>> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. WELCOME TO CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT.
[00:00:04]
WE'RE CALLING THE MEETING TO ORDER TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2025 AT 9:00 AM AND I THINK PASTOR JODI IS HERE TO DO THE INVOCATION THIS MORNING.HEAVENLY FATHER, AS WE GATHER FOR THIS MEETING, UNITE OUR HEARTS AND MINDS IN COMMON PURPOSE.
GRANT US THE WISDOM TO WORK TOGETHER EFFECTIVELY AND THE HUMILITY TO VALUE EACH PERSON'S PERSPECTIVE.
GUIDE OUR DISCUSSIONS AND DECISIONS THAT THEY MAY HONOR YOU AND SERVE OUR SHARED GOALS AND SERVE OUR BELOVED COMMUNITY.
[D. ANNOUNCEMENTS]
>> COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS MORNING?
>> NO ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM ME, JUDGE.
>> ONE OF THE ITEMS TODAY IS ABOUT THE COURT PROCEDURES, AND WE'RE USING A NEW TEMPLATE, AND ON THAT TEMPLATE, I DID NOT CATCH THAT HAD A PARAGRAPH IN IT THAT SAID WE WILL ONLY DO CITIZENS COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS. WE'RE GOING TO CORRECT THAT BUT IF YOU'RE HERE TO SPEAK ON THAT MATTER, I JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I OVERLOOKED THAT WHEN WE'RE REVIEWING IT, AND WE WILL CORRECT IT WHEN THE ITEM COMES UP.
[E. CITIZENS' COMMENTS]
CITIZENS COMMENTS.>> I'M GOING TO TALK ABOUT THAT ITEM RIGHT NOW.
ANDREW MCCLISH FROM PRAIRIE LEA, I RISE TODAY BECAUSE THE MCCLISH AMENDMENT IS ONCE AGAIN ON YOUR AGENDA.
THIS TIME BURIED IN THE ITEM I-11, COURT RULES OF PROCEDURE.
I MUST PAUSE MY DISCUSSION OF THE PRAIRIE LEA'S POLITICAL ALWAYS STOPS TO ADDRESS SOMETHING FAR MORE FUNDAMENTAL.
YOUR ATTEMPT TO WEAKEN THE VERY RULES THAT KEEP THE COURT ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE PEOPLE IT SERVES.
IN JUNE, YOU ASSURED US YOU WANTED TO PRESERVE CITIZENS' COMMENTS.
YET THE VERSION BEFORE US TODAY DOES NOT DO THAT.
IT ERASES THE SAFEGUARD, AND IT STRIPS THIS COMMUNITY OF THE ONE GUARANTEED SPACE TO PETITION ITS GOVERNMENT OPENLY. LET'S BE CLEAR.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS IS NOT A COURTESY.
IT'S NOT A PRIVILEGE. IT'S A LOCAL EXPRESSION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT.
THE FRAMERS OF THE REPUBLIC ENSHRINED THE RIGHT TO PETITION BECAUSE THEY KNEW WITHOUT IT, GOVERNMENT ROTS FROM WITHIN.
REMOVE THE FORUM AND YOU INVITE DISTRUST.
LIMIT THE MICROPHONE AND YOU BREED CORRUPTION.
SILENCE THE PEOPLE, AND YOU SILENCE DEMOCRACY ITSELF.
HERE AT HOME, THIS SECTION HAS BEEN OUR COUNTY'S OPEN DESK AND SOAPBOX FOR DECADES.
THIS IS WHERE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS CHALLENGE UNFAIR REGULATIONS, WHERE SENIORS PLEAD FOR BETTER TRANSPORTATION, WHERE THE DISABLED DEMAND ACCESSIBILITY AND WHERE ORDINARY CITIZENS, LIKE MYSELF, NOT LOBBYISTS, NOT INSIDERS, BRING IDEAS, CONCERNS, AND SOLUTIONS DIRECTLY TO YOU.
THAT'S NOT WASTED TIME, THAT'S DEMOCRACY IN MOTION.
WHAT YOU GAIN BY ELIMINATING IT A FEW MINUTES ON THE CLOCK, A CLEAR AGENDA PAGE? THAT'S NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT YOU LOSE.
THE TRUST OF THE PEOPLE YOU SERVE.
STRIP AWAY THE PUBLIC'S VOICE AND YOU DON'T SHORTEN THE MEETINGS, YOU SHORTEN PATIENCE.
YOU DON'T SAVE TIME, YOU SQUATTER LEGITIMACY, AND YOU DON'T STOP CRITICISM WHERE RUMORS SPREAD, RESENTMENT FESTERS AND DIVISION TAKES ROOT.
I KNOW WHAT YOU FACE, LONG NIGHTS, ENDLESS TOPICS, AND POSSIBLE CHOICES.
BUT IF YOU CAN'T MAKE TIME TO LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO PUT YOU IN THOSE SEATS, THEN WHY ARE YOU HERE? OUR COMMUNITY THRIVES WHEN GOVERNMENT LISTENS.
TIME AND AGAIN, CITIZENS COMMENTS HAS SPARKED CONSTRUCTIVE CHANGES, BETTER POLICIES, SAFER PRACTICES, AND SERVICES THAT MATTER.
TAKE IT AWAY AND YOU SEND A VERY DIFFERENT MESSAGE THAT OUR VOICES ONLY COUNT AT THE BALLOT BOX, NOT HERE IN THE HALLS WHERE DECISIONS ARE MADE.
I ASK YOU IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERM; DO NOT SILENCE US,
[00:05:01]
DO NOT GUT THIS AGENDA, HOLD FAST TO THE PRINCIPLE OF OPEN GOVERNMENT, PROTECT THE TRADITION THAT SAFEGUARDS TRANSPARENCY FOR DECADES.REMEMBER, A GOVERNMENT THAT LISTENS IS THE ONLY GOVERNMENT THAT CAN TRULY CLAIM TO SERVE ITS PEOPLE.
I DID JUST EXPLAIN THAT WE ARE NOT DOING THAT.
I CAN'T ADDRESS YOU, MR. MCCLISH IN CITIZENS COMMENTS, BUT I AM MAKING A POINT OF ORDER THAT DURING THE ANNOUNCEMENTS, I EXPLAIN THAT WE ARE NOT DOING THAT.
>> THERE ARE NO OTHER CITIZEN COMMENTS.
>> THANK YOU. WITH THAT COMMISSIONERS,
[F. CONSENT AGENDA]
WE'LL MOVE TO CONSENT.IF THERE ARE NO QUESTIONS ABOUT CONSENT, DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE?
>> MOVED APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOW, ALL IN FAVOR SAY, AYE.
