Jun 24, 2025 Commissioners Court

[00:00:01]

THANK YOU FOR COMING TO CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT, WE'RE GOING TO CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER, TUESDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2025 AT 9 A.M. EXCUSE ME, COMMISSIONER THOMAS, WOULD YOU LEAD US IN THE INVOCATION, PLEASE? TO GATHER TO REGISTER WITH THE COUNCIL. DO YOU WANT TO GET IT ALL DONE? AND ALL THESE THINGS THAT JESUS CHRISTS NAME AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.

AMEN AMEN. AMEN. AMEN. AMEN.

[D. ANNOUNCEMENTS]

I HAVE ONE JUDGE, THIS WEEKEND WE HAVE THE 72ND ANNUAL WATERMELON THUMP STARTS THURSDAY AND ENDS SUNDAY, SO EVERYBODY'S MORE THAN WELCOME TO COME ON OUT.

GOOD DEAL, COMMISSIONER THERIOT, COMMISSIONER THOMAS.

YES JUDGE, I HAVE ONE, NO FEE, JUDGE, FREE COMMUNITY DUMP PRECINCT 4, THIS SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M.

TO 1 P.M. AT PRECINCT 4. GREAT, THANK YOU. BRING EVERYTHING AND HAVE IT DUMPED.

PRECINCT 4.

ALL RIGHT, T HANK YOU AND I HAVE NO ANNOUNCEMENTS.

EZZY HAS ONE I KNOW, YEAH. YES I DO, I JUST WANT TO REMIND THE COURT AGAIN THAT WE ARE NEARING THE CYBERSECURITY END DATE, WERE THEY ARE AT 98% COMPLETED, I GOT FIVE LEFT TO DO IT, SO YOU WILL BE GETTING AN EMAIL FROM ME, THANK YOU. ANYBODY ELSE? [LAUGHTER] I KNOW WHERE THEY ARE.

[LAUGHTER] ALL RIGHT, NOBODY ELSE HAS ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS.

WE'LL GO TO CITIZENS COMMENTS. ANDREW MCLEISH.

[E. CITIZENS' COMMENTS]

GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS, MY NAME IS ANDREW MCLEISH, I'M A RESIDENT OF PRAIRIE LEA.

FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR DISCUSSING AND ULTIMATELY DROPPING THE MISGUIDED PROPOSAL TO RESTRICT CITIZENS COMMENTS, THAT WAS THE RIGHT DECISION, AND I APPRECIATE IT.

I DIDN'T EXPECT THE ISSUE OF ALWAYS STOPS TO COME UP AT THE LAST COURT MEETING, SINCE IT WAS NOT ON THE AGENDA, AS NOTED DURING THAT MEETING, AND I AGREE, IT'S FRUSTRATING NOT TO BE ABLE TO RESPOND IN REAL TIME TO STATEMENTS THAT MAY NOT BE ACCURATE.

SO TODAY, I'D LIKE TO CLARIFY SOME OF WHAT WAS SAID DURING DISCUSSION OF I-9 OF THE LAST COURT MEETING.

YES, THE ALL-WAY FOR STOPS WERE INSTALLED IN 2017, 8 YEARS AGO.

OUR LEA NEIGHBORHOOD IS MADE UP OF 10 BLOCKS.

ALL 4 OF THESE STOPS ARE LOCATED ON THE FOUR CORNERS OF 1 OF THOSE 10 BLOCKS, MINE AND THEY HAVE BEEN A DAILY FRUSTRATION EVER SINCE.

3 AND HALF O F YEARS AFTER INSTALLATION, YOU AGREED UNANIMOUSLY TO DO A TRAFFIC SAFETY STUDY TO SEE IF THE ALWAYS STOPS WERE WARRANTED AND ONE MONTH LATER INTO THE NEW FISCAL YEAR, JUDGE HADEN PUT THE STUDY ON HOLD FOR LACK OF FUNDS.

