Saturday's Internet Edition, July 05, 2008.
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On February 14th, the Edwards County Commissioners Court held their monthly meeting. County Judge Nick Gallegos noted a quorum was present and asked Commissioner Precinct 2 & 5 Steve Nance to lead the pledge. Others present were Commissioners Precinct 1 - Terry Brooks; Precinct 3- Epp Epperson; Precinct 4 - Mike Grooms and the County Clerk - Sandra Henry.
Alex Dula, Emergency Management Coordinator, gave his report for Edwards County and the City of Rocksprings Emergency Management Status stating he had a meeting with Henri Gearing and contractors that will be doing the Emergency Plan for the school. The Emergency Operations Center received a HP laptop computer and LaserJet color printer from MRGDC last month. He also reported receiving a notification from the Governor’s Office that our county has been declared a disaster area (wildfires) and a statement reminding our Fire Chief to report grass fires to the Forest Service. There was a major grass fire south of Carta Valley on February 8th and 9th. The support from Val Verde Fire Department, State Forestry Service, TxDOT and our Road Department all helped with the fire. It was a major burn of about 2,000 acres. The Forest Service dozer turned on its side Saturday afternoon, but fortunately the operator was not hurt. Dula also stated the need to address an operation similar to this to make sure we can support with fuel, water and other resources that might not be available in a short time. Dula also said that the Red Cross had given the EOC 100 cots and cushions which are being stored in the Road Office.
In a Proclamation from Governor Perry, he stated “I urge Texans to exercise extreme caution as conditions remain favorable for the development of wild fires across the state. Vigilance and good judgement are key to ensuring Texan’s families, homes and places of work remain safe.” The proclamation is for 152 counties in the State. High winds and lack of precipitation have dried grass and other vegetation across the state, posing significant fire danger.
There were no public comments and the prior minutes were approved.
Approved was the state mileage rate going from 48.5 cents to 50.5 cents with the meals and lodging staying the same.
Commissioner Brooks was appointed in charge of the Sale of the Old Tax Office Building and tabled was the use of Fairgrounds until another meeting is held.
Carl Esser talked to the Court about a resolution authorizing submission to acquire a chipper from the regional solid waste program with a grant of about $5,000 to help the County Road crew help with clearing right-of-ways on County Roads. This was approved.
Paul Bushong addressed the Court for a preliminary approval of JDJ Ranch Subdivision. This is very close to the Val Verde County line and south of Carta Valley. This was approved.
Neddie Jenkins with the Historical Commission of Edwards County was present for the approval of the 2008 board. Members of the board are Neddie and Neville Smart, Jr. as co-chairs, Lillie Shanklin, Betty Schnack, Marcy Epperson, Sandra Harris and Gene Babb. This group will meet about four times a year. This was approved. Not approved was the transfer of funds to “Friends Group”. Neddie stated that the jail renovation is coming along fine but part of the second floor will be reworked since the roof leaked and damage was done to the floor and a rock on the north side will be redone because it is broken. The fire trucks will be restored to running shape and will take about $40,000 to get that job done.
Sheriff Letsinger gave a report of 7 prisoners. Three are from Edwards County and four are from Real County with about $7,000 coming from Real for housing. He also talked about the new building that will house the radio equipment at the tower. It possibly needs a roof on it to make sure the flat roof on it now does not leak in the future.
The Courthouse Annex project is underway. They have started building pads and equipment will be moving in and out as the building process proceeds. It should take less than a year to finish. The cost may be about $100,000 over budget, but that remains to be seen until the project is finished. Contractors will work with TxDOT when they start the road project March 3rd to make sure the two are compatible in construction. The worksheet for the building project was approved.
There will be a meeting in the near future to discuss Subdivision Regulation amendments. This will probably be two separate meetings to go along with the road commission meeting.
There were no fuel bids so the county will advertise in another way.
Tabled was the Nutrition Center use until a special meeting.
Brooks will be a backup for Tyne Lomax on the Park Building Committee. There will be 2 or 3 others on the committee along with Sandra Henry who volunteered to be on the committee.
No new business, bills were paid and the meeting was adjourned.