Blanco County Commissioners met in a Special Meeting at 9:00 am, March 26, 2013. County Commissioners Paul Granberg, Chris Leismann, and John Wood were present. Commissioner James Sultemeier was absent.
After hearing and approving the minutes of the previous Commissioners Court Meeting the Court was asked to consider acknowledgement of continuing education for all County Commissioners. County Judge Bill Guthrie asked if all certifications were in order. They were, and Commissioner Liesmann presented a motion to acknowledge the certifications of County Commissioners. Commissioner Wood provided a second motion, and the motion carried.
Commissioner Granberg told the Court, “Rockin J Ranch is still in the process of getting sewer and water in the next phase of the development…it is a requirement to consider bonds for letters of credit in order to complete the project.”
Elaine Cross addressed the Court and asked how the irrevocable letters of credit in lieu of bonds were needed for building subdivisions. According to Commissioner Granberg, “The sewer and water and roads must be built to county specs, and these bonds are guaranteed by the bank.”
Mrs. Cross asked, “If the work goes forward with the subdivision, can the County require certain types of roads?” Judge Guthrie answered, “Yes,” and Mrs. Cross asked if the County could also require fire hydrants. Judge Guthrie answered her question by saying, “The County has no ordinance plan like the cities do. This is a bit different from roads. Schedules have guidelines for what we can control.” Mrs. Cross thanked Judge Guthrie for the information. Commissioner Granberg presented a motion to accept the irrevocable letters of credit in lieu of bonds for Rockin J Ranch Ltd, Phase 6 for road, water, and sewer maintenance. Commissioner Wood seconded the motion, and the action was passed.
Judge Guthrie asked for action from the Court regarding the countywide burn ban. The burn ban was lifted during the Regular Commissioners Court Meeting held on March 12, 2013. Commissioner Wood said he believed the burn ban should be put back on until the next Regular Meeting. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Granberg.
Commissioner Liesmann remarked, “There is a chance of rain Thursday through Sunday.” Judge Guthrie said, “Our drought index readings are still in the 400s.” The Judge called for a vote, and the motion to reinstate the burn ban carried by a margin of two to one. Commissioners Granberg and Wood voted in favor of putting the burn ban back on, and Commissioner Liesmann voted against it. The current burn ban will uphold the new burn ban order presented by the Blanco County Attorney. This burn ban will remain in effect until the Commissioners meet again on April 9th.
The Commissioners Court was asked to consider changes to the Blanco County Personnel Policy. According to Judge Guthrie, “Chapter 3 pertains to salaries and wages. This may change because some employees in departments with shift schedules are paid hourly and some are paid by salary. This has created a problem for the County Treasurer with overtime and holiday pay. The proposal is to change all employees to hourly, not salary.” Commissioner Granberg gave a motion to accept the change to the Blanco County Personnel Policy regarding all shift schedule employees to be paid hourly as determined by salaries for the position. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wood, and was approved by the Court.
The Commissioners Court was asked to consider authorization for the District Court to sign an agreement with NetData to begin processing credit card payments. Judge Guthrie said approving the authorization would, “Bring the District County Court in line with the rest of the departments.” The Court passed the authorization after a motion was given by Commissioner Liesmann and seconded by Commissioner Wood.
Commissioner Wood presented a motion to approve outstanding bills in the amount of $56,583.54 and $6,650.00, respectively. A second motion was provided by Commissioner Liesmann, and the outstanding bills were approved by the Court. The Special Meeting of the Blanco County Commissioners Court adjourned.
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