ONE YEAR LATER, AT THE NEXT BUDGET CYCLE, THE STUDY WAS DONE TO DETERMINE IF THE ALL-WAY STOPS WERE WARRANTED AND THEY WERE NOT.

AND THE COURT ANONYMOUSLY AGREED WITH THE STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS TO REMOVE THEM.

AT THAT POINT, IT SEEMED THAT THIS MATTER WAS SETTLED BUT TWO MONTHS LATER AND THE STOP SIGNS WERE STILL IN PLACE.

JUDGE HADEN REQUESTED A SECOND STUDY, THIS TIME WITH SUMMER TRAFFIC DATA.

THAT COUNT WAS CONDUCTED IN JULY OF 22, BUT HOWEVER FOR SOME REASON THE UPDATED REPORT TOOK 15 MONTHS TO REACH COMMISSIONERS HORNE'S DESK AND THEN COMMISSIONER HORNE TOOK ANOTHER YEAR TO BRING THAT REPORT TO COMMISSIONERS COURT.

IT APPEARS THE COURT, WHENEVER POSSIBLE, HAS SLOW WALKED THIS FOR MORE THAN FOUR YEARS, WHILE LEAVING THE SIGNS IN PLACE FROM WHEN THE STUDY WAS DELAYED FOR BUDGET, TO CALLING FOR A RESTUDY, TO TAKING OVER A YEAR TO GET THE STUDY RESULTS, TO TAKE IN, OVER A YEAR TO BRING THE STUDY TO THE COURT UNTIL YOU FINALLY CHANGED YOUR DECISION IN NOVEMBER OF 24. A DECISION BASED ON A MISUNDERSTANDING OF WHICH YOU ARE CLEARLY AWARE, YOU KNOW, I HAVE FOLLOWED THIS MATTER AS CLOSELY AS ANYONE, PROBABLY MORE CLOSELY.

[00:05:02]

TO DATE, THE COURT HAS MADE 3 DECISIONS ABOUT THESE ALL-WAYS STOPS.

FIRST DECISION WAS TO INSTALL THEM, SECOND TO REMOVE THEM.

AND LASTLY JUST TO LEAVE THEM IN PLACE. OF THOSE, THE DECISION TO REMOVE THEM WAS THE ONLY DECISION GUIDED BY A TRAFFIC SAFETY STUDY INTERPRETED BY A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER, MR. BRAXTON. AT THE LAST MEETING, JUDGE HADEN PROCLAIMED THE COURT IS FIRM AND IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE ITS DECISION BUT YOU'VE CHANGED YOUR DECISIONS BEFORE AND YOU CERTAINLY CAN DO IT AGAIN. IT IS WITH RESPECT TO THE FULL COURT, I BELIEVE YOU ARE NOT SO FIRM THAT YOU WOULDN'T CONSIDER A POSITION WHEN FULLY INFORMED ON THE FACTS. SO I RESPECTFULLY ASK, NOW FOR THE 3RD TIME THAT YOU PUT THIS ON THE AGENDA.

INVITE MR. BRAXTON TO INTERPRET THE STUDY AND LET THE PUBLIC SEE A GOOD DECISION BASED ON ACCURATE INFORMATION AND EXPERT INPUT.

AND DON'T FORGET TO ASK MR. BRAXTON, HOW MUCH TRAFFIC DOES IT TAKE TO WARRANT AND ALWAYS STOP AND AS WE CELEBRATE THIS 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND, MAY WE REMEMBER THE PRINCIPLES UPON WHICH OUR COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED.

FREEDOM, UNITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. I WISH EVERYONE HERE A HAPPY AND RESTFUL 4TH OF JULY AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AMERICA.

THANK YOU, ANY OTHER CITIZENS COMMENTS? NO OTHER CITIZEN COMMENTS.

ALL RIGHT. WITH THAT, WE'LL MOVE TO CONSENT. COMMISSIONERS, IF THERE ARE NO REMARKS ON CONSENT,

[F. CONSENT AGENDA]

MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. SECOND.

SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. AYE. OPPOSED HEARING NONE.