>> AYE. OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
[G.1 Texas Extension Education Association (TEEA) - Volunteer Hours, Events and Awards - Elsie Lacy, County Extension Agent]
WE HAVE A PRESENTATION THIS MORNING BY THE TEXAS EXTENSION EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, TEEA, VOLUNTEER HOURS, EVENTS, AND AWARDS.ELSIE LACY WILL COME AND DO THE PRESENTATION.
>> GOOD MORNING. I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT THE TEXAS EDUCATION EXTENSION EDUCATION ASSOCIATION THAT USED TO BE THE HOME DEMONSTRATION CLUB HAS BEEN IN THIS COUNTY NOW FOR 111 YEARS AND ALL THE CLUBS ARE AROUND 100 YEARS.
WE'VE GOT THREE CLUBS, AND THESE LADIES DO A LOT OF VOLUNTEER.
THERE FOR ME EVERY TIME I NEED A JUDGE AND EVERYTHING, AND I'M JUST GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO ESTHER BARNEY, WHO'S THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL, AND SHE'S GOING TO TELL YOU WHAT THEY'VE DONE AT THE STATE MEETING, AND HOW MANY VOLUNTEER HOURS AND THE MONEY AMOUNT THEY PUT INTO THIS COUNTY WITH THOSE VOLUNTEER HOURS.
WE ARE ALL HERE FROM THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION EXTENSION AGENT OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
I'M ESTHER BARNEY, I'M THE CHAIRMAN OF CALDWELL COUNTY, AND WE ARE A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.
WE HAVE THREE CLUBS AS SHE SPOKE A WHILE AGO, LOCKHART, LULING, AND CHISHOLM, WHICH IS LYTTON SPRINGS, AND WE'RE ALL OVER 110-YEARS-OLD AND STILL GOING.
WE WORK WITH THE SCHOOLS, 4-H, AND WE GIVE OUT SCHOLARSHIPS TO HIGH SCHOOL GRADS AND ALSO TO ADULTS FOR COLLEGE OR TRADE SCHOOL.
WE JUST RETURNED FROM A STATE CONFERENCE IN ABILENE. WE HAD A GREAT TIME.
WE ATTENDED CLASSES SUCH AS, PLEASE DON'T FALL, AND THE BENEFIT OF GOAT'S MILK SOAP, AND LEARNING TO LISTEN.
THESE WERE ALL WONDERFUL PROGRAMS THAT WE NEEDED MORE, AND WE BRING THESE ALL BACK TO OUR LOCAL AREA AND WE SHARE WITH THEM.
WE RECEIVED AN OUTSTANDING COUNTY EDUCATION PROGRAM AWARD FOR DISTRICT 10 WHILE WE WERE THERE.
WE RECORD ALL OUR VOLUNTEER HOURS FOR THE YEAR.
I WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT THE COURT A CHECK REPRESENTING THE TOTAL VALUE DONATED, VOLUNTEER TIME, AND MONEY DONATED THIS YEAR.
THIS CHECK IS FOR $169,755.34.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE CALDWELL COUNTY.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE EXCELLENT WORK.
>> WE APPRECIATE YOUR ALL SUPPORT FOR US.
I'LL HAVE TO SAY WE HAVE A CULTURAL ARTS CONTEST.
WE PLAY SEVERAL IN THE TOP THREE, BUT WE HAD ONE PHASE, I THINK AS SECOND AND A THIRD, THEN THAT'S AT THE STATE LEVEL, SO WE HAVE TALENTED LADIES TOO.
COULD WE GET A PICTURE REAL QUICK.
>> YES, MA'AM. [BACKGROUND] [LAUGHTER]
[00:10:35]
>> WE'RE GOING TO GO INTO DISCUSSION ACTION UNTIL 9:30, AND THEN WE'LL HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING TO BACK UP AND DO ON THE TAX RATE.
[I.1 To discuss and take possible action regarding the approval of the Minutes for the September 9, 2025, regular meeting.]
DISCUSSION ITEM I1, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2025 REGULAR MEETING, COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION?>> MOVE APPROVAL FOR THE MINUTES.
BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOW, ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I2.
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON ADOPTING THE PROPOSED SORRY. SAVE THAT ONE.
[I.3 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Preliminary Plat for Blue Sky subdivision consisting of 450-lots on approximately 106.47 acres located on Boggy Creek Road and Black Ankle Road. ]
ITEM I3, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR BLUE SKY SUBDIVISION, CONSISTING OF 450 LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY 106.47 ACRES LOCATED ON BOGGY CREEK ROAD AND BLACK ANKLE ROAD.>> GOOD MORNING. THIS WAS A FAIRLY LARGE SUBDIVISION.
IT'S BEEN THROUGH ALL OF THE REVIEW PROCESS. EVERYTHING IS GOOD ON IT.
WE DID HAVE AN EMAIL SENT OUT CONCERNING ABOUT THE [NOISE] ROAD NAMES NOT BEING INDICATED ON THE PLAT AND THEN, BUT THIS IS JUST PRELIMINARY THAT OUGHT TO BE ADDRESSED AT FINAL PLAT.
AT THIS TIME, I'M JUST LOOKING FOR APPROVAL TO MOVE FORWARD.
>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM I4, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING
[I.4 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Final Plat for Clementine Ranch consisting of 12-lots on approximately 20.198 acres located at State Highway 304 and Cardinal Road.]
THE FINAL PLAT FOR CLEMENTE RANCH CONSISTING OF 12 LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY 20.198 ACRES LOCATED ON STATE HIGHWAY 304 AT CARDINAL ROAD.>> JUST A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY, WE APPROVED THE PRELIMINARY PLAT BACK IN FEBRUARY OF 2025.
THEY'VE NOW CLEARED ALL COMMENTS, PAID OFF FEES, AND WE'RE JUST LOOKING FOR APPROVAL TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THEM RECORD THE PLAT.
>> MOVE TO APPROVE FINAL PLAT.
>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOW, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
[I.5 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Final Plat for Sunset Oaks VI, Phase 1A, consisting of 113 lots on approximately 85.84 acres located on FM 1966 and Highway 21.]
ITEM I5, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING FINAL PLAT FOR SUNSET OAKS 4 PHASE 1A CONSISTING OF 113 LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY 85.84 ACRES LOCATED ON FM 1966 AND HIGHWAY 21.>> AS WE ALL KNOW, SUNSET OAKS IS A VERY LARGE SUBDIVISION.
THIS IS PHASE 6 OF 9, SO ALL COMMENTS HAVE BEEN CLEAR, FEES HAVE BEEN PAID, AND WE'RE READY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH APPROVAL.
>> I THINK I SAID PHASE 4, SORRY.
THERE IS [INAUDIBLE] FLARE UP HERE. COMMISSIONER.
>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. WE HAVE A SECOND.
