The San Saba Commissioners’ Court met for a special meeting on Monday, December 20th, in the Commissioners’ Courtroom. Commissioner Rickey Lusty called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Judge Byron Theodosis joined the meeting via telephone. Commissioner Kenley Kroll gave the invocation and led everyone in the pledges to the American flag and the Texas flag.
Audience for Concerned Citizens For Public Comment:
Ms. Kokernot reminded everyone about an email update that would take place that week.
Sheriff Jenkins noted there have been a lot of complaints about speeding through the school zone in Cherokee.
Special Action Items (and Non-Action Items):
1. Discuss Project FM45 With TXDOT Engineer Jason Scantlin:
Mr. Scantlin from TxDOT told the Court that he appreciated the chance to meet with them and gave an update on the FM 45 project. He mentioned that safety funds for the project have been obtained. The majority of the project is now funded. The project no longer needs major local participation and only minimal local participation. He stated a press release will be coming out the week after this meeting with the exciting news.
Mr. Lusty thanked Mr. Scantlin for his time and stated his work is very much appreciated. Mr. Scantlin left copies of his business card and welcomed any future questions.
2. Presentation From LCRA On Radio Communication For San Saba County:
Mr. Alan Kunze and Ms. Garcia from LCRA gave a presentation to the court. LCRA is involved in a variety of radio services that were developed during Hurricane Harvey. Mr. Kunze had handouts for everyone about these services, and he and Ms. Garcia went over the information.
The Judge said the information in the presentation is exciting news. He also noted San Saba County has a good relationship with LCRA.
There was a lengthy discussion about rough costs and what would be included in those costs. The representatives from LCRA reported that Brown County has just signed on with LCRA radio communication and suggested the Court contact Brown County to see how it is working for them.
Chief Deputy Shaw stated he was very impressed with the LCRA radio equipment that he has tried out, and it worked extremely well.
Other items in the discussion included possible use of current local towers and what grants may be available to help with the costs.
After a lengthy discussion, Mr. Kunze stated LCRA will see what San Saba County’s exact needs are in order to give a more accurate estimate of what the costs would be. He also stated that LCRA has a Grant Representative that could work with us to see what grant monies would be available to us.
3. Discuss and Take Possible Action On Resolution On Grant #4165201:
Sheriff Jenkins noted this is related to a grant for the Sheriff's office, and this is the first step to take to get the grant.
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to approve Resolution of Grant #4165201.
4. Accept or Reject Conservation Work Contract for Steve Widner Pct. 3:
Commissioner Kroll explained that this will give Mr. Widner access to the County Road quicker, and Mr. Widner is paying for it himself.
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to approve Resolution of Grant #4165201.
5. Accept Hiring Of Jail Administrator At $18/Hr. With No Vehicle:
Decision: The Court voted 3-1 in favor of hiring Of Jail Administrator at $18/Hr with No Vehicle.
6. Discuss and Take Possible Action On COVID-19:
Ms. Hardy reported that 83 people were at the last vaccine clinic, and a total of 330 have gone through the vaccine clinics provided by San Saba County.
7. Take Possible Action Concerning Burn Ban (Current Status: Burn Ban IN EFFECT As of 12-13-2021):
This item was tabled. 8. Approve or Reject Proposed Amendments and/or Line Item Transfers:
Ms. VanBeck presented one line item transfer.
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to approve the one Proposed Line Item Transfer.
9. Approve or Reject Proposed Accounts Payable:
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to approve the Proposed Accounts Payable.
10. Discuss Next Commissioners Court Date & Time:
The next Commissioners’ Court will be held on Monday, January 10, 2022, in the Commissioner’s Courtroom.
11. Adjourn: Mr. Lusty adjourned the meeting at 10:06 a.m.
The following attended this meeting: Commissioners: James Lebow, Kenley Kroll, Pat Pool, and Rickey Lusty; Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator; Kim Wells, District/ County Clerk; Lois Van Beck, Treasurer; Sheriff David Jenkins; Dwayne Shaw, Chief Deputy; Harold Yates, Deputy; Angela Brodbeck, San Saba County Jail Administrator; Wesley Alexander, EMS District Chief; Justice of the Peace Sharon Blossman; Jodie Kelly, TxDOT Planner; Jason Scantlin, TxDOT Brownwood; Blanca Garcia, LCRA Account Manager; Alan Kunze, LCRA; Martha Leigh Whitten, LCRA Member; Candy Kokernot, Administrative Assistant; and Djuana Payton, reporter with the San Saba News & Star. Judge Byron Theodosis joined the meeting via telephone.