I expect to go up $400,000 or better this year.

Again, not against JB Wells, just want it managed like we have a $400,000+ deficit in our budget and we have to watch every penny that is issued.  Look over the entire breakdown of January 2011 JB Wells report at the bottom.

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

J.B. Wells Park Financial Report

January, 2011

INCOME:

                Arena Fees                                                                   5,502.00

                Horse Stall Rental                                                         6,960.00

                Woodshavings Sales                                                      4,190.00

                Concessions                                                                  7,405.58

                Table Rental                                                                      20.00

                                                                                                   ________

                Gross Income                                                                                                        24,077.58

EXPENSES:

                Payroll                                                                        18,744.48

                Uniforms, etc.                                                                    87.18

                Office Supplies                                                                 114.58

                Fuel                                                                                  837.11

         Maintenance

        Buildings                                                                                   170.62

                Grounds                                                                         1,619.16

                Vehicles                                                                            166.15

                Equipment                                                                     3,203.72

         Telephone:

                                Landline                                                              96.39

                                Cell                                                                   129.07

                Misc.                                                                                   16.50

         Concessions:

                                Supplies                                                           4,649.81

                Woodshavings                                                                 4,860.00

                Utilities:     Field Services                                                2,623.23

                                 Arena                                                             2,282.56

                                 Practice Arena                                                  541.48

                Break (Hot Choc.)                                                                 5.00

                                                                                                    ________

                                Total Expenses                                                                                     40,147.04

                                Net Loss                                                                                             ( 16,069.46 )

R.V. RENTAL SITES:

Income                                                                                                    34,207.00

 Expenses:

                                Utilities                                                        4,454.48

                                Misc.                                                               131.78

                                                                                                      _______

                                Total Expenses                                                                                       4,586.26

                                                                                                                                           ___________

                                Net Profit (RV Sites)                                                                             29.620.74

                                Net Profit or (Loss)                                                                              13,551.28               

Note:   1)  Labor was compiled in report but not broken down and some of labor may need to be applied to other parks.

            2)  A percentage of vehicle and equipment repair may need to be allocated to other parks         

            2)  No explanation on field services for electrical payment under utilities  

                               

                                                                                                   

Detente?

So once again a city council meeting came and went and again I spoke of workings of our city council and how they needed to be open and honest to the taxpaying citizens of Gonzales.  Did it do any good?  I doubt it.

Unfortunately I was not able to stay for all the budget meeting discussions because of prior commitment to Boy Scouts and the induction of 6 fine young boys into Boy Scouts from Webelos.  These boys have worked hard to earn their place next to their older brothers and I needed to be a part of that day.

But I did swing by after the clean up to see if the budget meeting was still going on.  It appeared that everyone was just getting out so I stopped to see what had happened.  I understand there is a lot of work still to be done, but that the managers and the new interim city manager will be working on that today.

But as that was going on the mayor stepped out of the city building.  As he was shaking someone else hand I reached out to shake his hand and he shook it and we started talking.  Now I have to say that about this time I watched the faces of those around us.  There was fear of lightening strikes.  There was fear of instantaneous explosions.  No one came close to the two of us.  As a matter of fact I watched people, both supporters of the mayor, and those who don't support him, walk out of the city building and walk as far away from the two of us standing there as possible.  As for the lightening or explosions, it just didn't happen. 

The mayor told me that I was right that the citizens of Gonzales did deserve some answers to some questions and that Jackie (city attorney) was working on getting those answers. I in turn reminded the mayor that regardless of the intent, the appearance of secrecy creates and element of mistrust of our city government, and especially after the events of the last couple of years we (read 'the city') needs to go out of its way to be open and honest with the citizens to gain the respect and bring us back together.  I reminded him that the voter fraud started a lot of the mistrust that is in this city, and that it will take a lot to get it back.

We agreed that the new interim city manager should be good for the city, and that our city is going to struggle with this years budget, that this is not the time for expansion of city projects when we have a million dollar deficit in the budget. 

We spoke about the JB Wells, our downtown and some of the other issues that have come up over the last year to include Mr. Huseman.

I reminded the mayor of the time I invited him into my house and we sat around my dinner table as he met my wife.  This was only 2 short elections ago. And that the disappointments I had in him we probably greater because of the support I had given him in the past.

Did we get anything accomplished?  Probably not. But let me tell you what we did do, and what needs to be done throughout Gonzales right now.  For those 20-30 minutes, we talked to each other.  We listened to each other.  We acknowledge that both of us have room to give, and neither of us are perfect, nor do either of us have all the answers.  There was a moment of detente as we spoke.  Neither of us raise our voices about a thing.  Neither of us called the other a name.  Neither of us said the other didn't know what they were talking about.  Neither of us were trying to slam the other person.

