Aug 26, 2025 Commissioners Court

>> GOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY.

[A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER]

[00:00:02]

WE'RE GOING TO CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025 AT 9:00 A.M.

I THINK WE HAVE TIMOTHY PARKER HERE TO DO THE INVOCATION FOR US.

>> WOULD YOU ALL JOIN ME IN PRAYER.

FATHER GOD, I JUST LIFT THESE MEN UP TO YOU TODAY, AND I PRAY THROUGH THE POWER OF YOUR HOLY SPIRIT THAT YOU WOULD GUIDE LEAD AND DIRECT THEM, GIVE THEM THE WORDS TO USE, THE ACTIONS TO TAKE TODAY, PERFORMING COUNTY BUSINESS.

FATHER BLESS THEM AND BLESS THEIR FAMILIES.

FATHER BLESS THESE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

WE GOT OVER MY LEFT SHOULDER RIGHT HERE TODAY, TOO.

WHO ALSO CONDUCT COUNTY BUSINESS EVERY DAY.

FATHER, PROTECT THEM AS THEY GO FORWARD.

BLESS THIS TIME AND BLESS THOSE THAT ARE HERE IN THIS ROOM HERE TODAY.

IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT, I PRAY. AMEN.

>>

>> COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS MORNING?

>> NO ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR ME, JUDGE.

>> NONE FOR ME, JUDGE.

>> NONE FOR ME.

>> NONE, JUDGE.

>> NONE FOR ME. THAT WAS QUICK. CITIZENS COMMENTS.

[E. CITIZENS' COMMENTS]

>> ANDREW MCLEISH.

>> GOOD MORNING. ANDREW MCLEISH FROM PRAIRIE LEE.

AT THE LAST COURT MEETING, WE HEARD ABOUT WHAT ENGINEERS CALL THE POLITICAL STOP SIGN, A SIGN INSTALLED FOR PUBLIC PERCEPTION RATHER THAN FOR SAFETY.

TODAY, I'M KICKING OFF A SERIES CALLED THE ANATOMY OF A POLITICAL AWAY STOP PRAIRIE LEE EDITION.

THESE TALKS WILL WALK US THROUGH THE STEPS, DISCUSSIONS, ACTIONS, AND DECISIONS THAT LED FOUR ALL WAY STOPS TO FIND THEIR WAY TO PRAIRIE LEE.

LET'S START WITH SOME CONTEXTS.

PRAIRIE LEE IS A RURAL NEIGHBORHOOD OVER 100-YEARS-OLD WITH ABOUT 10 SMALL BLOCKS NEXT TO HIGHWAY 80.

PAVED STREETS ARE NARROW, 13 TO 16 FEET WIDE, POSTED AT 30 MILES PER HOUR WITH STOP SIGNS AT EVERY INTERSECTION.

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, TRAFFIC IS MINIMAL, WITH OCCASIONAL THROUGH TRAFFIC TO A NEARBY CAMPGROUND.

HOW DID POLITICAL ALWAYS STOP SIGNS FIND THEIR WAY TO PRAIRIE LEE? THE STORY BEGINS IN 2017, A MONTH OR TWO BEFORE COMMISSIONER MOSES BROUGHT THE IDEA TO COURT.

SITTING RIGHT THERE IN THAT VERY SEAT, HE SAID, ''I WAS JUST RIDING AROUND OUT IN PRAIRIE LEE, AND I SAW A NEED FOR STOP SIGNS OUT THERE.''.

HE ALSO URGED THE COURT, ''GET THOSE STOP SIGNS IN PLACE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.'' NOW, KEEP IN MIND, EVERY INTERSECTION ALREADY HAD A STOP SIGN.

WHAT HE PLANNED TO DO WAS CONVERT ALL FOUR CORNERS OF ONE BLOCK TO ALWAYS STOPS.

COMMISSIONER MOSES DISCUSSED THIS PLAN WITH A RESIDENT AND A LONGTIME ACQUAINTANCE.

THE RESIDENT HELPED PICK THE LOCATIONS CLOSEST TO HIS HOME AND CIRCULATED A PETITION.

NOW, COMMISSIONER MOSES NEVER EXPLAINED WHY OR WHAT THE SIGNS WERE NEEDED FOR.

HE JUST KEPT REPEATING TO THE COURT.

''THERE'S A NEED FOR THEM.

THERE'S A NEED FOR THEM.'' THEN CAME A REVEALING COMMENT FROM JUDGE SHAW.

