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THANK YOU FOR COMING TO CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT. WE'RE GOING TO CALL THE MEETING ORDER THURSDAY, AUGUST 27TH 2026 AT 9AM. AND HOWARD THOMPSON'S HERE TO LEAD US IN THE INVOCATION THIS MORNING.
WOULD YOU MIND COMING UP, PASTOR? ALL RIGHT. GOOD MORNING TO ONE AND ALL. I PRAY THAT EVERYONE HAD SAFE TRAVELS. AS THEY TRAVEL THIS WAY. LET US GIVE ADORATION AND HONOR TO GOD THROUGH PRAYER. OH, HEAVEN, GRACIOUS FATHER, FIRST OF ALL, WE JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER DAY.
WE JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR TOMORROW AND THANK YOU FOR YESTERDAY. GOD, WE THANK YOU FOR WATCHING OVER US AS WE SLEPT AND SLUMBERED, DEAR GOD. AND BROUGHT US ON OUR WAY, DEAR GOD, WE.
GOOD GOD, WE PRAY WE WANT TO TURN OUR ATTENTION TO THE WORLD AND THE FIRES OF THE WORLD. THOSE THAT CALL YOUR NAME, DEAR GOD, THAT NEED YOU, WE PRAY THAT YOU WOULD TOUCH THEM, GOD. TOUCH THEIR HEARTS, THEIR MINDS, THEIR SOULS, DEAR GOD. HEAL THEIR BODIES, DEAR GOD, WE PRAY FOR THOSE GOING THROUGH STRUGGLING IN DIFFICULT TIMES. THOSE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN WAR AND DISASTERS AND AVALANCHES, DEAR GOD. WEATHER AND FLOODS, DEAR GOD. THEY NEED YOU. WE PRAY THAT YOU WILL LEAD, GUIDE AND DIRECT THEM, DEAR GOD. AND UPLIFT THEIR SPIRITS, DEAR GOD, WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL, THOSE IN THE NURSING HOMES AND HOSPITALS, WHEREVER THEY MAY BE, GOD, WE PRAY FOR HEALING, DEAR GOD. AND THOSE THAT ARE INVOLVED IN DISEASES AND VIRUSES, EBOLA, MEASLES, DEAR GOD. AND THOSE THAT INVOLVED WITH THE FLU, WE PRAY FOR THEM ALSO. AND, DEAR GOD, WE LIKE TO TURN OUR ATTENTION TO THIS MEETING. GOD. DEAR GOD, WE PRAY FOR ALL WHO HAS GATHERED HERE.
WE PRAY FOR YOUR TOUCHING HAND ON THEM. WE PRAY THAT THIS MEETING WILL BE DECENT AND IN ORDER. AS YOU WISH, DEAR GOD, WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LIFT THEIR VOICES, DEAR GOD. AND PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TO MAKE DECISIONS, DEAR GOD, WE PRAY THAT YOU WILL TOUCH THEIR HEARTS, THEIR MINDS, AND THEIR SOULS. AND, DEAR GOD, WE JUST LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR MANY, MANY BLESSINGS, DEAR GOD. THESE THINGS WE ASK AND PRAY IN YOUR MOST HOLY AND PRECIOUS NAME. GOD. WE ALWAYS WANT TO GIVE YOU ALL THE HONOR, GLORY, AND PRAISE. LET EVERYONE SAY AMEN.
AMEN I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG; I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE, TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD, ONE AND INDIVISIBLE.
[D. ANNOUNCEMENTS]
ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS. DO YOU HAVE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS MORNING? NONE FOR ME, JUDGE.WE DO HAVE ONE STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT. JOANNE AND EZZY.
ANYWAY, JUST WANT TO REMIND EVERYBODY THAT THE AI TRAINING THAT IS HERE THAT WE HAVE TO TAKE, IT'S A MANDATORY TRAINING. WE HAVE UNTIL AUGUST 31ST TO DO IT AGAIN. NEED I REMIND EVERYBODY THAT THIS MAY AFFECT OUR GRANTS. WHETHER WE GET ANY NEW GRANTS OR HAVE TO PAY SOMETHING BACK. SO OUT OF THE 242 PEOPLE, THERE'S 60 PEOPLE LEFT AND CHRIS WILL BE REACHING OUT TO YOU GUYS TO REMIND YOU TO TAKE IT. SO, IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONTACT CHRIS, CONTACT ME.
OKAY, THANK YOU. JOANNE? GOOD MORNING. IN JULY, THE COLE COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RECEIVED A GRANT FROM CAPCOG AGING SERVICES FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER ALERT RADIOS. WE WERE ABLE TO PURCHASE 625 OF THOSE.
WITH THOSE FUNDS, WE PARTNERED WITH THE DALE COMMUNITY CENTER WHO RECEIVED A GRANT FROM AARP FOR EMERGENCY GO BAGS. SO, WE WILL BE DISTRIBUTING THESE THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 29TH FROM 10AM TO 12PM AT THE DALE COMMUNITY CENTER. HECTOR AND I WILL BE GIVING BILINGUAL PRESENTATIONS ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS. THE EVENT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE CALDWELL COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PAGE AS WELL AS OUR FACEBOOK PAGE. ANY RESIDENT OF CALDWELL COUNTY WHO IS 60 AND OVER AND ANYONE DISABLED AT ANY AGE CAN RECEIVE ONE OF THE WEATHER ALERT RADIOS THAT I HAVE HERE. THEY ARE PRE PROGRAMMED FOR CALDWELL COUNTY SPECIFICALLY. WE PAID THE ADDITIONAL AMOUNT SO THEY'RE NOT GETTING ANY NOTIFICATION.
IF THIS WEATHER RADIO GOES OFF, IT WILL BE FOR A SPECIFIC CALDWELL COUNTY WEATHER EVENT.
IT DOES COME SOME. WE DO HAVE A
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LIMITED NUMBER OF WHAT THEY CALL A BUNDLE WHICH IS A STROBE LIGHT AND A PILLOW SHAKER FOR ANYONE WHO HAS HEARING OR VISUAL IMPAIRMENT. SO, YOU CAN CLIP THAT ONTO YOUR PILLOW. IT WILL VIBRATE AT NIGHT SO YOU CAN BE NOTIFIED OF ALERTS. WE DO HAVE A LIMITED SUPPLY THAT WILL READ OUT IN SPANISH NOAA ONLY AUDIBLY ALERTS IN ENGLISH.BUT THE READOUT ON THE RADIO FOR 50 OF THESE RADIOS IS IN SPANISH. FOR OUR SPANISH SPEAKERS THEY DID COME LOGOED WITH THE CALDWELL COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DECAL AND THEY ARE VALUED AT $95 EACH.
THEY ARE AVAILABLE AT NO COST TO OUR CALDWELL COUNTY RESIDENTS WHO QUALIFY AND ANYONE WHO CAN'T MAKE THE DALE EVENT. WE WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTING THESE AT THE SENIOR EXPO AT THE CALDWELL COUNTY EVACUATION CENTER IN NOVEMBER.
ANY OTHER STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS?
[E. CITIZENS' COMMENTS]
OKAY. NOT WE'LL GO AHEAD AND GO TO CITIZENS COMMENTS. JUST REMIND EVERYBODY YOU HAVE FOUR MINUTES AND STATE YOUR NAME WHERE YOU'RE FROM. YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE US YOUR ADDRESS.COUNTY OR THE TOWN YOU'RE FROM IS GOOD ENOUGH. AND WE'LL GO AHEAD. JIM RAY? MORNING, JUDGE.
MY NAME IS JIM RAY. I LIVE AT 713 BURLESON STREET IN SAN MARCOS. I'M A LAWYER. I'M NOT HERE ADVERSE TO ANYBODY. WE'VE JUST GOT A LITTLE ISSUE WE NEED TO ADDRESS WITH COURT. I REPRESENT ANDREA VELASQUEZ. ANDREA HAS A LEASE ON WHAT Y' ALL WOULD KNOW AS THE COTTON GIN IN, IN MAXWELL. THAT VENUE HAS HAD A LIQUOR LICENSE FOR OVER 25 YEARS. IF, IF WE HAD TO HAD TO EVICT A TENANT THAT WAS JUST IN THERE, IT HAS A STILL EXISTING CURRENT LIQUOR LICENSE ISSUED. AND MS. VELAZQUEZ WAS ISSUED A TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE FOR AN EVENT THAT SHE JUST HAD FOR 12, 1200 PEOPLE IN ORDER FOR HER TO GET HER PERMANENT LICENSE.
SHE IS THE TENANT. SHE DOESN'T OWN THE PROPERTY. SHE'S A SINGLE MOM WITH SIX KIDS AND SHE'S DOING THE VERY BEST SHE CAN TO JUST GET BY. SHE'S HAVING TROUBLE BECAUSE SHE CAN'T GET OPEN. AND SHE CAN'T GET OPEN BECAUSE SHE CAN'T HAVE THE LICENSE. I ENJOYED VISITING WITH MS. RODRIGUEZ. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH KNOWING WHETHER OR NOT THAT PARTICULAR LOCATION IS ELIGIBLE. NOT SURE WHY THAT WOULD BE SINCE FOR THE LAST QUARTER CENTURY IT HAS HAD A LIQUOR PERMIT ACTIVE, INCLUDING NOW. BUT ANYWAY, WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO, YOU ALL HAVE MY CONTACT INFORMATION. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD TAKE THIS UP AND SAY JIM NEEDS YOUR HELP.
CAN WE FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO TO GET PAST THIS? BECAUSE.
BECAUSE IT'S PURELY A MINISTERIAL ACT TO JUST SAY JUST TO CERTIFY IS THAT LOCATION QUALIFIED OR NOT QUALIFIED FOR THE LICENSE THAT IT HAS AND HAS HAD FOR DECADES. OKAY. THAT'S THE ONLY THING THAT WE NEED TO DO. AND IT'S A TIME SENSITIVE MATTER. I THINK YOU'LL AGREE WITH THAT. I WAS BROUGHT IN BECAUSE I DO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALL OVER THE STATE. I DO IT WITH CITIES AND COUNTIES EVERYWHERE, INCLUDING SOME OF THE NEIGHBORING COUNTIES.
AND WE'RE. WE'RE NOT HERE TO CREATE A RUCKUS. WE'RE HERE TO SOLVE A PROBLEM. I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO HELP MS. VELASQUEZ BE ABLE TO GO FORWARD IF SHE'S ENTITLED TO IT. IF SHE'S NOT, WE JUST NEED TO KNOW AND IF THERE'S, IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER ISSUES OUT THERE, WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOU ATTENTION. I'M THE POINT PERSON FOR THAT DEAL. DIDN'T VOLUNTEER FOR IT, BUT I'VE BEEN ASKED TO DO IT AND HAPPY TO HELP SOLVE PROBLEMS. AND THAT'S THE ONLY REASON I'M HERE.
GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS, COUNTY JUDGE.
I'M HERE TO SPEAK ON THE UPCOMING VOTE REGARDING THE POLLING PLACES HERE IN CALDWELL COUNTY. THIS HAS BEEN A VERY FRUSTRATING ISSUE FOR ME. AS A CITIZEN TO NAVIGATE. BOTH SIDES ARE STATING WHAT IS LEGAL AND ILLEGAL. AS I SPOKE ON LAST WEEK, IT'S REALLY DIFFICULT TO KIND OF FIGURE OUT WHAT IS ACTUALLY THE RIGHT PATH FROM A CITIZEN PERSPECTIVE.
THERE'S LETTERS GOING AROUND TO YOU GENTLEMEN, TO MR. KO, WHO. WE AS CITIZENS DEPEND ON MR. COE TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE, NOT ANY SIDE OR POLITICAL PARTY.
SO FROM A CITIZEN PERSPECTIVE, THIS JUST SEEMS LIKE A MESS. I AM STRUCK BY ONE QUESTION. WHAT IS THE MOTIVATION BEHIND WHAT STARTED THIS TO BEGIN WITH? FIRST, WE WERE TOLD THE ELECTIONS BOARD WANTED TO SHUT DOWN ST. MARK'S
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UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BECAUSE IT WAS NOT ADA COMPLIANT AND THAT THE LIONS CLUB WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THEN WE WERE TOLD THAT THE POLLING PLACE THAT HAD BEEN AT ST. MARK'S FOR DECADES HAS TO BE MOVED.AND AS IT TURNS OUT, THE LIONS CLUB HAS ALWAYS BEEN AVAILABLE THE ENTIRE TIME.