I have said before and I'll say it again, there are some issues in this town that have polarized the citizens.  JB Wells and  Mr. Husemans firing are the biggest two, but think about the animal control issue.  We have a historic homes issue before us now.  And there are others.

I will be the first to admit I'm pretty black and white, not much gray in what I see.  But I don't take it personally when someone disagrees with me.

Point and case, I work out most every weekday morning with a group of guys that disagreed with me over the Huseman issue.  These are guys I respect but we disagree on this issue.  I'm not going to not speak with them because of it.  We are going to work together to make sure the next time something comes up we talk more and hash out things before hand.  But we respect each other enough to not allow that to get into the way of the betterment of the city.

The mayor told me last night what is done is done, it's time to move on.  I can't agree more.  This city has to much work ahead of it to dwell on this issue or to let it tear us apart as a city.  We're to small, to close, to much family to not move on.

So were any minds changed last night? Again probably not, but in that moment of detente we were at least talking and listening, somehow I think the entire city council needs the same detente, and honestly that a town hall meeting or two where we could get some of this in the open would be in order.  Respectfully hearing it all, and respectfully considering what the other side has to say.  Who knows, there might be some 3rd options that we can agree on when both sides are heard.

So what's next? I don't know, but I know that today we've got a start, a handshake, and a thought process started.  I'd love to know what the mayor was thinking when he left our meeting, but I have to believe it was similar to what I was thinking.

We really do have one of the best little towns around.  We have so much untapped potential, and so much room for positive growth.  We right now have a great opportunity with the oil boom to help make some improvements in the next couple of years if we manage it all properly.  Let's not waste these opportunities, and let's move forward in the most positive manner possible.

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Doesn't Add Up

So things are still not adding up, and I'm just as lost as ever.  Let me start at the bottom of the board and work my way up. 

Check 88321 - $421.30 - The amount paid to Borrer Electric Services for work performed  at 215 Smith Street.  The Location is owned not by the city but by Suzy Hicks.  The invoice #2391 is ok'd by DH.  Why is the city paying for a private citizens bill? 

Reimburstment for $9185.52 to pay for moving expenses for Mr. Huseman, not in March 2008 when he moved here, but December 2010 for a move in November 2010.  Now his contract said he was suppose to be here with in 1 month of the contract, so why would we be paying for any amounts in 2010?  Not only does this not add up, but the fact that his ex-wife moved about that time is in the least suspicious.  It still doesn't add up why he got reimbursed for a move almost 3 years after he moved here.  Unethical is the least of it.  But is it criminal?  I have requested through Freedom of Information Act the detailed invoice from the city.  This reimbursement went against city policy for reimbursement, and yet we paid it.  The city needs to IMMEDIATELY submit a disputed charge.  If it is not for Mr. Husemans stuff from Colorado to Gonzales, then we do not owe Mayflower.  If it is, then we don't owe it.  Either way we are not responsible for a 3 year old move.

$66766.50 - Mr. Husemans final paycheck breaks down as follows:

Pay increase retroactive to April 1, 2010 - $88,842.00
Current Salary                                      - $85,000.00
                                                                 ------------
                                                                3,842.00

Retroactive Pay 4/1/10 - 1/21/11                                 - $3,115.70
Current Payperiod (7 days @ $42.71/hr)                      - $2,391.76

Termination and Severance Pay
6 Months of Salary @ $7,403.50 per month               - $44,421.00
Travel Allowance for 6 Months                                   -  $ 3,000.00
Vacation Accrued from 3/31/08 to 1/31/2011
     @ $42.71 (340 Hours less 16 hours used)             - $13,838.04
                                                                                    -------------
Gross Pay                                                               - $66,766.50

Health Benefits will be provided at City Expense under Cobre for the next 6 months.

So let's start with the easy question.  Who the heck gets a pay raise after they were fired?  Especially after 2 councilmen submitted a 'no step promotion' evaluation, and a 3rd didn't turn one in.  So there could NOT have been a majority vote for a step promotion on the council.  And honestly a pay raise two days AFTER you get fired?  Mayor, it sure sounds like you're pushing your ethics just a bit don't you think?  Let's jab one more time at the 3 council members that voted out your henchman?  I want to hear how this good christian man (cause that's all I hear from the Mayors supporters is what a good christian man he is), could unethically if not illegally signed a check that granted a pay raise that was not authorized by the city council? A copy of this check with the Mayors signature was also asked for in the FOIA request along with any documentation that granted Mr. Cavaso the right to give that pay raise. 