''I UNDERSTAND THE KEY CONCERN HERE IS SPEED, SLOWING DOWN TRAFFIC.

HERE'S WHY THAT MATTERS.

THE TRAFFIC CONTROL MANUAL PROHIBITS USING STOP SIGNS TO CONTROL SPEED.'' MOST LIKELY, COMMISSIONER MOSES KNEW THIS, SO HE CHOSE NOT TO SAY IT OUT LOUD.

HE PERSONALLY SHOWED THE COUNTY'S NEW ROAD ADMINISTRATOR THE INTERSECTIONS, WHERE THE STOP SIGNS WOULD GO.

LATER WHEN HE WAS ASKED ABOUT THOSE LOCATIONS AND THEIR NEED, HE SAID, I WAS JUST FOLLOWING WHAT THE COMMISSIONER WANTED.

NOW, SOME ON THE COURT DID EXPRESS CAUTION.

JUDGE SHAW SUGGESTED LAW ENFORCEMENT SHOULD WEIGH IN, SAYING, ''GET WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO MAKE US AWARE IF THERE IS A NEED.'' HE ALSO ADDED, ''WE MIGHT COULD ASK TEXT STOP." COMMISSIONER ONTARIO OVER HERE, WITH HIS BACKGROUND, WARNED ABOUT LIABILITY.

HE ELABORATED, ''I'VE SEEN OR A STOP SIGN POPPED UP, AND THEN THERE'S A LAWSUIT AS TO WHETHER IT WAS WARRANTED OR NOT." THEN ATTORNEY JORDAN TOLD THE COURT WARRANTS AREN'T MANDATORY AND REMINDED THE COURT TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING.

COMMISSIONER MOSES RESPONDED TO THE JUDGE'S SUGGESTION AND SAID,

[00:05:02]

WITHOUT DISCUSSION, THE MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

I'M RUNNING OUT OF TIME, AND I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND STOP FOR NOW, BUT AT YOUR NEXT MEETING, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE PUBLIC HEARING AND SEE HOW THAT WENT.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU.

>> FRANK KOFSKY.

>> GOOD MORNING AND JUDGE COMMISSIONERS, FRANK KOFSKY WITH DUSTIN ASSOCIATES.

THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME IN AND GIVE YOU AN UPDATE ON US 183.

THE PROJECT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO TEXTDO.

THEY'VE REVIEWED IT AND APPROVED IT LOCALLY WITH THE AREA OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

WE'RE IN GOOD SHAPE. IT'S MOVING FORWARD.

IT'S UP IN THE DIVISION BEING GOING THROUGH ITS FINAL REVIEWS.

WE ARE SCHEDULED FOR LETTING IN DECEMBER OF THIS YEAR.

WITH THE AFA PAYMENT SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER.

AT THIS POINT, WITH THE LETTING SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER, WE ANTICIPATE AN AWARD AND MOBILIZATION IN ABOUT FOUR MONTHS AFTER THAT, AND THAT WOULD BE AROUND APRIL OF 2026.

WITH MOBILIZATION MAYBE A MONTH AFTER THAT, IN THE APRIL MAY TIME FRAME, WE'RE ANTICIPATING CONSTRUCTION DURATION TO LAST ABOUT 4-6 MONTHS.

WE THINK WE'LL BE DONE, WE ANTICIPATE BEING COMPLETE IN THE FALL OF 2026.

THAT'S MY UPDATE. DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

>> UNFORTUNATELY, SINCE WE'RE DOING IT UNDER COMMENTS, WE CAN'T.

I APPRECIATE IT THOUGH. THANK YOU FOR THE UPDATE.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THERE ARE NO OTHER CITIZEN COMMENTS.

>> WE DO HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING TODAY, BUT IT'S NOT UNTIL 9:30, SO I WILL PASS THAT FOR THE MOMENT.

WE'LL GO TO DISCUSSION ACTION ITEMS. ITEM H1, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING [OVERLAPPING] SORRY. THANK YOU.

GIVE CONSENT HAVE IMPORTANT.

[F. CONSENT AGENDA]

>> MOVE TO APPROVE CONSENT.

>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORN. WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

>> AYE [OVERLAPPING]

>> POST HERE AND NUMBER MOTION CARRIES.

NOW I'LL GO TO DISCUSSION ACTION.

DISCUSS, TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR AUGUST 12,

[H.1 To discuss and take possible action regarding the approval of the Minutes for the August 12, 2025, regular meeting and budget workshop meeting. ]

COMMISSIONERS, GET A MOTION FOR THE MINUTES.