MOTION CARRIES. DISCUSSION ACTION ITEMS, ITEM G.1 TO DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM JUNE 10TH,

[G.1 To discuss and take possible action regarding the approval of the Minutes for the June 10, 2025, regular meeting and budget workshop meeting.]

COMMISSIONERS, WE HAVE A MOTION. MOTION TO APPROVE.

MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. SECOND.

SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE. OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

[G.2 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Performance Bond in the amount of $807,641.40 for Juniper Springs Sections 9 & 10, Street, Drainage & E&S Improvements.]

THEY'RE WANTING TO RECORD THE PLAT SO THEY CAN START SELLING THE LOTS, AND THAT'S THE REMAINING AMOUNT THAT THEY HAVE TO FINISH UP, SO. OKAY, YOU RECOMMENDING APPROVAL? DONALD, YOU RECOMMENDING APPROVAL? YES, SIR. ALL RIGHT, COMMISSIONERS, WE HAVE A MOTION.

I'LL MOVE TO THAT EFFECT. ALL RIGHT, MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.

WE HAVE A SECOND. SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.

ANY DISCUSSION?, IF NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

AYE. AYE. OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

[G.3 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Performance Bond in the amount of $260,747.65 to complete Juniper Springs Section 16, Street, Drainage, & E&S Improvements.]

YES SIR, THEY ARE READY TO RECORD THE PLAT AND REMAINING ITEMS TO BE ADDRESSED? OKAY. COMMISSIONERS, I'LL MOVE IS THE SAME AS A PREVIOUS ITEM TO APPROVE.

MOVE APPROVAL? I'M SORRY, I COULDN'T HEAR YOU. I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE. OKAY, THANK YOU, MR. WESTMORELAND. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. WE HAVE A SECOND.

SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT, ANY DISCUSSION? NOW ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. AYE. OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM G .4 DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE PUBLIC STREETS AND DRAINAGE IN COTTON GATEWAY PHASE 1 IS COMPLETE AND READY TO BEGIN THE 2 YEAR PERFORMANCE PERIOD,

[G.4 To discuss and take possible action regarding the public streets and drainage in Cotton Gateway Phase 1 as complete and ready to begin the two-year performance period as evidenced by a maintenance bond in the amount of $930,141.90 for maintenance security.]

ALL PUNCH LIST ITEMS HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND READY TO ACCEPT.

OKAY. COMMISSIONERS MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE.

COMMISSIONER THERIOT MOVES APPROVAL. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? A SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE. AYE. OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

[G.5 To discuss and take possible action regarding the release of Cotton Gateway Phase 1 Construction Bond No. 30221056 in the amount of $9,856,694.10 back to Lennar Homes of Texas Land & Construction, Ltd.]

30221056 IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,856,694.10 BACK TO LENNAR HOMES OF TEXAS L AND & CONSTRUCTION.

WE'RE COMPLETED AND READY TO RELEASE THE BOND.

OKAY, COMMISSIONERS. MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE.

[00:10:02]

OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. ITEM G.6 DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING SHORT FORM PLAT FOR THOMPSON ACRES,

[G.6 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Short Form Plat for Thompson Acres consisting of four residential lots on approximately 9.741 acres located at Old Colony Line Road and Thompson Road.]

GOOD MORNING, THIS WAS JUST A SIMPLE SHORT FORM PLAT, NO COMMENTS WERE NEEDING CORRECTION.

SO AT THIS TIME I'D LIKE TO MOVE TO FOR APPROVAL.

OKAY, COMMISSIONERS. SO MOVE, MOVE APPROVAL. COMMISSIONER THOMAS.

SECOND. SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOW ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. AYE.

AYE. OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. ITEM G7 DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE FINAL PLAT FOR MESQUITE MEADOWS SUBDIVISION,

[G.7 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Final Plat for Mesquite Meadows Subdivision consisting of 22 lots on approximately 32.90 acres located on FM 672 and Barth Road.]

