By Tricia Hartmann
All four Blanco County Commissioners were present for a Regular Meeting on Tuesday May 14th. After the minutes were read and approved from the previous meeting County Commissioner Paul Granberg told the Court, “The replat of Rockin J Ranch Subdivision is in the packets,” and asked for the Commissioners to review the replat. According to Commissioner Granberg, “Two lots will join to equal 0.63 acres.” County Judge Bill Guthrie asked if the combined lot would be called Lot 412 R. Commissioner Granberg answered, “Yes, and everything is in the replat, all the documentation, everything that is necessary and proper to move forward to consider the replat.” The Court had no additional questions, and approved the replat of Block 2, lots 412 and 413 of Rockin J Ranch Subdivision following a motion from Commissioner Granberg and a second from Commissioner John Wood.
Judge Guthrie asked the Commissioners to consider bank depository bids. According to the Judge, “We have no bills on depository. I suggest you give me the authority to talk to our local bank, or with any other banks…this is my suggestion, you let me know.” County Commissioner James Sultemeier presented a motion to discuss the bank depository bids with other banks and with banks outside the county. Commissioner Granberg seconded the motion made by Commissioner Sultemeier, and the motion carried.
The Court was asked to consider authorization for paving bids in Precincts Two, Three, and Four. Commissioner Sultemeier informed the Court, “We will seek bids to authorize Precinct Two to advertise until June 11, 2013. We will submit specs to bidders and apply for 25 miles and try to do three different roads.” Commissioner Chris Liesmann seconded Commissioner Sultemeier’s motion for authorization to advertise for paving bids in Precinct Two, and the Court approved this action.
Commissioner Liesmann of Precinct Three asked for authorization to advertise for paving bids in Precinct Three. Commissioner Liesmann said the bids would be taken until May 28th, 2013. Commissioner Granberg seconded the motion made by Commissioner Liesmann, and the motion was approved by the Court.
Commissioner Granberg of Precinct Four addressed the Court next. Commissioner Granberg said, “Mine is the same, go ahead with paving in the works, on public notice, and move to advertise for paving bids in Precinct Four until May 28th.” The motion to advertise for paving bids in Precinct Four was made by Commissioner Granberg and seconded by Commissioner Wood. This motion passed.
Judge Guthrie told the Court the County Auditor had suggested the County would save money by changing the Auditor’s office phone from a Verizon landline to Verizon wireless. Judge Guthrie said, “I have no objection to it. We will keep the same number and will have wireless, not a landline. County Auditor Lent estimated, “The change will save $25 to $30 per month, and save fees.” Commissioner Granberg gave a motion to change the Auditor’s office phone from Verizon landline to Verizon wireless, and Commissioner Sultemeier seconded. There was no further discussion, and the Court approved the action.
Judge Guthrie asked the Commissioners to consider authorization for him to sign a lease agreement with Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) for placement of communication equipment at the LCRA Mountain Top tower site. According to Judge Guthrie, “We have never had a contract with LCRA. They provide some services, but there is no contract. The cost of the contract would be $775 per month, with a three percent escalation rate in October of 2014. Our problem has been there is not enough height with the trunking system. The contract would give additional height, antennas, use of a building space, and use of a back-up generator.”
Commissioner Wood asked about the operability of the trunking system. Judge Guthrie answered that, “The trunking system is totally operational, but we need 100 feet plus to make connections.” Commissioner Liesmann commented, “Up to Round Mountain, all towers.” Commissioner Wood asked if landlines would be affected, and Commissioner Liesmann answered that they would not be.
Ann Hall asked the Court if it would be possible to craft a long-term solution to avoid incurring the cost of a monthly plan. She asked, “Why not raise the height of the tower?” Judge Guthrie answered that the cost to build a 300 foot tower would run about $300,000, plus the costs of the site work. Commissioner Sultemeier asked if the County could get out of a lease, and Judge Guthrie said, “We might consider it down the road. But the timeline is important too. We have to consider the grant situation; we cannot afford to lose those.”
Judge Guthrie asked if there were further questions, and there were none. Commissioner Liesmann presented a motion to authorize the County Judge to sign a lease agreement with LCRA for placement of communications equipment at the LCRA Mountain Top tower site, and Commissioner Granberg seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Dan Dalger of Cox Paving gave a presentation to the Court regarding his company’s product. The product is Asphalt Rubber, or AR. According to Dalger, “AR is a blend of rubber and asphalt and is shot from a distributor. The life of our product spans 12 to 13 years, instead of five to seven. We only have to do a job once, requiring one set of plans, and sending the people out once.” Dalger went on to say, “Our price is comparable to TR or better. We prefer to use grade four, but we can use grade three.” Grade four AR products are coated.
Judge Guthrie asked if the price estimates that went as far back as 2007 were still current, and Dalger answered that they were. Judge Guthrie also asked Dalger, “Are the smaller county roads in Blanco County suited to your equipment, and can the equipment be modified for smaller roads?” Dalger replied, “Not a problem. This is a perfect opportunity because it is the end of the season, the cost is low, we’re here, and our equipment is here. We use the same equipment for 10,000 gallons as for 100,000 gallons.” AR will be used in nearby Seguin and Comanche, and Dalger suggested the Commissioners might want to inspect those projects.
The Court was asked to consider approval of GovDeals bids on the following surplus property items: 9’ x 12’ cattle guard $500, 7’ x 10’ cattle guard $500, 8’ x 16’ cattle guard $500, 6’ x 10’ cattle guard $500, 1994 Econoline trailer $2,330, 4 skid steer solid rubber tires and wheels $205, 4 skid steer tires and wheels $431, culvert pipe $255, 1999 Ford F250 $5,525. Judge Guthrie told the Commissioners these amounts represent the high bids on each item. Commissioner Granberg made a motion to accept the high bids, and Commissioner Wood seconded. Commissioner Granberg added that three of the items were unsold, and Judge Guthrie said, “The Court can entertain the option to use these items for scrap or take counter offers.”
Ben Oakley, Director of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Blanco County attended the Commissioners Court Meeting. On behalf of the Court, Judge Guthrie thanked Ben for his service and recommended the Court considers the proclamation declaring May 19th – 25th 2013 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Blanco County. Commissioner Sultemeier presented a motion for approval, Commissioner Liesmann seconded, and the Court approved the motion.
The May 2013 payroll in the amount of $253,943.37 was approved by the Court. Commissioner Granberg gave a motion to approve, and Commissioner Sultemeier seconded the motion.
Official reports were also approved by the Court, with Commissioner Wood giving the motion for approval and Commissioner Liesmann seconding Commissioner Wood’s motion. The last item of business was approval of the outstanding bills in the amount of $82,905.27. Commissioner Sultemeir offered a motion to pay the outstanding bills and Commissioner Wood seconded. There was no further business, and the Regular Meeting adjourned.
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