[00:00:01] >> GOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY. [A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER] WELCOME TO CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT. WE'RE GOING TO CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025 AT 9:00 AM, AND WE GOT PASTOR LORETTA. >> PLEASE BOW YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR SPIRITS IN PRAYER. HEAVENLY FATHER IN THE NAME OF JESUS, I THANK YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE AS OUR GREAT INTERCESSOR, WHOEVER LIVES, LIVE IT TO INTERCEDE FOR US, SEARCH OUR HEARTS, KNOW OUR THOUGHTS, AND SEE, LORD FATHER AND GUIDE US TO THE PLACE, LORD FATHER, WHERE WE'RE ASKING EVERYTHING THAT WE NEED, LORD FATHER OF YOU, LORD FATHER. WE THANK YOU FOR THE WISDOM FOR THE COURT, LORD FATHER. THE WISDOM OF ALL OF THOSE WHOM WE SERVE, LORD FATHER, BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT YOU CAME TO GIVE YOUR LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY TO SERVE LORD JESUS. WE THANK YOU, LORD FATHER, THAT WE, LORD FATHER, WILL BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING, BUT BY EVERYTHING IN PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING, WE'RE GOING TO MAKE OUR REQUEST KNOWN, AND THE GOD OF PEACE WILL GUARD OUR HEARTS AND OUR MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS. IN YOUR PRECIOUS SON'S NAME, WE PRAY OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, AMEN. >> AMEN. >> >> [LAUGHTER] DO WE HAVE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS MORNING, COMMISSIONERS? [D. ANNOUNCEMENTS] >> JUDGE, YOU ALL HAVE YOUR LOCKHART HAS THEIR ANNUAL CHISHOLM TRAIL. WE'LL PROBABLY ELABORATE A LITTLE BIT MORE. >> YES, SIR. WE DO. CHISHOLM TRAIL IS COMING UP, STARTS THURSDAY. HAVE THE RODEO. THE PERFORMANCE WILL BEGIN AT 7:30. THURSDAY'S ROUGH STOCK ONLY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT OR FULL ON PERFORMANCE. WE HAVE GOOD MUSIC LINEUP FOR AFTER THE RODEO, AND EVEN DURING THE RODEO, THERE'S MUSIC DOWN IN THE AMPHITHEATER, AND BARBECUE COOK-OFF, AND A PARADE, AND ALL THE THINGS. WE HOPE THAT YOU'LL COME OUT AND SUPPORT. WE KNOW THE WEATHER IS A LITTLE SKETCHY, BUT THE RODEO WILL GO ON RAIN OR SHINE UNLESS WE'RE HAVING A THUNDERSTORM RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT. DON'T LET THE WEATHER SCARRY OFF. PLEASE COME OUT. >> MR. TARRIO? >> NO REPORTS. >> MR. JUDGE, I HAVE ANNOUNCED. >> YES, SIR. >> I'M HERE TO ANNOUNCE FOR THE ST. JOHN COLONY JUNE 10TH, 2025. EVERYONE'S INVITED TO SATURDAY JUNE 21ST. WE ARE ONE ON 189 CARTER ROAD DALE, TEXAS, BARBECUE MUSIC, GUEST SPEAKERS, AND VENDS. YOU CAN READ YOUR DONATE AT ST. JOHN COLONY.ORG. LOOKING FORWARD TO EVERYBODY BEING OUT. >> AWESOME. IF YOU HAVE NEVER GONE TO THAT, YOU NEED TO GO. >> YES, SIR. >> IT IS A LOT OF FUN AND YOU'LL NEVER EAT BETTER WHEN YOU LEAD AT THAT FESTIVAL. [LAUGHTER] IT'S AMAZING FOOD. DO WE HAVE ANY STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS? NO. I FIGURED AS HE WOULD ADMONISH US FOR OUR CYBERSECURITY AT THE VERY LEAST. >> YOU WANT ME TO? >> YEAH, YOU MIGHT AS WELL LET US HAVE IT. [LAUGHTER] >> COMMISSIONERS. WELL, WE'RE MAKING PROGRESS. WE NOW HAVE SEVEN PEOPLE THAT HAVE NOT COMPLETED THEIR CYBERSECURITY TRAINING, SO YOU WILL BE GETTING AN EMAIL FROM ME. THANK YOU. [LAUGHTER] >> AND/OR A POSTED NOTE. [LAUGHTER] >> YEAH. ANY OTHER STAFF COMMENTS? IF NOT, WE'LL GO TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS. [E. CITIZENS' COMMENTS] >> ANDREW MCCLISH. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS ANDREW MCCLISH. I'M A RESIDENT OF PRAIRIE LEE. I'VE SPOKEN BEFORE ON THE ISSUE OF FOUR UNWARRANTED ALWAYS STOP INTERSECTIONS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. INSTEAD OF ADDRESSING THE SUBSTANCE OF MY CONCERNS, IT APPEARS YOU'VE CHOSEN A DIFFERENT PATH. ON THAT AIMS TO SILENCE RATHER THAN ENGAGE. ON TODAY'S AGENDA, I SEE WHAT CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS THE MCCLISH AMENDMENT. YOU MAY KNOW IT AS ITEM I9, COURT RULES OF PROCEDURES, CONDUCT, AND DECORUM. [00:05:01] I HOPE EACH OF YOU HAS REVIEWED THE ITEM THOROUGHLY. IT REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT SHIFT IN HOW OUR PUBLIC INTERACTS WITH THIS COURT. UNDER THIS AMENDMENT, CITIZENS WOULD BE RESTRICTED TO COMMENTING ONLY ON AGENDA ITEMS. IF A CONCERN ISN'T LISTED, WE WOULD NO LONGER BE ALLOWED TO SPEAK ON IT. THIS IS NOT JUST A PROCEDURAL CHANGE. IT'S A DIRECT LIMITATION ON THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO PETITION THEIR GOVERNMENT. I VIEW THIS AS RETALIATION, AIMED SQUARELY AT ME, SIMPLY FOR EXERCISING A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD ELIMINATE THE CITIZENS' COMMENTS SECTION OF THE AGENDA, REMOVING THE PUBLIC'S ABILITY TO SPEAK FREELY AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR MEETINGS. IN ITS PLACE, WE WOULD ONLY BE ALLOWED TO COMMENT WHEN A SPECIFIC ITEM IS CALLED AND ONLY ABOUT THAT ITEM. THIS IS NOT TRANSPARENCY. THIS IS NOT ACCOUNTABILITY, THIS IS CONTROL. RATHER THAN ADDRESS A STRAIGHTFORWARD REQUEST, ASKING YOUR ENGINEER, MR. TRACY BRAXTON, TO EXPLAIN THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC STUDY, AND THEN ACTING ON THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS, YOU'VE CHOSEN TO ENACT SWEEPING RESTRICTIONS ON THE ENTIRE COUNTY. THE RECORD IS CLEAR. THOSE ALWAYS STOPS WERE IMPLEMENTED IMPROPERLY FOR THE ILLEGAL PURPOSE OF SPEED CONTROL. MR. BRAXTON IS HERE TODAY ASK HIM. OF COURSE, YOU CAN'T BECAUSE IT'S NOT ON THE AGENDA. I INVITE MR. BRAXTON, COME ON UP FORWARD NOW DURING CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND SPEAK PUBLICLY ON THIS ISSUE. PLEASE GIVE US YOUR PROFESSIONAL INTERPRETATION OF THE TRAFFIC STUDY. JUST FOUR MINUTES OF TRUTH. THERE'S BEEN NO EXPLANATION FOR WHY YOU HAVE REFUSED MR. BRAXTON'S INPUT. IS IT BECAUSE YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT HE'LL SAY? THAT HIS FINDINGS WOULD SUPPORT WHAT I'VE BEEN SAYING ALL ALONG? RATHER THAN HEARING, MR. BRAXTON, YOU GO OUT OF YOUR WAY TO SILENCE ME WITH THIS REWRITE OF THE COURT RULES. THE PUBLIC AND I WANT TO HEAR FROM MR. BRAXTON, AND YOU SHOULD, TOO. WHY PUNISH THE ENTIRE COUNTY WITH YOUR RUTHLESS MCCLISH AMENDMENT? IS IT EGO? FEAR OF BEING WRONG? PLEASE DON'T RESTRICT THE PUBLIC'S RIGHT TO PETITION THEIR GOVERNMENT. REJECT THESE AMENDED COURT RULES. FINALLY, I ONCE AGAIN AS PLACE THE ALWAYS STOPS ON THE AGENDA. ASK MR. BRAXTON TO PRESENT THE STUDY FINDINGS PUBLICLY AND ALLOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS LAID OUT IN THE STUDY AND FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS LAID OUT IN THE STUDY. WHILE YOU'RE AT IT, ASK HOW MUCH TRAFFIC IS ACTUALLY REQUIRED TO WARRANT THOSE STOPS. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR WHAT MAYBE REGRETTABLY MY FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS YOU ON THIS MATTER. THIS RETALIATION IS WRONG, AND DEEP DOWN, I THINK YOU KNOW IT. >> I'M GOING TO MAKE ONE POINT OF ORDER. MR. BRAXTON CANNOT COME UP BECAUSE HE'S NOT SIGNED UP TO DO CITIZENS' COMMENTS. I THINK WE KNOW THAT. IF YOU'VE READ THE DRAFT OF OUR PROCEDURES, YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT. ALSO, THIS IS A DRAFT, NOT A FINAL DOCUMENT, AND IT WILL BE BROUGHT TO THE COURT ON THE AGENDA ITEM TO HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT VERY THINGS, SO I INVITE YOU TO STAY IF YOU'D LIKE TO. WITH THAT, WE WILL GO TO CONSENT. >> JUDGE. >> YES. >> JUDGE I'M SORRY. WE HAVE ONE MORE. >> OH, YOU HAVE ONE MORE, I'M SORRY. >> I'M SORRY. MARTHA JOYCE. >> MARTHA. COME ON UP. >> GOOD MORNING. I'M MARTHA JOYCE, DIRECTOR FOR THE CENTRAL TEXAS DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER, AND I'M HERE THIS MORNING TO INVITE THE CITIZENS OF CALDWELL COUNTY AND ALSO THE COMMISSIONERS AND TO OUR UPCOMING FUNDRAISER, WHICH WILL BE ON JUNE THE 21ST. IT'S GOING TO BE A MURDER MYSTERY DINNER, AND LILY'S IS COOKING THE FOOD. SO YOU ALL KNOW AT LEAST THE FOOD WILL BE GOOD. JUST WANTED TO INVITE EVERYBODY, AND TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ON EVENT RIGHT. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ANY OTHERS? >> NO, SIR. THAT'S IT. >> WITH THAT, WE'LL GO TO CONSENT, COMMISSIONERS. [F. CONSENT AGENDA] IF THERE ARE NO QUESTIONS ON CONSENT, I'D LOOK FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE. >> MOVE TO APPROVE. >> MOVE TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER HORN, SECOND. >> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR. SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSE HERE AND NONE. MOTION CARRIES. ITEM G, WE HAVE A PRESENTATION 2025, [G.1 2025 Caldwell County Safety Action Plan - Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) - Dena Snyder, SV Traffic] CALDWELL COUNTY SAFETY ACTION PLAN, CAPITAL AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION. DINA HI. COME ON UP. [00:10:04] >> AWESOME. THANK YOU. CAN I START? >> YES. >> I GOT YOU. GOOD MORNING. JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS DINA SNYDER WITH SB TRAFFIC. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK TODAY ABOUT THE CALDWELL COUNTY SAFETY ACTION PLAN. I'M HERE TO EXPLAIN WHY THIS PLAN IS IMPORTANT, HOW WE CREATED IT, AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR MAKING OUR ROADS SAFER. TOO MANY FAMILIES ARE AFFECTED BY CAR CRASHES THAT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED. RIGHT HERE IN CALDWELL COUNTY, 63 PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES, AND 222 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CRASHES OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS. THE CALDWELL COUNTY SAFETY ACTION PLAN WAS DEVELOPED AS PART OF A BROADER REGIONAL SAFETY PLAN FOR THE CAMPO REGION, AND THE PROJECT IS BEING FUNDED THROUGH A PLANNING GRANT THROUGH THE SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAM. THE REGIONAL PLAN IS BEING DEVELOPED USING A BOTTOM-UP PLANNING APPROACH. EACH COUNTY IN THE REGION IS DEVELOPING A COUNTY SAFETY ACTION PLAN, AND THEN THE PROJECTS AND STRATEGIES IN THOSE PLANS WILL THEN BE ROLLED UP AND INFORM THE BROADER REGIONAL STRATEGIES. CAMPO WILL THEN BE ABLE TO PURSUE FUNDING FOR ALL OF THE PROJECTS AND STRATEGIES THAT ARE IN THE PLAN THROUGH THE SSI GRANT AND OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES. WHAT IS A SAFETY ACTION PLAN? THINK OF IT AS A ROADMAP. IT SHOWS US WHERE THE MOST DANGEROUS LOCATIONS ARE IN THE COUNTY, AND IT IDENTIFIES WHAT WE CAN DO TO PREVENT CRASHES AND SAVE LIVES. THE PLAN WAS DEVELOPED BASED ON INPUT FROM MULTIPLE SAFETY PARTNERS IN THE COUNTY. HAVING THE SAFETY ACTION PLAN IN PLACE WILL ENSURE THAT CALDWELL COUNTY IS POSITIONED TO BE ABLE TO ACCESS CRITICAL FUNDING FOR THE PROJECTS AND STRATEGIES IN THE PLAN. A LOCAL SAFETY TASK FORCE WAS FORMED TO GUIDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLAN. THIS GROUP INCLUDED PEOPLE FROM CALDWELL COUNTY, LOCAL CITIES, THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, THE SH 130 CONCESSIONS COMPANY, AND THEN OTHER PARTNERS IN THE REGION. MOVING FORWARD, THIS GROUP WILL ALSO HELP PUT THE PLAN INTO ACTION AND KEEP TRACK OF PROGRESS. WE URGE COMMISSIONERS COURT TO OFFICIALLY ADOPT THE CALDWELL COUNTY SAFETY ACTION PLAN AND TO SET A BIG GOAL TO CUT THE NUMBER OF DEATHS AND SERIOUS INJURIES ON OUR ROADS BY HALF BY 2035 AND EVENTUALLY REACH ZERO BY 2050. THIS GOAL IS REFERRED TO AS THE ROAD TO ZERO AND ENSURES THE COUNTY IS ALIGNED WITH EFFORTS THAT ARE GOING ON AT THE REGIONAL AND STATEWIDE LEVEL. THE SAFETY ACTION PLAN. THIS SLIDE LISTS THE COMPONENTS OF THE PLAN. IT'S DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE MOST SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES ON THE COUNTY ROADS, FATAL AND SERIOUS INJURY CRASHES. IT ESTABLISHES THE VISION AND GOALS FOR ROADWAY SAFETY IN THE COUNTY. THERE'S A DATA-DRIVEN SAFETY ANALYSIS THAT IDENTIFIES WHERE CRASHES HAPPEN MOST OFTEN AND WHY. IT SUMMARIZES THE PUBLIC OUTREACH EFFORTS THAT WERE CONDUCTED THROUGHOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLAN. WE TALKED TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH ONLINE SURVEYS AND IN-PERSON EVENTS TO HEAR THEIR CONCERNS AND ISSUES FOR THE REGION. THIS INCLUDED THREE POP-UP EVENTS THAT WERE HELD IN CALDWELL COUNTY. WE RECOMMEND UPDATES TO CITY POLICIES AND DESIGN GUIDELINES TO PRIORITIZE ROAD SAFETY FOR ALL ROAD USERS, AND WE RECOMMEND SAFETY PROJECTS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES WE FOUND. THESE INCLUDE GROUPINGS OF SMALLER PROJECTS TO ADDRESS SPECIFIC RISKS. IN THE COUNTY, IT'S THINGS LIKE ROADWAY DEPARTURE, CRASHES THAT ARE OCCURRING ON CURVES, OR BETTER LIGHTING. WE ALSO IDENTIFY TARGETED FIXES FOR SPECIFIC INTERSECTIONS AND CORRIDORS. THEN FINALLY, THERE'S AN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN TO ENSURE THAT WE'RE MOVING FROM STRATEGY TO REAL ACTION. FOR THE TARGETED SAFETY PROJECTS, WE IDENTIFIED EIGHT CORRIDORS IN THE COUNTY THAT NEED THE MOST ATTENTION, COVERING ABOUT 25 ROADWAY MILES. WE ALSO IDENTIFIED SEVEN INTERSECTIONS IN NEED OF SPOT SAFETY TREATMENTS AND AN ADDITIONAL EIGHT INTERSECTIONS THAT COULD BE BUNDLED WITHIN THE CORRIDOR PROJECTS. TOGETHER, THESE LOCATIONS ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN 40% OF THE FATAL AND SERIOUS INJURY CRASHES IN THE COUNTY. FOCUSING ON THESE LOCATIONS, WE'LL ALLOW THE COUNTY TO DIRECT [00:15:01] ITS LIMITED RESOURCES TO THE LOCATIONS THAT WILL HAVE THE BIGGEST IMPACT. THIS IS HARD TO SEE UP HERE, BUT WE DID PROVIDE A DETAILED LIST IN THE HANDOUT. THE PROJECT LISTS INCLUDE BOTH LOW-COST, QUICK BUILD SAFETY PROJECTS THAT COULD BE CONSTRUCTED WITHIN ONE TO FIVE YEARS, AS WELL AS LONGER-TERM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT NEEDS FOR EACH CORRIDOR. IN SOME CASES, SOME ADDITIONAL PLANNING AND DESIGN WORK MAYBE NEEDED BEFORE THE IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE IMPLEMENTED. THERE ARE A VARIETY OF FUNDING PROGRAMS AT THE FEDERAL, STATE, AND REGIONAL LEVEL THAT CAN HELP THE COUNTY MOVE FORWARD, IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECTS THAT ARE IDENTIFIED IN THE PLAN. THE MOST IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITY IS THROUGH THE FEDERAL SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL GRANT PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM OFFERS BOTH PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS. RURAL COUNTIES LIKE CALDWELL COUNTY OR RURAL COMMUNITIES RATHER LIKE CALDWELL COUNTY. YOU'VE MADE UP ABOUT HALF OF ALL THE RECIPIENTS SO FAR, AND THESE GRANTS FUND 80% OF THE PROJECT COST AND REQUIRE A 20% LOCAL MATCH, MAKING THEM A POWERFUL TOOL TO STRETCH THE COUNTY'S RESOURCES FURTHER. THE GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THIS FISCAL YEAR IS COMING UP QUICKLY AND REQUIRES BOTH ADOPTION OF THE SAFETY ACTION PLAN AND SUBMITTAL OF GRANT APPLICATION BY JUNE 26TH. IN CLOSING, THE COUNTY SAFETY ACTION PLAN IS A BIG STEP FORWARD. IT SHOWS THE COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO MAKING OUR ROADWAYS SAFER FOR ALL ROAD USERS. BY ADOPTING THIS PLAN AND APPLYING FOR FUNDING, CALDWELL COUNTY CAN MAKE REAL PROGRESS ON THE ROAD TO ZERO. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, AND I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE. >> THINK I DO HAVE JUST ONE ON THE LOCAL MATCH. DOES IT HAVE TO BE A CASH LOCAL MATCH, OR CAN IT BE CONTRIBUTION OF OUR SAY, OUR UNIT ROAD GROUPS' TIME, OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT? >> THE ONLY STIPULATION IS THAT THE LOCAL MATCH CANNOT COME FROM FEDERAL FUNDING SOURCES. >> IT CAN BE IN KIND. >> IN KIND, YEAH. >> THANK YOU. GOOD. THAT'S IMPORTANT FOR US. THAT WAS MY ONLY QUESTION. >> THANK YOU, DIANA. >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU AND YOUR WHOLE GROUP FOR HARD WORK ON THIS. APPRECIATE IT. >> IT'S BEEN PRESSURE. >> TRY TO KEEP AN EYE ON THE TIME HERE, WE DO HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:30, SO WE'LL GET THROUGH A FEW AGENDA ITEMS AND THEN COME BACK TO OUR PUBLIC HEARING. I WILL GO TO DISCUSSION ACTION ITEM 1.1. [I.1 To discuss and take possible action regarding the approval of the Minutes for the May 27, 2025, regular meeting.] DISCUSSION, TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR MAY 27TH, 2025. >> IF THERE ARE NO QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS WITH THE MINUTES, I'D LET FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE. >> MOVE TO APPROVE. >> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. SECOND? >> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NONE. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I2, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RESOLUTION 2025, [I.2 To discuss and take possible action regarding Resolution 20-2025 establishing the Road to Zero goal and authorizing adoption of the Caldwell County Safety Action Plan.] ESTABLISHING THE ROAD TO ZERO GOAL AND AUTHORIZING ADOPTION OF THE CALDWELL COUNTY SAFETY ACTION PLAN. IS AMBER HERE? I THINK WE PRETTY WELL HEARD ABOUT IT. >> THIS IS JUST TO ADOPT THE PLAN THAT DANA JUST PRESENTED TO [INAUDIBLE] >> VERY GOOD. AMBER, WE'VE PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED THE JUDGE TO EXECUTE GRANT APPLICATIONS. >> THAT'S CORRECT. >> WE'RE READY TO GO IF WE CAN PUT [OVERLAPPING] SOMETHING TOGETHER BEFORE THE 26TH. >> THAT'S RIGHT. >> YES, SIR. >> YES, SIR. I'LL GO AHEAD AND READ THE RESOLUTION. RESOLUTION 2025, ESTABLISHING THE ROAD TO ZERO GOAL AND AUTHORIZING ADOPTION OF THE CALDWELL COUNTY SAFETY ACTION PLAN. WHEREAS BETWEEN 2019-2023 IN CALDWELL COUNTY, 63 PEOPLE DIED, AND ANOTHER 222 PEOPLE WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED DUE TO ROADWAY CRASHES, AND WHEREAS CALDWELL COUNTY RECOGNIZES THAT TRAFFIC FATALITIES AND SERIOUS INJURIES ARE PREVENTABLE AND THAT NO LOSS OF LIFE ON OUR ROADWAYS IS ACCEPTABLE. WHEREAS CALDWELL COUNTY AND REGIONAL PARTNERS PARTICIPATE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CALDWELL COUNTY SAFETY ACTION PLAN AND IDENTIFIED HIGH-RISK AREAS, ANALYZE CRASH DATA, ENGAGE STAKEHOLDERS AND OUTLINE STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT THAT, ONE, CALDWELL COUNTY COMMITS TO THE GOAL OF WORKING TOWARDS ZERO ROADWAY FATALITIES AND SERIOUS INJURIES BY YEAR 2050, AND TWO, CALDWELL COUNTY WILL MONITOR AND PERIODICALLY REPORT ON PROGRESS TOWARD ROAD TO ZERO GOAL, AND THREE, CALDWELL COUNTY ADOPTS THE CALDWELL COUNTY SAFETY ACTION PLAN [00:20:04] AND INTENDS TO IMPLEMENT PROJECTS, STRATEGIES, AND POLICIES FROM THE PLAN RESOLVED THE 10TH DAY OF JUNE 2025. [NOISE] COMMISSIONERS, CAN I GET A VOTE ON THE RESOLUTION? >> I SO MOVE APPROVAL. >> MOVE TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. SECOND? >> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? >> I HAVE ONE, JUDGE. ON THE PROJECT LIST THAT SHE WAS SHOWING, I WAS JUST LOOKING AND WHY, IS THAT WHAT'S DESIGNATED FOR OR CAN THEY CHANGE? >> THAT I DON'T KNOW. IT'S A GOOD QUESTION. DANA, YOU GO AHEAD. COME ON UP. >> THE PLAN GIVES YOU A LOT OF FLEXIBILITY. THERE'S TARGETED PROJECTS, THERE'S A THING CALLED SYSTEMIC PACKAGES WHERE YOU CAN ADDRESS THINGS LIKE CURVES AND PUT TOGETHER A PACKAGE FOR THAT. THERE'S A HIGH INJURY NETWORK THAT IDENTIFIES WHERE THE MOST SERIOUS CRASHES ARE OCCURRING, SO ALL OF THAT IS DOCUMENTED IN THE PLAN. ANYTHING THAT YOU GUYS APPLY FOR, BY HAVING IT IN THE PLAN, IT GIVES YOU MORE CHANCES OF SUCCESS FOR GETTING FUNDING FOR THOSE ACTIVITIES. THERE'S A TOOLBOX THAT GIVES YOU A LOT OF FLEXIBILITY. WE PUT TOGETHER A PACKAGE SO YOU'RE NOT RESTRICTED JUST TO THE PROJECTS THAT ARE IDENTIFIED. IF YOU HAVE SOME AREAS IN YOUR PRECINCT THAT ARE SHOWING UP AS HIGH-RISK AREAS AND YOU WANT TO ADDRESS A SPECIFIC OPTION, IT'S IN THE PLAN AND WE'RE GIVING YOU THE TOOLS TO BE ABLE TO ADDRESS THAT, BUT IT DOES PROVIDE A LOT OF FLEXIBILITY. >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND FOR APPROVAL. SEEING NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, I'LL CALL THE VOTE. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> AYE. OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I3, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION [I.3 To discuss and take possible action regarding Caldwell County Environmental Protocol.] REGARDING CALDWELL COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL PROTOCOL. HI, MARIA. GOOD. I DIDN'T SEE YOU BACK THERE. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. THIS AGENDA ITEM WOULD ESTABLISH THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND COMPLIANCE PROTOCOL. IS THAT BETTER? >> YES. >> THANK YOU. THIS AGENDA ITEM WOULD ESTABLISH THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND COMPLIANCE PROTOCOL. ALL ROAD BOND PROJECTS WOULD REQUIRE A CERTAIN LEVEL OF DUE DILIGENCE, REPORTING TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS. THIS DOCUMENT WOULD SERVE AS A MANUAL, OUTLINING THOSE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ANY COUNTY CONSULTANTS ON THE BOND PROGRAM. IT WOULD ALSO ENSURE THE COMPLETION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL DUE DILIGENCE AND COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS. >> COMMISSIONERS, IF THERE ARE NO QUESTIONS, WE'LL GO AHEAD AND ASK FOR A MOTION TO IMPROVE THE CALDWELL COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL PROTOCOL. >> SO MOVED. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS TO APPROVE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. ANY QUESTIONS OR DISCUSSION? NONE. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. THANKS, MARIA. ITEM I4. NO, THIS IS NOT THE ONE I THOUGHT, BUT IT COULD BE A LITTLE LENGTHY. I'M GOING TO TRY TO HOLD BACK THESE THAT ARE A LITTLE BIT LENGTHY AFTER OUR PUBLIC HEARING. I GOT ITEM I5, [I.5 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Final Plat for OCLR Acres consisting of five residential lots on approximately 10.010 acres located on Old Colony Line Road and FM 86.] DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE FINAL PLAT FOR OCLR ACRES CONSISTING OF FIVE RESIDENTIAL LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY 10.01 ACRES LOCATED ON OLD COLONY LINE ROAD AND FM 86. >> GOOD MORNING. THIS IS A FINAL PLAT. WE APPROVED THE PRELIMINARY PLAT BACK IN APRIL OF '25. THIS WAS ACTUALLY REVIEWED AND RECOMMENDED, APPROVED BY QUADRA CONSULTANT. AT THIS TIME, WE'RE READY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE FINAL. ALL FEES HAVE BEEN COLLECTED AND ALL COMMENTS ARE CLEARED. >> COMMISSIONERS? >> MOVE TO APPROVE. >> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. SECOND? >> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NONE. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIERS. >> THANK YOU. >> ITEM I6, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CALDWELL COUNTY, THAT'S GOING TO BE ANOTHER LONG ONE. [LAUGHTER] DISCUSS AND TAKE [I.7 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Development Agreement for Riata Creek which is anticipated to consist of 220 single-family lots on approximately 77.863 acres located off Farmers Road.] POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR [INAUDIBLE] CREEK, WHICH IS ANTICIPATED TO CONSIST OF 220 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY [00:25:02] 77.863 ACRES LOCATED OFF FARMERS ROAD. >> GOOD MORNING, TRACY BRATTON. THIS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOLLOWS THE FORM OF MANY OF OUR PRIOR DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS. HOWEVER, THESE ARE LARGER LOTS THAN MOST OF OUR DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN. I BELIEVE THEY'RE 60-70 FOOT WIDE, AND THEY'RE JUST ASKING FOR 0.2 ACRES. THEY'RE NOT ASKING FOR THE 40 FOOT LOTS. WE'VE WORKED THROUGH A ROAD DONATION AGREEMENT WITH THEM TO HELP THE COUNTY FUND SOME IMPROVEMENTS ON FARMERS ROAD. THAT'S IT, PRETTY SIMPLE. >> AN EASY ONE. COMMISSIONERS? COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND IS NOT HERE. HE WILL BE BACK FOR THE BOND. >> IT'S IN [INAUDIBLE] >> IS HE IN HERE? I THOUGHT HE WASN'T HERE. SORRY. GO AHEAD. >> I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT. >> WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> I'LL SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NONE. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. COMMISSIONER, I DON'T WANT TO RUSH YOU ON THE PROCLAMATION, SO I'M GOING TO GO BY. WE'LL COME BACK TO IT. >> HECTOR ON THE BURN BAN. >> SAME WITH I9, WE'LL GO AHEAD AND DO THE BURN BAN, [I.10 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Caldwell County Burn Ban.] DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CALDWELL COUNTY BURN BAN. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONER, STAFF IN GALLERY. WE GOT SOME PRETTY GOOD RAIN COMING, JUST CROSS-DRIPPING SPRINGS, AND SOME OF IT IS MOVING INTO SAN MARCOS AS WE SPEAK. LOOKS LIKE IT'S GOING TO BE RAINING ALL WEEK, AND I'M HOPING EVERYBODY IN THE COUNTY GETS SOME RAIN. CURRENTLY, OUR KBDI NUMBERS, THE MINIMUM IS 174, MAX 435, AVERAGE 321 WITH A CHANGE OF PLUS 14. I'M RECOMMENDING TO COMMISSIONERS COURT WE KEEP THE BURN BAN OFF. >> COMMISSIONERS, WE HAVE A MOTION? >> SO MOVED. >> TO KEEP BURN BAN OFF? >> YES. >> YES, SIR. WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS TO KEEP THE BURN BAN OFF. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> A SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. >> ANY DISCUSSION? NONE. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. >> THANK YOU. >> THANKS, HECTOR. WE'LL GO TO ITEM I11, [I.11 To discuss and take possible action regarding a request for a 30-day extension for Caldwell County ESD #2 to finalize their financial audit, pursuant to Health and Safety code § 775.082(d).] DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A REQUEST FOR A 30-DAY EXTENSION FOR THE CALDWELL COUNTY ESD2 TO FINALIZE THEIR FINANCIAL AUDIT PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE 775.082(D). ONE OF THEIR PRIMARY MEMBERS HAS EXPERIENCED SOME HEALTH PROBLEMS AND THEY'VE JUST ASKED FOR AN EXTENSION SO THEY CAN FINISH THIS UP. THEY'LL HAVE IT TO US WITHIN 30 DAYS. DO WE HAVE A MOTION? >> MOVE TO APPROVE. >> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NONE. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. I12, SAME THING, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A REQUEST FOR A 30-DAY EXTENSION FOR [I.12 To discuss and take possible action regarding a request for a 30-day extension for Caldwell County ESD #5 to finalize their financial audit, pursuant to Health and Safety code § 775.082(d).] CALDWELL COUNTY ESD5 TO FINALIZE THEIR FINANCIAL AUDIT, PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE 775.082. COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION? >> MOTION TO APPROVE THE EXTENSION. >> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> I'LL SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NONE. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. I THINK WE'RE LITERALLY ABOUT 30 SECONDS AWAY FROM BEING ABLE TO OPEN THIS PUBLIC HEARING, SO I'M JUST GOING TO WAIT, LET 9:30 COME. WE'RE GOING TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:30 [H.1 Regarding consideration for the Replat of Chamberlin Ranch, Lot 8 and Lot 9 located on Chamberlin Road in Caldwell County] AM REGARDING CONSIDERATION OF THE REPLAT OF CHAMBERLIN RANCH, LOT 8 AND 9, LOCATED ON CHAMBERLIN ROAD IN CALDWELL COUNTY. [00:30:02] >> I WOULD LIKE TO START BY SAYING THAT THE PLAT IS READY FOR RECOMMENDED APPROVAL, BUT AT THIS TIME, THE FEES ARE STILL NOT PAID BY THE APPLICANT. HOPEFULLY, IT'LL BE BROUGHT ON THE NEXT AGENDA FOR APPROVAL. >> WE DON'T HAVE AN AGENDA ITEM? >> WE WILL NOT HAVE A FOLLOW-UP. CORRECT. >> WE'LL LEAVE THIS OPEN FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES. WE'LL GO AHEAD AND CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:32. WE HAVE NO AGENDA ITEM FOR THIS, SO WE'LL BRING THAT BACK AT THE NEXT COURT. HOPEFULLY, ONCE FEES HAVE BEEN PAID AND MOVE BACK UP TO ITEM I4, [I.4 To discuss and take possible action regarding the First Amendment to the Development Agreement for Chisholm Hill LP now known as Blue Sky on approximately 932.461 acres located off Black Ankle Road and Boggy Creek Road.] DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR CHISHOLM HILL LP, KNOWN AS BLUE SKY, ON APPROXIMATELY 932.461 ACRES LOCATED OFF BLACK ANKLE ROAD AND BOGGY CREEK ROAD. >> GOOD MORNING, TRACY BRATTON AGAIN. I HAVE COORDINATED WITH COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND ON THIS AGREEMENT IN DETAIL. THE AMENDMENT DOES A COUPLE OF THINGS. IT ADDS SOME ADDITIONAL AREA TO THE DEVELOPMENT, MAKE SOME MINOR TWEAKS IN SOME OF THE LANGUAGE, AND NOTABLY, IT DOES ADD A REQUIREMENT FOR THEM TO DONATE A SITE, DONATE AS IN DONATE FOR FREE TO LOCKHART ISD. >> GREAT. COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION? >> MOVE TO APPROVE. >> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> A SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NONE. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I6, DISCUSSION, [I.6 To discuss and take possible action in regard to the Caldwell County Development Ordinance 3.3.1(A)(7) to allow Doucet Engineer to grant an exemption approval for 980 Chalk Road in Harwood, Texas. The property consists of one-tract of approximately 5.00 acres (Lot 31-W) out of 171.055 acres.] TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CALDWELL COUNTY DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE 3.3.1 A7 TO ALLOW DOUCET ENGINEERING TO GRANT AN EXEMPTION APPROVAL FOR 980 CHALK ROAD IN HARWOOD, TEXAS. PROPERTY CONSISTS OF ONE TRACT OF APPROXIMATELY FIVE ACRES, LOT 31 W OUT OF 171.055 ACRES. >> TRACY BRATTON AGAIN. I DON'T BELIEVE ANY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONER COURT WERE ON THE COURT AT THE TIME THAT THIS ISSUE ORIGINATED. IT'S BEEN, I THINK, NINE YEARS NOW THAT CALDWELL COUNTY AND THEN LATER, THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE PURSUED ALLEGED DEVELOPER FOR ILLEGAL SUBDIVISION OFF STATE HIGHWAY 304 IN THE VERY SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE COUNTY. THERE WAS BEEN A LONG PROCESS TO GET TO HERE. HE WAS OPERATING ILLEGAL PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM, HAD ILLEGAL SEPTICS INSTALLED. THEY FINALLY REACHED A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE, AND THAT REQUIRED HIM TO OFFER EVERYONE ALL OF THEIR MONEY BACK AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEAVE. THIS PARTICULAR LAND OWNER DOESN'T WANT TO LEAVE. THEY HAVE A HOUSE THAT THEY'VE BEEN IN FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS RIGHT AT THE CORNER OF CHALK ROAD, AND I BELIEVE REED LANE, REED ROAD, SOMETHING LIKE THAT, THE CORNER, AND THEY WOULD LIKE TO STAY. THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF TEXAS REQUIRES [00:35:01] THAT THE TRACT OF LAND BE BROUGHT INTO A LEGAL STATUS. THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO PURSUE THAT, ONE WOULD BE A SINGLE LOT PLAT THAT WAS GOING TO REQUIRE A NUMBER OF VARIANCES DUE TO THE FACT THAT ORDINANCE REQUIRES YOU TO SUBMIT A PRELIMINARY PLAT FIRST ON THE ENTIRE TRACT, WHICH IS 171 ACRES. ANOTHER AVENUE WAS TO APPROVE AN EXEMPTION FOR THAT FIVE-ACRE TRACT. IN THE ORDINANCE, STAFF HAS THE ABILITY TO ACKNOWLEDGE A 10-ACRE TRACT AS LEGALLY EXEMPT AS LONG AS IT MEETS CERTAIN CRITERIA. IN THIS CASE, THE TRACT IS FIVE ACRES, SO WE'RE JUST ASKING THE COURT FOR PERMISSION FOR ME TO ISSUE THAT EXEMPTION LETTER, ACKNOWLEDGING IT AS A LEGAL TRACT OF LAND AT JUST FIVE ACRES. >> COMMISSIONERS? >> MAY I ASK A QUESTION, JUDGE? >> SURE. GO AHEAD. >> MOTION FIRST. >> YEAH. GO AHEAD. >> TRACY, IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOGNIZE THIS AS A JUDICIAL PARTITION? I KNOW THAT'S AN EXEMPTION. >> IT'S A CIRCULAR THING BECAUSE THE SETTLEMENT ADMINISTRATOR IS LOOKING FOR SOME ACKNOWLEDGMENT FROM THE COUNTY THAT THIS IS ACCEPTABLE, AND THIS WOULD BE OUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT IT'S ACCEPTABLE. WE'RE IN A WHO'S GOING TO ACT FIRST SITUATION. >> GOT YOU. >> COMMISSIONERS? >> YEAH. >> THAT'S ONE OTHER IMPORTANT THING. THE COUNTY DOESN'T ISSUE PERMITS FOR SEPTICS AND RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES AND THINGS, IT ATTRACTS AN ILLEGAL LOT. THEY'RE CAUGHT IN LIMBO WANTING TO OFFICIALLY SUBMIT A PERMIT TO BRING THEIR SEPTIC INTO LEGAL COMPLIANCE, AND THAT'S ALL CAUGHT UP IN THIS GAME OF CHICKEN, WHO'S GOING TO ACT FIRST. >> GOT YOU. >> COMMISSIONER HORNE. >> I MOVE TO APPROVE. >> MOVE APPROVAL. WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? NONE. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I8. DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNE 19TH, 2025, [I.8 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Proclamation recognizing June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth, and commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas.] AS JUNETEENTH AND COMMEMORATING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY IN TEXAS. COMMISSIONER THOMAS, WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO THE HONORS ON THE PROCLAMATION? >> YES I'LL DO IT. AS THE INSTITUTION OF SLAVERY IN AMERICA BEGAN IN 1616 WITH THE LANDING OF THE FIRST SLAVES ON OUR SHORES AND CONTINUED OFFICIALLY UNTIL PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN ISSUED THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION ON JANUARY 1ST, 1863. ALTHOUGH THIS HISTORIC PROCLAMATION WAS ISSUED IN 1863, TEXAS SLAVES WAITED 2.5 YEARS TO RECEIVE WORD OF THEIR LIBERATION, WHEN ON JUNE 19TH, 1865, UNION SOLDIERS LED BY MAJOR GENERAL GORDON GRANGER LANDED AT GALVESTON AND ANNOUNCED THAT ALL TEXAS SLAVES WERE FREE. THE 19TH DAY OF JUNE ON JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATES THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THIS ABOLISHMENT OF SLAVERY IN TEXAS AND BECAME A DAY OF JUBILATION AND LIBERATION FOR FORMER SLAVES, AND TODAY IS THE OLDEST KNOWN CELEBRATION OF THE ENDING OF SLAVERY IN OUR NATION. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT THAT THE 19TH DAY OF JUNE 2025 SHOULD BE CELEBRATED AS JUNE OR EMANCIPATION DAY IN RECOGNITION OF THIS IMPORTANT JUNETEENTH TO HUMAN FREEDOM AND TO CHERISH BY THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS AND THE UNITED STATES. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO ADOPT PROCLAMATION? >> SO MOVED. >> MOTION TO ADOPT BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> I'LL SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NONE. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. >> JUDGE. >> YES, SIR. >> WE HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE. >> YES, THAT'S RIGHT. THANK YOU. I GOT REMINDED OF THAT BEFORE WE STARTED. I APPRECIATE IT. >> THANK YOU, MR [INAUDIBLE]. [00:40:40] >> THANK YOU. >. YES, SIR. YOU BET YOU. ITEM I12, TO DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING OUR REQUEST. WE ALREADY DID THAT ONE. I JUST DIDN'T CHECK IT. >> YEAH. HOW COULD I FORGET? >> I9, TO DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE RULES OF PROCEDURE, [I.9 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Rules of Procedure, Conduct, and Decorum for All Commissioners Court Meetings. (Part 1 of 2)] CONDUCT AND DECORUM FOR ALL COMMISSIONERS' COURT MEETINGS. I'LL GO AHEAD AND GET THE BALL ROLLING HERE, COMMISSIONERS. THIS IS NOT JUST TO DISCUSS WHETHER OR NOT WE'RE GOING TO ALLOW CITIZENS COMMENT ON ANYTHING OR JUST ON AN AGENDA ITEM. THIS ADDRESSES ALL THE OTHER THINGS. RULES OF PROCEDURE WOULD COVER THAT, BUT CONDUCT AND DECORUM ALSO. HAS TO DO WITH DRESS CODE, HAS TO DO WITH MANY THINGS, AND I'M SURE YOU GUYS HAVE SEEN THIS. THIS IS THE DRAFT. WE MORE THAN LIKELY HAVE SOME DISCUSSION ON THIS, AND THEN TABLE IT AND BRING IT BACK AND COMPLETE THE DRAFT, BUT WE JUST WANTED TO PUT THIS OUT THERE. SOME COUNTIES DO ALLOW ONLY FOR CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS. WE'VE NOT IN THE PAST DONE THAT FOR THE VERY REASON THAT MR. [INAUDIBLE] SAID, IS TO GIVE PEOPLE AN OPPORTUNITY TO COME IN HERE AND SAY WHAT'S ON THEIR MIND AS LONG AS THEY DO IT IN A RESPECTFUL WAY, AND IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE AN AGENDA ITEM. HE CERTAINLY IS ALMOST ALWAYS VERY RESPECTFUL. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S A WAY, RICHARD, AND IT'S SOMETHING YOU'D HAVE TO DO SOME RESEARCH ON, BUT I THINK THAT PARTICULAR ISSUE HAS GONE ON. DID ANDREW STAY? IS HE HERE? >> EIGHT YEARS. >> EIGHT YEARS. SINCE 2017. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON ABOUT THE STOP SIGN. WE'VE HEARD COMMENT FROM OUR ENGINEERS, WE'VE HEARD COMMENT FROM A NUMBER OF OTHER PEOPLE. THIS HAS BEEN ON THE AGENDA MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE COURT HAS MADE ITS DECISION. AT SOME POINT, IT FEELS LIKE A LITTLE BIT OF AN ABUSE OF THE PRIVILEGE, BUT I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S A WAY TO DEAL WITH IT OTHER THAN JUST ALLOW THEM TO COME UP. IF THE COURT MADE ITS DECISION, WE'RE FIRM ON OUR DECISION, WE'RE NOT GOING TO CHANGE OUR DECISION. IT'S JUST SOMETHING WE'LL DO THE SECOND, FOURTH TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. I WANT TO THROW THAT OUT THERE, COMMISSIONERS. THAT'S PROBABLY THE MAIN THING. I DON'T THINK WE'VE CHANGED ANY CONDUCT OR DECORUM RULES. I THINK THAT'S, GO AHEAD IZZY, THE MAJOR PROCEDURAL CHANGE. >> YEAH. JUST REMEMBER, JUDGE, THERE WAS A RULING THAT PASSED IN THIS LAST SESSION THAT BEGINNING ON SEPTEMBER 1ST, THE WAY THAT WE FILE OUR AGENDA, IT'S GOING TO CHANGE. IT'S NO LONGER A 72-HOUR WAITING PERIOD. IT'S A THREE-BUSINESS-DAY FILING PERIOD [OVERLAPPING]. THAT'S GOING TO CHANGE OUR DEADLINES FOR THE AGENDA CUTOFFS AND SO FORTH. >> REPRESENTATIVE [INAUDIBLE] BROUGHT THAT FORTH AND IT PASSED. STARTING ON SEPTEMBER 1, THAT WILL BECOME LAW AND WE HAVE TO DO THAT. MY OPINION IS THE ONLY THING THAT SUCCEEDED IN DOING IT WAS NOT MAKE IT MORE TRANSPARENT, BUT JUST SLOWING DOWN LOCAL GOVERNMENT. MY PERSONAL OPINION. >> THERE WOULD NO LONGER BE FRIDAY POSTINGS? >> YEAH. WE'LL HAVE TO POST IT WEDNESDAY. >> YEAH. >> YEAH. IT MOVES OUR POSTING DATE UP TWO DAYS, WHICH MEANS IF WE DON'T HAVE IT ON THE AGENDA BY WEDNESDAY, WE HAVE TO NOW WAIT TWO WEEKS INSTEAD OF BEING ABLE TO GET ON THE AGENDA BY FRIDAY. THE LOGIC OF THAT DEFIES ME, BUT THAT DOESN'T MATTER. I'M NOT GOING TO GET ON MY SOAPBOX ABOUT IT IN COURT. IT IS WHAT IT IS. IT'S A RULE WE GOT TO FOLLOW, AND THAT WILL GO INTO THE DRAFT. >> WE CURRENTLY HAVE RULES OF DECORUM, RIGHT? >> YES, SIR. WE HAVE A DRESS CODE AND THEN SOME RULES THAT ADDRESS WHAT CAN AND CANNOT BE SAID IN COURT. FOR INSTANCE, WE MIGHT MAKE A DECISION TO DO SOMETHING AND IT'S JUST FINE TO COME IN HERE AND SAY, I DISAGREE WITH YOUR DECISION, [00:45:01] AND HERE'S ALL THE REASONS WHY. IT'S NOT OKAY TO COME IN HERE AND CALL US FIVE IDIOTS. THAT WAS JUST AN EXAMPLE. >> HOW BIG OF A OF A CHANGE THIS IS, OR IS THIS JUST ADDING OR DELETING A FEW THINGS? >> WE MAY NOT CHANGE ANY OF IT, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF WHAT WE HAVE TO, STATUTORILY. IT'S UP TO YOU GUYS. THE MAIN ONE THAT GOT BROUGHT UP WAS THE HAVING CITIZENS' COMMENTS ONLY ON AGENDA ITEMS. I'M OKAY NOT DOING THAT AND JUST KEEPING IT THE WAY IT IS. FOR THE MOST PART, PEOPLE COME IN AND THEY HAVE SOMETHING ON THEIR MIND, IF IT'S NOT ON THE AGENDA, THEY SAY IT. WE HEAR IT. IF WE WANT TO, WE CAN BRING IT BACK. IF WE DON'T WANT TO, WE DON'T HAVE TO BRING IT BACK. I THINK IT ALLOWS THEM A VOICE AND WE STILL HAVE CONTROL OF WHAT GETS ON THE AGENDA AND WHAT DOES NOT GET ON THE AGENDA. >> YEAH, I AGREE WITH THAT. >> I THINK THE DOWNSIDE OF IT IS IT ALLOWS PEOPLE TO COME IN AND MAKE STATEMENTS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT REALLY BE FACTUAL, AND WE CAN'T RESPOND TO IT WITHOUT GETTING IT ON THE AGENDA, SO WE HAVE TO WAIT TILL THE NEXT TIME TO GET IT ON THE AGENDA TO HAVE A DISCUSSION. BUT WE'VE WORKED THROUGH MANY ISSUES LIKE THAT IN THE