Then comes the travel allowance of 6 months.  I understand if his contract granted Mr. Huseman 6 months pay, but 6 months travel after he's left the employment of the city?  Really?  $3,000 for travel that will not occur for the city?  How can we in any way shape or form justify that expense?

In 3 years here Mr. Huseman missed 2 days of work?  Maybe my memory is bad, but seems to me he took time to go move his family down to Gonzales.  I also can't believe in 3 years he didn't take any time off.  You know if anyone could put Mr. Huseman not at work for more than those 16 hours, it's falsifying government documents.  

Mr. Husemans contract and termination salary is based upon his performance and actions.  The mayor circumvented the taxpayers opportunity to insure we were treated fairly.  I want to stress, I figured that Mr. Huseman would get his $44k, but a payraise, travel, and 340 hours of vacation? Btw, the Mayor attempted to get additional sick leave paid against city policy and Mr. Cavaso held firm, thank goodness!

We need to call in the Texas Rangers and perform a forensic audit. The Rangers are there for purposes like this.  They will do one of 2 things.  1) clear the name of those in question, 2) make sure justice is done, and charges filed if there were wrong doings without local bias or pressure.  The forensic audit will trace money that is in question.  Moneys from the JB Wells, Money internally like the 9K+ charge, etc. will be traced.  Again, either to clear up these matters or to allow us to recoup or money through criminal charges or civil suits. 

We the citizens of Gonzales deserve real answers to these questions.  I'm wondering how many more question are there, and we just don't know them yet. 

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

4 Mins

Tonights city council meeting didn't even last 5 minutes.  It was an embarrassment of a city meeting.

There were 4 items on the agenda. 

1. Call to Order.
2. Discuss Interim City Manager
3. Discuss and Consider Budget Amendments to the 2010 budget.
4. Adjourn.

Two of the items were to start and end the meeting, so 2 items left. 

The first didn't have any action item to it, so even if they did want to they couldn't vote on it. 

The second item was not prepared for by the city financial person, we are waiting for info from an engineer. 

It took longer to set up the extra chairs for the citizens who showed up then it did for the meeting to happen. Additionally the City Secretary failed to put public comments on the agenda, and left the Gonzales Cannon off as a public source. 

How disrespectful to the room full of citizens that came out to support the city.  So now we have a Friday night meeting at 6:30 PM.  Really? Because no one ever has anything to do on a Friday night now do they?  I know I have one scouting event, and one church event scheduled for that night.  But I'll be there.

I know that they plan on considering hiring the city manager from Victoria.  I honestly don't know, as I haven't seen his resume, or hear anything about him.  I do know he's been city manager for 37 years which is better than what we've had in a long time.

Personally I think we need to take care of some issues inside the city before we get there.  We need to find out about dropped investigations, we need answers to to many questions that only the council can get, we need to understand where we are financially (how can you know what we can pay someone if you don't know what you have to spend?), they need to know what Gregs Computers was doing at the City Managers office last week with the mayor and Mr. Huseman.  And that's just the start. 

Several of the points of Mr. Husemans $66766.50 check has several questionable items on it.  I can't believe in 3 years Mr. Huseman never took a day of vacation, and that we keep vacation for 3 years.  Most companies have a 1 year, use it or lose it policy.  I can't believe 3 years later we are paying for Mr. Huseman to move TO Gonzales.  I can't believe we are paying him 6 months of travel after he was fired.  I can't believe that when at least 2 city council members turned in their evaluation with a NO to a step increase, and the 3rd didn't turn his in yet (that makes it 2-2 vote)  that the mayor can take it upon himself to give retroactive to 4/10 a 3% pay raise.  Where are the answers? 

Come on Mayor, doesn't the city of Gonzales deserve honest answers? 

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

It was so much more

Ever since the City Council meeting on Tuesday night I've heard a lot of conversations about the firing of Mr. Huseman.  The misconceptions, the rumors, the ....the lack of facts.

So here are a few.

Again today I confirmed with several of the city council members that there is no agenda for Steve Hendershot in any way shape or form to be appointed interim or permanent city manger.  I don't know where those rumors started, and anything I say would in itself be a rumor.  So take that for face value, Mr. Hendershot is NOT, repeat NOT going to be our city manager.

