Saturday's Internet Edition, July 31, 2010.
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County Judge Nick Gallegos noted a quorum and called the July 13th regular meeting to order of the Edwards County Commissioners Court. Precinct 3 - Commissioner Cliff Tuttle led the Pledge of Allegiance. Also present for the meeting were Precinct 1 - Terry Brooks, Precinct 2 & 5 - Steve Nance, Precinct 4 - Mike Grooms, County Treasurer - Lupe Enriquez, Deputy Sheriff Jay Adams, Emergency Management Coordinator - Alex Dula, Justice of Peace - Joe Baker, Tax Collector - Lonna Trahan and County Attorney - Allen Ray Moody. Nita Gonzalez took minutes in the absence of County Clerk Sherri Gaither, who was at a training. There were six guests present.
Mistee Splawn had the EMS budget request and stated that they can keep no permanent employees because of the salary. She stated the County gets them trained and they find other jobs elsewhere because of more pay.
Adams had no sheriff’s report.
Dula stated, “1. Our four annexs (A,E, O and Q) that needed to be updated were updated and approved by the State on July second. We are now National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant. 2. Hurricane Alex fortunately did not do any significant damage to Texas. As this is the hurricane season we need to be aware of tropical weather that may impact Texas.” He went on to say he doesn’t have a key to the emergency barn and there are still some things that need to be taken care of there, such as electricity, air conditioning and walls up for the bathroom. There are several things that even the EMS can do such as grants to be able to help with their budget.
Trahan stated that 96% of 2008 taxes were collected and 94% of 2009 were collected. For the month of July and August there should be more monies coming in because the delinquent taxes have been turned over to the lawyers. She also stated that there are signs that need to be purchased because a lot of people don’t know where the county offices are located. A sign will be looked into for the front yard of the Annex and signs placed in the hall letting people know where each office is.
Constable Maxwell submitted a written report because he was in Kerrville having his truck repaired.
Baker stated that most people don’t realize that in the last four months there has been an increase in assaults and disorderly conduct within the city limits. The community has a problem and it needs to be addressed before it gets out of hand. Quad County adviser, Nita Gonzalez, stated that there is a program going on to inform the youth of the county about morality, consumption of alcohol, drugs and failure to accept responsibility. “The local people blame a lot on the economy, but that is just a small part of the problem,” said Baker. “Most of them can go to Six Flags or Sea World, but can’t seem to pay a little on the fines they owe,” he continued.
Debra Wolcott asked if there could be a DARE program started here and Deputy Pam Elliott said she would be able to help conduct the program. The first year of DARE is free, but our citizens need to take responsibility of their actions.
Gonzalez stated that she is trying to get an anger management program started also, but the program needs a councilor to be seen weekly. She does have a running program for the youth to make good choices and is hoping to start a parent program so both can learn that through good choices, there wouldn’t be any problems. It was said, “We are an at risk community because of bad choices individuals make.”
The prior minutes of June 8th, 16th and July 6th were approved.
No action was taken on the postage meters until Moody gets back to them on the cost of his.
Tabled were Schematic design package approval by Stan Klein for Courthouse Restoration project; Computer back up service proposal; EMS budget request; Resolution on procedure when renting fairground facilities and 2010-2011 (4 or 5 more budget requests still not in).
The Edwards Central appraisal budget was not approved because of several issues. Mainly line 25 code 4008. The motion: deny line 25 code 4008 (Cad auto allowance) for $7,800 and give option of reimbursement of $0.50 per mile with monthly reports based on recorded time, date, mileage and reason or apply amount to purchase of a vehicle and also reject salary increases and associated benefits for three employees.
Approved was the Texas County and District Retirement Rates for 2010-2011 of benefits to stay the same of 10.03% and in January will go to 10.11%.
Passed was a resolution prohibiting use of glass containers on rivers or river beds in the county. This will be a Class C misdemeanor.
Health Insurance renewal rates from Blue Cross Blue Shield went up 9.5% but the court approved the renewal.
A grant was awarded for Professional Services for Edwards County Energy Efficiency.
TxDOT imposition of optional fees will stay the same with Road and Bridge at $10 and Child Safety fees at $1.50.
The bills were paid and meeting adjourned.