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOW, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
[I.6 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Caldwell County.]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 2025 AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH IN CALDWELL COUNTY.I'LL GO AHEAD, LADIES AND READ THIS PROCLAMATION, AND WE'LL GET THROUGH THAT AND THEN LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
AUTHORIZING RECOGNITION OF OCTOBER 2025 IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH, WHEREAS THE CRIME OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VIOLATES THE BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS OF SAFETY AND DIGNITY, AND 205 TEXANS WERE KILLED IN AN INTIMATE PARTNER HOMICIDE, INCLUDING 179 WOMEN AND 26 MEN.
[00:15:03]
WHEREAS THE PROBLEM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS NOT CONFINED TO ANY GROUP OF PEOPLE, BUT CUT ACROSS ALL ECONOMIC, RACIAL, GENDER, AND SOCIETAL BARRIERS, AND WHEREAS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CAN BE PHYSICAL, SEXUAL, EMOTIONAL, FINANCIAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, OR TECHNOLOGICAL, AND CAN INCLUDE ACTIONS OR THREATS OF ACTIONS OR OTHER PATTERNS OF COERCIVE BEHAVIOR THAT INFLUENCE ANOTHER PERSON WITHIN AN INTIMATE PARTNER RELATIONSHIP, AND WHEREAS THE IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DIRECTLY AFFECTS INDIVIDUALS COMMUNITIES WHEN SOCIETY IGNORES OR TOLERATES VIOLENCE AND RELATIONSHIPS AND WHEREAS LAST YEAR, HCWC PROVIDED FACE TO FACE SERVICES FOR OVER 1,165 LOCAL VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND PROVIDED 6,693 DAYS OF SHELTER.WHEREAS LAST YEAR HCWC PROVIDED THESE DIRECT SERVICES TO 174 VICTIMS FROM CALDWELL COUNTY.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT, THAT IT DOES HEREBY RECOGNIZE OCTOBER 2025 AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH AND CALLS UPON THE PEOPLE OF CALDWELL COUNTY TO WORK TOGETHER WITH HCWC AND LOCAL PARTNERS TO BRING AN END TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND TEAM DATING VIOLENCE, PROCLAIM THIS 23RD DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025.
COMMISSIONERS DO I HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROCLAMATION.
>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOW, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSE HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. GO AHEAD, LADIES.
>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS ASHLEY RIOS, ONE OF THE PROGRAM DIRECTORS AT HCWC, AND WE PROVIDE FREE SERVICES TO ADULTS, CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, IMPACTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, INCLUDING A LOCKHART OFFICE HERE, SO WE'RE ABLE TO PROVIDE THOSE SERVICES TO THE CALDWELL COUNTY CITIZENS MORE CLOSELY TO THEIR COMMUNITY.
WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT.
>> HI. MY NAME IS SARAH GUCKIAN.
I'M THE TRAINING AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR WITH HCWC.
MY ROLE AT HCWC IS I HOLD THE SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE TEAMS FOR BOTH HAYS AND CALDWELL COUNTY.
WE MEET EVERY OTHER MONTH JUST DISCUSSING BARRIERS THAT SURVIVORS SEE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES AND HOW WE AS A COMMUNITY CAN CREATE POLICY IN A LOCAL LEVEL TO ELIMINATE SOME OF THOSE BARRIERS.
>> ALL THE WAY THROUGH. ITEM I7,
[I.7 To discuss and take possible action regarding Resolution 24-2025 for the Texas Department of Agriculture Texans Feeding Texans: Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program.]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RESOLUTION 24/2025 FOR THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, TEXANS FEEDING TEXANS HOME DELIVERED MEAL GRANT PROGRAM.NOW, I'LL GO AHEAD AND READ THE RESOLUTION.
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, TEXANS FEEDING TEXANS HOME DELIVERED MEAL GRANT PROGRAM, RESOLUTION AUTHORIZED BY COUNTY GRANT PROGRAM YEAR 2026, RESOLUTION OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
THE COUNTY, TEXAS CERTIFYING THAT COUNTY HAS MADE A GRANT TO COMBINED COMMUNITY ACTION INC ORGANIZATION, AN ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES HOME DELIVERED MEALS TO HOMEBOUND PERSONS IN THE COUNTY WHO ARE ELDERLY AND OR HAVE A DISABILITY, AND CERTIFYING THAT THE COUNTY HAS APPROVED THE ORGANIZATION'S ACCOUNTING SYSTEM FOR OR FISCAL AGENT, WHEREAS ORGANIZATION SEEKS TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO SUPPLEMENT AND EXTEND EXISTING SERVICES FOR HOMEBOUND PERSONS IN CALDWELL COUNTY WHO ARE ELDERLY AND OR HAVE A DISABILITY PURSUANT TO THE HOME DELIVERED MEAL GRANT PROGRAM, THE PROGRAM.
WHEREAS THE PROGRAM RULES REQUIRE THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE ORGANIZATION IS PROVIDING HOME DELIVERED MEAL SERVICES TO MAKE A GRANT TO THE ORGANIZATION IN ORDER FOR THE ORGANIZATION TO BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE PROGRAM GRANT FUNDS AND WHEREAS THE PROGRAM RULES FURTHER REQUIRE
[00:20:03]
THE COUNTY TO APPROVE THE ORGANIZATION'S ACCOUNTING SYSTEM OR FISCAL AGENT IN ORDER FOR THE ORGANIZATION TO BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE PROGRAM GRANT FUNDS.BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNTY, SECTION 1, THE COUNTY HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS MADE GRANT TO THE ORGANIZATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,153.75 TO BE PAID AND USED BETWEEN 1ST OF OCTOBER 2025 AND 30TH OF SEPTEMBER 2026.
SECTION 2, COUNTY HEREBY CERTIFIES THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES HOME DELIVERED MEALS TO HOMEBOUND PERSONS IN THE COUNTY WHO ARE ELDERLY AND OR HAVE A DISABILITY.
SECTION 3, THE COUNTY HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS APPROVED THE ORGANIZATION'S ACCOUNTING SYSTEM OR FISCAL AGENT WHICH MEETS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AS SET FORTH IN THE TEXAS GRANT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS PROMULGATED BY THE TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS, INTRODUCED, READ, AND PASSED BY THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ON 23RD DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025.
COMMISSIONERS, DO I HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION?
>> MOVE FOR APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. GO AHEAD, MA'AM.
>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME THIS MORNING.
I'M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMBINED COMMUNITY ACTION, AND WE PROVIDE MEALS IN CALDWELL COUNTY.
I JUST WANT TO TAKE A MINUTE TO SHARE SOME INFORMATION WITH YOU THAT MAY NOT BE THE BEST NEWS IN THE WORLD, BUT MEALS ON WHEELS IS MORE THAN JUST A MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE FOR OUR SENIORS.