The lack of communication mentioned by both Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Schurig is not something that happened last week, but something that has continued over the course of a year.   The City of Gonzales - Code of Ordinances list the following:


Section 4.01.A - "The city council shall appoint a city manager who shall be the chief administrative and executive officer of the city and shall be responsible to the city council for the administration of all the affairs of the city."


Section 4.01.C.4, under City Manager - Duties list "Keep the city council advised of the financial condition and future needs of the city and make such recommendations as may seem desirable." and

Section 4.01.C.5 reads "Perform such duties as may be prescribed by this charter or may be required of him/her by the city council, not inconsistent with this charter."

I have heard about Mr. Huseman being at plenty of meetings throughout the city last night.  Problem is that Mr. Huseman wasn't tasked by the city council to do many of those thing.  Some of them come in the nature of the job, I understand, but Mr. Huseman has been given direction as to the way the council wanted to operate in matters at JB Wells, in matters concerning roads and infrastructure in Gonzales, to make getting grants a top priority, to explain to them why the documentation he gives them for financial monthly, which have changed since he had taken over, can't be made heads or tales of, and why the numbers don't jive when you try to add them all up.

A month after being told we are not going to expand JB Wells, he signed a contract that obligated the city to pay money to, to provide labor for, and provide logo and date on many of the supplies all as part of the contract, as well as trailer slots and hotel rooms.

With that Mr. Huseman went to the individual members of GEDC asking them to go get a USDA loan that the city would pay back at a higher rate then GEDC borrowed it at.  Apparently the pulse wasn't strong enough for him to pursue it at a meeting, but he was looking to build 300 more slots, and needed to get it done in a hurry for the March rodeo.  Don't believe me? Ask any of the GEDC board members. 

Now he didn't ask the council if he could go borrow that money.  It wasn't budgeted.  It was specifically not approved, and yet he was moving forward with his agenda, not that of the council.  So how is he being following the guidance of the council?  How is he keeping the council advised of the financial future needs when the council didn't find out about it until 4 months later when the newspapers broke the news.

And don't tell me that the slots weren't promised, the promoter called city hall today asking if the 61 new slots were ready.  There was no mention of primitive camping to the promoter.  Give me a break, these are rodeo'ers with their trailers.

The council members never could get any answer other than "oh it's all taken care of" when the pictures of the dumping in the Guadalupe river was exposed.

The council was mislead on the St. George project. Not one of the council members I've spoken to had ever heard of breaking up the rebuilding of the street and sewage in 3 parts as Mr. Huseman did.  So they were shocked when he came back for more money.  They have asked him several times when is this project going to be done (they've asked at city council meetings), and it's always, it's almost done. It's time to be finished with.

GBRA came to the council 2 months ago and told the council that after 2 years of frustration they needed to be aware that projects were in jeopardy because of lack of response by Mr. Huseman to projects that the council had approved 3 years ago.  That they could not get Mr. Huseman to respond to their continued request for action.

On 2 occasions Mr. Huseman created boards (the Texas Center and JB Wells) in direct violation of the city charter.  Section 3.07.F of the Code of Ordinance gives all board creating and appointments to the city council themselves, and does not delegate those duties in any way shape or form to the city manager.

When they went to the retreat in October this topic was a major point of discussion.  They needed more information, they needed to know things that were effecting the city management and finances, they needed more timely information.  One out of three was accomplished.  The council now receives weekly updates instead of monthly.  Admittedly this was a positive.

Several of the members have asked about specific roads or issues, and get the run around time and time again.  One the council members has told me that he'll bamboozled you so bad you just don't know what to believe. 

These are just a few of the things I am aware of, and I'm not even on the council.  I have spoken with several of the council, and heard their frustrations to not be able to get things accomplished for this city.  To not be able to get accountability for the funds that were being spent. To not be able to get a handle on the losses of JB Wells, because Mr. Huseman continued to run interference.  Every one of the council members that voted Aye last night are approachable, and will listen, even when they disagree with me, they will listen and discuss the issues with me.

I know that in the coming weeks there will be more exposed on the situation.  I believe that many will go "oh I can't believe that he was involved in that, he was so nice" and once again not want to listen to the facts.  But it will come out.

Last night I heard many points of 'he's a nice guy, and he talks to us' over and over again.  Never once did I hear "he's financially responsible", "he's fixed the problems with our infrastructure", "he's directing the police/fire department in a fantastic fashion".  I didn't see one city employee come forward and say how great he is to work for, though I have seen a huge turn over in employees during his tenure in Gonzales. This is not indicative of  great leadership.  People last night wanted to make this a personal issue, and it had nothing to do with his personal self, but his business and managerial abilities.  It can not be taken personally, it was not! It was business!

