Blanco County Commissioners conducted a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, April 9th, 2013. All four county commissioners were present. The minutes of the March 26, 2013 Special Meeting were heard and approved by the Court.
County Judge Bill Guthrie told the Commissioners, “It’s that time of year again…to go ahead and advertise in the local papers for bids for a County bank depository.” Commissioner James Sultemeier presented a motion to advertise for bids for a County bank depository pursuant to Section 116.021 of the Local Government Code. County Commissioner Paul Granberg provided a second motion, and the motion carried.
The Commissioners had voted to put the countywide burn ban back on during the March 26th Special Meeting. After the rainfall that followed, Commissioners lifted the ban for 72 hours on April 3rd. During the April 9, 2013 Regular Meeting Judge Guthrie asked the Commissioners if there was discussion or comments regarding the burn ban. Commissioner John Wood answered, “No sir.” Commissioner Chris Liesmann replied, “Pass.” Judge Guthrie noted there was no further discussion and no action was taken. The countywide burn ban has expired.
Judge Guthrie asked for a copy of a Memo from the County Auditor. County Auditor Cindy Lent said that all County deposits need to be timely deposited within seven days. Judge Guthrie told the Court, “It is important to be careful with any changes…the policy that is used is written in accordance with government code standards.”
Commissioner Granberg commented, “The Colorado River Fund needs to be put back into our depository…for accounting this year it needs to be moved.” Commissioner Sultemeier asked if the accounts would be moved as quickly as possible. The County Auditor replied there were “just a few, not too many accounts” to be moved.”
No further comments were given, and Judge Guthrie asked the Court to consider adoption of the Policy on Public Funds and Timely Deposits. Commissioner Granberg gave a motion to adopt the Policy, Commissioner Wood seconded, and the Court adopted the Policy.
Theresa Turner has resigned as secretary/treasurer of the South Blanco County Emergency Services District Board. Her resignation is effective June 17, 2013. Judge Guthrie noted, “We now have two vacancies on the board with Theresa Turner’s resignation, and we surely thank her for her service.” Commissioner Granberg gave a motion to accept the resignation and Commissioner Wood presented a second motion. The resignation was approved by the Court.
Judge Guthrie introduced Connie Russell to the Court. Connie Russell is with the Blanco County Child Protection and Family Advocacy Board. Connie works diligently to promote and protect the welfare of Blanco County children, and to offer aid to their families as well.
Judge Guthrie read a Proclamation to the Court. The Proclamation read in part, “Preventing child abuse and neglect is a community problem…child abuse and neglect not only directly harms children, but also increases the likelihood of long-term physical and mental problems, …substance abuse,…family violence and criminal behavior…Whereas, child abuse and neglect can be reduced by making sure each family has the support they need in raising their children in a safe, nurturing environment…Whereas, effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among social service agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community.”
The Proclamation also calls upon, “All Blanco County citizens, community agencies, faith groups, and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the communities in which we live.” After hearing the Proclamation by Judge Guthrie Blanco County Commissioner Wood offered a motion to declare April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Blanco County. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Sultemeier, and the action was approved by the Court.
Blanco County Extension Agent Todd Swift presented a quarterly report to the Commissioners. Mr. Swift told the Court, “This is an exciting time for AgriLife Extension in Blanco County. Our new face book page for Agrilife Extension Child & Family Study group is up and running. The response is good and we have lots of face book buzz and good information there.”
Mr. Swift said, “The entries for the County Youth Show are growing, and the exhibit hall is part of the County Youth Show. We receive great support from our Ag teachers as well.” Mr. Swift went on to say, “The Youth Show this year was unbelievable. There were 96 exhibits and $420,000 was raised in support for our youth…this was an outstanding Youth Show, as well as any we have ever done.”
According to Mr. Swift, “Eight exhibited in Houston, and this represented 50% participation. Our team scored second in San Antonio and first in San Angelo.” Several Blanco County youths came home with substantial winnings from these events.
Mr. Swift reported, “We have 10 new inductees into the Master Gardener Program, and 25 have received Pesticide Applicator Certification Licenses. We don’t know how great our soil is. So we have joined forces with Kendall and Gillespie Counties to survey our soil. We want to see what we can do to improve productivity for hay and gardening.”
Commissioner Sultemeier presented a motion for approval of April 2013 payroll in the amount of $256,964.08. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Liesmann and the April 2013 payroll was approved by the Court.
Commissioner Granberg provided a motion for approval of the official reports, Commissioner Sultemeier seconded the motion and the Court approved the official reports.
The last item of business before adjournment was approval for payment of outstanding bills in the amount of $51,811.65. There were no questions, and Commissioner Wood gave a motion for approval of payment and Commissioner Granberg seconded.
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