AND ST. MARKS HAS SERVED THEIR NEIGHBORS BY USING THEIR OWN FUNDS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE ADA COMPLIANT. THEY HAVE HANDICAPPED PARKING. THEY'VE INSTALLED RAILS IN THEIR BATHROOMS. THEY'VE GOT A RAMP GOING INTO THEIR CHURCH. THEY'VE DONE ALL OF THIS IN ORDER TO SERVE THEIR NEIGHBORS AT THEIR OWN COST. NOW, EXCUSE MY SOUTHERN VERNACULAR, BUT MY MAMA, MY GRANDMA, AND MY GREAT GRANDMA ARE FROM LULING, TEXAS, FANNIN STREET.
AND COMING FROM A LONG LINE OF STRONG SOUTHERN WOMEN, THEY USED TO TELL ME A LOT OF OLD TIMEY SAYINGS. AND ONE OF THE ONES THEY USED TO ALWAYS SAY WAS, DON'T FIX WHAT AIN'T BROKE.
AND THAT'S KIND OF HOW I FEEL ABOUT THIS SITUATION. ST.
MARK'S HAS SERVED THE EAST SIDE OF LOCKHART FOR DECADES. WHY UPROOT WHAT COULD BE FIXED, MODIFIED AND ADDRESSED? WHY ARE WE EVEN HAVING THIS DISCUSSION SO CLOSE TO THE ELECTIONS? ECCLESIASTES TALKS TO US ABOUT PLACE AND TIMING. LET US GET BACK TO WHAT IS IMPORTANT. THE OFTEN UNRECOGNIZED WORK THAT YOU GENTLEMEN DO FOR THE CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTY, FOR THE PEOPLE. I THANK YOU FOR THAT COMMITMENT THAT YOU ALL HOLD UP TO EVERY SINGLE DAY.
FOLKS, IF YOU DON'T MIND, WE'D APPRECIATE IF WE DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF APPLAUSE. AND EITHER WAY, THANK YOU. GO AHEAD, SIR.
FOR THE RECORD, MY NAME IS BUDDY FREEMAN. I LIVE IN THE PRAIRIE LEA COMMUNITY. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE HADEN.
COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND, COMMISSIONER HORNE, COMMISSIONER THERIOT, COMMISSIONER THOMAS. I'M NOT HERE TODAY TO ASK FOR ANYTHING, NOR AM I HERE TO VOICE A COMPLAINT. I SIMPLY REQUEST AT THIS TIME TO OFFER MY SINCERE GRATITUDE FOR THE WORK YOU DO. HAVING SPENT A CAREER NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITIES OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, I KNOW FIRSTHAND THAT SITTING BEHIND THE DAIS IS OFTEN A THANKLESS JOB, ESPECIALLY DURING SEASONS OF HEIGHTENED PUBLIC SCRUTINY.
IT TAKES A THICK SKIN AND A STEADY HAND TO MANAGE THE DAILY OPERATIONS, THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE DIFFICULT DECISIONS REQUIRED TO KEEP CALDWELL COUNTY MOVING FORWARD. STRONG LEADERSHIP MEANS STANDING IN THE GAP, DOING THE HEAVY LIFTING BEHIND THE SCENES, AND WEATHERING THE STORMS THAT COME WITH PUBLIC SERVICE. I JUST WANTED TO BE A VOICE OF POSITIVE SUPPORT IN THE ROOM TODAY AND COMMEND YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION, YOUR STEWARDSHIP, AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO THIS COMMUNITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, YOUR TIME, AND YOUR ONGOING EFFORTS OF ALL OF US. THANK YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF US. I YIELD BACK THE REST OF MY TIME.
GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS MARTHA MELISSA MENDOZA GILMORE. FOR THE RECORD, I GO BY MARTHA GILMORE SHORT. I'M A RESIDENT OF KINGSBURY, TEXAS.
I'M ALSO A TAXPAYER WHO PROUDLY PAYS TAXES FOR PRAIRIE LEA ISD.
I CURRENTLY SERVE AS THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PRAIRIE LEA ISD AND I BEGAN MY JOURNEY HERE AT PRAIRIE LEA AS A PRINCIPAL.
IN APRIL 24 AND IN JANUARY 26, I BECAME. I WAS HONORED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME SUPERINTENDENT.
SINCE BECOMING SUPERINTENDENT, I HAVE MADE IT MY PRIORITY TO ATTEND CALDWELL COUNTY MEETINGS WHENEVER POSSIBLE. I STILL DON'T SEE MY COLLEAGUES HERE YET, SO I'M ACTUALLY, YOU KNOW, I'M EXCITED TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST COMING INTO OUR MEETINGS, I HAVE ALSO HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE FIRSTHAND THE GROWTH TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT OUR COUNTY AND WORK BEING DONE FROM THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT, COUNTY STAFF AND COMMUNITY LEADERS. I TRULY APPRECIATE THE DEDICATION EVERYONE GIVES TO MAKING OUR SCHOOL OUR COUNTY GREAT AND A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND RAISE OUR FAMILY.
FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT KNOW PRAIRIE LEA ISD WE ARE A SMALL RURAL DISTRICT LOCATED AT 6910 SAN MARCOS HIGHWAY 80. WE ARE.
WE HAVE A VERY, VERY SPECIAL PLACE AT CALWELL COUNTY'S HISTORY. PRAIRIE LEA ISD HAS BEEN EDUCATING STUDENTS SINCE 1848. I DIDN'T KNOW THAT WHEN I GOT HERE MAKING THE OLDEST SCHOOL OF CALDWELL COUNTY. WE ARE THE HOME
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OF THE INDIANS AND ARROWS AND A PROUD AND WE'RE PROUD OF THE PLACE IN HISTORY WITH SIX MEN FOOTBALL WE HAVE A GAME ON FRIDAY IF YOU ALL WANT TO JOIN US. OUR DISTRICT HAS EXPERIENCED CHANGES AS WELL.ON 2024, WHEN I GOT HERE, IT WAS ONE SCHOOL. 2025, WE TRANSITIONED TO TWO CAMPUSES.
PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY PRE K THROUGH 5TH AND PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL 6TH THROUGH 8TH. THIS YEAR OUR BOARD HAS APPROVED OUR ONLINE PARTNERSHIP WITH THRYV TEXAS. WE NOW OFFER A K12 ONLINE SCHOOL. WE HAVE ALSO MADE PROGRESS IN OUR FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY, IMPROVING FROM OUR FIRST RATING FROM AN F TO A C WITH A SCORE OF 78. WHILE WE KNOW THERE'S STILL WORK TO BE DONE, WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP, TRANSPARENCY, AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT.
ONE OF THE MOST ACCOMPLISHMENTS I AM VERY PROUD OF THIS TODAY IS THAT ON MONDAY OUR STUDENTS CAME IN TO A BRAND NEW RENOVATED SPACES.
DUE TO A BOND PASSING IN NOVEMBER. PRAIRIE ISD HAD OUR THAT SCHOOL. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HAS BEEN THERE SINCE 1925.
WHEN I ARRIVED HERE AT PRAIRIE LEA, PORTIONS OF OUR BUILDINGS WERE IN SERIOUS NEED OF ATTENTION.
WE HAD AREAS WHERE YOU COULD LITERALLY SEE DAYLIGHT THROUGH THE WALLS AND CRITTERS COMING IN. IT'S KIND OF HARD TO LEARN WHEN YOU HAVE SNAKES OR RATS OR THINGS LIKE THAT COMING INTO YOUR SCHOOL AND TRYING TO LEARN. TODAY WE ARE PROVIDING OUR STUDENTS WITH SAFER, CLEANER, MORE FUNCTIONAL LEARNING SPACES. WE ARE MEETING OUR STUDENTS NEEDS, BASIC NEEDS AND CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE OUR CHILDREN CAN COME TO SCHOOL FEELING SAFE, VALUED, AND READY TO LEARN. AND I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT THERE ARE NO MORE HOLES IN OUR ELEMENTARY BUILDING AND WE NOW HAVE FUNCTIONAL, WATER EFFICIENT RESTROOMS. THAT MAY SEEM LITTLE AND SMALL FOR SOME OF US, BUT FOR OUR PRAIRIE LEA COMMUNITY, IT REPRESENTS TREMENDOUS PROGRESS.
IT REPRESENTS AN INVESTMENT IN OUR CHILDREN AND COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING THEM WITH THE ENVIRONMENT THEY DESERVE TO LEARN AND GROW. I WANT TO PERSONALLY THANK COMMISSIONER HORNE FOR HELPING MAKING THIS POSSIBLE, FOR HIS CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR PRAIRIE LEA ISD. WE ALSO WANT TO EXTEND OUR GRATITUDE TO CASEY MILES.
I ALSO HAVE MARCUS GONZALEZ, NICOLE STEVENS FOR THEIR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS.
I KNOW PERMANENT IS AN ISSUE, BUT WE GOT IT DONE AND OUR KIDS HAVE RUNNING WATER.
MA'AM, WE'RE ALMOST OUT OF TIME.
OKAY. PRAIRIE LEA IS A SMALL RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, BUT WE HAVE A BIG HISTORY, A STRONG COMMUNITY AND EVEN BIGGER FUTURE. WE ARE MAKING PRAIRIE LEA RELEVANT AGAIN AND WE HAVE A BIG ASK. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET ABOUT OUR ROADS, ESPECIALLY AROUND THE SCHOOL.
COMMISSIONERS FIRST, I JUST WANT TO ASK. THANK YOU.
JUST ASKED A FEW QUESTIONS FOR THE RECORD. WHAT SPECIFIC REASON REQUIRED PRECINCT 401 TO LEAVE THE ST. MARK'S METHODIST CHURCH? WHO MADE OR RECOMMENDED THOSE CHANGES AND ON WHAT DATE? WHERE IS THE WRITTEN DECISION, THE RESOLUTION, THE NOTICE OR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS? WHAT WAS ST. MARK'S EVALUATED FOR ACCESSIBILITY BEFORE THE CHANGE? IF SO, CAN THE PUBLIC SEE THAT EVALUATION? WHAT IS THE COST OF KEEPING PRECINCT 401 AT ST. MARK'S COMPARED TO MOVING IT? AND WHAT WAS THE COMMUNITY, WAS THE COMMUNITY CONSULTED BEFORE THIS CHANGE? AND WHY DOES THE COUNTY'S MARCH 2026 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY NOTICE LIST ST. MARKS FOR PRECINCT 4.
WHILE THE CURRENT ELECTION DATE PAGE LISTS PRECINCT 401 AND 402 AT THE ADAMS GYM. WILL THE COURT COMMIT TO ENSURING AN ACCESSIBILITY FAMILIAR POLLING LOCATION FOR 401 FOR FUTURE ELECTIONS? AGAIN, HI. MY NAME IS MARGARET CARTER. I WAS BORN AND RAISED ON THE EAST SIDE OF LOCKHART.
AND I'M HERE TODAY BECAUSE PRECINCT 401 IS MORE THAN A NUMBER ON A MAP. OKAY. IT IS OUR COMMUNITY. I'M JUST SO FRUSTRATED. IT'S OUR COMMUNITY.
ACCESS TO THE BALLOT POLL. THE COUNTY'S OWN RECORDS SHOW PRECINCT 401 AT ST. MARK'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ON EAST LIVE OAK. INCLUDING THE 2024 RESOLUTION AND THE MARCH 26TH DEMOCRAT PRIMARY NOTICE.
WHY IS PRECINCT 401 BEING MOVED
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FROM A LOCATION THAT HAS SERVED THIS COMMUNITY FOR GENERATIONS? WHO MADE THAT DECISION? WHEN WAS IT MADE? WHERE IS THE DOCUMENTATION EXPLAINING WHY? AND I WANT TO TALK ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY.ST. MARK IS GROUND LEVEL. A PERSON USING A MANUAL WHEELCHAIR CAN ENTER INDEPENDENTLY. THE PROPOSED LOCATION HAS A RAMP. BUT HAVING A RAMP DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY MEAN EQUAL ACCESS.
ACCESSIBILITY MEANS INDEPENDENCE. OUR ELDERS DESERVE THAT. OUR DISABLED RESIDENTS DESERVE IT. AND OUR FAMILIES DESERVE THAT. MY MOTHER, MY AUNT, MY SISTER, WHO STILL WORKS DILIGENTLY AT THESE POLLS. MY FAMILY DIDN'T JUST VOTE THERE. THEY ALSO SERVED THERE.