Look, Mr. Huseman did things no other city manager has done in a long time (or at least before my time here).  He got out from behind his desk and went to group meetings, many of them social meetings like the Rotary, and people got to like him as a person.  Why shouldn't they?  He would listen to anyone and nod politely.

But don't confuse liking a person from liking the job he did, and remember, ultimately his job was to work for the city council.  They were his boss, and NO BOSS likes the surprises and slaps in the face that the council received time and time again by his lack of communicating to them what was going on in the city. 

Filing fees are $0 to run for city council.  Applications should be available shortly.  Run if you think the council members aren't doing the job they should be.  I don't understand why we don't have 10 people running for each position every time under the current system. There are no party lines to declare.  There are no filing fees.  Sign a couple of papers and you're running for city council.  But be ready, because regardless of whos on the council, you are going to have to face some tough issues, it comes with the job.  And you are going to have those for something, and some against.  And when they get mad, you will hear about it.  So you might think about the job these council members are doing before you chastise them to bad.

These three men were elected by the people to do the best job for Gonzales they are capable of doing.  Sometimes that means they have to make tough decisions, and these men did it.  They didn't hide from their duties.  They didn't keep sweeping the problems under the rug, hoping it would go away.  They approached it and took care of it.  God bless them for their faithfulness!

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

As a side note, you might read Dave Mundys column or Granby, Colo. or  Lawrenceburg, Tenn about Mr. Huseman have the same MO in other cities, it ultimately came down to he forgot who he worked for.

Reply to letter from the Mayor

The Mayor posted a letter to the editor on 2/3/2011 on the Gonzales Cannons Website. I have the following answer in response to that letter:

Mr. Mayor,

With all due respect I hope you can look in the mirror and see yourself in so much of what you have written. You and your faction have control this city to a point that to quote Mr. Huseman, "there is no money."

Mr. Mayor, I posted on my website (www.90asign.com) in response to someones comment asking if you'd be willing to sit down with guys like me and instead of 'hiding behind fences' bring it up front and be transparent.(Note from Dennis, I moved that response to here instead of comments)

But Mr. Mayor, if you would,  please answer  a couple of questions that I have like who authorized Mr. Husemans final paycheck with his severance pay when the city council didn't direct it. Section 3.08 of the citys code of ordinances says no member of the council can direct any employee to do anything, they can only direct the city manager to do something, so who authorized the payment?

I would ask why Mr. Huseman was in his office today with you and our city police when Mr. Huseman is no longer an employee of the city.

I would ask why Mr. Huseman was given a step promotion pay raise, retroactive to 4/2010, when at a majority of the council didn't authorize that raise?

And that's the type of secrecy and lack of transparency in just 1 day Mr. Mayor that drives me and any person who cares about how this city operates nuts.

You see Mr. Mayor, I didn't profit a dime from anything that's happened. I haven't gotten any position of authority, haven't taken (and actually refused 2 request to take) a position on a city board, I haven't gotten my road fixed so water doesn't flood my house every time it flash floods, nor have I gotten Ft. Wahl street fixed where the vehicles my tax dollars pay for travel on a daily basis. I haven't gotten answers as to why the arena (another 'faction group') can't be run without loosing money, I haven't gotten answers as to when St. George is going to be finished, do I really need to go on?

So either I'm doing a piss poor job of running 'the city from behind their fences', or I'm just not going to take your silence as an answer that I will accept. I and every other taxpayer deserve honest and open government from our city.

So Mr. Mayor, are you ready to sit down and talk? I would love to talk, and lets come up with REAL solutions to the real problems in this town. Why don't we have business downtown? How can we get JB Wells at least to a break even so we can expand the park? How are we going to attract businesses to our fair city so that we have jobs for everyone here? What are we going to do for our younger generation so they have some reason to stay in this town and help it grow? What are we going to do/how are we going to afford our infrastructure from falling apart?

I'll meet you in any public forum to discuss these and any other pertinent issues of this town. I'm ready, but it has to be transparent, honest discussion, open to anyone that wants to attend. And please don't waste my time with words with no action.

So there it is Mayor, you want to accuse with words but no backing, I'm willing to put action to my words, what about you?

Dennis Nesser
A Concerned Citizen of this great city!

A Tough Decision

As I sat in the council chambers tonight the first thing I noticed was the anguish on the faces of all that were sitting on the council bench.  The 4 councilmen, the mayor and even the city lawyer were all struggling with this issue that was basically item number one on the agenda, that of the City Managers David Husemans continued employment. 