PAST, AND I SEE NO REASON WHY WE CAN'T CONTINUE TO DO THAT. >> JUDGE, IN THE BACKDROP, IT SAID SOMETHING ABOUT A 30-MINUTE TIME LIMIT. WHAT IS THAT? >> RIGHT NOW, WE CAN, AFTER 30 MINUTES, CUT OFF CITIZENS' COMMENTS. >> ALL OF IT? >> PERIOD. YEAH. >> IT'S ON THE AGENDA ITEM. >> WELL, IT'S CITIZENS' COMMENTS. >> CITIZENS' COMMENTS. >> FOR INSTANCE, DURING THE LANDFILL ISSUE. SOMETIMES WE WOULD HAVE 50 PEOPLE THAT WANTED TO COME UP HERE AND SPEAK FOR FOUR MINUTES, SO THAT WOULD GO ON FOR TWO HOURS. >> WHAT WE WOULD DO IS WE WOULD LISTEN TO IT FOR 30 MINUTES, WE'D GET THE REST OF OUR AGENDA HANDLED SO THAT STAFF NEEDED TO OR PEOPLE THAT WERE HERE, FOR INSTANCE, LIKE TRACY'S HERE TODAY, HE COULD GO ON ABOUT HIS DAY. THEN AT THE END, WE WOULD CONTINUE TO LISTEN TO THE CITIZENS' COMMENTS, BUT WE CUT IT OFF AT THE FIRST 30 MINUTES SO WE COULD GET ON WITH THE BUSINESS OF THE COURT. WE'RE ONLY REQUIRED TO LISTEN TO COMMENTS FOR 30 MINUTES. WE HAVE ALWAYS ALLOWED THEM, AT THE END OF COURT, TO COME BACK AND COMPLETE THEIR COMMENTS. I SEE NO REASON WHY WE WOULDN'T CONTINUE TO DO THAT ON A BIG ISSUE. >> I SAT THROUGH A SAN MARCOS CITY COUNCIL MEETING UNTIL 2:00 IN THE MORNING [LAUGHTER]. >> YES. IT CAN GET A LITTLE OUT OF HAND. THAT'S WHY WE HAVE THAT IN THERE. IT'S NOT UNCOMMON. IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE LIKE A LANDFILL OR SOMETHING OF THAT NATURE, TO HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT WANT TO WEIGH IN. BUT WE DO HAVE TO GET THE BUSINESS OF THE COURT AND ALLOW PEOPLE TO GET OUT OF HERE, AND THE COMMENTS ARE FOR US, NOT FOR OUR ENGINEER OR OUR STAFF. WE CUT IT OFF IN 30 MINUTES, GET ON WITH OUR BUSINESS, AND THEN AT THE END, THEN WE ALLOW THE COMMENTS TO GO ON. >> THE FOUR MINUTES STILL STAY THE SAME? >> YES, SIR. IT WOULD STAY THE SAME. YEAH, I DON'T WANT TO SHORTEN THAT. SOMETIMES IF YOU GO TESTIFY AT THE CAPITALS, IT'S TOTALLY AT THE CHAIRMAN'S DISCRETION. I JUST WENT TO TESTIFY AT ONE AND HE CUT IT TO TWO MINUTES. WELL, IF IT'S A BIG ISSUE, IT'S REALLY HARD TO IN TWO MINUTES, SAY WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY. IT'S HARD IN FOUR, BUT IF YOU CUT THAT IN HALF IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. EVEN IF YOU'VE GOT IT ALL WRITTEN OUT, AND THEY DON'T TELL YOU THEY'RE GOING TO DO THAT. YOU'VE GOT FOUR MINUTES WORTH OF TESTIMONY, YOU WALK IN THERE AND HE DOES, YOU GOT TWO MINUTES. IT IS DISCRETION, SO IT IS WHAT IT IS. I WOULD PREFER WE NOT DO THAT TO CITIZENS OF OUR COUNTY AND LET THEM KNOW, JUST GET IT IN THERE IN FOUR MINUTES. THAT'S STILL PRETTY HARD TO DO, BUT I THINK IT'S GOOD ENOUGH. >> I JUST WANTED TO ADD THAT TEXAS ASSOCIATION IN THE COUNTIES HAS A 2023 DOCUMENT THAT HAS A TEMPLATE ON HOW TO REVISE AND LOOK AT THIS DOCUMENT. WE LOOKED OVER THAT PLUS OUR AGENDA SUBMISSION PROCESS CHANGE WITH OUR ONLINE PLATFORM, AND SO WE NEEDED TO UPDATE THOSE PORTIONS THAT TALKED ABOUT HOW TO ACTUALLY SUBMIT AGENDA ITEMS AND GET APPROVALS. >> ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? IF NOT, I'D PROBABLY LOOK FOR A MOTION TO TABLE SO THAT WE CAN INCORPORATE THE COMMENTS OF THE COURT INTO THE ONE DIRECTION I WOULD LIKE. IT'S NOT REALLY A VOTE, BUT DO WE WANT TO [00:50:02] KEEP THAT ONE PARTICULAR ITEM OF CITIZENS' COMMENTS THE WAY IT IS CURRENTLY? I'M OKAY WITH IT THE WAY IT IS. >> I'M OKAY WITH. >> I'M OKAY. >> YOU GUYS ARE ALL OKAY. VERY GOOD. NOW IF ONLY WE COULD PASS AN ORDINANCE AGAINST HONKING HORNS. >> IT'S GETTING OLD. >> IT'S OFF THE CONSTRUCTION THAT'S SETTING ALARMS OFF DOWN HERE, BUT IT'S ALL DAY LONG. WE'LL GO TO, I THINK IT'S, BELIEVE I14, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON AMENDMENT RESOLUTION 19, 2025. >> THIRTEEN. >> NO. ITEM 13. YEAH I GOT TO START BY IT. [I.13 To consider the Texas Association of Counties Health and Employee Benefits Pool (TAC HEBP) and determine the amount for county portions dependent coverage for FY 2025 - 2026.] SORRY. CONSIDER THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY'S HEALTH AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS POOL TAC, HEBP, AND DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF COUNTY PORTIONS DEPENDENT ON COVERAGE FOR FY 2025/2026. TALK TO BOB. WE CAN HAVE HIM COME UP, BUT THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT IS OUR RATES WENT UP 1.7%, I BELIEVE, WHICH AMOUNTS TO $47, I THINK, IN INCREASE TO EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS PER CHECK. I WOULD LIKE FOR US, COMMISSIONERS, WE'LL NEED TO VOTE ON THIS TO ADOPT THE BENEFITS POOL THAT HAS BEEN PRESENTED TO US BY TAC, AND ALSO TO DIRECT ME BUDGETARILY, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO COVER THAT, WHICH I RECOMMEND, OR HAVE THE EMPLOYEES DO THE INCREASE IN THEIR INSURANCE FEE. PERSONALLY, WE HAVE THE MONEY, WE CAN PAY IT. IT'S A GOOD BENEFIT THAT WE CAN PROVIDE TO OUR EMPLOYEES. MY RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE TO CONTINUE TO PAY FOR THE EMPLOYEES' HEALTH BENEFITS. THAT WAS A LOT. BASICALLY, WE'D LOOK FOR AN ADOPTION TO ADOPT TEXAS ASSOCIATION, THE COUNTY'S HEALTH AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS POOL AND CONTINUE TO PAY THAT BENEFIT FOR OUR EMPLOYEES. >> SO MOVED. >> A MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DISCUSSION? NONE. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> AYE. OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 14. DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION 19-2025, [I.14 To discuss and take possible action on an Amendment to Resolution 19-2025 Authorizing Caldwell County to apply for the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) FY 2026 SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant.] AUTHORIZING CALDWELL COUNTY TO APPLY FOR THE MAJOR VEHICLE CRIME PREVENTION AUTHORITY, FY 2026 SB 224, CATALYTIC CONVERTER GRANT. >> THIS WAS APPROVED LAST COURT ON MAY 27. AFTER WE SUBMITTED IT, THEY RESPONDED. THEY WANTED A LITTLE BIT OF LANGUAGE ADDED INTO THE RESOLUTION. THIS IS JUST AMENDING THAT RESOLUTION TO ADD THE SPECIFIC ROLES OF JUDGE, THE AUDITOR AND MYSELF, WHO WILL BE WORKING ON THE GRANT AND SIGNING OFF ON THE DOCUMENTS, AS WELL AS THEY WANTED ONE SENTENCE INPUT IN THERE ABOUT COMBATING CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT. WE MADE THOSE CHANGES, AND WE JUST NEED TO, JUST LIKE Y'ALL, TO ACCEPT THIS AMENDMENT SO THAT WE CAN RESUBMIT. >> OKAY. >> I'LL GO AHEAD AND READ IT AMENDMENT TO THE RESOLUTION 19 2025 AUTHORIZING CALDWELL COUNTY TO APPLY FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLE CRIME PREVENTION AUTHORITY, MVCPA, FY2026, SB 224 CATALYTIC CONVERTER GRANT. WHEREAS, AFTER FURTHER INSTRUCTION BY THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE CRIME PREVENTION AUTHORITY, AND REVIEW OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GRANT PROGRAMS REQUIREMENTS, CALDWELL COUNTY HAS DETERMINED IT IS NECESSARY TO AMEND RESOLUTION 19 2025, WHEREAS UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE, CHAPTER 1,006 AND THE TRANSPORTATION ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, TITLE 43, PART 3, CHAPTER 57. ENTITIES ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE GRANTS FROM MOTOR VEHICLE CRIME PREVENTION AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES FOR ECONOMIC AUTOMOBILE THEFT ENFORCEMENT TEAMS AND COMBAT MOTOR VEHICLE BURGLARY IN THE JURISDICTION, AND WHEREAS THIS CATALYTIC CONVERTER GRANT PROGRAM, THE AWARD THERE UNDER BEING A GRANT, WILL ASSIST CALDWELL COUNTY IN COMBATING CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT. FURTHERMORE, IT WILL ALSO ASSIST WITH MOTOR VEHICLE BURGLARY AND THEFT, AND WHEREAS MVCPA ACCEPTS APPLICATIONS THAT INCORPORATE USE OF TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS AUTOMATIC LICENSE PLATE READERS, [00:55:04] SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER USES OF TECHNOLOGY TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF STOLEN CATALYTIC CONVERTERS RECOVERED. THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ARRESTED FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER CRIMES, AND WHEREAS CALDWELL COUNTY HAS AGREED THAT IN THE EVENT OF LOSS OR MISUSE OF THE GRANT FUNDS, CALDWELL COUNTY ASSURES THAT THE GRANT FUNDS WILL BE RETURNED IN FULL TO THE MVCPA. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT THAT JUAN HOPPY HADEN, CALDWELL COUNTY JUDGE IS DESIGNATED THE GRANTS, AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL, AND AUTHORIZED TO APPLY FOR, ACCEPT, DECLINE, MODIFY, OR CANCEL THE GRANT, AND EXECUTE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS REQUIRED. FOR THE AWARD OF THE GRANT, DANIE TELTOW, CALDWELL COUNTY AUDITOR IS DESIGNATED THE GRANTS FINANCIAL OFFICER AND AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE ALL FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS PERTAINING TO THE EXECUTION OF THIS GRANT. AMBER QUINLEY, CALDWELL COUNTY GRANTS ADMINISTRATOR IS DESIGNATED AS THE GRANTS PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND AUTHORIZED TO ACT ON BEHALF OF CALDWELL COUNTY TO HANDLE ALL PROGRAMMATIC AND REPORTING DUTIES PERTAINING TO THIS GRANT. CALDWELL COUNTY DESIGNATES THE CALDWELL COUNTY PRECINCT 2 COSTS OFFICE AS THE OFFICIAL CUSTODIAN OF ANY EQUIPMENT PURCHASED UNDER THIS GRANT, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH EQUIPMENT SHALL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF CALDWELL COUNTY AND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR USE BY OTHER PRECINCTS AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS UPON REASONABLE REQUESTS SUBJECT TO SCHEDULING AND AVAILABILITY. FIVE, IN THE EVENT OF LOSS OR MISUSE OF GRANT FUNDS, THE COUNTY WILL RETURN ALL FUNDS AS REQUIRED BY LAW AND THE GRANT PROGRAM. RESOLVE THIS. WHAT'S THE DAY? TENTH DAY OF JUNE 2025. ALL RIGHT. COMMISSIONERS. THAT WAS A MOUTHFUL. DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 14? >> SO MOVE, JUDGE. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HORNE, SECOND BY. >> SECOND. >> COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> AYE. OPPOSE DURING NONE MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 15 DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON APPROVING THE PROPOSAL BETWEEN COUNTY AND [I.15 To discuss and take possible action on approving the proposal between the County and Doucet - A Kleinfelder Company for the provision of revising and updating Caldwell County Subdivision Ordinance.] DC KLEINFELDER COMPANY FOR THE PROVISION OF REVISING AND UPDATING CALDWELL COUNTY SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE. IF YOU'LL RECALL, COMMISSIONERS SOMETIME BACK, THIS WAS BROUGHT TO COURT AND WE HAD SOME QUESTIONS AND ASKED FOR A BREAKDOWN OF SOME OF THE PRICING, WHICH THEY DID, AND WE HAVE SEEN. THIS IS ACTUALLY BRINGING BACK THE PROPOSAL FOR ADOPTION SO THAT KLEINFELDER CAN GET STARTED. >> COMMISSIONERS. IF THERE ARE NO QUESTIONS, LOOK FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 15. >> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. >> WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS AND A SECOND. >> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 16, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION [I.16 To discuss and take possible action regarding Purchasing Department End of Year Purchasing memo.] REGARDING PURCHASING DEPARTMENT END OF YEAR PURCHASING MEMO. >> YES. FOR THIS, WE'RE JUST ASKING PERMISSION TO GO AHEAD AND GET THAT MEMO SENT OUT COUNTY WIDE. THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT IS REQUIRED END OF YEAR, CLOSE OUT, AND THIS IS JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT IT'S DONE EFFECTIVELY IN A TIMELY MATTER. >> COMMISSIONERS? >> SO MOVE APPROVAL. >> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. >> SECOND. >> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION. NOT ALL FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRY. >> THANK YOU. >> JUDGE. [I.9 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Rules of Procedure, Conduct, and Decorum for All Commissioners Court Meetings. (Part 2 of 2)] >> YEAH. >> [INAUDIBLE] >> WE DIDN'T TABLE IT. >> NO. >> DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO TABLE I9? >> SO MOVED. >> MOTION TO TABLE BY COMMISSIONER HORNE, SECOND BY. >> SECOND. >> COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSE HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU. I THINK WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND HOLD ON ITEM 17 UNTIL AFTER WE RECESS. WE'LL GO AHEAD AND GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, WE'LL COME IN AND RECESS COURT UNTIL 11:30 AND THEN TAKE UP ITEM 17. WE'RE GOING TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT DISCUSSION [J. EXECUTIVE SESSION] WITH LEGAL COUNCIL OF ALLISON, BASS, AND MAGEE, LLP REGARDING TEXAS TRIBUNE, MONO AMEGA, AND CALDWELL HAYS EXAMINER VERSUS CALDWELL COUNTY CIVIL ACTION NUMBER 123 CV 910, UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS. [01:00:02] AUSTIN DIVISION AND ANY POTENTIAL ACTION NEEDED. WE ARE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 10:00. WE'RE GOING TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 11:14 PURSUANT TO DISCUSSION WITH LEGAL COUNCIL, ALLISON, BASS, AND MAGEE LLP REGARDING TEXAS TRIBUNE, MONO AMEGA, AND CALDWELL HAYS EXAMINER VERSUS CALDWELL COUNTY CIVIL ACTION NUMBER 123 CV 910, UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS, AUSTIN DIVISION, ANY POTENTIAL ACTION NEEDED, AND THERE WILL BE NO ACTION TODAY. EXECUTIVE SESSION IS NOW CLOSE. WE'LL GO BACK TO THE AGENDA. WE ARE GOING TO RECESS OUR REGULAR SESSION OF THE AGENDA UNTIL 11:30. WE ARE AT RECESS AT 11:15. WE'RE BACK FROM RECESS. IT IS NOW 11:41, AND NOW I GOT TO DO IS DIG OUT MY AGENDA SO I CAN READ THE ITEM. I BURIED IT. WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND OPEN ITEM I17, [I.17 To discuss and take possible action regarding Order 07-2025 by the Commissioners Court of Caldwell County, Texas authorizing the issuance of "Caldwell County, Texas General Obligation Bonds, Series 2025"; levying an annual Ad Valorem Tax, within the limitations prescribed by law, for the payment of the bonds; and providing an effective date.] DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ORDER 072025 BY COMMISSIONERS COURT OF CALDWELL COUNTY, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF CALDWELL COUNTY TEXAS GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND SERIES 2025, LEVYING AN ANNUAL AD VALOREM TAX WITHIN THE LIMITATIONS PRESCRIBED BY LAW FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. JENNIFER, TELL US WHAT WE ARE DOING. >> JENNIFER RITTER, SPECIALIZED PUBLIC FINANCE. I'M THE COUNTY'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR AND STEPHANIE LEIBE WITH NORTON ROSE IS ALSO HERE AS YOUR BOND ATTORNEY. THANK YOU FOR RECESSING. THE REASON FOR THAT REQUEST WAS THAT WE WERE ACTUALLY IN THE BOND MARKET THIS MORNING, PRICING WITH YOUR UNDERWRITERS. THEY'VE BEEN ON THE PHONE ALL MORNING SELLING CALDWELL COUNTY BONDS TO INVESTORS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THE RESULTS OF THAT ARE WHAT'S IN THE ATTACHMENT. THANK YOU ALL FOR PRINTING THAT OUT FOR US. I'LL BRIEFLY GO THROUGH THIS AND THEN WE'LL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR QUESTIONS, BUT ESSENTIALLY, THIS IS THE FIRST PHASE IN THE COUNTY'S AUTHORIZATION OF THE $150 MILLION THAT THE VOTERS APPROVED FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS. WE ESSENTIALLY BACK INTO THE SIZE OF THIS ISSUANCE BASED ON HOW MUCH COULD SUPPORT $0.04 AND I&S TAX RATE, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY WHAT YOU TOLD THE VOTERS. WHAT WE'RE PRESENTING TO YOU IS WITHIN THAT CONSTRAINT THAT THE VOTERS WERE TOLD AND THE PLAN GOING FORWARD WILL BE THAT AS WE CAN ISSUE MORE BONDS BASED ON GROWTH IN THE COUNTY, TO STILL NOT EXCEED THAT FOUR PENNIES, WE'LL COME BACK THE NEXT YEAR, WHATEVER IT TAKES. COME BACK AND ISSUE THE REST OF THIS AUTHORIZATION. THAT'S HOW WE GOT