FOR GENERATIONS, OUR PEOPLE HAVE WALKED THROUGH THOSE DOORS TO EXERCISE A RIGHT THAT WAS NOT ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO US. AND I'M GOING TO SAY SOMETHING PLAINLY. WE ARE TIRED OF HAVING TO FIGHT FOR ACCESS TO THINGS THAT SHOULD ALREADY BE ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE. NOT JUST.
ANYWAY, I AM NOT HERE ASKING FOR SPECIAL TREATMENT. I'M ASKING FOR EQUAL TREATMENT. IF THERE IS A LEGITIMATE LEGAL, FINANCIAL, OPERATIONAL OR ACCESSIBILITY REASON FOR MOVING FROM PRECINCT 1. SHOW US THE DOCUMENTATIONS. PUT IT ON THE RECORD. BECAUSE THE EAST SIDE IS NOT INVISIBLE. WE ARE HERE. WE VOTE, WE PAY TAXES, WE RAISE FAMILIES. WE SERVE THIS COMMUNITY. AND OUR VOICES MATTER. MY ROOTS RUN DEEP.
BORN 1960, RIGHT HERE. I'VE BEEN THROUGH THIS EVOLUTION. I UNDERSTAND. AND I WILL STAND ON THOSE ROOTS. AND I WILL FIGHT FOR THIS COMMUNITY.
KATHY HAGLER? KATHY HAGLER. I LIVE ON SKYLINE ROAD IN DALE. JUDGE HADEN AND COMMISSIONERS, I HAVE PROVIDED YOU A HANDOUT AT YOUR PLACE. I WANT TO COMMEND YOU ON AGENDA ITEM NUMBER I11.
EXHIBIT A. WE'VE RETURNED TO ONLY TWO TEMPORARY BRANCH LOCATIONS FOR EARLY VOTING.
WHICH BRINGS US BACK INTO LEGAL COMPLIANCE WITH ELECTION CODE 85.062, WHICH I TESTIFIED AT THE AUGUST 13TH COMMISSIONER'S COURT. MEETING. NOW WE ARE OPPOSED TO HAVE AN EARLY VOTING LOCATION IN THE CORRECT COMMISSIONER PRECINCT. THE NEXT TIME WE ADD A BRANCH LOCATION BECAUSE THE COUNTY KEEPS GROWING ON AGENDA ITEM NUMBER I 11 EXHIBIT B THERE'S A LIST OF 15 POLLING PLACES FOR ELECTION DAY. I WANT TO NOTE SOME OF THE CHANGES. 206201202 SOUTHSIDE IS NOW COMBINED WITH LULING CIVIC CENTER WHICH THE PEOPLE OF LULING HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR YEARS. I DID AN UNOFFICIAL FACEBOOK POLL ON THE LULING DISCUSSION FACEBOOK PAGE AND 87 PEOPLE RESPONDED. 74% OF THEM SAID THAT ALL THREE PRECINCTS SHOULD VOTE AT LULING CITY CIVIC CENTER. 20% SAID I DON'T CARE, I JUST WANT TO HAVE ENOUGH EQUIPMENT, ENOUGH WORKERS AND GO TO THE SAME PLACE EVERY TIME.
ONLY 6% OF THOSE POLLED SAID THAT THEY PREFER HAVING SOUTH SIDE OF AS A SEPARATE POLLING PLACE FROM THE LULING CIVIC CENTER.
THE EA STATED AT THE JULY 29 COUNTY ELECTION BOARD MEETING THAT WE ALMOST ALWAYS HAVE EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS IN EVERY SINGLE ELECTION. THE SOUTHSIDE EQUIPMENT WILL NOW BE AVAILABLE TO BE USED AS EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT. THANK YOU AND PLEASE KEEP SOUTH SIDE OF LULING CIVIC CENTER AS A PERMANENT COMBINATION FOR LULING UNTIL THEY SOMEHOW OUTGROW THE CIVIC CENTER AND DON'T HAVE ENOUGH ROOM FOR PARKING OR ENOUGH ROOM FOR ALL THE VOTING EQUIPMENT NEEDED THERE SO THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO BE SPLIT UP AGAIN. ANOTHER CHANGE IS 401ST. MARK'S METHODIST BEING MOVED TO FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH ON NECHES STREET. THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING THE INFORMATION SUBMITTED TO YOU ABOUT ST.
MARK'S CLEARLY NOT BEING ADA COMPLIANT FOR QUALIFICATION AS A POLLING PLACE. YOU HAVE TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK. I AM SO GLAD THAT FIRST BAPTIST ON (INAUDIBLE) STREET OFFERED THEIR VENUE TO ACCOMMODATE THE VOTERS WHO WALK TO THEIR POLLING PLACE. SINCE THE NEW LOCATION IS LITERALLY AROUND THE CORNER. THIS IS A GREAT SOLUTION. PRECINCT 111 LOCKHART LIONS CLUB REMAINS ON THE LIST OF APPROVED POLLING PLACES. I KNOW THAT THE DEMOCRAT PARTY HAS BEEN WORKING HARD TO GET PEOPLE UPSET ABOUT THE EFFORT TO COMBAT COMBINE LOCKHART LIONS CLUB WITH ANOTHER LOCATION, BUT THEY HAVE NEVER BOTHERED TO SHARE THE FACTS PUBLICLY
[00:25:01]
ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED AND I WANT SOME OF THOSE FACTS ON THE RECORD. I'VE SHARED THE WELL, AT THE JULY 29 COUNTY ELECTION BOARD MEETING, THE EA HAD ALREADY STRICKEN THE LOCKHART LIONS CLUB FROM THE LIST OF POLLING PLACES BECAUSE LOCKHART LIONS CLUB HAD REMOVED THEMSELVES FROM THE LIST FOR TWO REASONS. I GO INTO DETAILS IN YOUR HANDOUT, BUT I'LL SPARE YOU THE DETAILS BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE TIME TO GO INTO IT. ONE WAS A PERSONALITY CONFLICT AND THE OTHER WAS A CRITICAL, CRITICAL LACK OF SECURITY FOR OUR VOTING EQUIPMENT AT THE LIONS CLUB. I'VE LEARNED NOW THAT THE LIONS CLUB BOARD WAS COMPLETELY UNAWARE OF THIS UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR.BUT NOW THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE A POLICY IN PLACE TO BE SURE THAT ANYTIME THEY'RE USED AS A POLLING PLACE, NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED ACCESS TO THE ROOM WHERE THE EQUIPMENT IS AFTER IT'S DROPPED OFF. AND NO ONE WILL INTERFERE WITH THE ELECTION WORKERS ON ELECTION DAY.
UNDER THOSE TERMS, I'M VERY OPTIMISTIC AND HOPEFUL THAT ALLOWING LOCKHART LIONS CLUB TO REMAIN A STANDALONE POLLING PRECINCT POLLING PLACE IS NOT A MISTAKE.
CONCERNING EXHIBIT A ON I12, PAGES 353 AND 354 OF YOUR PACKET, THE DEMOCRAT PARTY IS SUBMITTING SEPARATE 16 NAMES TO YOU FOR 24 ELECTION PRECINCTS. THERE ARE EIGHT PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED TO TWO DIFFERENT ELECTION PRECINCTS. AND I DON'T EVEN UNDERSTAND HOW THAT'S POSSIBLE IN A COUNTY THAT DOES PRECINCT VOTING. PRECINCT BASED VOTING.
I'M GUESSING THAT THE DEMOCRATS.
ALMOST OUT OF TIME, MS. HAGER.
OKAY, WELL, I DO WANT JUST WANT TO CLOSE BY SAYING THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS TO MAKE CALDWELL COUNTY ELECTIONS SAFE AND SECURE, HONEST, AND FAIR.
WHERE EVERY ELIGIBLE IS VOTERS VOTE IS WELCOME, COUNTED AND PROTECTED.
GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS LU RILEY. I LIVE IN DALE. I'M THE CALDWELL COUNTY REPUBLICAN CHAIR AND I SIT ON THE COUNTY ELECTION BOARD.
THE COUNTY ELECTION BOARD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALLOCATING ELECTION EQUIPMENT. SO OUR JOB IS TO ENSURE THAT EVERY VOTER HAS A POLLING LOCATION EQUIPPED WITH EVERYTHING IT NEEDS TO CONDUCT AN ELECTION. IT IS THE ELECTION. IT IS THE COUNTY ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATORS RESPONSIBILITY TO SET THE AGENDA AND MEETINGS FOR THE BOARD. OUR FIELD. I FEEL OUR BOARD WAS SET UP FOR FAILURE AND I WILL EXPLAIN WHY.
AT OUR FIRST BOARD MEETING, THE EA PRESENTED THE BOARD WITH A LIST SHOWING THE NUMBERS OF BACKUP EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR ELECTION DAY. TWO POLL BOOKS, ONE DS, 200 AND ZERO EXPRESS VOTES. AND PER THE COUNTY EA DEVONTE CALL, WE HAVE EQUIPMENT FAILURE IN EVERY ELECTION. THE EA EXPLAINED THAT HE COULD NOT ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT.
ALL FUNDING FOR EQUIPMENT HAD ALREADY BEEN SPENT ON NEW EQUIPMENT FOR THE FUTURE. HE OFFERED NO REMEDY. SO A SUGGESTION WAS MADE TO CLOSE. WAS MADE TO CLOSE A POLLING LOCATION TO ENSURE ADEQUATE BACKUP EQUIPMENT. ALSO, AT OUR FIRST ELECTION BOARD MEETING, WE WERE TOLD BY THE EA THAT HE WOULD NOT BE USING LIONS EVENING CLUB FOR ELECTION DAY. THIS CLOSURE WAS A DECISION MADE BY THE EA AND BROUGHT TO THE BOARD. IT WAS NOT MADE BY THE BOARD. SO FAST FORWARD.
SINCE OUR BOARD MEETINGS, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE EA DID NOT FULLY DISCLOSE VITAL INFORMATION TO THE COUNTY ELECT ELECTION BOARD. I MET WITH DEVONTE AND HE EXPLAINED THE LIONS CLUB SITUATION AND HE GAVE INSIGHT INTO THE BACKGROUND EQUIPMENT. I ASKED WHY HE DID NOT SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH THE COUNTY ELECTION BOARD.
HE REPLIED HE DID NOT WANT TO DO THIS IN A PUBLIC SETTING. I EXPLAINED TO HIM THIS INFORMATION SHOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO THE BOARD AND HE AGREED. I REQUESTED ANOTHER COUNTY ELECTION BOARD MEETING SO THAT WE COULD SHARE THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION WITH THE ENTIRE, ENTIRE BOARD. THIS WOULD GIVE THE BOARD AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN INFORMED RECOMMENDATION. DEVONTE DID NOT CALL AN ADDITIONAL MEETING, THUS DENYING THE ELECTION BOARD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR WHY HE RECOMMENDED NOT USING THE LIONS CLUB AND WHY HE PRESENTED AN EQUIPMENT SHORTAGE LIST TO THE ELECTION BOARD THAT TURNED OUT NOT TO BE A TRUE SHORTAGE.
I LATER DISCOVERED HE SPOKE TO BOARD MEMBERS SEPARATELY AND NOT ALL BOARD MEMBERS WERE GIVEN THE SAME INFORMATION.
DEVONTE TOLD THE BOARD HE WOULD PRESENT THE BOARD'S RECOMMENDATION TO COMMISSIONERS COURT, BUT INSTEAD HE IS PRESENTING HIS OWN RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SEVERAL TIMES.
IN OUR LAST CONVERSATION, MY CONVERSATION WITH THE EA ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, HE MENTIONED THAT OUR NEXT BOARD MEETING WILL BE DISCUSSING EQUIPMENT ALLOCATION. I THOUGHT, WHAT THE HECK, WE SHOULD HAVE DONE THAT IN OUR FIRST MEETING. SO AGAIN, I STRESS WE NEED TO MEET PRIOR TO THE 27TH MEETING OF COMMISSIONERS COURT SO THE BOARD CAN REVISIT THIS INFORMATION. HE NEVER SCHEDULED
[00:30:02]
ANOTHER MEETING. IT IS HIS JOB TO DO THAT. HE CHECKED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE TO MAKE SURE HE COULD. HE WAS CONFUSED ABOUT WHETHER WE COULD MEET AGAIN. SECRETARY OF STATE SAID WE COULD MEET AS MANY TIMES AS WE NEEDED. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY WE HAVE AN ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR THAT WILL NOT SHARE VITAL INFORMATION WITH THE ENTIRE COUNTY ELECTION BOARD. I'VE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE EA, MR. DEVONTE COE, AND HIS ABILITY TO WORK WITH THE COUNTY ELECTION BOARD.I ALSO WANT TO SAY THAT I'M VERY SAD TO HEAR THAT PATTI SMITH RESIGNED FROM THAT OFFICE AND SHE WILL BE MISSED. SO I WANT TO TOUCH ON THE AGENDA ITEM I12.