I can tell you that not one member, not the 3 ayes, nor the 2 nays took this vote lightly.  It was serious, and they all knew that this would be a sad day for Gonzales.  Some of you are probably thinking, 'yeah right, Nesser has been after him for a year now'.  And you'd be right.  I have thought for many months now that Mr. Husemans management of our city finances and over at the arena were far less than we deserved.  In my mind he had gotten in over his head and was playing the deck out hoping he could distract us with a slight of hand instead of showing us the truth. But that doesn't mean I'm jumping up and down with joy.  I'm not, and no one in Gonzales should be!

It was a matter of business, a matter of lack of oversight, a matter of lack of courtesy, and lack of communication with those that Mr. Huseman was ultimately responsible too, and that's the city council members. Three fifth of the council felt like he refuse, even after being talked to about the matter at the city retreat in October, section 4 of the city managers job description, and further did not follow the direction they had given him in several matters.  In business world we call that insubordination and is grounds for terminations every day of the week.

I have said it before and I'll say it again, I do not know Mr. Huseman personally, and have no personal beef with him.  He's never kicked my dog, whipped my children, or anything of the sort for me to have a personal grudge against.  All my beefs are with his job at the city.

So why should it be a sad day? Because once again this city was polarized by a topic.  There are very few that were middle ground on this issue, it was very clear where the lines laid today in the chambers. 

Because we have to go through the painful task of going through a vetting process to find a new city manager, and we have to do it during our budgeting period. 

Because a man lost his job, and regardless of my thinking this was the right thing or not, it's a sad situation.  Not to mention the stress it has put on the city council the last week or so when they decided to bring this up.  I am sure it's been completely unbearable stress. 

So now what?

Well first let me dis spell the rumor that ex-councilman Steve Hendershot is going to be our new city manager.  I heard that brought up in the council chambers by Mr. Hanson.  I've spoken to at least 2 of the council members, and never once was his name brought up, and when I specifically asked about him they both said no, not even in consideration.  So let's stop the rumors. 

There will be someone appointed as an interim manager to get by the daily operations.  There will also be a vetting process for a new city manager, and within a couple of months the newspapers should be announcing a welcome ???? to Gonzales. 

Next we can continue to let this issue be a sore spot, or as someone so keenly reminded us tonight, we can and should come together and get past the handful of issues that have been polarizing this community and come to some conclusions we can live with.  How are we going to handle downtown?  What is going to be the resolution and design for JB Wells?  How are we going to deal with this oil boom?  That's just to name a few of the issues right now that need to be figured out. 

Last, and actually needs to be first, we need to pray for the 5 men that are our elected officials to make the difficult choices to make Gonzales a better place to live.  We need to be praying for our town.  We need to be praying for healing.  We need to be praying for truth.  These men are struggling to make sure they keep the promise they made to their constituents, even when it is unpopular, but is right.  Those are the toughest calls of all, and tonight was one of those nights.  I am thankful we live in a country, and a town where there are men willing to do those jobs!

Honestly it's not a happy day in Gonzales, but it is a day of new beginnings.  A day that the potential for our town is unlimited.  A day that we get a fresh beginning. A day that we can look forward to great things coming. 

Do you believe Gonzales is a great town and has even greater potential?  I do!  So let's start this day and support out council, ALL OF THEM, in their path that lies ahead.

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Dear Lord,

We have struggled as a town polarized for so long that I'm not sure we remember what it's like to work together, all of us, for the betterment of our city.  I pray that in the coming days that the truth be revealed, and that you will bring healing to those wounds and peace to those who were so greatly affected tonight.  That You will lead us in a way to bring us together so that our town can prosper the way You would like for us too.

I pray for our mayor and our councilmen, that they continue to have the strength and courage to do what's right for Gonzales.  That they lead us down a path of Your will, and that you will bless them for their faithfulness. 

I pray for Mr. Huseman, that he will quickly find his next place of employment.


I pray for those that are appointed to so many of the boards in Gonzales, they they too are following Your desires for our community, that You are the guide in each and ever meeting held for/by the city of Gonzales and their boards.



All in your name - Amen

City Managers Job

For those of you who are unaware of it David Husemans job (our city manager) is on the agenda for tomorrow nights city council meeting.

He has been good as schmoozing groups of individuals and nodding his head often to appease everyone but he's not leading our city in a manner which we need to be lead, and our council if finally sick and tired of it.

Bottom line is he does not communicate to the city council members at large, and has not followed their direction given him time and time again. He's tried to run several things under the radar, and when caught always comes up with a sweet talking snake in the grass answer to get out of it.