OKAY, AT THIS TIME WE ARE LOOKING TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE APPROVAL TO CLOSE OUT THE SUBDIVISION PLAT.

ALL COMMENTS WERE CORRECTED AND ALL FEES HAVE BEEN PAID, DANIE ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE $108,000 FOR THE ROAD DONATION WAS TURNED IN YESTERDAY.

OKAY, VERY GOOD. COMMISSIONERS MOVED TO APPROVE A MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.

SECOND. SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOW ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.

OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.

[G.8 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Proclamation commemorating the 19th anniversary of the death of U.S. Army Private First Class Kristian Menchaca and pay tribute to his memory and service.]

PROCLAMATION COMMEMORATING THE DEATH OF PRIVATE KRISTIAN MENCHACA.

WHEREAS BEFORE ENLISTING IN THE ARMY, KRISTIAN MENCHACA FURTHERED HIS EDUCATION BY ATTENDING THE GARY JOB CORPS CENTER IN SAN MARCOS FROM SEPTEMBER 2004 TO FEBRUARY 2005, EARNING A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION THE SECURITY OFFICER PROGRAM.

DURING HIS JOB CORPS TRAINING, KRISTIAN MENCHACA, AN INSPIRING YOUNG MAN, VOLUNTEERED HIS TIME AND TALENTS AT A NUMBER OF LOCAL EVENTS, INCLUDING THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS, WHILE DEMONSTRATING RESPECT FOR OTHERS IN AN ADMIRABLE COMMITMENT TO HIS GOALS, WHICH EXEMPLIFY THE JOB CORP VALUES. IN 2006, WHILE ASSIGNED TO THE FIRST BATTALION, 502ND INFANTRY REGIMENT, 2ND BRIGADE, 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION.

PRIVATE MENCHACA WAS KILLED FOLLOWING AN INSURGENT ATTACK ON THE U.S.

ARMY CHECKPOINT SOUTH OF BAGHDAD, IRAQ, AND WAS POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR, PURPLE HEART, AND PRISONER OF WAR MEDALS. IN 2019, HAYS COUNTY DESIGNATED A PORTION OF STATE HIGHWAY 21 BETWEEN HIGHWAY 80 AND HARRINGTON ROADS AS THE PFC KRISTIAN MENCHACA MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. WHEREAS WILLING TO LAY DOWN THEIR LIVES IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR FELLOW CITIZENS, THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE U.S. ARMED FORCES DEMONSTRATE EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE, HONOR, AND LOVE OF COUNTRY AND TIME CAN NEVER DIMINISH THE PROFOUND DEBT THAT ALL AMERICANS OWE KRISTIAN MENCHACA FOR THE CHALLENGE HE UNDERTOOK AND THE IMMENSE SACRIFICE HE RENDERED.

WHEREAS JUNE 16TH, 2025, MARKED THE 19TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF U.S.

ARMY PRIVATE FIRST CLASS KRISTIAN MENCHACA OF BROWNSVILLE, PROVIDING A FITTING OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT ON HIS LIFE AND THE SERVICE OF HIS COUNTRY.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT THAT IT DOES HEREBY COMMEMORATE THE 19TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF US PRIVATE FIRST CLASS KRISTIAN MENCHACA, AND PAYS TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY AND SERVICE, PROCLAIM THIS 24TH DAY OF JUNE, 2025. RANDOLPH, DO YOU WANT TO? OF COURSE, THANK YOU JUDGE.

RANDOLPH HAS NEVER SEEN A MICROPHONE HE DIDN'T LIKE.[LAUGHTER] NO.

I'D LIKE TO THANK YOU GUYS MORE, BECAUSE WHEN WE CAME, YOU KNOW, THOSE SIGNS THAT THAT WENT ON 21 WERE NOT CHEAP AND I CAME OVER HERE AND TALKED TO COMMISSIONERS COURT, AND WE NEEDED SOME MONEY BECAUSE IT WAS FIVE GRAND TO PUT TWO SIGNS UP.