OKAY. I WOULD LIKE THE COMMISSIONER'S CONSENTER TO APPROVE A TWO YEAR TERM FOR ELECTION DAY JUDGES.
SO GOOD MORNING, GENTLEMEN PEOPLE. I WANT TO ADDRESS THE SAME ISSUE AS A NUMBER OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE, WHICH IS THE REDUCTION OF POLLING LOCATIONS. AND FIRST I WANT TO BORE YOU WITH SOME FACTS THAT WERE PULLED FROM BOTH THE CENSUS BUREAU, THE CALDWELL COUNTY ELECTION OFFICE AND AS WELL AS TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE. SO THE FIRST ONE IS FOR POPULATION DETAILS FOR CALDWELL COUNTY, THE RECENT ESTIMATE, AND THIS IS AS OF JULY 2025 AND I'M SURE YOU GUYS KNOW THESE, BUT WE HAVE 55,150 PEOPLE HERE. 2020 THE CENSUS WAS 45,883 PEOPLE. IN 2010 THE CENSUS CALLED OUT 38,066 PEOPLE. SO OUR GROWTH RATE IS 20% YEAR TO YEAR, WHICH IS SIGNIFICANT AT LEAST IN MY OPINION. THEN FOR TOTAL REGISTERED VOTERS AS OF 5126 WE HAD 27,000 PEOPLE.
SO THAT'S A 5.8% INCREASE IN REGISTERED VOTERS. NOW THE PROPOSAL TO REDUCE POLLING LOCATIONS, AT LEAST FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN WAS SURFACED ON JULY, BASICALLY LATE JULY OF THIS YEAR AND IT'S 25% REDUCTION POLLING LOCATION.
SO IT'S 16 DOWN TO 12. THE RATIONALE AT LEAST THAT WAS PUBLISHED IS BACKUP EQUIPMENT SHORTAGES AND POLLING SITE AVAILABILITY. SO MY OBSERVATIONS AT LEAST FOR THIS IS PROJECTED GROWTH RATE IN THE CORPORATE COUNTY FOR POPULATION IS 20%. GROWTH RATE OF REGISTERED VOTERS IS 5.8% OR ROUGHLY 6%. CURRENT VOTING LOCATIONS ARE 16.
CALDWELL COUNTY ELECTION BOARD RECOMMENDATION AND I COULD BE OFF ON THIS ONE BUT IS TO CLOSE F4 LOCATIONS. AND I HAD SEEN IN NUMBER OF NOTES THAT IT COULD BE POTENTIALLY UP TO SIX LOCATIONS. NO IDENTIFICATION OF WHAT'S NEEDED RELATIVE TO EQUIPMENT THAT IS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO MEET NEEDS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED OR AT LEAST WHAT I'VE SEEN. SO YOU CAN'T PROJECT A COST IMPACT ON THAT. MY ASSESSMENT IS CLOSING ANY POLLING LOCATIONS IS EXTREMELY SHORT SIGHTED, DOES NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM SHORT TERM NOR LONG TERM.
TO ENSURE ALL VOTERS IN THE COUNTY HAVE A REASONABLE OR REASONABLY ACCESSIBLE LOCATION TO CAST THEIR VOTES TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION AT LEAST THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS WOULD BE TO IDENTIFY THE EQUIPMENT THAT'S NEEDED, COST IT OUT AND IDENTIFY WHEN THAT CAN BE IMPLEMENTED OR CAN BE ASSESSED AND MADE. WHOLE ALTERNATE LOCATIONS FOR POLLING LOCATIONS HAVE NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT LEAST WHEN I WAS READING THINGS. AND IT JUST MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE FOR A COUNTY THAT'S GROWING AT OUR RATE TO REDUCE POLLING LOCATIONS THAT WE SHOULD BE GROWING THEM OR INCREASING THEM
[00:35:03]
BECAUSE IF THAT 6% GROWTH IS ACTUAL RELATIVE TO VOTERS, THEN THAT MEANS IN TWO MORE YEARS WE'RE GOING TO BE SHORT POLLING LOCATIONS.ALL RIGHT, VERY GOOD. THANK YOU.
JOHN CASTILLO. HEY, BEFORE WE HAVE ANY EVERYBODY ELSE, WE HAVE TO HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING.
WE'RE ALREADY LATE FOR IT. I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND OPEN THAT PUBLIC HEARING AT H1. PROPOSED REAUTHORIZATION OF COUNTY TAX ABATEMENT AND REINVESTMENT ZONE GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA. WE'LL HOLD THAT OPEN IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO COME AND SPEAK ON THAT.
OKAY. SEEING NO SPEAKERS, WE'RE GOING TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:37 AND WE WILL RETURN TO CITIZENS COMMENTS. JOHN CASTILLO, GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE, THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME.
JOHN CASTILLO, LOCKART, TEXAS.
I COME TO YOU BEFORE I COME BEFORE THE BOARD TODAY TO JUST ASK THAT YOU KEEP ALL THESE VOTING LOCATIONS IN PLACE THAT WERE ALREADY DONE HERE AT THE PRIMARY ELECTION. YOU CAN'T CHANGE THE RULES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME, GENTLEMEN. THAT'S WHAT'S GOING ON HERE. YOU'RE PLAYING POLITICAL THEATER. YOU KNOW, WE SEE THIS GOING ON EVERY YEAR, DISENFRANCHISING VOTERS THAT, THAT WANT TO BE HEARD, THEIR VOICES HEARD. AND MOST OF THE TIME IT HAPPENS WHEN OUR LEADERS AREN'T DOING THE JOBS THAT THEY'RE NOT GETTING GOOD COMMUNITY FEEDBACK. AND YOU KNOW, WE DEAL WITH THESE ELECTIONS EVERY TWO TO FOUR YEARS. WE UNDERSTAND THERE'S COST, BUT WE ALL KNOW THERE'S ALTERNATIVES.
THERE'S. YOU CAN CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND RENT VOTING MACHINES IF YOU NEED BE.
YOU KNOW, WE'VE SOME OF THESE LIKE ST. MARK'S 40 YEARS THERE'S BEEN NO CONVERSATION OF THIS UNTIL THIS YEAR THAT OH, IT'S INCONVENIENCE NOW. IT'S NOT ADA ACCESSIBLE, YOU KNOW, SO WHAT ARE WE DOING? THAT SHOWS POOR LEADERSHIP TOO, NOT KNOWING WHAT'S WHAT, WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO DEAL WITH. AND IF YOU KNOW, LIKE THE GENTLEMAN SAID, WE'RE GROWING. THE JUDGE HIMSELF SAYS 55,000 PLOTS PLOTTED HOMES ARE COMING EVENTUALLY HERE AND YET WE'RE REDUCING THE POWER OF THE VOTE. THAT JUST SOUNDS LIKE IT'S POLITICS AS USUAL.
AND THEN WE'RE SAYING VOTER FRAUD WHEN WE KNOW IT'S MINUSCULE.00 0.8% OF VOTER FRAUD IS OCCURRING IN THIS COUNTRY BUT YET WE KEEP ON SAYING THAT VOTER FRAUD, Y' ALL ARE GOOD AT MESSAGING THAT YOU KNOW IT'S ALL ABOUT VOTER FRAUD. YOU JUST WANT TO DISENFRANCHISE PEOPLE'S VOTES AND PEOPLE'S VOICES. SO I ASK YOU TO DO THE RIGHT THING. DON'T CHANGE THE RULES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME. CONTINUE TO KEEP OPERATING WITH 16 AND EVENTUALLY MAYBE SOMEWHERE IN THE NEAR FUTURE SOMEBODY WILL START ADDING VOTING LOCATIONS. THANK YOU. HAVE A GOOD DAY.
[00:40:02]
GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS JOANIE FOSTER. I LIVE OUT BY MCMAHON. I'VE BEEN AN ELECTION CLERK FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS NOW. IT MAKES ME FEEL PATRIOTIC TO WORK MY LONG SHIFTS AND IT HAS REJUVENATED MY FAITH IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS.RARELY DO MY CANDIDATES WIN IN CALDWELL COUNTY, BUT I'VE WITNESSED THE CARE ORGANIZATION AND DILIGENCE THAT THE STAFF AND WORKERS MANAGE THE PROCESS THIS YEAR. THIS SUMMER, HOWEVER, I'VE BEEN NOTICING SUBTLE CHANGES THAT ONE AT A TIME ARE NOT DISCONCERTING, BUT TAKEN TOGETHER ARE WORRISOME.
ELECTIONS ARE RIGS. VOTER FRAUD? NO VOTER FRAUD.
AT LEAST I FELT FROM MY EXPERIENCE THAT I.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE, IT WASN'T AN ISSUE HERE. LIFE IN THE SMALL TOWN FEELING WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS, YOU KNOW WHO THE CLERKS ARE, YOU KNOW WHO THE VOTERS ARE.
THEN ABRUPTLY THIS SUMMER, THE SECRETARY OF STATE STEPPED DOWN IN TEXAS, AND OUR GOVERNOR ABBOTT APPOINTED HIS LONGTIME POLICY DIRECTOR TO THE POSITION, THE HIGHEST POSITION IN TEXAS, TO OVERSEE THE VERY CONTROVERSIAL NOVEMBER ELECTIONS. NOW, THIS MONTH, MYSTERIOUSLY, CALDWELL COUNTY, DESPITE A BOOM, DOESN'T HAVE THE RESOURCES TO MANAGE ALL THE VOTING LOCATIONS AS THEY HAVE SMOOTHLY FOR A LONG TIME. AND THEN I GET A NOTICE THAT PATTI SMITH HAS RESIGNED SUDDENLY AND QUICKLY.
HER COMMITMENT, ORGANIZATION, AND TRAINING OF US ON CUSTOMER SERVICE TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY GETS TO VOTE WAS WHAT GAVE ME CONFIDENCE IN CALDWELL COUNTY. ARE THESE EVENTS JUST A COINCIDENCE? I THINK NOT. CAN YOU COME UP WITH AN EXCUSE FOR EACH ONE? I'M SURE YOU CAN.
HAS SUSPICION IMPLANTED IN ME? HELL, YES. I WORRY ABOUT NOVEMBER 3RD. I WORRY ABOUT BEING A CLERK. WILL IT BE ORGANIZED? WILL CHAOS PUT ME IN A COMPROMISED POSITION? JUST DOING MY CIVIC DUTY. THE POLLING LOCATIONS ARE A BIG DEAL BECAUSE IT SITS IN THIS CONTEXT. PLEASE MAKE YOUR DECISIONS TODAY WITH A BENT ON MAKING YOUR CONSTITUENTS FEEL LIKE WE HAVE SAFEGUARDED OUR PROCESS AND WE HAVE NO INTENTION ON BRINGING THE MEDIA SPOTLIGHT OF DISGRACE BECAUSE WE COULDN'T GET OUR ACT TOGETHER. WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS. I KNOW. I KNOW OUR OTHER ELECTION WORKERS, BOTH SIDES, DEMOCRAT AND REPUBLICAN, WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS.
THANK YOU. THERE ARE NO OTHER CITIZEN COMMENTS? NO.
[F. CONSENT AGENDA]
OKAY.THANK YOU. OKAY, COMMISSIONERS, WITH THAT, WE WILL MOVE TO CONSENT. GET A MOTION ON THE CONSENT AGENDA, PLEASE.
MOVE APPROVAL OF CONSENT BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[G.1 Receive an informational presentation from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service regarding the Caldwell County 4-H Youth Development Program Annual Impact Interpretation - Elsie Lacy, CEA-FCH and Sarah Simon, CEA-4-H & Youth Development]
AYE.MOTION CARRIES. I WILL GO TO OUR PRESENTATIONS. ITEM G 1. RECEIVE AN INFORMAL PRESENTATION FROM THE TEXAS A AND M AGRI LIFE EXTENSION SERVICE REGARDING THE CALDWELL COUNTY 4H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ANNUAL IMPACT INTERPRETATION.
GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE, AND WE'RE HAPPY TO BE HERE.
AND MY NAME IS ELSIE LACEY AND I AM THE COUNTY AGENT FOR FAMILY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH.
AND I AM REAL GLAD TODAY TO BE ABLE TO PRESENT A 4H AGENT.
BUT I JUST WANT TO GO OVER SOME OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF 4H THIS YEAR.
IN THE DISTRICT LEVEL, WE'VE HAD 4H'ERS PARTICIPATE IN THE FOOD SHOW, FOOD CHALLENGE TO DAZZLE AND FASHION AND FASHION SHOW, THE PHOTOGRAPHY AT STATE LIVESTOCK QUIZ, BOW, AND JUDGING. AND WE ARE SAD TO SEE WAYNE LEE BECAUSE HE WAS THE COACH OF THAT. AND 4H HAS TALENT. WE'VE GOT A PIANO PLAYER AND A CELLO PLAYER THAT HAVE ALSO PARTICIPATED. AND THIS YEAR WE HAVE A HEALTHY TEXAS YOUTH AMBASSADOR. HER NAME'S MACY LOCKHART, AND THAT'S A STATE POSITION. AND SHE'S GOING TO EDUCATE, HELP EDUCATE THE COUNTY ON NUTRITION AND HEALTH. SHE ALSO PLACED IN THE TOP FIVE AT STATE WITH HER RECORD BOOK.
BUT RIGHT NOW, I WANT TO INTRODUCE SARAH SEAMAN.
SHE'S OUR NEW 4H AGENT. WE'RE JUST SO EXCITED TO HAVE HER AND TO KEEP UP THIS GOOD.
[00:45:02]
THE YOUTH OF CALDWELL COUNTY IS AMAZING. AND ALL OF THE SUPPORT WE GET FROM THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT, FROM THE JUDGE AND FROM ADULTS AND OUR VOLUNTEERS IS AMAZING, TOO. SO I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THAT.JUDGE HADEN. I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME THIS MORNING. I'M SARAH SEAMAN. I'M THE NEW 4H AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENT HERE IN CALDWELL COUNTY. I'M VERY EXCITED TO SERVE OUR YOUTH.
FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN SO FAR, WE HAVE A GREAT GROUP OF YOUNG LEADERS THAT WILL GO ON TO SERVE CALDWELL COUNTY, TEXAS, AND EVEN BEYOND WITH OUR CURRENT COUNTY'S, YOU KNOW, EXPANSION AND POPULATION GROWTH. I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEIZING UPON THAT OPPORTUNITY AND CREATING PROGRAM PLANNING THAT WILL ENCOURAGE NEW 4H MEMBERS TO JOIN OUR PROGRAM SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE BUILDING THE YOUNG LEADERS OF TEXAS.
OH, ALSO, I'M SORRY, ONE MORE THING. WE DO HAVE A 4H101 EVENT THAT IS HAPPENING TODAY FROM 4 TO 7 AT THE SCOTT ANNEX ROOM. IT'LL BE A MEET AND GREET SO THAT CURRENT 4H MEMBERS AND PROCEDURES, PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS, AS WELL AS PARENTS AND VOLUNTEERS, CAN COME MEET ME AND GET TO KNOW ME. BUT ALSO LISTEN TO SOME OF OUR CURRENT 4H MEMBERS TALK ABOUT DIFFERENT PROJECT AREAS THAT THEY PARTICIPATE IN WITHIN OUR PROGRAM AS WELL AS THE DIFFERENT CLUBS THAT WE OFFER.
SO IF Y' ALL ARE AVAILABLE OR ANYBODY IS WELCOME, IT'S FROM 4 TO 7 TODAY. THANK YOU.
[G.2 Receive an informational presentation from Caldwell County Emergency Services District #5 regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Outlook - Cean Charles, Chief, ESD #5]
THANK YOU. OKAY, WE'LL GO AHEAD AND GO TO THE NEXT PRESENTATION. ITEM G2. RECEIVE AN INFORMAL PRESENTATION FROM CALDWELL COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NUMBER FIVE REGARDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 2027.COMMISSIONERS THOUGHT WE WOULD GIVE YOU GUYS AN UPDATE OF WHAT THINGS. WHAT THINGS ARE LOOKING LIKE FOR ESD5. COMING UP, THERE WAS SOME INFORMATION THAT NOT EVERYBODY GETS TO SEE ALL THE TIME.
SO WE THOUGHT WE WOULD PUT IT UP THERE.
SO SINCE ESD5 HAS TAKEN OVER, THE ENTIRE COMMAND CHAIN HAS CHANGED. WE HAVE TWO ASSISTANT CHIEFS AND TWO MEDICAL DIRECTORS NOW. WHEREAS BEFORE WE HAD A CHIEF AND A MEDICAL DIRECTOR AND REALLY NO MEANS TO GET ALL OVER THE COUNTY AND HAVE SUPPORT ALL OVER THE COUNTY. WE ALSO HAVE THREE CAPTAINS NOW WHICH ARE ABC SHIFT CAPTAINS. THEY ALSO WORK A 4896 SHIFT. THESE GUYS ARE IN THE LITTLE EXPLORER THAT'S IN THE BACK BACKGROUND THERE.
THEY IF WE RUN OUT OF AMBULANCES, THEY FIRST RESPOND. THEY ARE CLINICALLY EXCELLENT. WHEN THERE IS A QUESTION ON A SERIOUS CALL OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, AN AMBULANCE IS BY THEMSELVES OUT IN THE COUNTY. THE CAPTAIN IS THERE TO TAKE UP AND BOUNCE IDEAS OFF OF OR TAKE OVER THE CALL IF NEED BE. OUR DISTRICTS SINCE ESD5 NOW EXISTS, WE HAD LULING EMS AND LOCKHART EMS BEFORE EVERYBODY REMEMBERS THAT. SO NOW WE HAVE FIVE DISTINCT DISTRICTS. THEIR SQUARE MILEAGE IS IN THE ON THE SIDE THERE. DISTRICT 4 AND DISTRICT 5 ARE BOTH HOUSED OUT OF THE (INAUDIBLE) STATION AT 685 SOUTH HACKBERRY. BUT THAT LARGE GREEN SECTION IN THE SOUTH IS BASICALLY IS SPLIT INTO TWO DISTRICTS, DISTRICT 04, AND DISTRICT 5. DISTRICT 3 IS THE OTHER NEW ADDITION WHICH IS AT 1185 AND 1854. WE SHARE A FIREHOUSE WITH TRAVIS COUNTY FIRE RESCUE WITH CALDWELL HAYES. ESD1. SINCE FEBRUARY LAST YEAR, A COUPLE OF CHANGES, NOTHING REALLY BIG. THE PRIMARY STROKE STATUS OF A COUPLE OF PLACES HAS CHANGED TO LIKE PRIMARY PLUS GIVE THEM A LITTLE BIT MORE CAPABILITIES. THE BIG TAKEAWAY FROM THIS LIST OF CAPABILITIES IS THAT IF THERE IS A SPECIFIC TYPES OF STROKE, WE WILL BE BYPASSING THESE PLACE ALL OF THESE PLACES TO GO TO AUSTIN FOR A COMPREHENSIVE STROKE CENTER METRIC.
SINCE WE STARTED TO AUGUST 13TH OF LAST YEAR. I'M SORRY OF THIS YEAR. THE TAKEAWAY HERE IS THAT THE RESPONSE TIMES 10 MINUTES 20, 27 SECONDS.
BEFORE ESD5 WAS HERE, THAT WAS 19 MINUTES AND 50 SOMETHING SECONDS. AND 80% OF THE TIME IT'S LESS THAN EIGHT MINUTES NOW BECAUSE 42% OF OUR CALL VOLUME IS EITHER INSIDE OR RIGHT NEAR THE CITY LIMITS OF LOCKHART. AND THAT'S OUT OF ABOUT 9,400 CALLS SINCE WE TOOK OVER. THIS COMING FISCAL YEAR BUDGET IS PROPOSED
[00:50:01]
AT WHAT YOU SEE THERE WITH THE PRELIMINARY, PRELIMINARY TAX APPRAISAL THAT WE GOT VERSUS THE CERTIFIED, WHICH I'M SURE YOU GUYS GOT.THE SAME THING WAS A LITTLE DIFFERENT, ABOUT 400K DIFFERENT. SO A LITTLE SHORTER THAN WE EXPECTED.
BUT WE ALSO HAVE THE HOUSE BILL 3000 GRANT. THANKS TO YOU GUYS THAT SHOULD BE BEING REVIEWED BY COUNTY LEGAL HERE BEFORE TOO LONG AND THAT WILL BE OFF TO THE RACES TO GET A NEW AMBULANCE. THE AMBULANCE BEFORE WE TOOK OVER THAT WAS BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LOCKHART. THAT AMBULANCE WAS $279,000. THAT SAME EXACT UNIT IN A GAS MODEL, NOT EVEN A DIESEL MODEL IS $430,000 TODAY.
IT IS A 13 MONTH LEAD TIME TO GET THAT. AND IF WE WERE TO REMOUNT ONE THAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE, THAT'S A 20 MONTH LEAD TIME AND $380,000 TO DO THAT.
SO KIND OF FORCED TO GO ONE WAY. WE RENEWED WELL RENEWED ITS PERPETUAL CONTRACT WITH GUADALUPE COUNTY TO RESPOND TO THE BASICALLY RIGHT OUTSIDE OF LULING KINGSBURY AREA FOR GUADALUPE COUNTY TO FOR THAT $65,000. PRIOR TO ESD5 BILLING, THE BILLING COMPANY FOR BOTH AGENCIES THAT WE HAD, OUR AVERAGE CAT COLLECTION PER TRANSPORT WAS ABOUT $352. WE HAVE SINCE STREAMLINED THOSE PROCESSES CONSIDERABLY. WE HAVE A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT COMPANY AND OUR COLLECTION PER TRANSPORT IS NOW THE AVERAGE IS $636 PER TRANSPORT. SO TIME ON TASK UNIT HOUR UTILIZATIONS.
WE CURRENTLY RUN FIVE TRUCKS 247 AT THOSE FIVE DISTRICTS.
PROBABLY 90. I THINK IT'S 98% OF THE TIME UNLESS SOMEBODY CALL, YOU KNOW SOMETHING CATASTROPHIC HAPPENS. IT'S NOT NORMAL TO NOT HAVE FIVE TRUCKS. NOW HAVING THAT NUMBER AT POINT FOUR MEANS 40% OF THE TIME THE AMBULANCES ARE BUSY AND THAT'S IT'S DOABLE, IT'S NOT SUSTAINABLE. SO WE'RE, WE'RE ADDING A PEAK HOUR TRUCK IN OCTOBER. WE'LL BE ORDERING A NEW AMBULANCE WITH THAT HOUSE BILL 3000 AND ANOTHER COMMAND TRUCK. WE'RE CURRENTLY TALKING WITH LOCKHART ISD, SOME DEVELOPERS ALL OVER THE PLACE FOR FIVE CURRENT LAND PROSPECTS TO BUILD STATIONS. THE LULING STATION IS NOW ESD5 PROPERTY.
THAT IS THE ONLY BUILDING WE ACTUALLY OWN IN THE GROUND LEASE.
FOR THE OTHER STATIONS, STATION 1 AND STATION 2 HERE IN LOCKHART THAT GROUND LEASE HAS BEEN RENEWED AND AGAIN WE'LL BE ADDING A PEAK HOUR TRUCK WHICH WILL BE FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY, MONDAY 10A TO 10P AND WE'LL BE STATIONING THAT TRUCK CO HOUSING OUT AT MAXWELL FIRE IN OCTOBER. MY EMAIL DIDN'T COME OUT BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS I'D BE GLAD TO ANSWER THEM. AND THAT'S MY CONTACT INFORMATION.
WE APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU FOR THE UPDATE. ABSOLUTELY.