>> I RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

>> MOVE APPROVAL BY MOTION TO APPROVE.

COMMISSIONER ONTARIO, DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS, DISCUSSION.

NOT ON FAVOR SAY AYE.

>> AYE [OVERLAPPING]

>> POSE HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM 2, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING WE'LL HAVE TO TABLE THAT.

FOR A MOMENT UNTIL WE HAVE OUR HEARING AND GO TO H3.

DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE SHORT FORM PLAIT FOR CREEK SIDE RUN,

[H.3 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Short Form Plat for Creekside Run Ranch consisting of two lots on approximately 16.38 acres located on Young Lane. ]

>> GOOD MORNING. THIS IS JUST A SIMPLE TWO LOT.

SHORT FORM PLATE. AT THIS TIME, ALL COMMENTS HAVE BEEN CLEARED, FEES HAVE BEEN COLLECTED, AND WE'RE JUST LOOKING FOR APPROVAL.

>> COMMISSIONERS? MOVE TO APPROVE ITEM H3.

>> MOVE APPROVAL OF H3 BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORN.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AYE [OVERLAPPING]

>> POSED HERE AND NONE. MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM FOUR DISCUSSED AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING

[H.4 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Short Form Plat for Twin Willow Farm consisting of two lots on approximately 16.78 acres located on Young Lane. ]

>> SAME SCENARIO, TWO LOT SUBDIVISION A.

COMMENTS HAVE BEEN CLEARED, FEES HAVE BEEN COLLECTED AND JUST NEED AN APPROVAL.

>> COMMISSIONERS? MOVE TO APPROVE ITEM H4

>> MOVE APPROVAL FOR FOUR BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ONTARIO.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

>> AYE [OVERLAPPING]

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. ITEM H5.

[H.5 To consider the public streets and drainage in Hartland Ranch Subdivision Phase 4 as complete and ready to begin the two-year performance period as evidenced by a maintenance bond in the amount of $68,333.50 for maintenance security and release the cash security deposit in the amount of $41,580.00 back to the developer.]

[00:10:01]

>> EVERYTHING HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND READY TO ACCEPT.

>> COMMISSIONERS.

>> MOVE TO APPROVE ITEM H5 AS READ.

>> MOVE APPROVAL BY OF H5 BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AYE [OVERLAPPING]

>> OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> EXCUSE ME.

[H.6 To consider the public streets and drainage in Bollinger - Phase 3 as complete and ready to begin the two-year performance period as evidenced by a maintenance bond in the amount of $21,436.91 for maintenance security and release the cash security deposit in the amount of $6,922.61 back to the developer.]

>> ITEM H6.

CONSIDER THE PUBLIC STREET AND DRAINAGE IN BOLLINGER, PHASE 3 AS COMPLETE AND READY TO BEGIN TWO YEAR PERFORMANCE PERIOD AS EVIDENCED BY MAINTENANCE POND AND THE AMOUNT OF $21,436 AND 91 CENTS FOR MAINTENANCE SECURITY AND RELEASE THE CASH SECURITY DEPOSIT AND THE AMOUNT OF 6,092,261 BACK TO THE DEVELOPER.

>> READY TO ACCEPT.

>> COMMISSIONERS?

>> I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO ACCEPT.

>> MOTION TO ACCEPT BY COMMISSIONER ONTARIO. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORN.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR. SAY AYE.

>> AYE [OVERLAPPING]

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM H7.

[H.7 To consider the public streets and drainage in Bollinger Phase - 4 as complete and ready to begin the two-year performance period as evidenced by a maintenance bond in the amount of $31,630.13 for maintenance security and release the cash security deposit in the amount of $5,579.43 back to the developer.]

READY TO BEGIN THE TWO YEAR PERFORMANCE PERIOD AS EVIDENCED BY MAINTENANCE BOND IN THE AMOUNT OF 03,163,013 FOR MAINTENANCE SECURITY AND RELEASE OF CASH DEPOSIT OF 50,057,943 BACK TO THE DEVELOPER.

>> READY TO ACCEPT.

>> COMMISSIONERS?

>> I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO ACCEPT.

>> MOTION TO ACCEPT ITEM H5 BY COMMISSIONER ONTARIO. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

>> AYE [OVERLAPPING]

>> OPPOSE, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. EXCUSE ME.

>> ITEM 8 H8.