THERE, WAS, AGAIN, TO KEEP THAT PROMISE THAT YOU MADE TO THE VOTERS. YOU HAD TO GO OUT AND GET YOUR BOND RATING UPDATED. COUNTY AUDITOR, STAFF, COUNTY JUDGE WERE PARTICIPATING IN THAT PROCESS, AND THEY DID AFFIRM THE AA- BOND RATING FROM STANDARD AND POOR'S. THE RATING REPORT IS ATTACHED FOR YOUR REVIEW. THEY OBVIOUSLY TALK ABOUT SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WITHIN THE COUNTY. SOMETIMES WITH GROWTH, THERE CAN BE A LITTLE BIT OF A DOWNSIDE BECAUSE THEY START TO WORRY ABOUT HOW YOU'RE GOING TO FUND THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT THAT GROWTH. I MEAN, TYPICALLY, GROWTH COMES WITHOUT THE TAX BASE ATTACHED TO IT FOR THE FIRST COUPLE OF YEARS. BE ABLE TO ISSUE DEBT AND GET THE GROWTH TO PAY FOR ITSELF IS HELPFUL IN THAT REGARD. BUT AS YOU LOOK THROUGH HERE, THEY TALK ABOUT POTENTIAL FOR AN UPSIDE OR A RATING INCREASE. SHOULD YOU CONTINUE TO GROW IN YOUR VALUES, CONTINUE TO MANAGE THE COUNTY'S FINANCES AS YOU HAVE BEEN DOING CONSERVATIVELY, MAINTAINING GOOD RESERVES, ALL OF THAT IS IN THIS REPORT. I WON'T GO INTO IT, BUT IT'S THERE FOR YOUR REVIEW. AGAIN, CREDIT TO YOUR COUNTY JUDGE AND AUDITOR AND STAFF FOR ASSISTING ON THAT CALL. NEXT PAGE HERE, THIS IS A SHORTER REPORT THAN WHAT WE TYPICALLY DO, BUT OBVIOUSLY, WE WERE LITERALLY DRIVING TO GET HERE IN TIME AS THIS WAS BEING WRAPPED UP. THE DEBT SERVICE SCHEDULE THERE IS ON THE NEXT PAGE. YOU CAN SEE IT'S ROUGHLY LEVEL DEBT. WE DO HAVE A DEFERRED PAYMENT NEXT YEAR. AGAIN, TO MANAGE THAT FOUR PENNIES, AND THEN WE GROW INTO ABOUT A $3.8 MILLION PAYMENT FOR 25 YEARS. YOU CAN SEE THE INTEREST RATES THEY ARE ATTACHED TO IT. THE TOTAL INTEREST RATE OR WHAT WE CALL THE TRUE INTEREST COST, BASED ON THE FINAL NUMBERS BACK FROM THE UNDERWRITERS EQUATES TO A, [01:05:01] BEAR WITH ME, HAVE IT ON MY COVER, 4.654%. THAT'S A SET RATE FOR 25 YEARS. THEY CAN'T CHANGE IT ONCE YOU ALL DECIDE TO MOVE FORWARD TODAY. THAT'S WHAT THIS REFLECTS HERE. I DO WANT TO POINT OUT IN THAT BULLET THAT WE HAVE AT THE TOP THERE. THESE ARE CALLABLE ON FEBRUARY 1ST OF 2035. YOU DO HAVE THE OPTION TO PREPAY THESE WITHOUT PENALTY, SHOULD ONE, YOU START TO COLLECT MORE TAXES FOR SOME REASON, WHICH SEEMS UNLIKELY, OR IF INTEREST RATES WERE TO DROP, THERE AT A RELATIVELY HIGH POINT IN THE MARKET. WE DON'T ANTICIPATE INTEREST RATES GOING DOWN ANY TIME SOON GIVEN WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY AND NATIONALLY AS WELL. BUT IF THEY WERE TO DROP WITHIN THE NEXT 10 YEARS, WE COULD COME BACK AND REFINANCE THIS FOR SAVINGS AT THE COUNTY'S OPTION. NEXT PAGE THERE IS THE SOURCES AND USES. THAT'S WHERE THE MONEY IS GOING. TODAY, WE ARE SELLING A PAR AMOUNT OF 56,316,000, BUT THAT EQUATES TO 55,775,000 FOR YOUR ROAD PROJECT. THAT MONEY THAT UNDER USES OF FUNDS, DEPOSIT TO PROJECT CONSTRUCTION FUND, THAT'S MONEY THAT IS GOING TO THE COUNTY TO START THE PROJECT, AND THEN WE'LL HAVE ROUGHLY 95 MILLION LEFT TO ISSUE IN THOSE FUTURE PHASES TO CLOSE OUT THE AUTHORIZATION. YOU ARE ABLE TO GENERATE A PREMIUM, WHICH YOU DID HERE THAT WILL PAY FOR COST OF ISSUANCE SO THAT YOU'RE ESSENTIALLY THOSE COSTS OF ISSUANCE AREN'T BEING SUBTRACTED FROM THE AUTHORIZATION THAT YOU HAVE THERE, SO ALL THAT GOES TO YOU. ASSUMING THAT YOU DECIDE TO TAKE ACTION TODAY TO MOVE FORWARD, THIS WILL CLOSE ON JULY 1ST. THAT'S WHEN THE MONEY ON STEPHANIE'S OFFICE WORKS THROUGH THE PROCESS WITH THE TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL. THAT'S WHEN THE MONEY WILL BE IN THE COUNTY'S ACCOUNTS. YOU CAN OBVIOUSLY INVEST IT. THOSE INTEREST EARNINGS THAT YOU INVEST CAN BE USED TO SPEND ON THE PROJECT OR TO PAY DEBT SERVICE. MOST LIKELY, MOST COUNTIES WILL PROBABLY USE THAT TO SPEND ON THE PROJECT ITSELF. RIGHT NOW IN THIS MARKET, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO EARN A LITTLE BIT ON THOSE INVESTMENT EARNINGS AND BE ABLE TO SPEND THAT ON THE PROJECT AS WELL. LAST PAGE HERE, I JUST WANT TO SHOW BASED ON OUR ESTIMATES, WE'RE USING PRELIMINARY VALUES THAT WERE RELEASED IN APRIL THERE FOR THE FY2026.5.8 BILLION, THAT'S THE COUNTY'S PRELIMINARY VALUES. BUT IF YOU SCROLL THROUGH IN YOUR EYES ON THAT VERY BUSY SPREADSHEET HERE, I APOLOGIZE FOR THAT TO THE FAR RIGHT HAND SIDE, YOU CAN SEE THAT WITH THIS ISSUE, WITH THE INTEREST RATES THAT WE RECEIVED TODAY FROM THE UNDERWRITERS, THE TOTAL CHANGE IN THE I&S TAX RATE IS FOUR PENNIES. RIGHT AT WHAT YOU TOLD THE VOTERS, NO NEED TO EXCEED THAT HOPEFULLY COMING BACK IN FUTURE YEARS, THAT WILL BE THE CASE AS WELL. AGAIN, BEING ABLE TO ISSUE THIS LARGER AMOUNT THAN MAYBE WHAT WE HAD LOOKED AT BEFORE, CERTAINLY MORE THAN A THIRD OF THE WHOLE ISSUE SIZE AND STILL BE WITHIN THAT FOUR PENNIES THAT YOU TOLD THE VOTERS. HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. THE UNDERWRITERS, IT'S A TOUGH MARKET IN GENERAL IN TERMS OF THE BOND MARKET, AS YOU PROBABLY HAVE HEARD. THERE'S A LOT OF CONCERNS IN THE US TREASURY MARKET ABOUT TARIFFS AND DEFICITS AND WHAT THAT'S GOING TO END UP MEANING FOR GOVERNMENT BONDS OVERALL. IN THIS MARKET, THEY DID GO OUT I CALL IT SOMEWHAT AGGRESSIVELY THIS MORNING IN TERMS OF MARKETING YOUR BONDS OUT TO INVESTORS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THEN THROUGH THE ORDER PERIOD, THEY WERE ACTUALLY ABLE TO COME BACK AND LOWER THE INTEREST RATE A LITTLE BIT. WE WERE ABLE TO WORK WITH THEM AND SEE WHERE THEY HAD MAYBE MORE ORDERS THAN WHAT WERE AVAILABLE ON BONDS TO SELL AND WHERE THAT OCCURRED, HAVE THEM COME BACK AND LOWER THE INTEREST RATE. I WOULD SAY THE TEAM DID A GOOD JOB, AND THEN AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE ACTUALLY WERE ABLE TO IMPROVE THROUGHOUT THE MORNING. HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS, I KNOW THERE'S A LOT OF TECHNICAL BOND INFORMATION. MISS LEIBE CAN SPEAK AS WELL TO THE ACTUAL DOCUMENTATION THAT THE COUNTY WILL NEED TO APPROVE. OBVIOUSLY, YOUR DOCUMENTS STILL HAVE BLANKS GIVEN THAT WE WERE PRICING UNTIL ABOUT 30 MINUTES AGO. HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS, BUT CONGRATULATIONS ON HAVING THIS FIRST PHASE COMPLETE. >> STEPHANIE, DO WE JUST NEED TO MAKE A MOTION TO ADOPT THE ORDER AT THIS POINT, OR? >> STEPHANIE LEIBE, NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT, IF YOU ALL COULD MAKE A MOTION TO ADOPT THE ORDER AS SUPPLEMENTED BY THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION PROVIDED BY JENNIFER, THAT WOULD GIVE OUR OFFICE THE AUTHORITY TO GO IN AND FILL IN THE BLANKS FOR THE MATURITIES AND INTEREST RATES ASSOCIATED WITH BONDS AND THEN WE CAN PROVIDE A FINALIZED ORDER TO YOU ALL THIS AFTERNOON. >> COMMISSIONERS, WE GO TO MAKE A MOTION TO THAT EFFECT. >> I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO ADOPT THE ORDER. >> ADOPT THE ORDER. >> IT'S ORDER YES 072025. >> 07-2025. >> YES, SIR. BASED ON THE FINANCIALS HERE. BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT? DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> SECOND. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION? [01:10:29] >> [INAUDIBLE] >> NO. THIS IS FOUR PENNIES. IF THE TAX, IF THE TAX OF OUR AD VALOREM RATE WERE TO FALL, IT COULD OFFSET THAT SUM. BUT I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S GOING TO FALL BECAUSE OUR PROPERTY VALUES HAVE FALLEN. IT COULD BE THE FOUR PENNIES. >> [INAUDIBLE]. >> THE ULTIMATE TOTAL TAX RATE WILL COME OUT AS YOU GO THROUGH THE BUDGETING PROCESS. THE COMPRESSION HAPPENS ON THE COUNTY'S O&M SIDE OF THE TAX RATE, AND THEN THE DEBT SERVICE TAX RATE IS ADDED ON TOP OF THAT. YOUR DEBT SERVICE TAX RATE FOR THE BONDS IS NOT SUBJECT TO COMPRESSION. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION. >> NO. >> NO. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> AYE. OPPOSED. HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO ADJOURN? >> SO MOVED. >> THAT MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. >> SECOND? >> BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> AYE. OPPOSED HEARING NONE, WE ARE ADJOURNED AT 11:51. * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.