Blanco County Commissioners conducted a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 9th, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom of the Blanco County Courthouse in Johnson City, Texas. All four County Commissioners and Blanco County Judge Bill Guthrie attended the meeting. The minutes from the Special Meeting of June 25th, 2013 were approved as read by Blanco County Clerk Karen Newman. A motion for approval of the minutes from the Special Meeting was made by County Commissioner Chris Liesman and seconded by County Commissioner John Wood.
Judge Guthrie introduced Blanco Independent School District (BISD) School Board President Matt Herden to the Commissioners Court. Herden gave a short presentation to the Court regarding the restoration of the historic school building. “If you will recall about two years ago we passed a bond to restore the old yellow building as it has affectionately been called. The construction is finally drawing to a close…this project has really brought the community together. We have restored the façade that has been there since 1923 and the old walls from 1884 are intact. This building represents a lot of nostalgia for many of us…some of you may be able to see some of the old marks you put there. (There were chuckles from the audience). The old school bell will be mounted in its original position.”
Herden continued, “We plan to hold a grand opening on August 24th from 5-7 pm. The grand opening will include a ribbon cutting and guest speakers. Goldberg will be on hand to take a panoramic picture.” Herden ended by saying, “We would like to take this opportunity to invite the County Commissioners to this event, and to thank everyone for their support.”
After Herden’s presentation the Commissioners considered authorization to advertise for janitorial services for Budget Year 2013-14. A motion to approve the authorization for advertisement was given by Commissioner James Sultemeier and seconded by Commissioner Liesmann; the motion carried.
Commissioner Wood presented paving bids to the Commissioners Court for Precinct One. These bids were received from Cummings Paving and Recycling and Big Tex Paving. After consideration of the bids Commissioner Wood made a motion for acceptance of the bid from Big Tex Paving. Commissioner Liesmann seconded Commissioner Wood’s motion. There was no opposition, and the action passed.
Commissioner Liesmann asked the Commissioners Court to consider the release of the construction bond for The Summit at Cypress Mill subdivision. According to Commissioner Liesmann, “The roads are built; next we do the maintenance bond after this.” Commissioner Liesmann asked if the paperwork was all done and was told that the paperwork was in order. There was no further discussion, and Commissioner Sultemeier seconded the motion made by Commissioner Liesmann. The Court approved the release of the construction bond for The Summit at Cypress Mill subdivision.
Commissioner Liesmann also asked the Court for consideration of acceptance of the maintenance bond for The Summit at Cypress Mill subdivision. Commissioner Liesmann told the Court, “After the release of the construction bond the acceptance of this is good for two years.” Blanco County Commissioner Wood seconded Commissioner Liesmann’s motion to accept the maintenance bond for The Summit at Cypress Mill subdivision; this motion also carried.
Judge Guthrie told the Commissioners Court, “Sometime back we took a look at participation in an all District Board for Regional Emergency Communication. The Legislature has now approved this, and we are ready to become a member of this District. I highly recommend it. Being a member will offer additional income and different awards for 911 funding with the State.” Judge Guthrie emphasized his point by saying, “This is a big win for our area. We join it by resolution. We do not all have to sign it, just me. The District will be run by the executive board of CAPCOG.” Judge Guthrie added, “I will be willing to answer any questions.”
There were no questions regarding the resolution, and a motion for Blanco County to participate in the Regional Emergency Communication District as authorized by Chapter 772, Subchapter G of the Texas Health and Safety Code was given by Commissioner Sultemeier and seconded by Commissioner Paul Granberg. The Commissioners Court approved the resolution, and Judge Guthrie said, “I think we’ll all be pleased.”
The Commissioners Court went on to consider the estimated July 2013 payroll in the amount of $257,303.33. A motion to approve the payroll was made by Commissioner Granberg, seconded by Commissioner Wood, and approved by the Court.
Judge Guthrie asked if all official reports were in and was told they were. Commissioner Wood presented a motion for approval of the official reports with Commissioner Sultemeier seconding. This action also passed.
The last item of business was approval of the outstanding bills in the amount of $67,928.50. Commissioner Sultemeier gave the motion to approve the outstanding bills and Commissioner Wood seconded the motion. Judge Guthrie asked for discussion and there was none. The motion carried.
At the close of the meeting Commissioner Granberg introduced guests Alvin Thompson of Klotz Associates and Amil Baker of Baker Surveying, Inc. Commissioner Granberg told the Commissioners Court that Thompson and Baker are part of a team who are working on a proposal for a bridge at Middle Creek Road in Precinct Four. Thompson told the Court, “Our firm includes about 100 engineers in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. We look forward to working on this plan. Mr. Baker will prepare the survey for us.”
The business of the Regular Meeting was concluded at this time and the Regular Meeting adjourned.
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