IT PROVIDES COMPANIONSHIP, SAFETY CHECKS, AND PEACE OF MIND FOR FAMILIES WHO HAVE ELDERLY PARENTS AT HOME ALONE, AND SO IT'S VERY MUCH MORE THAN JUST A MEAL.
I'M HERE TODAY, AS YOU KNOW, TO REQUEST THE MATCH FOR THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GRANT.
WE WRITE THAT GRANT EVERY YEAR, AND WE HAVE A REQUIRED MATCH, EACH COUNTY HAS A REQUIRED MATCH, AND THE REQUIRED MATCH IS THE 2,153.75 FOR CALDWELL COUNTY.
BACK IN 2019, WE APPLIED FOR A ST. DAVID'S FOUNDATION GRANT, AND WE RECEIVED THAT, AND IT ENABLED US TO OPEN A SITE IN MCMAHAN IN THE MORE RURAL AREA OF CALDWELL COUNTY TO GET SERVICES TO THOSE OLDER ADULTS IN THAT AREA.
WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY ST. DAVIDS THAT WE WILL NO LONGER BE RECEIVING THE GRANT, AND THEY HAVE TAKEN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION IN THEIR APPROACH FOR GRANTEES.
WE WOULD NOT BE QUALIFIED THIS YEAR TO RECEIVE THE GRANT THAT IS KEEPING THAT MCMAHAN SITE OPEN.
WE'VE HAD TO MAKE A VERY DIFFICULT DECISION THIS YEAR THAT WE ARE GOING TO CUT THAT SITE.
WE WILL STILL HAVE LOCKHART AND LULING.
WHEN WE FIRST STARTED IT, WE WERE SERVING MEALS THERE THREE DAYS A WEEK, HOT MEALS, AND THEN COVID HIT, OF COURSE, AND THEN WE WERE FORCED TO GO TO HOME-DELIVERED MEALS, AND THE CENTERS NEVER OPENED BACK UP TO HAVE MEALS THERE.
WE HAVE THAT IN ALL OF OUR COUNTIES.
WE HAVE DIFFICULTY GETTING PEOPLE TO COME BACK TO THE CENTERS.
A LOT OF THEM ARE STILL SCARED, THEY DON'T WANT TO GET SICK.
THEIR KIDS DON'T WANT THEM GOING OUT IN PUBLIC AND TAKING THE CHANCE OF GETTING SICK.
BUT WE HAD SERVED A LOT OF MEALS IN THAT AREA.
WHAT WE'RE GOING TO NEED NOW IS IF THE COUNTY HAS ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO STILL SERVE THOSE PEOPLE IN THAT AREA, AND WE NEED VOLUNTEERS THAT CAN DELIVER THOSE MEALS ONE DAY A WEEK IN THAT AREA.
MY CFO, MARISSA ANDERSON IS HERE.
I'M NOT SURE IF YOU RECALL HOW MANY PEOPLE WE'RE SERVING OUT IN THAT AREA, BUT WE'RE SERVING THEM FROZEN MEALS THAT THEY CAN WARM UP IN A MICROWAVE THEMSELVES AND THAT THEY CAN EAT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.
THEY DON'T HAVE TO EAT IT AT LUNCH IF THEY DON'T WANT TO.
WE COULD MAKE IT WHERE WE COULD DELIVER THEM TWO WEEKS WORTH OF MEALS IN ONE DELIVERY IF WE CAN GET VOLUNTEERS THAT CAN MAKE THAT TREK.
I KNOW IT'S ABOUT 11 MILES AND THEN THERE'S DISTANCE BETWEEN EACH OF THOSE PEOPLE, BUT WE WANT TO KEEP SERVING THEM, SO WE'RE REALLY LOOKING FOR A PUSH FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS TO HELP US TO DELIVER THE MEALS OUT OF LOCKHART.
WE HATE THAT WE'RE HAVING TO CLOSE THE SITE, BUT WITH THE FUNDING BEING CUT FOR ST. DAVIDS, AND WE'VE ALSO BEEN INFORMED BY CAPCOG THAT OUR BUDGET COULD BE CUT UP TO 15% STARTING OCTOBER 1ST, SO WE'RE HAVING TO MAKE CUTS IN ALL OF OUR AREAS TO STAY WITHIN THE BUDGET GUIDELINES.
JUST LIKE YOU ALL HAVE TO DO HERE AT THE COUNTY, WE HAVE TO STAY IN THE BUDGET.
ONE OF OUR CLIENTS OUT IN THE MCMAHAN AREA IS 99-YEARS-OLD, AND HER DISABLED SON LIVES WITH HER, AND THEY BOTH RECEIVE THE MEALS, AND THEY DEPEND ON THEIR MEALS BECAUSE THEIR INABILITY TO COOK OR SHOP ON THEIR OWN.
WE DON'T WANT THEM TO LOSE THEIR MEALS SO IF THERE'S ANYBODY HERE IN THIS COURT ROOM TODAY THAT'S INTERESTED IN DELIVERING MEALS, ESSY HAS MY INFORMATION AND CAN GIVE YOU THAT.
IF WE COULD GET ADDITIONAL FUNDING, WE COULD MAINTAIN OUR DAILY DELIVERY TO THE MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS,
[00:25:01]
EXPAND OUR SERVICE TO MEET THE GROWING NEED THAT WE SEE EVERY DAY, AND CONTINUE OPERATING EFFICIENTLY WITHOUT TURNING PEOPLE AWAY.I UNDERSTAND THAT FUNDS ARE TIGHT, AND IN THE PAST, THE COUNTY HAS FUNDED CCA MEALS WITH THE TDA MATCH, AND WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT EVERY YEAR.
EVERY DOLLAR YOU INVEST KEEPS A SENIOR SAFE, NURSED, AND INDEPENDENT, OFTEN AT A FRACTION OF THE COST OF INSTITUTIONAL CARE OR EMERGENCY SERVICES.
IF THEY WERE TO HAVE TO GO IN A NURSING HOME, NOW, THESE FIGURES COME BACK FROM 2015, WE'RE TALKING 10 YEARS AGO, NURSING HOME CARE WOULD COST THE STATE OVER 45,000.
WE CAN SERVE MEALS FOR $1,500 A YEAR, SO YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE IF WE CAN KEEP PEOPLE IN THEIR HOME AND INDEPENDENT.
IT'S A COMPASSIONATE PROGRAM, IT'S SMART, AND IT'S A PREVENTATIVE POLICY.
ALL FUNDS THAT WE RECEIVE FROM Y'ALL GO TO PURCHASE FOOD FOR OLDER ADULTS, NOT FOR OVERHEAD.
ON BEHALF OF THE SENIORS WE SERVE AND THE HUNDRED OF VOLUNTEERS THAT MAKE THIS WORK POSSIBLE, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
WE'LL HOPE YOU'LL CONTINUE TO STAND WITH US TO NOURISH OUR COMMUNITY ONE MEAL AT A TIME.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TODAY. I APPRECIATE IT.