[H.8 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Final Plat for Dewberry Point Subdivision consisting of 74-lots on approximately 96.80 acres located on FM 1854 and Seminole Trail]

>> THE SUBDIVISION HAS BEEN IN REVIEW FOR QUITE A WHILE.

WE ACTUALLY APPROVED THE PULMONARY PLAT BACK ON APRIL THE 11TH.

WE ARE AT THE END HERE.

THEY'VE CLEARED ALL COMMENTS.

A FEES HAVE BEEN PAID, AND WE'RE JUST LOOKING FOR A FINAL APPROVAL, SO THEY CAN RECORD IT.

>> COMMISSIONERS?

>> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ONTARIO.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AYE [OVERLAPPING]

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM H9, DISCUSS AND TAKE

[H.9 To discuss and take possible action regarding amending the Caldwell County Development 2 Ordinance to include the fee collection for Development Agreements, Traffic Impact Assessments (TIA), and Licensing Agreements. ]

ORDINANCE TO INCLUDE THE FEE COLLECTION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS, TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENTS, TIA, AND LICENSING AGREEMENT.

>> I HAVE ACTUALLY VISITED COMMISSIONER ONTARIO AND BROUGHT IT TO HIM THAT WE HAVE NOT ACTUALLY ESTABLISHED FEES FOR ANY OF THESE.

WHAT I DID WAS, I WENT TO OUR CONSULTING ENGINEER AND ASKED HIM IF YOU COULD KIND OF HELP US COME UP WITH A PLAN TO BE ABLE TO CHARGE THESE FEES.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE ATTACHMENT, WE ACTUALLY BROKE IT DOWN BY SIZE OF SUBDIVISIONS.

AT THIS TIME, I'VE ACTUALLY CONSULTED WITH RICHARD AS WELL, AND RICHARD ASKED ABOUT THE LICENSING AGREEMENT FEES TO BE ADDED TO THIS LIST.

AT THIS TIME, I'M JUST LOOKING FOR APPROVAL.

>> COMMISSIONER.

>> I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER ONTARIO. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORN.

ANY DISCUSSION. NOT ALL IN FAVOR. SAY AYE.

>> AYE [OVERLAPPING]

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES [OVERLAPPING] THANK YOU, CASEY. EXCUSE ME.

ITEM H10. DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING

[H.10 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Proclamation declaring September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Month. ]

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME ON BEHALF OF THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION AND FOR YOUR PROCLAMATION AS A POWERFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SUICIDE AS A CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE THAT TOUCHES EVERY COMMUNITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

>> EXCUSE ME, I'LL GO AHEAD AND READ THE PROCLAMATION IF MY VOICE HOLDS OUT LONG ENOUGH.

PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER A SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH, WHEREAS IN 2023, SUICIDE WAS THE 11TH LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH, OVERALL IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG INDIVIDUALS AGED 10-34.

IN THE UNITED STATES IN 2023, OVER 49,000 INDIVIDUALS DIED BY SUICIDE.

WHEREAS SUICIDE RATES INCREASED

[00:15:02]

WHEREAS IN 2023, AN ESTIMATED 12.8 MILLION ADULTS AGE 18 YEARS OR OLDER, REPORTED HAVING SERIOUS THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE AND 1.5 MILLION ADULTS ATTEMPTED SUICIDE IN THE PAST YEAR, NATIONAL SURVEY AND DRUG USE AND HEALTH, AND WHEREAS IN 2023, TWO IN 10 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED ATTEMPTING SUICIDE AND ALMOST ONE IN 10 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS REPORTED THAT THEY HAD MADE AT LEAST ONE SUICIDE ATTEMPT IN PAST YEAR, YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEY.

WHEREAS IN TEXAS, SUICIDE IS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR AGES 15-34, AND WHEREAS OVER 90% OF THE PEOPLE WHO DIED BY SUICIDE HAVE A DIAGNOSABLE AND POTENTIALLY TREATABLE MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION, ALTHOUGH OFTEN THAT CONDITION IS NOT RECOGNIZED OR TREATED.

WHEREAS THE BURDEN OF SUICIDE IS ESTIMATED TO COST OVER 510 BILLION IN MEDICAL WORK LOSS VALUE OF STATISTICAL LIFE AND QUALITY OF LIFE COSTS NATIONALLY.

