The San Saba Commissioners’ Court met for a regular meeting on Monday, September 13th, in the Commissioners’ Courtroom. Judge Byron Theodosis called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. with a break from 9:55 a.m. to 10:05 a.m. 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:
Cade Martin attended the meeting and indicated interest in establishing subdivision areas in Richland Springs. The Court suggested talking with County Attorney Randy Robinson would be a good person to talk to for information on that.
Judge Theodosis talked about the placement and possible moving of the sign in front of the Courthouse.
Chief Deputy Shaw asked Ms. VanBeck about funds from the American Rescue Funds for the fire departments. She said she spoke with the VFD the previous week about it. Monies for communication seems to be the biggest issue that is needed. A report has to be turned in to the Federal Government by October 31st of our intent and where we are going to spend the funds. The Judge stated it is restricted to not include new construction. However, money for communication may be allowed. A plan will be put together to see if it will be allowed.
Action Items:
1. Approve or Correct and Approve Minutes of Previous Commissioners Court Meetings:
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the minutes of the previous Commissioners’ Court Meetings.
County Official and Departmental Reports:
2. County/District Clerk: Approve Subject to Audit or Reject Clerk's Report:
Ms. Wells stated her office is staying busy. There are lots of grants and land transfers.
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the County/District Court Clerk’s Report Subject to Audit.
3. County Treasurer: Approve Subject to Audit or Reject Treasurer's Report:
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the Treasurer's Report Subject to Audit.
4. County Justice of the Peace: Approve Subject to Audit or Reject JP Report:
Ms. Blossman provided the following account information for the month of August 2021:
Total: $8,545.40
Community Service/Jail Credit: $597.10
Total to the County: $4,107.76 Small Claims and Civil: $136.00
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the JP Report Subject to Audit.
5. County Sheriff and Jail: Approve Subject to Audit or Reject Sheriff's Jail Report:
The jail total was 445 with an average of 14 days.
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the Sheriff's Jail Report Subject to Audit.
Special Action Items (and Non-Action Items):
1. Discuss and take Possible Action on 30 x 30 Land Grab Presented by Frederica Foster:
Ms. Foster stated she and her husband are ranchers and wanted the Court to be aware of President Biden’s Executive Order 140008, called “America the Beautiful,” that was put in effect in January. She had previously dropped off pamphlets to the Commissioners and the Sheriff's office. She stated there have been 15 Governors that have opposed the 30 X 30 Plan, and many states have made a resolution against it. She asked the court to consider approving a resolution from San Saba County. Governor Abbott has already opposed this for the state of Texas. After a lengthy discussion about what the 30 X 30 Plan entails, Ms. Foster thanked the Court for their time.
Decision: No action was taken by the Court at this meeting. Judge Theodosis said he would research examples of resolutions and bring one to the next meeting to be considered for approval.
2. TAC Health Benefits Pool Consultant Mark Zollitsch to Present and Schedule Employee Training Session:
Decision: After the presentation, it was decided that a lunch meeting would be the best time for employees to be able to attend. The Judge told Mr. Zollitsch that San Saba County is interested in this training and will set up a meeting for the employees.
3. TAC Risk Management Pool Coverage to Present Quotes for Property Coverage by Victor Uvalle:
Mr. Uvalle presented quotes to the Court.
Decision: After discussion, it was decided the Court should get comparable quotes (same deductible and coverages) from our current insurance agent to help make a better informed decision.
4. Approve or Reject implementation of Game Room Regulations for San Saba County:
Decision: After discussion, the Court unanimously approved the Implementation of the Game Room Regulations for San Saba County.
5. Approve or Reject 33rd/424th Judicial District Courts Administrative Order Setting Compensation and Expenses of Court Reporters.
Mr. Robinson stated that because we have a shortage of court reporters, they have to be scheduled several weeks ahead of time.
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to Approve or Reject 33rd/424th Judicial District Courts Administrative Order Setting Compensation and Expenses of Court Reporters.
6. Approve Order of the San Saba County Commissioners Court Concerning the Regular Term of Court Fiscal Year 2022:
Decision: The Court voted unanimously to approve Order of the San Saba County Commissioners Court Concerning the Regular Term of Court Fiscal Year 2022 (Typically the 2nd and 4th Mondays).
7. Discuss and Take Possible Action on COVID-19:
Ms. Hardy updated the Court on the current cases: three last Thursday, 17 in the last 15 days, and 38 in the last 30 days. She also stated there had been four cases since the past Friday based on phone calls she has received, and there is at least one in the hospital. It was asked if the cases are counted where you are tested. Ms. Hardy informed the court that the cases count in your county of residence no matter where the test is administered. It was asked if the trend in San Saba County is going up or down. Ms. Hardy noted that since we only get information once a week now, instead of daily, it is really difficult to tell, but it is possibly going up. She expressed concern that folks are getting more lax and not being as careful when around others.
Ms. Hardy said we can do two more vaccine clinics through the State, October 5th (first shot) and November 9th (second shot), at the Convention Center. It may also be possible to get your booster at one of these clinics. Editors note: These dates have changed since this meeting, and the information is still fluid. Please see Dr. Whiting's information in each week's edition of the San Saba News & Star for updated information on COVID-19 and the upcoming vaccine clinics in October and November.
Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and HEB are still doing tests. The Judge noted that we may have more options with EMS doing some testing in the future. That option is being investigated.
8. Take Possible Action Concerning Burn Ban (Current Status: Burn Bun In EFFECT As of 07-27-2021):
Decision: This item was tabled. 9. Approve or Reject Proposed Amendments and/or Line Item Transfers:
Ms. VanBeck presented one line item transfer.
Decision: The Court unanimously approved the one Line Item Transfer.
10. Approve or Reject Proposed Accounts Payable:
Decision: The Court unanimously approved all bills presented for payment.
11. Discuss Next Commissioners’ Court Date & Time:
The next Commissioners’ Court will be held Monday, September 27th, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Courtroom.
12. Adjourn: Judge Theodosis adjourned the meeting at 10:42 a.m.
The following attended this meeting: Judge Byron Theodosis; Commissioners: James Lebow, Pat Pool, Kenley Kroll, and Rickey Lusty; County Attorney, Randy Robinson; Kim Wells, District/ County Clerk; Lois VanBeck, Treasurer; Marsha Hardy, Emergency Management Coordinator; Sheriff David Jenkins; Chief Deputy Dewayne Shaw; J. D. Scott, Deputy; Mark Zollitsch, TAC Health Benefits Consultant; Victor Uvalle, Jr., TAC; Candy Kokernot, Administrative Assistant; Cade Martin, citizen; Frederica and Jim Foster, citizens; and Djuana Payton, Reporter with the San Saba News & Star.