[I.1 To discuss and take possible action regarding the approval of the Minutes for the August 13, 2026, regular meeting and budget workshop meeting. Speaker: Judge Haden/Teresa Rodriguez; Backup: 12; Cost: $0.00]
OKAY, IF NOT WE'LL GO TO DISCUSSION ACTION ITEM ITEMS ITEM I1 DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE AUGUST 13TH, 2026 REGULAR MEETING. AND BUDGET WORKSHOP.MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
[I.2 To approve Resolution 35-2026 regarding the proposed reauthorization of the County's Tax Abatement and Reinvestment Zone Guidelines and Criteria. Speaker: Judge Haden/Fred Weber/Alex Hellerstedt; Backup: 10; Cost: $0.00]
AYE.MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 352026 REGARDING THE PROPOSED REAUTHORIZATION OF THE COUNTY'S TAX ABATEMENT AND REINVESTMENT ZONE GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA.
RESOLUTION 35, 2026 ELECTING TO PARTICIPATE IN TAX ABATEMENT WHEREAS CALDWELL COUNTY SEEKS TO GROW THE LOCAL ECONOMY, HISTORICALLY UNDERDEVELOPED PORTIONS OF THE COUNTY AND WHEREAS TAX ABATEMENT AND REINVESTMENT ZONES PROVIDES A MECHANISM BY WHICH COUNTY MAY RETAIN OR EXPAND LOCAL EMPLOYMENT, ATTRACT MAJOR INVESTMENT AND ENCOURAGE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTY. WHEREAS ON AUGUST 13, 2024 CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT ADOPTED GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENTS PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 312 OF THE TAX CODE. THE GUIDELINES AND WHEREAS, PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 312, THE TAX CODE, AND THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT DESIRE TO UPDATE AND REAUTHORIZE THE GUIDELINES IN THE FORM ATTACHED HERETO.
AND WHEREAS, IN ADDITION TO ADOPTING, UPDATING, AND REAUTHORIZING THE GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENTS, THE COUNTY MUST ALSO ELECT TO PARTICIPATE IN TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENTS PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 312 OF THE TAX CODE. TEXAS TAX CODE. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AT CALDWELL COUNTY, THROUGH ITS COMMISSIONER'S COURT ELECTS TO UPDATE REAUTHORIZE THE GUIDELINES IN THE FORM ATTACHED HERE TO FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 ENDING AUGUST 31, 2028 AND PARTICIPATE
[00:55:02]
IN TAX ABATEMENTS UNDER 312 OF THE TEXAS TAX CODE ORDERED THE 27TH DAY OF AUGUST 2026.COMMISSIONERS, WE LOOK FOR A MOTION MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION?
[I.3 To discuss and take possible action regarding a formal request for a one-year extension for the Longhorn Lake Ranch Final Plat, a 165-lot subdivision approved on August 27, 2024, on approximately 340 acres located at 445 Martindale Lake Road in Maxwell, Texas. Speaker: Commissioner Westmoreland/Kasi Miles; Backup: 2; Cost: $0.00]
NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.OPPOSED? HEARING NONE? MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I3 DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A FORMAL REQUEST FOR A ONE YEAR EXTENSION FOR THE LONGHORN LAKE RANCH FINAL PLAT, A 165 LOT SUBDIVISION APPROVED ON AUGUST 27, 2024 ON APPROXIMATELY 340 ACRES LOCATED AT 445 MARTINDALE LAKE ROAD IN MAXWELL.
GOOD MORNING. I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF MC AND HOOVER TO SPEAK CONCERNING A ONE YEAR EXTENSION REQUEST. ON AUGUST 27TH OF 2024, THE CALL WILL COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT APPROVED A FINAL PLAT FOR LONGHORN LAKE RANCH.
AT THIS TIME THEY'RE NEAR THE TWO YEAR EXPANSION. I'M SORRY, THE EXPIRED DATE OF THE TWO YEARS. SO THEY'RE ASKING FOR. SINCE THE PLAT HAS NOT BEEN RECORDED, THEY'RE ASKING FOR A ONE YEAR EXTENSION TO BE ABLE TO RECORD THE PLAT WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR ONCE THEY GET A FEW THINGS WORKED OUT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE SUBDIVISION.
OKAY, COMMISSIONERS, I'VE SPOKEN WITH THE DEVELOPER AND THIS HAS GONE IN FRONT OF TRACY AS WELL, AND HE'S COMFORTABLE WITH IT.
SO WITH THAT, I WOULD MOVE TO APPROVE THE ONE YEAR EXTENSION.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND? SECOND BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[I.4 To consider public streets and drainage in Bollinger - Phase 5A as complete and ready to begin the two-year performance period as evidenced by a maintenance bond in the amount of $75,819.45 for maintenance security. Speaker: Judge Haden/Commissioner Theriot/Donald Leclerc; Backup: 3; Cost: $0.00]
AYE.THANK YOU. ITEM I4, CONSIDER PUBLIC STREETS AND DRAINAGE AND BOLD, YOUR PHASE FIVE IS COMPLETE AND READY TO BEGIN THE TWO YEAR PERFORMANCE PERIOD AS EVIDENCED BY A MAINTENANCE BOND IN THE AMOUNT OF 75.819.45 FOR MAINTENANCE SECURITY.
PUNCH LIST HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND READY FOR THE TWO YEAR MAINTENANCE BONDED.
OKAY, COMMISSIONERS ASSEMBLED APPROVAL. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT,
[I.5 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Final Plat for Lytton Hills, Phase 2 consisting of 49 lots on approximately 62.322 acres located on FM 1854 and Barth Road. Speaker: Commissioner Thomas/Kasi Miles; Backup: 4; Cost: $0.00]
ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I5 TO DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE FINAL PLAT FOR LYTTON HILLS PHASE 2, CONSISTING OF 49 LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY 62.322 ACRES LOCATED ON FM 1854 AND BAR ROAD.
AT THIS TIME, I'D LIKE TO ASK FOR THE COURT TO TABLE THIS ITEM. THE THEY'RE STILL HAVING SOME ISSUES WITH THEIR ROADS AND AT THIS TIME WE JUST NEED TO REQUEST THE TABLE.
SO, MOVE TO APPROVE TABLE IT TO TABLE.
YES. OKAY. COMMISSIONER THOMAS MOVES TO TABLE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[I.6 To discuss and take possible action to authorize the execution of Supplemental Work Authorization No. 1 to Work Authorization No. 3 for the SH 142 West project between Caldwell County and American Structurepoint, Inc. Contract Amendment No. 1 was previously brought to Commissioners Court to increase the compensation cap under the existing Professional Services 2 Agreement. Speaker: Judge Haden/Commissioner Theriot/Maria Castanon; Backup: 17; Cost: $386,612.00]
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE.EXCUSE ME. ITEM I6, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL WORK AUTHORIZATION NUMBER ONE TO WORK AUTHORIZATION NUMBER THREE FOR SH142 WEST PROJECT BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY AND AMERICAN STRUCTURE POINT INC.
CONTRACT AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE WAS PREVIOUSLY BROUGHT TO THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO INCREASE THE COMPENSATION CAP UNDER THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT. GO AHEAD, MARIA.
GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. THIS CONTRACT DOCUMENT IS TO ALLOW FOR AMERICAN STRUCTURE POINT TO DO SOME ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC COUNTS AND UPDATE THEIR TRAFFIC METHODOLOGY MEMO FOR TXDOT AS WELL AS THE INTERSECTION CONTROL ANALYSIS AT SH142, (INAUDIBLE) LOOP, CLARK LOOP, AND RAILROAD ROAD. THIS ALSO INCLUDES THE TXDOT MEDIUM MEDIAN MEMO AND SOME UPDATES TO THE DRAINAGE MODEL. A LOT OF THIS INFORMATION WAS PREPARED AS PART OF THE WESTERN CALDWELL COUNTY ORIGINAL SCHEMATIC. THAT WAS DONE AND SO THERE WERE JUST SOME UPDATES THAT ARE BEING REQUIRED BY TXDOT.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS. I MOVE APPROVAL.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. OH, AND I NEGLECTED TO READ THE AMOUNT.
$386,612. OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[I.7 To discuss and take possible action to authorize the execution of Supplemental Work Authorization No. 2 to Work Authorization No. 1 for the Borchert Loop project between Caldwell County and American Structurepoint, Inc. The supplemental increases the amount payable under WA No. 1 from $694,900.77 to $813,734.77. Speaker: Judge Haden/Commissioner Westmoreland/Maria Castanon; Backup: 13; Cost: $118,834.00]
AYE.MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I SEVEN, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION. AUTHORIZED EXECUTION OF
[01:00:02]
SUPPLEMENTAL WORK AUTHORIZATION NUMBER TWO TO WORK AUTHORIZATION NUMBER ONE FOR THE BOARD CHART LOOP PROJECT BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY AND AMERICAN STRUCTURE POINT SUPPLEMENT. THE SUPPLEMENTAL INCREASES THE AMOUNT PAYABLE UNDER WA NUMBER ONE FROM 694,900. $694,900.77.THIS CONTRACT DOCUMENT IS SPECIFICALLY FOR THE SURVEYOR TO DO 12 ADDITIONAL MEETS AND BOUNDS DOCUMENTS SPECIFICALLY FOR RIGHT OF WAY ACQUISITION BASED ON THE DRAFT SCHEMATIC.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[I.8 To discuss and take possible action to authorize the execution of Supplemental Work Authorization No. 1 to Work Authorization No. 2 for the Luling Transportation Plan Update project between Caldwell County and HDR Engineering, Inc. The Supplemental increases the amount payable under WA No. 2 executed November 13, 2025 from $192,195.00 to $247,749.00. Speaker: Judge Haden/Commissioner Horne/Maria Castanon; Backup: 12; Cost: $55,554.00]
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE.MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I8, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL WORK AUTHORIZATION NUMBER ONE TO WORK AUTHORIZATION NUMBER TWO FOR THE LULU TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE PROJECT BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY AND HDR ENGINEERING, INC. THE SUPPLEMENTAL INCREASES THE AMOUNT PAYABLE UNDER WA NUMBER TWO, EXECUTED NOVEMBER 13, 2025, FROM $192,195 TO $247,749.
THIS CONTRACT DOCUMENT IS DURING THE PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS. PUBLIC COMMENTS WERE RECEIVED. REQUEST REQUESTING ADDITIONAL ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS FOR WHAT WAS CALLED OPTION A IN THAT PLAN. SO THIS IS TO COMPENSATE THE TEAM FOR LOOKING AT THOSE ADDITIONAL ALTERNATIVES. AND THIS PROJECT'S GOING TO BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF THE MONTH.
COMMISSIONERS. MOVE FOR APPROVAL.
APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORN. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL
[I.9 To discuss and take possible action authorizing the County Judge to execute the Texas Conviction Reporting Interlocal Cooperation Contract with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, on behalf of Justice of the Peace Precincts 1-4. Speaker: Commissioner Horne; Backup: 5; Cost: $0.00]
IN FAVOR SAY AYE.OPPOSED? HEARING NONE. MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM I9, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION AUTHORIZING COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE THE TEXAS CONVENTION CONVICTION REPORTING INTERLOCAL COOPERATION CONTRACT WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DRIVER'S LICENSE DIVISION ON BEHALF OF JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCTS 1 THROUGH 4. AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE, COMMISSIONER. EXACTLY. JUDGE, THIS CAME IN FRONT OF ME, AND ALL DPS IS WANTING ALL THE JPS TO UPGRADE TO THIS NEW SYSTEM. OKAY.
THERE'S NO COST TO THE COUNTY. OKAY. LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION? I'D MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE. MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[I.10 To discuss and take possible action to appoint a replacement for Hoppy Haden on the Capital Area Regional Planning Transportation Organization Committee. Speaker: Judge Haden; Backup: 2; Cost: $0.00]
AYE.MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I 10, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPOINT REPLACEMENT FOR HOPPY HADEN ON THE CAPITAL AREA REGIONAL PLANNING TRANSPORTATION ORGANIZATION. THIS. I'VE BEEN ON (INAUDIBLE) SINCE I BECAME COUNTY JUDGE FOR ALMOST EIGHT YEARS. THIS MEETING COMPLETELY CONFLICTS WITH ANOTHER REGULAR MEETING THAT I HAVE, AND SO I HAVE MISSED SEVERAL MEETINGS. AND I THINK WE OWE CAPCOG A RESPONSIBILITY TO PUT A COMMISSIONER ON THIS BOARD WHO CAN MAKE THESE MEETINGS THEIR QUARTERLY. ANY VOLUNTEERS? WHEN ARE THE MEETINGS? THEY KIND OF MOVE THEM AROUND, BUT THAT THEY'RE NOT REAL CONSISTENT.