WHEREAS THE NEGATIVE ATTITUDES ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS WORK AGAINST SUICIDE PREVENTION BY DISCOURAGING PERSONS AT RISK FOR SUICIDE FROM SEEKING LIFESAVING HELP AND FURTHER TRAUMATIZES SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS AND PEOPLE WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SUICIDE.

WHEREAS IF SOMEONE CAN GET THROUGH THE INTENSE AND SHORT MOMENT OF AN ACTIVE SUICIDAL CRISIS, THEY ARE UNLIKELY TO ULTIMATELY DIE FROM SUICIDE.

WHEREAS ASKING SOMEONE DIRECTLY IF THEY'RE THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE WILL NOT PUT THE IDEA IN THEIR HEAD, AND MOST WILL BE RELIEVED SOMEONE STARTS THE CONVERSATION.

WHEREAS MOST PEOPLE WHO SURVIVE A SUICIDE ATTEMPT, 85-95% GO ON TO ENGAGE IN LIFE, AND WHEREAS EVERYONE HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN PREVENTING SUICIDE AND CAN LEARN SUICIDE RISK AND WARNING SIDES AND ENCOURAGE THOSE WHO STRUGGLE TO SEEK HELP.

WHEREAS ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION, ENVISION A WORLD WITHOUT SUICIDE AND ARE DEDICATED TO SAVING LIVES AND BRINGING HOPE TO THOSE AFFECTED BY SUICIDE THROUGH RESEARCH, EDUCATION, ADVOCACY AND RESOURCES FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST SOMEONE TO SUICIDE OR STRUGGLING THEMSELVES.

URGE THAT ONE RECOGNIZE SUICIDE AS PREVENTABLE NATIONAL AND STATE PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM AND DECLARE SUICIDE PREVENTION TO BE A PRIORITY.

TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT NO SINGLE SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM OR EFFORT WILL BE APPROPRIATE FOR ALL POPULATIONS OR COMMUNITIES.

THREE ENCOURAGE INITIATIVES BASED ON THE GOALS CONTAINED IN THE 2024 NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION, OR PROMOTE AWARENESS, THAT THERE IS NO SINGLE CAUSE FOR SUICIDE THAT SUICIDE IS COMPLEX, THAT RISK MAY INCREASE FOR A PERSON WHEN MULTIPLE CONTRIBUTORS, EXAMPLE MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS, SUBSTANCE USE AND PHYSICAL HEALTH CONDITIONS, AND PAIN, PAST TRAUMA, COMPARED IN CONTEXT OF STRESS.

THAT WHEN A PERSON HAS ACCESS TO LETHAL MEANS, THEY MAY DIE BY SUICIDE.

FIVE DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT STRATEGIES TO INCREASE ACCESS TO AND THE DELIVERY OF QUALITY MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE USE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION CRISIS CARE AND TREATMENT AND RECOVERY SERVICES.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE COLE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT, THAT IT DOES HEREBY DECLARE THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2025 A SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH.

RECOGNIZE THE SUICIDE IS A PREVENTABLE NATIONAL AND STATEWIDE PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM.

SUICIDE PREVENTION IS A NATIONAL AND STATEWIDE RESPONSIBILITY PROCLAIM THIS 26TH DAY OF AUGUST 2025.

COMMISSIONERS, DO I HAVE A MOTION TO ACCEPT PROCLAMATION?

>> MOVE TO ACCEPT.

>> MOTION TO ACCEPT BY COMMISSIONER HORN.

DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION?

>> NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES, AND WE WANT A PICTURE.

[00:20:26]

>> [BACKGROUND] THE END OF THAT.

>> WE'LL GO AHEAD AND MOVE TO ITEM H11,

[H.11 To discuss and take posse action regarding a Proclamation from Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) designating the month of September 2025 as CAPCOG Preparedness Month. ]

PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER AS CAPCOG PREPAREDNESS MONTH.

WHEREAS THE CAPILLARY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS CAPCOG IS POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE, SERVING BASTROP BLANCO BENNY, COLWELL FAYETTE, HAYES, LEE, LANDO TRAVIS AND WILLIAMSON COUNTIES, AND WHEREAS THE STATE OF TEXAS HISTORICALLY LEADS THE NATION IN THE NUMBER OF FEDERALLY DECLARED DISASTERS, BE THEY NATURAL DISASTERS, TECHNOLOGICAL OR HUMAN CAUSE, AND WHEREAS TEXAS HAS THE HIGHEST OPT OUT RATE, 29.5% FOR WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERTS.