>> HOW MUCH WOULD YOU NEED TO CONTINUE THAT PROGRAM?
>> YOU WANT TO JOIN US, MARISSA? SHE'S THE MONEY LADY.
I GOT SMART AND BROOKE, THE PERSON THAT CAN ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS.
>> GOOD MORNING, GENTLEMEN. I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.
WE HAVE ASKED OUR COUNTIES, WE'VE GONE TO EACH COMMISSIONERS COURT AND WE ARE ASKING THAT OUR ANNUAL AMOUNT BE DOUBLED.
THIRTY-FIVE CENTS OF EVERY DOLLAR THAT GOES INTO A MEAL IS RAISED BY US INDIVIDUALLY AS DONATIONS, AND 100% OF THAT GOES DIRECTLY TO THE MEAL AND TO NO ADMINISTRATION FEE.
YOU KNOW THAT THOSE DOLLARS THAT YOU DO GRANT TO US GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS.
WE DO ASK FOR A MINIMUM OF 5,000.
>> THAT WOULD KEEP THE MCMAHAN STORE OR THE SITE OPEN?
>> IT WILL KEEP THE SERVICES PROVIDED, YES.
>> WE CURRENTLY PAY A RENTAL FEE IN MCMAHAN, AND WE'RE NOT TECHNICALLY USING THE BUILDING LIKE WE WERE IN THE PAST, SO WE'VE BEEN PAYING A FEE AND WE HAVE A SITE MANAGER WHO PROBABLY IS READY TO RETIRE, WE'VE BEEN PAYING HER.
WE WOULD CUT THOSE TWO COSTS, BUT WE WOULD STILL BE TRYING TO GET THE MEALS TO THE CLIENTS.
WHETHER THAT BUILDING IS OPEN OR NOT, WE WILL MAKE SURE THE MEALS GET TO THE CLIENTS.
>> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE IT.
I'M GOING TO TRY TO SQUEEZE ONE MORE IN HERE BEFORE THE PUBLIC HEARING, I8, REAPPOINT REPRESENTATIVES FROM CALDWELL COUNTY,
[I.8 To reappoint representatives from Caldwell County to the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) General Assembly and Executive Committee.]
THE CAPITAL AREA COUNTY OF GOVERNMENT.I THINK I AM A REPRESENTATIVE ON THE EXECUTIVE BOARD.
COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND, YOU'RE ON?
>> GENERAL ASSEMBLY. DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT THOSE MEMBERS?
>> MOVE REAPPOINT BY COMMISSIONER HORNE, SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
I'M NOT GOING TO DO I9 RIGHT THIS SECOND.
I THINK WE CAN SQUEEZE THIS ONE IN.
[I.10 To discuss and take possible action regarding designating a day of the week on which the Court shall convene in regular term each month during the next fiscal year, pursuant to Section 81.005 Texas Local Government Code.]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING DESIGNATING A DAY OF THE WEEK ON WHICH COURT SHALL CONVENE IN REGULAR TERM EACH MONTH DURING THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR PURSUANT TO SECTION 81.005 TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE.COMMISSIONERS, AS YOU KNOW, THE LAW CHANGED AND IN ORDER FOR US TO GIVE STAFF THE COUPLE OF DAYS BACK THAT THEY NEED TO GET A AGENDAS PREPPED, WE'RE PROPOSING THAT COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL NOW BE HELD THE SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH RATHER THAN TUESDAY.
THEN THERE'S A COUPLE OF DAYS THAT WE WOULD MOVE THAT, THANKSGIVING WEEK BEING ONE OF THEM, WOULD MOVE TO THE TUESDAY THE 25TH.
IN DECEMBER, WE WOULD MOVE FROM THURSDAY, WHICH IS CHRISTMAS TO DECEMBER THE 23RD FOR COMMISSIONERS COURT.
EVERY SECOND, FOURTH THURSDAY AND TUESDAY FOR THOSE TWO WEEKS. CAN I GET A MOTION?
>> WE HAVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
[H.1 Tax Rate for Year 2025 Caldwell County, TX Backup: 8; Cost: $0.4391 per $100 of taxable value]
WE'RE GOING TO GO TO OUR PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE TAX RATE.[00:30:04]
ORDER 112025 ADOPTING TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR '25 '26 2025 2026, THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT BY PASSAGE OF THIS ORDER, HEREBY ADOPTS THE TAX RATE OF 0.4391 FOR $100 VALUATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 2026.IT IS HEREBY ORDERED BY COMMISSIONERS COURT OF THE COUNTY OF CALDWELL, THE STATE OF TEXAS, THAT THE 2025 2026 CALDWELL COUNTY AD VALOREM TAX RATE IS AS FOLLOWS, 0.3594 FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION.
0.0001 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FARM TO MARKET ROAD FUND, 0.0796 FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST ON DEBT OF CALDWELL COUNTY, AND FOR A TOTAL RATE OF 0.4391 TOTAL TAX RATE.
THIS TAX RATE WILL RAISE LESS THAN TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS IN LAST YEAR'S TAX RATE.
WE'LL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST ON DEBT.
THE TAX RATE WILL DECREASE BY 2.56% FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ON A $100,000 HOME BY APPROXIMATELY $25.60.
ADOPTED THIS 23RD DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025.
COMMISSIONERS WILL NEED TO DO A RECORD VOTE.
>> SORRY, PUBLIC HEARING. I'M JUMPING THE GUN. I'LL OPEN IT UP.
SORRY. THANKS, DANNY, FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES, IF THERE ARE ANY COMMENTS ON THE TAX RATE?
>> I'LL DO THAT ON THE NEXT ITEM.
>> SEEING NO ONE COMING UP FOR COMMENTS, WE'LL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:32 AND MOVE TO ITEM I2,
[I.2 To discuss and take possible action on adopting the proposed tax rate for Caldwell County, TX of $0.4391 for Year 2025.]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON ADOPTING PROPOSED TAX RATE FOR CALDWELL COUNTY, TEXAS OF 0.4391 FOR THE YEAR 2025/2026.COMMISSIONERS, THIS WILL BE A RECORD VOTE SO I'LL CALL YOU BY NAME.
>> I AM AN AYE. WE HAVE A UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT.
I'M GOING TO GO TO ITEM I9 NOW,
[I.9 To discuss and take possible action regarding nominating up to five candidates to the Caldwell County Appraisal District's (CCAD) Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 term.]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING NOMINATING UP TO FIVE CANDIDATES FOR CALDWELL COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT, BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2026/ 2027.I THINK WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR HERE, COMMISSIONERS, IS A COUPLE OF NAMES FROM EACH OF YOU TO PUT ON THAT NOMINATION.