AND YOU GUYS WERE VERY, VERY GENEROUS. I THINK THE NEXT YEAR, BECAUSE IT'LL BE THE 20TH AND I WILL STILL BE ALIVE, YOU'LL STILL BE HERE AND EVERYBODY STILL BE IN COMMISSIONERS COURT. WE'RE GOING TO CHANGE NEXT YEAR, IT'S GOING TO BE REALLY CALDWELL COUNTY, NOT SO MUCH HAYS COUNTY BECAUSE IT'S IN CALDWELL COUNTY THAT GARY JOB CORP IS PROBABLY JUST A LITTLE UPDATE ON SOME OF THE PUBLICITY ABOUT THE JOB CORP, WE'RE STILL HERE.

I THINK WE'RE GOING TO MAKE IT, YOU KNOW WE'RE THE LARGEST CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES.

AND WE'RE CENTRAL AND [INAUDIBLE] WE MIGHT BE A MEGA CENTER.

BUT RIGHT NOW WE HAVE OUR WHAT IS IT? LITIGATION, TOMORROW, WE'LL HEAR ABOUT IT IN THE JUDGE.

[00:15:04]

SO ANYWAY, NO, THERE'S A COUPLE OF PASSAGES THAT AND ONE OF THEM PERTAINS TO YOU GUYS, AND THERE'S ISAIAH 68, WHOM SHALL I SEND AND WHO WILL GO FOR US? AND I SAID, HERE I AM.

SEND ME. I KNOW AS ELECTED OFFICIALS YOU GUYS CATCH IT ALL THE TIME.

AND I ATTEND QUITE A FEW COMMISSIONERS COURT AND YOU GUYS ARE REALLY THE GUARDIANS OF THE CITIZENS OF CALDWELL COUNTY, SO I THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WHAT YOU DO. AND THE OTHER THING WAS, I'M NOT GOING TO CRY ON THIS ONE JUDGE, BECAUSE YOU KNOW BOTH OF US ARE CRYBABIES. WHEN I ALWAYS READ THIS, I ALWAYS CRY.

AND I SAID JOHN 15:13 NO GREATER LOVE HAS ONE THAN THIS TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR ONE'S FRIENDS AND THAT'S WHAT PFC KRISTIAN MENCHACA DID. A FEW STATS AND LET ME BRING UP.

KRISTIAN'S INSTRUCTOR, MAJOR TROY [INAUDIBLE] HE'LL COME UP AND SAY, HE DOESN'T TALK MUCH LIKE ME.

SEE, I TALK FOREVER, BUT NO, JUST A COUPLE OF STATS ON I DON'T KNOW IF YOU GUYS KNEW THAT 390 VETERANS DIE EVERY DAY HERE IN THE UNITED STATES AND I THANK YOU GUYS, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE AND I THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING THE VETERANS BECAUSE 20 VETERANS COMMIT SUICIDE EVERY DAY.

AND IT'S BECAUSE WE'RE JUST, I'M A 20 YEAR NAVAL RETIRED NAVY CHIEF AROUND THE WORLD THREE TIMES BEEN IN TWO WARS, THREE GOVERNMENT OVERTHROWS. AND TO UNDERSTAND WHAT SACRIFICES THAT ARE MADE AND THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING THIS BECAUSE SOON WILL BECOME HISTORY. AND AS LONG AS THOSE SIGNS ARE UP ON IN CALDWELL COUNTY, PFC KRISTIAN MENCHACA, THAT MEMORIAL WILL BE THERE WHEN SOMEBODY COMES UP AND THEY'LL POINT UP AND THEY GO, WHO'S THAT? WE STOPPED. IF ANYBODY'S BEEN TO ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY AND WALK AMONG THE STONES, YOU KNOW, YOU SEE THE SAME THING, OR YOU GO ALONG THE BLACK WALL IN AT ARLINGTON AND YOU SEE ALL THE PEOPLE THAT DIED IN VIETNAM AND THEN THE DIFFERENT PEOPLE THAT WE HAVE THAT HAVE PASSED.