WEAS AND FMA REGION 6, THAT IS FIVE TIMES HIGHER THAN THE STATE WITH THE LOWEST RATE OF OPT-OUTS.

THE NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CAPCOG TO INFORM AND EDUCATE RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITIES IN THE REGION TO BE MORE PREPARED BY DEVELOPING THE CAPABILITIES NEEDED TO PREVENT, PROTECT AGAINST, RESPOND TO, AND RECOVER FROM, AND MITIGATE AGAINST ALL THREATS AND HAZARDS.

PREPAREDNESS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY RESIDENT, BUSINESS AGENCY, SCHOOL, COLLEGE, AND UNIVERSITY OF THE 10 COUNTY CAPCOG REGION, AND WHEREAS PREPAREDNESS IS A NATIONAL PRIORITY WITH A GOAL OF SHARED INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY SAFETY AND RESILIENCE, AND WHEREAS PERSONAL BUSINESS AGENCY, SCHOOL, COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY AND PRIVATE SECTOR PREPAREDNESS MAY SERVE TO MITIGATE THE IMPACTS OF VARIOUS EMERGENCIES INCIDENTS AND DISASTERS IN THE CAPCOG REGION REGION.

WHEREAS THE CAPCOG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ENCOURAGES ALL RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES AND ARE ASKED TO REVIEW THE PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION AT READY.GOV AND TO SIGN UP AND RECEIVE EMERGENCY ALERTS VIA WARREN CENTRAL TEXAS.ORG TO BECOME MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PREPARED.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT, IT DOES HEREBY DECLARE THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2025 AS CAPCOG PREPAREDNESS MONTH AND ENCOURAGES ALL RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITIES TO DEVELOP EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCY PLANS AND TO REGISTER AT WARREN CENTRAL TEXAS.ORG TO RECEIVE WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERTS, PROCLAIM THIS 26TH DAY OF AUGUST 2025.

COMMISSIONERS, I HAVE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE PROCLAMATION.

>> I MOVE TO APPROVE?

>> WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM H12, DISCUSS AND TAKE

[H.12 To discuss and take possible action on an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between Caldwell County and Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) for the 9-1-1 Geographic Information System Database Management FY 2026. ]

COMMISSIONER, IT'S JUST RENEWAL OF OUR AGREEMENT, BUT I DON'T KNOW IF AMBER HAS MORE TO ADD.

>> NO. THAT'S WHAT I WAS GOING TO SAY, IT DID GO UP SLIGHTLY.

THIS CURRENT FISCAL YEAR THAT WE'RE IN RIGHT NOW, WE RECEIVED 103,003 21, AND IT'S GOING UP TO 105,374.

A LITTLE BIT OF AN INCREASE ASIDE FROM THAT, THERE'S NO BIG CHANGES.

>> COMMISSIONERS?

>> I MOVE TO APPROVE THE INTERCAL AGREEMENT.

>> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND, DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORN, DISCUSSION.

NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM H13, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING

[H.13 To discuss and take possible action regarding the 2026 Sheriff and Constable Service Fees]

COMMISSIONER, YOU HAVE THEM THERE IN YOUR BACKUP, AND I THINK I SAW CLEMENTE HERE.

IF YOU GUYS HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, HE IS HERE TO ANSWER THOSE.

OTHERWISE, I'D LOOK FOR A MOTION.

[00:25:02]

>> TILL OUT FOR ANY DISCUSSION, I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. WE HAVE A SECOND.

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TERRIO.

ANY DISCUSSION? COME, DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING?

>> THERE WAS NO CHANGES, WE JUST NEED APPROVAL.

>> ALL RIGHT. COMMISSIONERS, WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

FOR APPROVAL, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> POSE HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> ITEM H14, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A CALDWELL COUNTY BURN BAN.

[H.14 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Caldwell County Burn Ban]

>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONER, STAFF, AND GALLERY.

IN THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS, WE'VE HAD A FEW FIRES.

MOST OF THEM WERE ILLEGAL BURNS WHICH PRECINCT 2 AND PRECINCT 4.

GOT SOME CITATIONS WRITTEN OUT TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS.

BUT OTHER THAN THAT, NO, JUST SMALL FIRES HERE AND THERE.

WE ARE EXPECTING TO HAVE RAINFALL STARTING TODAY, WITH 10% INCREASING TO 40% ON SATURDAY, AND THEN IT DIMINISHES AGAIN.