Honestly if I was a council member this item would of been on the agenda every month for a year now.

I know some of you don't agree with me on the rodeo issue, but bottom line is this year he is scheduled to lose over $200,000 in your and my tax money out there this year. After 3 years you would think he would of gotten it under control.

We are about to experience the largest growth our county has ever seen, we need a manager we can trust, is transparent, open and honest about the operations of this city. I totally support our council members in removing Mr. Huseman tomorrow and look forward to working with a city manager that will take us forward in the next 5 - 10 years.

I encourage all of you to attend the meeting at city hall at 6 pm Tuesday night.

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Shhhhhh - It's a secret

Two months ago a gentleman stood up at the city council meeting and asked the council and the city manager why there was so much secrecy in our city government.  He pointed at specific points like a book that contained city offices, and a listing of all members of all city appointed boards that sat behind a desk at city hall that he was told was not available for public viewing.  He spoke of several other specific incidences that he didn't understand.  Isn't our city government our government, working for the citizens of Gonzales?

His words ate on me for an entire month.  For those of you who know me well, you know I like to know what's going on, and am willing to share with anyone I know.  I go to every city council meeting I can (about 90% of them), and have never gotten up to say a thing, even though I've been passionate about several of the issues the council has discussed. But after a month of thinking about it I knew this gentleman was correct and I needed to reiterate it for the council and the city manager.

So at January's city council meeting I got up for the first time and spoke to the council in open forum.  I told them the words from last month had bothered me because they were so true.  Things like the removal of the river trash, the "JB Wells committee" that was illegally meeting and was not appointed by the city council, the expenditures of dollars that the city council has no clue of, and on and on and on.  And that whether or not it was intentional, or real the reality is the people of Gonzales believe that our city government is not only working in secret, but going to do what ever they want regardless of what the people of this town want.

There is an old saying that states, "Perception is reality".  Our perception of the city management and it's workings is that they are working in their interest, not those of the town, and they are doing it in secrecy.

Afterwards the city council members found out exactly what I was talking about as the mayor passed out evaluation forms for the city manager.  This wasn't on the agenda for the meeting that ended just 30 seconds before.  It wasn't discussed under new business, where the mayor can put any item on the agenda at his own whim.  And it wasn't in the package received by any of the city councilmembers prior to the meeting. 

The next morning is when the real slap to the council and the people of Gonzales came.  We found out that one month after the city council voted not to expand JB Wells (September city council meeting), the city manager signed a deal, obligating the people of Gonzales to well over $100,000, if not $250,000 in a 10 year deal for a new rodeo.  Not one of the city councilors had a clue this was even in negotiations, much less had been signed 4 months prior.

And then for the 'Official Signing Ceremony' only a few of the city managers supporters were invited. Selected businesses were told, most of ours were not.  Shhhhhh, the rest of the city might find out.

If this was my business and my General Manager had done that, he'd been gone.  Plain and simple.  If I was a city council member I would stand up at the next city council meeting and let everyone know "I do not appreciate the actions of the city manager in embarrassing me with my constituents.  The last I looked the city manager took care of the daily operations based upon my, and my fellow councilmen guidance.  He has failed to do that. in this matter, and it is unappreciated, uncalled for, and I have no confidence that any time in the near future our city manager is going to be able to operate this city as we instruct, above board, and in the best interest of our community."

People, it's time we as a community stepped up and spoke up.  We are the employers of our city government.  They work for us! We do not work for them!  Let your councilman know what you are thinking.  Let them know you are tired of "but it's always been done that way in Gonzales", tell them we deserve better than that! Tell them you want to see an above board, legitimate city government being run. It's the least we deserve!

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Youth Rodeo Contract

So for those of you who are living in a cave or under a rock you might of missed that in October our city manager signed a 10 year agreement to host another rodeo here in Gonzales at taxpayer expense.  The Gonzales Canon and the Gonzales Inquirer both printed these press releases that spoke about how wonderful a deal we got out of these deal.  I take exception to these postings, and to Mr. Mundys editorial "Arena expansion: You have to spend money to make money" (http://www.gonzalescannon.com/node/3647" telling us that we need this to grow, even though we don't have the infrastructure in place to benefit from the upcoming rodeo.  


I posted the following rebuttal to Mr. Mundys editoral:

While I agree we need change, and have supported issues like liquor by the drink to help bring an economy to this town I have several issues with this agreement that has been made with the rodeo.