AND I APPLAUD YOU GUYS FOR ALL, BUT HERE LET ME.

WITHOUT TOO MUCH FURTHER ADO, WE HAVE OUR CORRECTIONS CADETS HERE ON THAT SIDE.

OKAY, LOOK, I KNOW I HAD TO BE. AND THIS IS OUR SECURITY CADETS, WE'RE GOING TO TAKE A PICTURE.

IT'S GOING TO BE A BIG I LOVE ME PICTURE, SUITABLE FOR FRAMING.

WELL, HERE'S TROY. WELL, GOOD MORNING, AND THANK YOU FOR ISSUING THIS PROCLAMATION.

I WAS A NEW INSTRUCTOR. I JUST ARRIVED AT GARY PRETTY RIGHT BEFORE HE GRADUATED, SO I DIDN'T REALLY KNOW HIM THAT WELL, BUT I KNEW ENOUGH TO KNOW THAT HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE.

AND, YOU KNOW, IF HE'S HAVING A REALLY BAD DAY, NOBODY KNEW IT BECAUSE HE WAS SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THE JOB CORPS PROGRAM.

SUPER EXCITED TO FINISH THE SECURITY OFFICER PROGRAM AND GO ON AND SERVE HIS COUNTRY, WHICH HE DID HONORABLY.

ALWAYS YOU KNOW, WHEN I THINK ABOUT KRISTEN, I THINK ABOUT WHAT EVENTUALLY HAPPENED TO HIM.

IT'S REALLY HEARTBREAKING BUT HE'LL ALWAYS BE REVERED A HERO IN THE GARY JOB CORP COMMUNITY.

AND WE ALSO THANK YOU AND THE CITIZENS AT CALDWELL COUNTY FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE JOB CORPS PROGRAM.

WE HAVE FAITH THAT IT WILL CONTINUE. IT MAY BE REBRANDED AND MAY BE CALLED SOMETHING DIFFERENT GOING FORWARD.

I THINK IT SHOULD BE CALLED CAREER CORPS, NOT JOB CORPS BUT THAT'S MY OPINION.

BUT THERE'S DEFINITELY GONNA BE CHANGES OUT THERE IN THE FUTURE BUT WE'RE THANKFUL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE PROGRAM OUT THERE.

AND OVER THE 20 YEARS, I'VE HAD THE, IT'S TRULY BEEN A A BLESSING AND REALLY A DREAM COME TRUE FOR ME TO, TO WORK OUT THERE AND BE PART OF THIS GREAT PROGRAM THAT WE CREATED.

BUT THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND CONTINUED SUPPORT, WHAT HAPPENS EVENTUALLY HAPPENS IN THE FUTURE.

AND I KNOW THAT WE HAD A GREAT 60 YEARS, BUT WE COULD HAVE A FANTASTIC 60 YEARS TO COME WITH THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT, SO THANK YOU FOR THIS. YES, SIR. I DIDN'T GET A MOTION YET FOR APPROVAL.

[00:20:01]

I'LL SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NOW ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. AYE. OPPOSED, HEARING NONE.

MOTION CARRIES. AND I THINK THEY'D LIKE A PICTURE, GENTLEMEN.

BUT ALSO I'LL MAKE IT. I'M SO KEEN ON. VERY WELL.

REALLY? OH, REALLY? OKAY, HERE WE GO. COME ON.

COME ON, YOU GUYS. WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? THANK YOU.

THANK YOU SO. MUCH. THANK YOU EVERYBODY. ALRIGHT.

THANK YOU. I THINK WE KNOW HOW TO DO THIS. SOME OF YOU GUYS ARE THINKING ABOUT ME. I THINK THIS. IS A GOOD ONE.

YOU GUYS WANT TO TAKE A. GOOD LOOK AT IT. YEAH.

THAT'S RIGHT. YOU'RE RIGHT HERE . WE'RE PRETTY GOOD.

OH, I AM SO PROUD. THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH. GOOD.