THAT THEY'RE. THEY'RE ONCE EVERY THREE MONTHS, BUT THEY'RE NOT, YOU KNOW, THIRD FRIDAY.
THEY DO THEY LINE UP WITH THE EXISTING CAPCOG QUARTERLY MONTHS? THEY DO.
THAT'S WHAT I FIGURE. THE DATE.
WHY ARE Y' ALL LOOKING AT ME? CUZ YOU WERE TALKING THE.
MY ONLY COMMENT ON IT WOULD BE SINCE IT'S REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING. I KNOW COMMISSIONER THERIOT HAS MORE EXPERIENCE ON THAT THAN ANYBODY ELSE ON THIS COURT, BUT I'LL ALLOW HIM TO COMMENT ON IT.
COMMISSIONER, YOU ALREADY ON THE BOARD? YOU AND LOU WHITE? YEAH.
OKAY, WELL, I'LL VOLUNTEER FOR THIS.
I SECOND. YEAH. MAKE A MOTION.
MAKE A MOTION. PUT COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND ON THE CAPITAL AREA REGIONAL PLANNING TRANSPORTATION BOARD. OKAY. THANK YOU. WE HAVE A MOTION TO PUT COMMISSIONER
[01:05:01]
WESTMORELAND ON THE CARPO BOARD. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[I.11 To discuss and take possible action on Order 09-2026 regarding Early Elections Day Voting Locations and Hours for the November Election and the combination of certain election precincts. Speaker: Judge Haden/Devante Coe; Backup: 3; Cost: $0.00]
AYE.MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I11, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON ORDER 09, 2026 REGARDING EARLY ELECTION DAY VOTING LOCATIONS AND HOURS FOR THE NOVEMBER ELECTION AND THE COMBINATION OF CERTAIN ELECTION PRECINCTS.
ALL RIGHT. GOOD MORNING. I AM PROPOSING THE TEMPORARY BRANCH LOCATIONS AS PRESENTED IN FRONT OF YOU IN THE 15 ELECTION DAY LOCATIONS AS PRESENTED IN FRONT OF YOU.
THESE LOCATIONS HAVE BEEN BASICALLY TRYING TO KEEP WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT THAT WE'VE BEEN DOING FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS OF KEEPING AS MANY POLLING LOCATIONS OPEN AS POSSIBLE, WHILE ALSO TAKING IN CONSIDERATION TRAVEL DISTANCE, VOTER ACCESS, HOW MANY VOTERS CAN VOTE AT THESE POLLING LOCATIONS, AND VARIOUS OTHER OPTIONS.
IF Y' ALL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, I'M HERE TO ANSWER.
I'LL GO AHEAD AND READ THE ORDER. BEAR WITH ME. IT'S A LITTLE LENGTHY ORDER ESTABLISHING TEMPORARY BRANCHES, EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS, DESIGNATING ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACES, AND COMBINING CERTAIN COUNTY ELECTION PRECINCTS. WHEREAS THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT FOR CALDWELL COUNTY, TEXAS, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNATING COUNTY POLLING PLACES FOR ELECTION DAY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TEXAS SELECTION CODE, AND WHEREAS COMMISSIONER'S COURT MAY ESTABLISH ONE OR MORE TEMPORARY BRANCH EARLY POLLING PLACES IN ACCORDANCE WITH TEXAS ELECTION CODE SECTION 85062 AND 85064 AND WHEREAS TEXAS ELECTION CODE SECTION 420051 AUTHORIZED COMBINATION OF CERTAIN COUNTY ELECTION PRECINCTS FOR GENERAL OR SPECIAL ELECTION WHEN THE APPLICABLE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS ARE SATISFIED AND WHEREAS CALDWELL COUNTY ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR HAS RECEIVED REGISTERED VOTER POPULATION, HISTORICAL ELECTION DAY UTILIZATION, EARLY VOTING PROCESS PATTERNS, POLLING PLACE AVAILABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY, GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE, EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES, STAFFING, SECURITY, CONNECTIVITY AND OTHER OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS AND WHEREAS THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT FINDS THE EMERGENCY TEMPORARY BRANCH VOTING LOCATIONS LISTED IN EXHIBIT A ARE APPROPRIATE AND WILL SERVE VOTERS DURING THE EARLY VOTING PERIOD AND WHEREAS THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT FINDS THE ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACES AND PRECINCT ASSIGNMENTS LISTED IN EXHIBIT B WILL ADEQUATELY SERVE THE VOTERS OF THE AFFECTED COUNTY ELECTION PRECINCTS AND WHEREAS THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT INTENDS THAT THE PLAN ADOPTED BY THIS ORDER BE ADMINISTERED IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THE TEXAS ELECTION CODE, THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND ALL OTHER APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL LAW NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED BY THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT OF CALDWELL COUNTY, TEXAS. TEMPORARY EARLY BRANCH EARLY VOTING PLACES THE TEMPORARY BRANCH EARLY VOTING PLACES, DATES AND HOURS LISTED EXHIBIT A ARE HEREBY ESTABLISHED FOR NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL ELECTION. THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR SHALL ADMINISTER EACH BRANCH LOCATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABILITY APPLICABLE EARLY VOTING REQUIREMENTS. ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACES THE ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACES LISTED IN THE EXHIBIT B ARE HEREBY DESIGNATED FOR NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL ELECTION. EACH COUNTY ELECTION PRECINCT SHALL VOTE AT THE ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACE ASSIGNED IN EXHIBIT B. COMBINATION OF CERTAIN COUNTY ELECTION PRECINCTS FOR ELECTION DAY PURPOSES. THE COUNTY ELECTION PRECINCT IDENTIFIED AS COMBINED IN EXHIBIT B ARE HEREBY COMBINED UNDER APPLICABLE AUTHORITY OF TEXAS ELECTION CODE SECTION 4200. THE COMBINED PRECINCT SHALL SHARE THE ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACE ELECTION OFFICERS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES SHOWN.
EXHIBIT B EARLY VOTING NOT AFFECTED BY PRECINCT COMBINATION THE COMBINATION OF COUNTY ELECTION PRECINCTS APPROVED BY THIS ORDER IS FOR ELECTION DAY ADMINISTRATION.
THE PRECINCT COMBINATION DOES NOT LIMIT VOTERS ABILITY TO VOTE AND AUTHORIZED BY EARLY VOTING POLLING PLACE DURING SUCH EARLY VOTING PERIODS. ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLEMENTATION THE CALDWELL COUNTY ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO IMPLEMENT THIS ORDER, PREPARE, PUBLISH AND POST REQUIRED ELECTION NOTICES ASSIGNING VOTING EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, COORDINATE ELECTION PERSONNEL AND MAKE ADMINISTRATIVE CORRECTIONS TO ADDRESS THE ROOM NAMES OR SIMILAR NON SUBSTANTIVE DETAILS WHEN NECESSARY. PROVIDE PROVIDED THAT ANY CHANGE REQUIRING COMMISSIONER'S COURT ACTION UNDER LAW SHALL BE RETURNED TO THE COURT FOR APPROVAL.
CONTROLLING LAW IF ANY PORTION OF THIS ORDER CONFLICTS WITH APPLICABLE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW, THE LAW CONTROLS, THE REMAINING PORTIONS
[01:10:02]
OF THIS ORDER SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. COMMISSIONERS WE'RE ON ITEM 11 AND WE'RE DISCUSSING AN ITEM 11 EARLY ELECTIONS DAY VOTING LOCATIONS AND HOURS FOR THE NOVEMBER COMBINATION AND THE COMBINATION OF CERTAIN PRECINCTS. SO THE TEMPORARY BRANCH POLLING PLACES THEY'RE LISTED IN EXHIBIT A ARE (INAUDIBLE) CIVIC CENTER, 33333 EAST AUSTIN, LING, TEXAS OCTOBER 19TH THROUGH 30TH, 2026 AND THE HOURS ARE OCTOBER 19TH. THEY VARY. THAT'S A THAT TIME. I THINK THAT TIME'S GOT A 9AM TO 6PM OCT. 24 9AM 6PM OCT. 25 9AM TO 3PM OCT. 26 THROUGH 28 28TH 9AM TO 6PM OCT. 29 THROUGH 30TH 7AM TO 6PM THAT WAS THE LING CIVIC CENTER, THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY CHURCH, 103 MAIN STREET, MARTINDALE, TEXAS OCT.19 THROUGH 30TH HOURS ARE OCT.
19 THROUGH 23RD 9AM TO 6PM OCT. 24 9AM TO 6PM OCT. 25 9AM TO 3PM OCT. 20 26TH THROUGH 28TH 9AM TO 6PM OCT.
29 THROUGH 30TH 7AM TO 6PM AND THESE THAT I'M READING OFF ARE THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR, ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACES AND COMBINATION COMBINED PRECINCT ASSIGNMENTS 101, 101, 101 REGISTERED VOTERS 1287 FIRST LOCKHART BAPTIST CHURCH AT 200 S BLANCO ST LOCKHART, TX 2024 GENERAL ELECTION GROUPING RETAIN THIS PROPOSED 2026 BASELINE AVOIDS DUPLICATE ED EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND PERSONNEL VERIFIED CURRENT COUNT BEFORE ADOPTION AND THAT THAT STATEMENT'S GOING TO GO FOR THE NEXT TWO 103 TO 1084150 REGISTERED VOTERS GRACE LUTHERAN FELLOWSHIP HALL 108 NORTH MEDINA STREET, LOCKHART, TEXAS SAME STATEMENT AS I READ BEFORE 102 AND 1041678 VOTERS VFW POST 892-770-7007 SOUTH US 183, LOCKHART, TEXAS 78644 SAME STATEMENT AS REASONS AND FINDINGS 111155 LOCKHART EVENING LIONS CLUB 220 BUFFKIN LANE, LOCKHART, TEXAS SINGLE PRECINCT LOCATION CARRIED FORWARD FROM 2024 GENERAL ELECTION PLAN VERIFIED 2026 AVAILABILITY TO PRECINCT 2031485 MCNEIL BAPTIST CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL 14304 FM 1322 LING, TEXAS 78648 SINGLE PRECINCT LOCATION CARRIED FORWARD FROM 2024 GENERAL ELECTION PLAN VERIFIED 2026 AVAILABILITY 2042051943 VOTERS MCMAHON COMMUNITY CENTER, 6022 FM 713, DALE, TEXAS 786172024 GENERAL ELECTION GROUPING RETAINED IS PROPOSED THE 2026 BASELINE VOTES DUPLICATE ED EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND PERSONNEL VERIFIED. CURRENT COUNT BEFORE ADOPTION.
PRECINCT 2062012023700 VOTERS LING CIVIC CENTER 2026 MAY ELECTION GROUP BEING RETAINED AS PROPOSED GENERAL ELECTION PLAN VERIFIED TO 2026 AVAILABILITY 30301, 2420 VOTERS THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY CHURCH, 103 MAIN ST.
MARTINDALE, TX 78655. 2024 GENERAL ELECTION GROUPING RETAINED AS PROPOSED 2026 BASELINE AVOIDS ED.
EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND PERSONNEL VERIFIED CURRENT COUNT BEFORE ADOPTION 302121209 REGISTERED VOTERS MAXWELL SOCIAL CLUB, 180 FOURTH ST MAXWELL, TX 78656.
SINGLE PRECINCT LOCATION CARRIED FORWARD FROM 2024 GENERAL ELECTION PLAN VERIFIED 2026 AVAILABILITY 3033062076 YULIN CITY HALL, COMMUNITY HALL, 15 NORTH OLD SPANISH
[01:15:04]
TRAIL, ULIN, TX 78640. SAME 2024 GENERAL ELECTION GROUPING RETAINED AS PROPOSED 2026 BASELINE AVOIDS DUPLICATE ED.EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND PERSONNEL VERIFIED COUNT BEFORE ADOPTION. 305 PRECINCT 305662 VOTERS (INAUDIBLE) COMMUNITY CHURCH 13481 STATE PARK ROAD FENCE, TX 78622.
SINGLE PRECINCT LOCATION CARRIED FORWARD FROM 2024.
GENERAL ELECTION PLAN VERIFIED 2026 AVAILABILITY FOR PRECINCT 401 970970.
VOTERS RECOMMENDED FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 514 NATHAN ST LOCKART, TX 78644. SINGLE PRECINCT LOCATION VERIFIED 2026 AVAILABILITY 4021269 LOCK LOCKHART ISD ADAMS GYM, 419 BODARK ST LOCKHART, TX 78644. SINGLE PRECINCT LOCATION CARRIED FORWARD FROM 2026.