1) We do not have the spaces needed to properly host this event. So now Mr Huseman and his hence men are trying to make this happen with sweet deals to GEDC if they will approve the money. The last time we added spaces to the arena it was estimated by Mr. Huseman to cost $1000 each, wound up costing approximately $2500 each, and now they want 300 more? Tally that on your fingers and toes.

2) Not even our elected city government (or at least 3 of the councilmen) we even aware of this contract, a significant liability to the city, until the papers ran the story. Why even have officials if there is no say? This contract was signed in October, see an issue here?

3) The city council told the city manager NO to expanding JB Wells, and yet he has ignored them.

4) We, as a city were promised an area for all of Gonzales out in JB Wells. I have copies of the plans that were originally brought to the people of Gonzales and to the Texas Parks and Wildlife, for funding, and it is NOT a huge rodeo area, but a common park for all of Gonzales. Why are we changing plans instead of completing the plans we have already in place?

5) Why are we again putting the horse before the cart? Even you said it, we have NO PLACE for these people to come spend money in Gonzales. The business base is not set up for it, and so we are NOT going to prosper from it. We need to be working on getting our 2 town squares filled with businesses as a #1 priority so that we CAN deal with visitors like these.

6) Even with JUST the $25 per head for 550, these rodeo visitors would have to spend $687,500 to break even on sales tax (2% sales tax rate, 550, $13,750 we are paying out, simple math), and that's not counting all the other concessions and items we are responsible for in the contract. Please someone lie to me and tell me we'll get real close to that number, but I don't think so.

7) We STILL haven't gotten a handle on the way we run our arena and the accounting over there! So lets make the problem bigger, because bigger will only make our losses greater....oh wait, something isn't right with that statement is it?

8) I spoke at the last city council meeting about secrecy in our city government. I understand contracts and negotiations, but this is once again a case of our city manager (and who ever else is involved) ignoring the will of the people of this town, the city council and going behind our backs to do something they were told we don't want. So in secrecy they've gone and done it and are taking the approach it's better to ask for forgiveness that permission. I for one and tired of this attitude from SOME of our city employees that think we work for them. This is our city, our taxes, our budget, and our livelihoods that are affected here, and we are suppose to have a say that counts!

And for the record I didn't read in the paper where the arena and all of it's facilities are at NO COST to the association putting on the event. That we will be providing most of the items used during this rodeo at our cost with their emblem and the year put on everything.

I wish I could run a business where I didn't have to pay for my building, my equipment, and oh the city is going to be providing a good bit of the labor for it, so the association isn't paying for that either, I AM as a taxpayer here in Gonzales.

I'm surprised that every business doesn't move to Gonzales with incentives like that, oh but wait, I'm not a rodeo, so my business doesn't count to the city does it?

Dennis Nesser

So my question is why are we allowing anything to happen without ramifications to those ignoring the elected officials and the taxpayers of this town?   Why can't we take care of long standing problems before we move forward?  Why is it our city continues to run in secrecy thinking we as citizens, "aren't smart enough to handle the truth"?

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser

Voting Time

Ok, it's that time to Vote!  Early voting started in Texas today and there are several things on the agenda that need attention.

I'm not going to spout my political views on most of the races or items to be balloted on this election, but I do want to talk about 2 of them.

First and the easiest one for me is the vote for Liquor by the Drink.  I've said it before (read my previous blogs) that if we in Gonzales County ever want an opportunity for a nice dinning facility then we need liquor by the drink.  Even if you don't drink you are directly effect by the tax revenues that are lost by our going to Roberts, Chilis and variously other out of county establishments that have liquor by the drink on their menu.  Please support this worthy cause.

The second is for congress.  I am still reeling from the fact that Lloyd Doggett would submit any bills or amendments that would potentially take away millions from our childrens' education funding.  I'm still reeling from his support of the unconstitutional Obama Care bill.  His lack of support for you and I as taxpayers taking away $500 of our children credits, adding back the marriage penalty.  He's part of the congress that has voted in the largest debt in our nations history, and I'm honestly tired of it.  Send him home!  I've spoken with Donna Campbell.  Talk about a no nonsense lady, it's her. 

There's a contested Governors race, locally there is a JP race and a County Judge race.  All are important to our community and how we fair in the next couple of years.  How would I vote on them?  I am going to tell you exactly how I would vote if I were you.....I'd educate myself on the records of those in office now, and read what I can about those running against them.  Personally if what is in office is not worst that whats there, then I'd just leave (better the devil you know syndrome).......I'd PRAY about my decision.....then I'd make my way down to the ballot box and VOTE!!!  That's right Educate, Pray and Vote!

God Bless,
Dennis Nesser