THAT LOOKS GOOD. I'M GONNA TAKE IT TWICE HERE SINCE I GO TO THE FIRST ONE ON THREE.

ONE. TWO. THREE. OKAY, COOL. OKAY.

ON THREE. ONE AND TWO. OKAY. SO YOU GUYS. LEGEND.[APPLAUSE] OH, YES. OH, YES. ALL RIGHT.

OH.

[G.9 To discuss and take possible action regarding the FY 2026 Air Quality Program Funding request from CAPCOG in the amount of $2,884.00.]

THANK YOU JUDGE, THIS IS AN ANNUAL REQUEST THAT THE CLEAN AIR COALITION THROUGH THE AIR QUALITY PROGRAM FUNDING REQUEST THROUGH CAPCOG, COMES TO US EVERY YEAR, EVER SINCE THERE WAS A VETO IN THE LINE ITEM BUDGET, A FEW SESSIONS BACK.

THEY'VE ASKED THE MEMBERS OF CAPCOG , BASED ON A PER CAPITA BASIS, TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUNDING REQUEST.

THIS YEAR'S REQUEST IS $2,884. THAT'S $142 MORE THAN LAST YEAR BUT TO PUT IT IN CONTEXT, THIS HAS BEEN OVER 3000.

THEY'VE ALWAYS TRIED TO BE AS PRUDENT WITH THE MONEY THAT WE SEND THEM AS POSSIBLE, AND THEY ADJUST BASED UPON WHETHER THEY NEED IT OR NOT.

SO I WOULD MOVE TO APPROVE THAT AMOUNT IN THE REQUEST TO BE INCLUDED IN OUR NEXT BUDGET.

OKAY. THANK YOU. WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF G9.

DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.

THE APPROVAL WAS BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.

ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.

OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. ITEM G.10 DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE CALDWELL COUNTY BURN BAN,

[G.10 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Caldwell County Burn Ban.]

WE'VE HAD A FEW FIRES IN THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS, NOTHING MAJOR.

MOSTLY PEOPLE BURNING ILLEGAL STUFF THAT GOT OUT OF CONTROL AND ONE TRUCK FIRE YESTERDAY ON SH 130.

CURRENTLY, OUR KBDI NUMBERS ARE MINIMUM 149 MAX 4663, WITH AN AVERAGE OF 303 AND A CHANGE OF 14.

THERE'S RAIN PREDICTED EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK.

LIKE ABOUT 20% WITH A 47% CHANCE OF RAIN ON SUNDAY.

I'M GOING TO RECOMMEND TO THE COURT THAT WE KEEP THE BURN BAN OFF, SINCE EVERYTHING IS STILL GREEN AND NOT DRYING UP AS FAST AND HUMIDITY LEVELS ARE AT 90%.

ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU HECTOR. COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION? SO MOVE TO APPROVE. MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS, DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND. SECOND. BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NOW ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE. OPPOSED, HEARING NONE.

MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. HECTOR.

[G.11 To review and take possible action regarding the Proposed 2026 Appraisal District and Collections Budget from the Caldwell County Appraisal District.]

REGARDING THE PROPOSED 2026 APPRAISAL DISTRICT AND COLLECTION BUDGET FROM THE CALDWELL COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT.

[00:25:04]

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION.

OKAY. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. AYE. AYE. OPPOSED, HEARING NONE.

MOTION CARRIES. ITEM G.12, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RESOLUTION 21-25.

[G.12 To discuss and take possible action regarding Resolution 21-2025 Authorizing Caldwell County to apply for the 2025 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Election Security Grant.]

AMBER. GOOD MORNING, I'M WORKING WITH DEVANTE, OF COURSE.

WE'RE ASKING THAT WE GO AHEAD AND APPROVE THIS RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR THE HAVA FUNDING.

THIS WAS KIND OF A LAST MINUTE THING THAT THEY OPENED BACK UP BECAUSE THEY ARE CHANGING SOME REQUIREMENTS AND TRYING TO GET EVERYBODY IN LINE.

