The San Saba Commissioners’ Court met for a regular meeting on Monday, March 22nd, in the District Courtroom. Judge Byron Theodosis called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. Commissioner Ricky Lusty gave the invocation and led everyone in the pledges to the American flag and the Texas Flag.
Audience for Concerned Citizens for Public Comment: None.
Special Action Items (and Non-Action Items):
1. Approve or Reject Annual Gravel Bicycle Ride Event Out Of Cherokee: This item was tabled.
2. Discuss and Take Possible Action on The Introduction of San Saba Fiber Community Feedback Presented by Jason Phillips: This item was tabled.
3. Discuss and Take Possible Action On 2021/2022 Community Development Block Grant Program Application and Eligibility Presented by Public Management Inc:
Kay Howard from Public Management, Inc., addressed the Court via Zoom and informed them about some possible grant monies that may be available to use.
Decision: After discussion, it was decided that Ms. Howard would gather more information and get back to the Court.
4. Discuss and Take Possible Action on Adjusting Pricing on Conservation Work Contract:
Decision: After discussion, the Court voted unanimously to approve adjusting the Pricing on Conservation Work Contract from $125 to $150 per hour.
5. Approve or Reject McCullough County's Action in Commissioner Court Meeting on January 25, 2021 Concerning the Portion of CR 428 that is in San Saba County - Pet. 2:
Commissioner Lusty explained this item to the court; it pertains to about half a mile of road. This vote is just to acknowledge that McCullough County took this action.
Decision: After some discussion, the Court unanimously approved the McCullough County’s Action in Commissioners’ Court Meeting on January 25, 2021, Concerning the Portion of CR 428 that is in San Saba County - Pet. 2.
6. Approve or Reject Appointment of Judge Byron Theodosis as a Director on the Board of The Central Texas Housing Finance Corporation: This item was tabled.
7. Approve or Reject Appointment of Commissioner Lebow as Representative on The Board or Council of Government, COG:
Decision: The Court approved the appointment of Commissioner Lebow as Representative on the Board or Council of Government, COG.
8. Discuss and Take Possible Action on COVID-19:
Ms. Hardy reported the following to the Court:
There were four active cases in San Saba County at the time of this meeting.
Because of scheduled vaccine clinics, there will only be testing one day this week, Wednesday, March 24th, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Civic Center. In April, there will probably only be one day of testing a week, but it may be a different day each week.
On March 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., there will be a vaccine clinic at the VFD for those receiving their second shot. (This will be for those who received their first shot on February 25th.)
Saturday, March 27th, will be the first day for community vaccine clinics. It will be from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the VFD, and we should receive 100 vaccines. This is open to anyone 18 years and older. You don’t have to live here in San Saba County to get these vaccines. Anyone who is interested in getting a vaccine at any of the Saturday clinics should call Marsha Hardy at 325-372-8570 to get on the list. Walk-ins are available as long as there are vaccines available after the people who signed up get theirs. (Reporter’s note: Ms. Hardy sent an update since this meeting took place: the Saturday vaccine clinics have been put on hold for now. If you have not been called for an appointment, please call 325-372-8570.)
There is a possibility of a 500 dose clinic on March 30th from the Department of Health. This is a pilot program. These vaccines are open to anyone, and the date is being publicized everywhere. A person drove all the way from Austin to get a vaccine in San Saba County because they were unable to find one in Austin. We have had more access than other counties, so our clinics are also open to those outside of the county.
Attorney Robinson noted that Ms. Hardy has done an outstanding job and needs accolades for all her work with this.
In discussion on COVID-19, the Judge stated that government messaging is not clear. We are being told the vaccines are effective, but they still want us to wear masks. The Judge feels more folks would want to get a vaccine if the messaging was clearer.
Attorney Robinson said the vaccine is now being tested on children, and they wouldn’t be doing that if they didn’t think it was safe.
9. Take Possible Action Concerning Burn Ban (Current Status: Burn Ban LIFTED As of 01-04-2021): The item was tabled.
10. Approve or Reject Proposed Amendments and/or Line Item Transfers: None.
11. Approve or Reject Proposed Accounts Payable:
Decision: The Court unanimously approved Accounts Payable with the addition of one bill.
12. Discuss Next Commissioners Court Date & Time:
The next Commissioners’ Court meeting will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. in the District Courtroom.
13. Adjourn: Judge Theodosis adjourned the meeting at 10:00 a.m.
The following were in attendance at this meeting: Judge Byron Theodosis; Commissioners: James Lebow, Rickey Lusty, and Kenley Kroll; Kim Wells, District/ County Clerk; Lois VanBeck, Treasurer; Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator; Sharon Blossman, County Justice of the Peace; Sheriff David Jenkins; Randy Robinson, County Attorney; Candy Kokernot, Administrative Assistant; and Djuana Payton, reporter with the San Saba News & Star. Kay Howard, Representative of Public Management, Inc., attended this meeting via Zoom.