TEMPERATURES ARE STILL GOING TO BE IN THE HIGH 90S, AND THEY'LL DROP AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS FROM NOW.

I'M GOING TO RECOMMEND EXCUSE ME, KBDI NUMBERS.

THE MINIMUM IS 464, MAX IS 668, AVERAGE 565, WITH A CHANGE OF PLUS EIGHT.

I'M GOING TO RECOMMEND TO THE COURT THAT WE KEEP THE BURN BAN ON.

>> COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO KEEP THE BURN BAN ON?

>> WE KEEP THE BURN BAN ON.

>> MOTION TO KEEP THE BURN BAN ON BY COMMISSIONER HORN. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, HECTOR.

>> ITEM H5, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING BUDGET TRANSFER 1225 FOR BUILDING

[H.15 To discuss and take possible action regarding Budget Transfer 12-2025 for Building Maintenance for an air conditioning unit at Market Street building.]

>> COMMISSIONERS?

>> MOVE APPROVAL.

>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER TERRIO. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM H16, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING BUDGET TRANSFER 13TH, 2025,

[H.16 To discuss and take possible action regarding Budget Transfer 13-2025 transferring funds from line- item Transportation (001-3201-4260) & (001-3201-4300) Public Outreach to Training (001-3201- 4810) for training costs.]

PUBLIC OUTREACH TO TRAINING 001-320-1810 FOR TRAINING COSTS. COMMISSIONERS.

>> MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORN. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H17.

[H.17 To discuss and take possible action regarding Budget Transfer 14-2025 allowing Election's Department to purchase new mandated ballot printers.]

THERE ARE SOME CHANGES IN THE ELECTION LAWS IN THE LAST SESSION, SO WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO DO THIS.

>> MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> MOVE APPROVAL FOR ITEM H17 BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORN.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSE HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM H18, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING BUDGET AMENDMENT 18TH 2025,

[H.18 To discuss and take possible action regarding Budget Amendment 18-2025 moving $5,000.00 from Medical Contingency (001-6510-4864) and $20,000.00 from Repairs and Maintenance (001-6610- 4510) to Computer Support (001-6610-4185) to cover annual renewal fee for Incode.]

TO COVER ANNUAL RENEWAL FEE FOR THE CODE.

THIS CAME AND WAS MORE THAN WE WERE EXPECTING, SO WE HAD TO SHUFFLE A LITTLE BIT OF MONEY AROUND.

>> I MOVED TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER.

>> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER HORN. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TERRIO.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

I'M GOING TO SQUEEZE ONE MORE IN HERE BEFORE THE HEARING.

[H.19 To discuss and approve Amendment No. 5 of the Caldwell County Purchasing Policy. ]

>> ITEM H19, DISCUSSING AND APPROVING AMENDMENT NUMBER 5 OF THE COLE COUNTY PURCHASING POLICY.

>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

SENATE BILL 1173 PASSED AND TO TAKE EFFECT SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2025, TO INCREASE THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING FROM 50,000 TO 100,000.

[00:30:01]

>> COMMISSIONERS?

>> MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.

NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

[G.1 FY 2025-2026 Elected Officials' Salaries]

ITEM G1, PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ELECTED OFFICIAL SALARIES, AND WE'LL LEAVE THIS OPEN FOR COMMENTS FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES UNLESS SOMEBODY COMES UP.

>> I KNOW WHAT I'M SAYING, HANG ON.

>> WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:32 AND MOVE TO ITEM H2,

[H.2 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Elected Officials' Salaries for FY 2025-2026. ]

>> I MOVE APPROVAL.

>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER TERRIO. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.

A DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR. AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSE HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

WE'LL GO BACK OVER TO ITEM H20.

[H.20 To approve final draft and solicitation of RFP 25CCP01P Bank Depository. ]

>> YES. THIS IS TO APPROVE THE FINAL DRAFT FOR THE BANK DEPOSITORY.

WE HAVEN'T DONE ONE IN SIX YEARS, SO WE'RE JUST RE-SOLICITATING, BECAUSE OUR CONTRACT WITH FIRST LOCKER NATIONAL BANK IS COMING TO AN END IN OCTOBER.

>> VERY GOOD. COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF RFP25 CCP01P?

>> MOTION MOVED

>> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER HORN. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.

A DISCUSSION. NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM H21, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON SUBMITTING

[H.21 To discuss and take possible action on submitting a grant application to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for the Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program established by Senate Bill (SB) 22 to provide financial assistance to the District Attorney's Office.]