WE THERE'S STILL LOTS OF QUESTIONS UP IN THE AIR WITH THIS GRANT RIGHT NOW.

THEY HAVE ISSUED US A SUB GRANT AWARD AND IT IS IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,500 , IT DOES REQUIRE A 20% MATCH, WHICH WOULD BE $8,500. NOW THERE'S LOTS OF TALK THAT YOU CAN REQUEST MORE THAN THAT.

THAT'S JUST WHAT THEY'VE ALREADY PRE-APPROVED.

WE'RE NOT 100% ON WHAT THE ANSWER TO THAT IS YET.

SO IF IT IS MORE, WE ARE GOING TO SHOOT FOR MORE BECAUSE DEVANTE DOES NEED MORE PRINTERS THAN WHAT THAT WILL ALLOW AS WELL AS SECURITY.

SO RIGHT NOW I DON'T HAVE A HARD NUMBER FOR YOU, WE'RE HOPING WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS WE HAVE ANSWERS TO THOSE QUESTIONS BUT THERE IS A 20% MATCH, SO. OKAY. COMMISSIONER, JUST I MEAN, BY WAY OF GIVING YOU SOME CONTEXT.

WE JUST WORKED ON THE DEVANTE'S BUDGET YESTERDAY, AND THIS LEGISLATION AND EQUIPMENT ALONE IS GOING TO COST US OVER $120,000, SO AND IT'S STATUTORILY REQUIRED THAT WE DO IT.

SO YOU KNOW, ANY HELP THAT THE STATE IS WILLING TO PROVIDE IN THAT AREA WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

ALL RIGHT. I'LL READ THE RESOLUTION. RESOLUTION 21-2025, AUTHORIZING CALDWELL COUNTY TO APPLY FOR THE 2025 HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT HAVA ELECTION SECURITY GRANT, WHEREAS CALDWELL COUNTY AGREES THAT THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS WILL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAW AND ANY AGREEMENT BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY AND THE STATE OF TEXAS.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE, AS AUTHORIZED UNDER SECTION 101 OF THE HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT OF 2002, AND IN CONSULTATION AND AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY ELECTION OFFICIALS AS DEFINED IN SECTION 12001 AND 31091 OF THE TEXAS ELECTION CODE AND WHEREAS CALDWELL COUNTY AGREES TO ASSIGN A SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT SPOC TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY AND COMMUNICATING WITH THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE, INCLUDING THE SUBMISSION AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED REPORTS.

AND WHEREAS CALDWELL COUNTY AGREES CLAIMS AGAINST THE FUND SHALL BE AUDITED AND APPROVED IN THE SAME MANNER AS OTHER CLAIMS A GAINST THE COUNTY BEFORE THEY ARE PAID. AND WHEREAS CALDWELL COUNTY AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT CONSIDER THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS IN ADOPTING THE COUNTY BUDGET, AND WHEREAS CALDWELL COUNTY AGREES THAT IN THE EVENT OF LOSS, MISUSE OR NONCOMPLIANCE PURSUANT TO ANY GRANT AWARD AGREEMENT WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE, CALDWELL COUNTY ASSURES THAT THE FUNDS WILL BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE IN FULL.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT THAT THE COUNTY GRANT ADMINISTRATOR IS DESIGNATED AS A SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT, SPOC AND AUTHORIZED TO APPLY FOR, ACCEPT, DECLINE, MODIFY OR CANCEL THE GRANT AND IS FURTHER AUTHORIZED TO HANDLE THE SUBMISSION OF REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS AND ALL OTHER REPORTING REQUIRED IN THE EVENT OF LOSS OR MISUSE OF GRANT FUNDS, THE COUNTY WILL RETURN ALL FUNDS, AS REQUIRED BY LAW, TO THE OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.

OKAY, COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION ON THIS ONE? I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.

DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. AYE.

OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.

[00:30:01]

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.

OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. WE ARE ADJOURNED AT 9:30.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.