DO WE HAVE TO DO THE NOMINATION TODAY OR ARE WE JUST GETTING A LIST OF NAMES AND BRINGING THAT BACK?
>> JUST GETTING THE NAMES TODAY.
>> WELL, YEARS AGO WHEN WE STARTED THIS, MY SELECTION WAS NEVER PICKED, SO I'VE NEVER HAD A SELECTION ON THIS COMMITTEE.
BUT WITH THAT BEING SAID, I DID HEAR FROM A COUPLE THAT ARE ON THE CURRENT COMMITTEE THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO STAY ON THE COMMITTEE.
THE ONE THAT APPROACHED ME FIRST WAS LINDA HINKLE.
>> THAT'S THE ONLY ONE I HAVE.
>> THE SAME MS. HINKLE HAS BEEN ON, AND SHE IS IN MY PRECINCT.
SHE'S BEEN A VOICE ON THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT.
I THINK SHE'D BEEN A GOOD CANDIDATE.
>> SAME HERE AHEAD. KAYLINE CABE, SHE APPROACHED ME AND SAID THAT SHE WOULD.
>> I'M SORRY, I CAN'T HEAR YOU.
>> YEAH. BUT I ALSO GOT ANOTHER NAME THAT I WANT TO PUT OUT THERE.
I'M GOING TO NOMINATE DR. DETRA WILLIAMS.
[00:35:03]
>> I'M GOING TO PUT KATHY HAIGLER AND SALLY DANIEL.
WE'LL HAVE THESE NAMES THAT ARE ALREADY ON THE BOARD PLUS DETRA WILLIAMS, AND I THINK THAT'S THE ONLY NEW SUGGESTION.
I DON'T THINK WE NEED TO REALLY TAKE ANY ACTION ON THAT, DO YOU, RICHARD?
>> NO, NOT UNTIL THE NEXT SESSION.
[I.11 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Proposed Rules of Procedure, Conduct, and Decorum for All Commissioners Court Meetings.]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULES OF PROCEDURE, CONDUCT, AND DECORUM OF ALL COMMISSIONERS.THIS IS WHAT I MENTIONED EARLIER.
WE'VE USED A COUPLE OF TEMPLATES THAT WE BORROWED FROM DIFFERENT COUNTIES TO TRY TO COMPRESS OUR RULES OF DECORUM BECAUSE THEY WERE VERY LONG.
THE MAIN ITEM THAT I DID NOT CATCH THAT'S ON HERE HAD TO DO WHETHER OR NOT WE'RE GOING TO LET CITIZENS COME UP AND SPEAK ON ANY COMMENT, ANYTHING DURING COMMISSIONER'S COURT, OR ONLY ON ITEMS SPECIFIC TO AGENDA ITEMS.
>> THERE ARE MANY COUNTIES IN THIS STATE THAT DO THAT.
ATLANTA COUNTIES IS A GOOD EXAMPLE.
IF IT'S NOT ON THE AGENDA, YOU DON'T GET TO SPEAK ABOUT IT.
WE'RE NOT GOING OR WELL, IF YOU GUYS VOTE FOR THE, WE'RE GOING TO MAKE THE CHANGE TO THE RULES OF DECORUM TO ALLOW CITIZENS TO SPEAK ON ANY ITEM THAT THEY SO CHOOSE.
I THINK THAT'S THE ONLY REAL SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE THAT OTHERWISE, WE WOULD ADOPT THE RULES AS PROPOSED.
I'LL GO AHEAD. I'LL READ THE RED LINE THAT WE PUT IN AND CHANGED IT.
BEFORE THE START OF THE MEETING, A PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FORM AND OATH OF TESTIMONY MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSIONERS COURT ON ANY OTHER MATTER.
NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN DURING CITIZENS COMMENTS AND NO DISCUSSION WILL BE HAD BETWEEN THE SPEAKERS AND THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT.
THE COURT DOES RETAIN THE RIGHT TO CORRECT FACTUAL INACCURACIES MADE BY SPEAKERS DURING CITIZENS COMMENTS.
THE TEMPLATE THAT WE HAD USED REALLY IT WAS JUST A LITTLE VAGUE.
IT DIDN'T SAY THAT THEY WOULDN'T BE ALLOWED TO SPEAK ON AN AGENDA ITEM, BUT THE WAY IT WAS WRITTEN, IT WAS JUST VAGUE.
WE TIGHTENED UP THE LANGUAGE A LITTLE BIT ON THAT.
>> BASICALLY IT STAYING THE SAME.
>> YES. WE USE THE NEW TEMPLATE TO TRY TO SHORTEN SOME OF THE LANGUAGE BECAUSE THE OLD ONE WAS VERY LONG.
WE'RE JUST TRYING TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR OUR CITIZENS TO READ AND UNDERSTAND.
THAT WHEN I REVIEWED THE DOCUMENT, I'LL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT.
OR WHEN I READ IT, IT DIDN'T STRIKE ME AS BEING A PARAGRAPH THAT WOULD NOT ALLOW CITIZENS TO SPEAK ON ANYTHING.
BUT AFTER REVIEWING IT AGAIN WITH STEPHANIE AND RICHARD, I THOUGHT, THAT THERE COULD BE THAT INTERPRETATION, SO WE DECIDED TO CHANGE THE LANGUAGE TO WHAT I JUST READ.
>> I THINK IT JUST CLARIFIES THE PROCESS AND JUST LAYS IT OUT IN A WAY THAT DOESN'T LEAVE ROOM FOR INTERPRETATION I GUESS?
>> BECAUSE WE HAD ALREADY POSTED THE AGENDA AND THE BACKUP WAS ALREADY POSTED, WE HAD TO WAIT TIL WE GOT IN HERE TO CLARIFY THAT.
>> THE ONLY OTHER RED LINE IS ON PAGE 1, JUST CHANGING AND ORDER OR ONLY, THAT'S THAT.
>> CORRECT. THAT WAS IT SAYS, IN ADDITION TO AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS, MUST BE APPROVED BY AT LEAST ONE MEMBER OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OR THE COUNTY JUDGE.
>> YES. INSTEAD OF AND/OR BECAUSE AND/OR IMPLIES THAT I HAVE TO APPROVE EVERYTHING THAT YOU GUYS WANT TO PUT ON THE AGENDA.
WHILE WE REVIEW IT, IF IT'S SOMETHING THAT I THINK SHOULD WAIT, I CAN CALL YOU AND SAY, CAN WE WAIT, BUT I CAN'T DENY YOU THE RIGHT TO PUT SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA.
>> WITH THOSE TWO CHANGES, I LOOK FOR A MOTION FOR APPROVAL.
>> I'LL MOVE FOR APPROVAL WITH THE CHANGES AS GIVEN IN THE HANDOUT.