>> THIS IS THE SAME SB22 FUNDING THAT WE'VE APPLIED FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS.

THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY IS ELECTING TO APPLY FOR IT AND UTILIZE IT FOR STIPENDS HE'S USED THE PAST TWO YEARS AS WELL.

THAT CAN BE USED FOR ATTORNEYS, INVESTIGATORS, OR VICTIMS ASSISTANCE COORDINATORS.

WITH YOUR PERMISSION, WE'LL GET THAT SUBMITTED.

>> COMMISSIONERS?

>> MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORN. SECOND.

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM H22, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON SUBMITTING A GRANT APPLICATION TO

[H.22 To discuss and take possible action on submitting a grant application to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for the Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program established by Senate Bill (SB) 22 to provide financial assistance to the Sheriff's Department. ]

>> SAME THING, JUST FOR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.

FOR THEM, IN THE PAST, WE HAVE USED A SMALL PIECE OF THE FUNDING FOR SALARIES, AND THE LARGER PORTION WAS USED FOR SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

THIS YEAR, WITH THE SALARY STRUCTURE THAT THE SHERIFF IS ELECTING TO DO, HE IS GOING TO ELECT TO USE ALL OF THE FUNDING TO HELP INCREASE THOSE SALARIES.

IT CAN BE USED FOR THE SHERIFF HIMSELF, DEPUTIES, AND JEWELERS.

>> COMMISSIONERS.

>> I MOVED TO APPROVE [OVERLAPPING]

>> BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND, DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORN.

[00:35:02]

WITH THESE FUNDS, IF THEY EVER GO AWAY, THESE ARE STIPENDS.

I JUST CAUTION EVERYONE THAT'S GETTING THOSE STIPENDS TO BE VERY AWARE THAT THAT COULD HAPPEN EVERY OTHER YEAR WHEN THE LEGISLATURE MEETS.

WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

GO AHEAD AND CALL THE VOTE.

ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM H23, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION

[H.23 To discuss and take possible action on the approval of an order agreement with Flock Group, Inc. 3 regarding an equipment purchase for PCT. 2 Constable's Office.]

>> THIS IS JUST A PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR EQUIPMENT THROUGH THE FLOCK GROUP.

THIS GRANT WAS ACCEPTED LAST COURT, THE MVCPA GRANT FOR CONSTABLE 2, AND SO WE JUST NEED TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT SO THAT HE CAN MOVE FORWARD WITH PURCHASING THE EQUIPMENT THROUGH THAT GRANT.

I WILL SAY ON THE COST, IT DOES LIST THE FULL AMOUNT, 22,200.

WE WILL PAY THAT UPFRONT, BUT THE GRANT DOES COVER ALL BUT 20%.

WE'LL GET EVERYTHING REIMBURSED TO US, OTHER THAN THAT 20%, WHICH COMES TO THEN HUNDRED.

>> VERY GOOD. COMMISSIONERS.

>> I MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORN. WE HAVE A SECOND.

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

[H.24 To discuss and take possible action on accepting an award from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) for the FY 2025 Indigent Defense Formula Grant. ]

>> THIS IS A GRANT THAT WE DO ANNUALLY, AND SO WE JUST NEED TO ACCEPT THE AWARD THAT THEY'RE GIVING US FOR THIS YEAR.

IT HAS GONE UP JUST A HAIR FROM LAST YEAR, BUT EVERY NOVEMBER, WE SUBMIT A HUGE REPORT ON ALL THE ATTORNEYS AND EVERYTHING THAT THE COURTS SEE, ALL OF OUR DISTRICT COURTS AND COUNTY COURT AT LAW.

THIS COVERS ALL THE DIFFERENT VARIOUS TYPES OF CASES AND INTERPRETERS, ALL THAT THING.

IT HAS GONE UP A LITTLE, SO THAT'S GOOD BECAUSE IT IS A BIG REPORT.

>> COMMISSIONERS.

>> MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER TERRIO.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM H25.

[H.25 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Development Agreement between Caldwell County, Earthship Corporation, and Greenwood Ventures Group, LLC, to promote development of a center for future high-tech manufacturing and technological innovation.]

>> I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER TERRIO. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.

ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM I MOTION TO ADJOURN.

>> I MOVE TO ADJOURN.

>> MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.

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

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, WE'RE ADJOURNED AT 9:38.

THANK YOU, EVERYONE, FOR COMING.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.