>> THANK YOU. WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.
[00:40:01]
THE MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM I12 TO APPROVE ORDER 12 2025 PERMITTING THE SALE OF
[I.12 To approve Order 12-2025, permitting the sale of certain fireworks in unincorporated areas of Caldwell County during Diwali holiday period.]
CERTAIN FIREWORKS IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF THE COUNTY DURING DIWALI HOLIDAY PERIOD.ORDER 12 2025, AUTHORIZING DIWALI FIREWORK SALES, WHEREAS COMMISSIONERS COURT OF CALDWELL COUNTY IS AUTHORIZED UNDER THE OCCUPANTS CODE, SECTION 2154.2028 TO ISSUE AN ORDER ALLOWING RETAIL FIREWORKS PERMIT HOLDERS TO SELL FIREWORKS TO THE PUBLIC IN CELEBRATION OF DIWALI.
WHEREAS ON THE 23RD DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025, COMMISSIONERS COURT OF CALDWELL COUNTY HAS DETERMINED THAT CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE TO ISSUE AN ORDER.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF CALDWELL COUNTY ADOPTS THE ORDER AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF FIREWORKS TO THE PUBLIC BY RETAIL FIREWORKS PERMIT HOLDERS DURING DIWALI PERIOD, BEGINNING OCTOBER 13TH, 2025, AND ENDING AT MIDNIGHT, OCTOBER 22ND, 2025, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS.
THIS ORDER EXPIRES ON THE DATE THE TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE DETERMINES DROUGHT CONDITIONS EXIST IN THE COUNTY OR MIDNIGHT, OCTOBER 22ND, 2025, WHICHEVER IS EARLIER, AND A PERSON MAY NOT SELL, DETONATE, IGNITE, OR IN ANY WAY, USE FIREWORKS CLASSIFIED AS SKY ROCKETS WITH STICKS UNDER 49 CFR PART 173-100R2, 100186 ADDITION OR MISSILES WITH FANS IN ANY PORTION OF THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
THIS ORDER DOES NOT PROHIBIT PERMISSIBLE FIREWORKS AS AUTHORIZED AND OCCUPATION CODE SECTION 2154.003A.
ORDERED THIS 23RD DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025 BY CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT.
CAN I GET A MOTION ON THE ORDER, PLEASE?
>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSE HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM I13 DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A CALDWELL COUNTY BURN BAN.
[I.13 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Caldwell County Burn Ban.]
HECTOR IS NOT HERE.>> WE HAVE NO DEPUTY, SO THAT LEAVES ME.
I'M GOING TO SUGGEST THAT WE LEAVE THE BURN BAN ON?
>> DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO LEAVE THE BURN BAN ON?
>> MOTION TO LEAVE THE BURN BAND ON.
>> MOTION TO LEAVE THE BURN BAN ON BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM I14, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING
[I.14 To discuss and take possible action regarding authorization for the Caldwell County Judge to terminate the Contract for Fines and Fees Collection Services with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP.]
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CALDWELL COUNTY JUDGE TO TERMINATE THE CONTRACT FOR FINES AND FEES, COLLECTION SERVICE WITH LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR AND SAMPSON.COMMISSIONERS, WE'VE BEEN GOING ROUND OVER THIS ISSUE FOR WELL OVER A YEAR NOW.
THERE'S SOME MONEY INVOLVED WITH GETTING THE MONEY FROM I3-BEARCAT.
IT TOOK QUITE A LONG TIME TO GET THAT SETTLED.
IN THE MEANTIME, I3-BEARCAT OFFERED TO LOWER THEIR FEES BY THAT AMOUNT.
THE DECISION WAS MADE TO STAY WITH I3-BEARCAT.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR IS APPROVAL TO TERMINATE OUR CONTRACT WITH LINEBARGER.
>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION.
BEFORE WE VOTE, I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THEY ARE STILL DOING OUR PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS, JUST FINES AND FEES.
ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM I15, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING BUDGET TRANSFER 18, 2025,
[I.15 To discuss and take possible action regarding Budget Transfer 18-2025 moving $5,000 from 001-4310-4510 Repairs & Maintenance, $15,000 from 001-4310-3130 Operating Supplies, and $3,000 from 001-4310-5310 Machinery & Equipment to 001-4310-3100 Food Supplies.]
MOVING 5,000 FROM 0014-310-4510, REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE, 15,000 FROM 004-310-3130, OPERATING SUPPLIES AND 3,000 FROM 0014-310-5310 MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT TO 001-431-0100, FOOD SUPPLIES, DANNY.[00:45:07]
>> YES. IT'S THE END OF THE YEAR, AND USUALLY THE JAIL STARTS GETTING LOWER ON THEIR FOOD SUPPLY LINE ITEM, SO WE'RE JUST MOVING SOME MONEY INTERNALLY AROUND TO COVER THAT SHORTFALL.
>> MOVE TO APPROVE ITEM I15 BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM I16, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION,
[I.16 To discuss and take possible action to approve the payment request by way of wire transfer for Texas Department of Transportation per the AFA on SH 183 Turn Lane entering Caldwell County, Tx Evacuation Shelter (scheduled to wire on October 1, 2025). CCSJ#0152-03-065 ]
TO APPROVE THE PAYMENT REQUEST BY WAY OF WIRE TRANSFER FOR TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PER THE AFA ON SH 183 TURN LANE, ENTERING CALDWELL COUNTY, TEXAS EVACUATION SHELTER SCHEDULED, TO WIRE ON OCTOBER 1ST, 2025, CCJS NUMBER 015-20-3065.THAT'S IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,976,522.
>> THIS IS JUST TO BE PROACTIVE, INSTEAD OF HAVING TO RATIFY THAT LARGE DOLLAR AMOUNT SINCE IT IS PER THE AFA, THAT AGREEMENT, THIS IS JUST A ONE TIME PAYMENT TO TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THAT TURN LANE.
WE CAN JUST BE PROACTIVE INSTEAD OF RATIFYING IT LATER, WE CAN GO AHEAD AND GET IT DONE ON THE FIRST.
>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM I17, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION TO
[I.17 To discuss and take possible action to execute HNTB Work Authorization Agreement No. 2 commencing on October 1, 2025. This agreement is to provide engineering management services required to initiate and monitor production of contract documents and required to initiate and monitor constructions of projects in the Caldwell County related to the 2024 Road Bond.]
EXECUTE HNTB WORK AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT NUMBER 2, COMMENCING ON OCTOBER 1ST, 2025.THIS AGREEMENT IS TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT SERVICES REQUIRED TO INITIATE AND MONITOR PRODUCTION OF CONTRACT DOCUMENTS AND REQUIRED TO INITIATE AND MONITOR CONSTRUCTIONS OF PROJECTS IN THE CALDWELL COUNTY RELATED TO THE 2024 ROAD BOND.
IT'S IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,576,633.
EXACTLY WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE COMMISSIONERS.
WE JUST THE NEXT STEP BEING PAID OUT OF BOND PROCEEDS TO HNTB TO MANAGE THE PROGRAM.
>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED HEARING, NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM I18, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON A CONTRACT BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY,
[I.18 To discuss and take possible action on a contract between Caldwell County and Brandon Gray for clock tower maintenance commencing October 1, 2025.]
AND BRANDON GRAY FOR CLOCK TOWER MAINTENANCE COMMENCING OCTOBER 1ST, 2025.COME ON UP, BRANDON, IF YOU'D LIKE TO.
HE HAS TAKEN BEN'S PLACE, WHO TOOK MR. GUBITH PLACE.
IT LOOKS LIKE BRANDON IS GOING TO HOPEFULLY BE WITH US FOR A GOOD WHILE.
WE LOOK IN THE CONTRACT FOR $4,600.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU, COMMISSIONERS, DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT?
>> MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES. BRANDON.
I FOLLOWED MR. GUBITH UP THAT TOWER LADDER, AND HE WAS THEN 83-YEARS-OLD.
I WAS ABOUT HALFWAY UP, I WAS GETTING A LITTLE SCARED, AND THEN HE JUST STEPPED ACROSS IN SPACE INTO THAT LITTLE ROOM.
I HAVE NO INTENTION OF GOING UP THERE AGAIN. THANK YOU, BRANDON.
>> WILL IT BE OKAY IF I GOT CLOSER?
>> SIR. WE CAN ALL COME UP THERE WITH ME AND PHONE.
>> ITEM I19, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION
[I.19 To discuss and take possible action for a request to extend the submission date for RFP25CCP01 Caldwell County Bank Depository Services until October 7th, 2025, at 3:00 PM (CST).]
FOR A REQUEST TO EXTEND THE SUBMISSION DATE FOR RFP 25 CCP 01 CALDWELL COUNTY BANK DEPOSITORY SERVICES UNTIL OCTOBER 7TH,2025 AT 3:00 P.M. DANNY.[00:50:04]
>> FOR THIS, THERE WAS JUST A REALLY QUICK TURNAROUND TIME FOR THE BANK DEPOSITORY.
THERE WAS ONLY ABOUT A TWO WEEK TURNAROUND TIME, AND IT'S A LOT TO DIGEST AND GET PREPARED TO SUBMIT FOR PROPOSALS.
WE HEARD THE BANKS OUTREACH TOWARDS US AND THEIR CONCERNS.
WE JUST WANTED TO GO AHEAD AND REQUEST AN EXTENSION FOR THAT TO GIVE THEM PLENTY OF TIME TO GET THEIR DOCUMENTS TOGETHER AND MAKE SURE THAT THEIR PROPOSALS CAN BE THE BEST THAT THEY CAN TURN IN WITHOUT HAVING A RUSH OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.
WITH THAT BEING SAID, WE'VE ALREADY REACHED OUT TO FIRST LOCKHART, NATIONAL BANK SINCE OUR CONTRACT ENDS WITH THEM SEPTEMBER 30TH FOR AN EXTENSION UNTIL OCTOBER 23RD, AND THEY'RE GOOD WITH IT.
>> MOVE APPROVAL OF I19 BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM I20, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION,
[I.20 To discuss and take possible action on the request to re-solicit RFB 25CCP01B Unit Road Materials which will now be identified as RFB25CCP01B-1.]
ON THE REQUEST TO RESOLICIT RFP 25 CCP 01B UNIT ROAD MATERIALS, WHICH WILL NOW BE IDENTIFIED AS RFP 25 CCP O1B-1.>> WE DID NOT GET THE RESULTS OR PROPOSAL BIDS IN THAT WE WERE HOPING FOR.
WE WERE MISSING QUITE A FEW BIG MATERIAL VENDORS.
WE JUST WANT TO REQUEST TO RE-SOLICIT, MAKE SURE THAT THOSE BIG VENDORS ARE AWARE OF THE ANNUAL RFP THAT'S OUT THERE TO SUBMIT.
I'M NOT SURE IF THEY WERE EVEN AWARE THAT THE BID WAS OPEN, SO WE'D JUST LIKE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GO AHEAD AND DO THAT AND SEE WHAT PROPOSALS OR BIDS WE GET TURNED IN THE NEXT TIME.
>> MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
[I.21 To discuss and take possible action on the proposed settlement of opioid litigation with respect to the Purdue Pharma L.P. & Sackler Family Settlement and to vote on the Purdue Pharma L.P. Bankruptcy Plan.]
ITEM I21, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF OPIOID LITIGATION WITH RESPECT TO THE PURDUE PHARMA LP AND SACKLER FAMILY SETTLEMENT, AND TO VOTE ON THE PURDUE PHARMA LP BANKRUPTCY PLAN.COMMISSIONERS, THIS IS THE SAME OLD SAME.
I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT THE DOLLAR AMOUNT IS, BUT IT'S VERY SMALL. GO AHEAD, RICHARD.
>> AMOUNT IS ABOUT A LITTLE OVER 22,000 FROM ONE AND 3,400 AND THE OTHER.
ONE IS SPREAD OUT OVER 15 YEARS AND THE OTHER ONE OVER 10.
>> A LOT OF MONEY, BUT WE DO HAVE TO TAKE ACTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OR DECLINE TAKING IT.
>> I MOVE TO APPROVE THE SETTLEMENT.
>> MOVE APPROVAL OF TAKING THE SETTLEMENT BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM I22, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON ACCEPTING AN AWARD,
[I.22 To discuss and take possible action on accepting an award for the Caldwell County Constable PCT. 3 Traffic Safety 2026 STEP Comprehensive Grant through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).]
FOR THE CALDWELL COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT 3 TRAFFIC SAFETY 2026 STEP COMPREHENSIVE GRANT THROUGH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, TXDOT.>> MORNING. JUST LIKE IT SAYS, WE JUST NEED TO ACCEPT THE GRANT.
WE APPLIED FOR THIS BACK IN APRIL FOR PRECINCT 3.
THEY'VE DONE A COUPLE OF THESE STEP PROGRAMS, AND IT'S WORKED OUT GREAT.
I'LL BE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THEM TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE REPORTING GETS TAKEN CARE OF.
THE OVERALL PROJECT COST WAS GOING TO BE $8,715.
THAT'S JUST IN BY WAY OF FRINGE BENEFITS.
IT COMES OUT OF WHAT WE'RE ALREADY PAYING IN FRINGE.
>> MOVE TO ACCEPT BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.
ANY DISCUSSION. NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> THANK YOU. OPPOSED HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
>> MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.
MOTION CARRIES. WE'RE ADJOURNED AT 9:55.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.