PRIMARY ELECTION PLAN VERIFIED 2026 AVAILABILITY. PRECINCT 404 1,700 529 VOTERS LINTON SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH, 8511 FM 1854 DALE, TX 78616. SINGLE PRECINCT LOCATION CARRIED FORWARD FROM 2022. GENERAL ELECTION PLAN VERIFIED 2026 AVAILABILITY 404051543 DALE COMMUNITY CENTER, 47 CIVIC DR. DALE, TX 7861. 2024 GENERAL ELECTION GROUPING RETAINED THIS PROPOSED 2026 BASELINE AVOIDS DUPLICATE ED.
EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, PERSONNEL VERIFIED CURRENT COUNT BEFORE ADOPTION. OKAY, COMMISSIONERS, THOSE ARE THE LOCATIONS AND I'D LIKE TO GET A MOTION A SECOND. THEN WE CAN HAVE DISCUSSION AND, YOU KNOW, MODIFY IF YOU SEE FIT.
TO ALLOW FOR DISCUSSION, I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE.
APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. YOU HAVE A SECOND SUBJECT? WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A DISCUSSION? OH, YES, SIR. YEAH, FOR SURE.
JUST SECOND TO PROCEED WITH DISCUSSION.
DID YOU MAKE A SECOND? NO, SIR. I DON'T NEED TO PROVE.
DOES ANYBODY WANT TO MAKE A SECOND? I'LL SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. OKAY, NOW WE CAN GO AHEAD AND PROCEED THE DISCUSSION. COMMISSIONER THOMAS? YES, SIR. I OPPOSE THE 4:01, FIRST BAPTIST UNITED FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MOVING FROM SAINT MOUN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DUE TO THE FACT THAT WE. WE TALKED ABOUT SEVERAL THINGS AND I INHERITED SEVERAL DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THAT. TWO OF THE MAIN THINGS ABOUT WHAT WE NEED TO DISCUSS BECAUSE IT'S IN MY PRECINCT. IT'S NOT ONLY THE ADA ACCESSIBLE THAT ST.
MARK'S IS ADA ACCESSIBLE UPGRADED TO THE STANDARDS IN WHICH WE HAVE. HOW DO I KNOW? BECAUSE I WENT MYSELF MADE THE INSPECTIONS OF THE DOORS, EVERYTHING THAT'S COMBINED.
ALSO WE GOT TO LOOK AT THE SAFETY REASONS AS COMPARED TO FIRST BAPTIST. FIRST BAPTIST ACCESSIBILITY ONLY HAS ONE RAILING OF THE RAMP THAT'S BASICALLY 8 FOOT LONG. ST. MARK'S HAS TWO RAMPS FOR THE SAFETY OF ANY INDIVIDUAL THAT'S GOING UP THE RAMP INTO THE DOOR FOR SAFETY REASONS. IF SOMEONE WAS TO FALL AT FIRST BAPTIST, THE LIABILITY THAT LIES ON THE CAMP COUNTY BECAUSE OF LACK OF INSPECTION DUE TO THE COUNTY BECAUSE OF LACK OF RESOLUTION. ALSO IT WAS BROUGHT UP ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY. THERE'S ACCESSIBILITY AT FIRST. AT FIRST BAPTIST THERE'S NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF STEPS THAT YOU GOT TO STEP UP TO GET INTO THE SANCTUARY OF WHICHEVER SOUTH END, EAST END ARE IN THE FRONT TO GET THE FIRST BAPTIST ST.
MARK'S STRAIGHT. IT WAS BROUGHT UP TO THE ATTENTION. IT'S A STRAIGHT FLAT SURFACE THAT ANYONE ON WHEELCHAIR, CANE OR WHATEVER STRAIGHT UP INTO THE BUILDING. THE SIZE AND CIRCUMFERENCE OF BOTH BUILDINGS ARE EQUAL IN ST MARK'S HAS BEEN THERE FOR THE LONGEVITY OF THE TIME. I THINK OF WHAT BEING SAID ABOUT FIRST BAPTIST AND MOVE ST. MARK'S IT'S NOT VERIFIED DUE TO THE FACT THAT IF YOU WERE TO GO TO ST. MARK'S RIGHT NOW AND LOOK AT IT, WE GOT RESERVED HANDICAPPED PARKING THAT'S VERY VISIBLE. THIS ACCESSIBILITY THAT WAS BROUGHT UP, WE GOT EVERYTHING IMMACULATE.
YOU CAN DRIVE THROUGH PLENTY OF PARKING AND ALL LIKE THAT.
PLUS TO UNDERSTAND THE 70 DAYS UNTIL THE ELECTION. SO WHY
[01:20:02]
CHANGE? THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT ST MARK'S NOT BEING ACCESSIBLE TO ANY KIND OF HANDICAPS IN THE LAST 20, 25 YEARS.WHERE THIS CAME UP, I NEVER WOULD UNDERSTAND OR NEVER WOULD KNOW. BUT THE ACCESSIBILITY AND WHAT WE AS THE COUNTY AND THE COMMISSIONERS NEED TO UNDERSTAND IF WE WAS TO MOVE TO FIRST BAPTIST, WE'RE LIABLE FOR ALL KIND OF LAWSUITS DUE TO SOMEONE FALLING BECAUSE NOT BEING ACCESSIBLE AND NOT BEING HANDICAPPED. WHAT WE'RE SEEING ACCESSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE DANGER OF ACCESSIBILITY INTO THAT CHURCH.
SO REGARDING PRECINCT 401, I'VE ONLY BEEN HERE FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS. AS FAR AS HOW THINGS WERE ADMINISTERED BEFORE FOR ME, I CAN'T SPEAK ON, ONLY CAN SPEAK ON SINCE I'VE BEEN HERE. AND SO ONE OF THE FEW THINGS THAT I KNOW THAT I SINCE I'VE BEEN HERE IS WHEN I EVALUATE POLLING LOCATIONS I'M LOOKING AT A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT THINGS. ADA ACCESSIBLE IS ALSO ONE OF THEM, BUT ALSO ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL VOTERS. SO WE'RE LOOKING AT PARKING LOTS, WE'RE LOOKING AT SAFETY, TRAFFIC FLOW, MAKING SURE THAT THERE'S A SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH ROOM FOR ALL THE VOTING MACHINES AND VOTERS TO MOVE AROUND FREELY WITH INSIDE OF A POLLING LOCATION. WE'RE LOOKING AT INTERNET CONNECTIVITY, ELECTRICAL CAPACITY, PUBLIC OPERATIONS, WHAT ELSE IS ALL GOING ON.
THERE'S A VARIETY OF THINGS THAT WE LOOK AT THAT I HAVE TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF A POLLING LOCATION. YES, ST. MARKS HAS BEEN A POLLING LOCATION FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AND IN THE SAME TIME RECENTLY THAT PRECINCT HAS GROWN AT LEAST 300 VOTERS SINCE I'VE BEEN HERE.
WITH THAT TAKING THAT INTO CONSIDERATION. ST. MARCUS MAY BE QUOTE UNQUOTE SUITABLE FOR ADA, BUT THERE'S OTHER THINGS AS FAR AS VOTER ACCESS AND PUT ENOUGH MACHINES IN THERE FOR THE INCREASED VOTER TURN, INCREASED REGISTERED VOTERS IN THAT PRECINCT TO STILL GO IN THERE AND MOVE AROUND FREELY. WE ARE RESTRICTED TO PUTTING ABOUT FIVE MACHINES INSIDE OF ST. MARK'S PLUS A DS200 PLUS A CHECK IN TABLE AND ALSO STILL HAVE TO MAKE ROOM FOR VOTERS TO MOVE FREELY AND KEEP THEIR BALLOTS PRIVATE WITHOUT SOMEONE CLIMBING OVER EACH OTHER. ST. MARK'S HAS BEEN GROWN INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THAT CAPACITY AND WHAT THE BAPTIST CHURCH DOES, IT OFFERS A BIGGER VOTING ROOM SO WE CAN PUT MORE MACHINES IN THERE AND KEEP THAT ACCESS AVAILABLE. THERE'S A VARIETY OF THINGS THAT I LOOK AT WHEN I TAKE INTO POLLING LOCATION CONSIDERATIONS ALONG WITH VOTERS ACCESS IN A WAY OF TRAVEL. NOT ALL VOTERS HAVE THEIR OWN VEHICLES AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE AND I HAVE TO TAKE THAT IN CONSIDERATION. SOME PEOPLE ASK OTHER PEOPLE FOR RIDES, I HAVE TO TAKE THAT IN CONSIDERATION. AND I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ASK SOMEONE FOR A RIDE, BUT THEY TYPICALLY SAY OKAY, AS LONG AS IT'S NOT TOO FAR OUT OF THEIR WAY. SO I TRY TO KEEP ALL OF OUR POLLING LOCATIONS ON MAIN ROADS AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE. I HAVE NOT TOUCHED SEVERAL POLLING LOCATIONS SINCE I'VE GOTTEN HERE BECAUSE I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT COULD BEST WORK FOR CALDWELL COUNTY IN ITS FUTURE. AND AS IT GROWS I DIDN'T WANT TO BE THE EA THAT CAME IN AND SHUT DOWN ALL THE POLLING LOCATIONS BECAUSE THEY'RE NO LONGER SUITABLE, THEN I REALLY WOULD HAVE HAD SOMETHING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH. SO I WAS TRYING TO FIND REPLACEMENTS IN THESE PRECINCTS AS WE WENT ON.
THERE ARE A COUPLE OTHER THINGS, THINGS THAT I ALSO TAKE IN CONSIDERATION. SO ST.
MARK'S IS ONE OF THOSE POLLING LOCATIONS THAT'S BEEN ON MY LIST AT LOOKING AT A BETTER SUITABLE POLLING LOCATION FOR THAT ELECTION PRECINCT.
AND DUE TO THE FACT THAT CALDWELL COUNTY IS PRECINCT BASED AND NOT A COUNTYWIDE POLLING PLACE PROGRAM, THAT IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT FOR ME TO TAKE IN CONSIDERATION. SO THAT'S WHERE THAT CAME IN WHEN IT COME CAME TO THAT ST. MARKS JUDGE MA.
YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT THE MAIN LOCATIONS.
FIRST ST. MARK'S IS ON EAST LAVO. FIRST BAPTIST ON NATURE'S. YOU RUN STRAIGHT THROUGH EAST LAVO TO GET TO ANY, ANY KIND OF LOCATION IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD PRECINCT FOR AVAILABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY. YOU GOT TO TURN OFF THE STREETS TO GO TO NATURE'S TO GET TO FIRST BAPTIST. YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY. YOU GOT TO BACK OUT OF ST. MARKS IF YOU WANT TO. ST. MARK'S IS A DRIVE THROUGH. YOU DRIVE THROUGH, YOU PARK. THERE'S PLENTY OF PARKING. THE POINT OF IT IS THAT ALL THINGS ARE EQUAL AND FIRST BAPTIST IS NOT SUITED FOR ALL THINGS. YOU CAN MOVE AROUND. YOU CAN DO ALL THE SAME THINGS THAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT AT ST. MARK'S THAT YOU CAN AS FIRST BAPTIST. THE TVS IN FIRST BAPTIST DOESN'T WORK.
HOW DO I KNOW? BECAUSE OF THE FACT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT ELECTRICAL OUTLETS.
THEY'RE OUT HALF THE TIME WHEN YOU GO TO THE SERVICE. I'M NOT DISPARAGED IN FIRST BAPTIST.
ST. MARK'S MEET ALL KIND OF ELECTRICAL BUILDINGS THAT HAVE BEEN UPGRADED TO THE MATS.
WHAT I'M JUST SAYING IS THAT EVERYTHING MEETS ALL THE QUALIFICATIONS. YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT FLOW THROUGH TRAFFIC WAS
[01:25:01]
A GOOD POINT. ST. MARK'S FLOW THROUGH FROM BROWSER STREET ALL THE WAY DOWN TO ST. SABINE.YOU CAN MAKE A LOOP ALL THE WAY AROUND AND GO STRAIGHT TO SABINE FIRST BAPTIST. AGAIN, YOU CAN TURN OFF SABINE. YOU GOT TO GO THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD. YOU MIGHT HIT A DOG, A CAR, ANYTHING. SO IT'S NOT ACCESSIBILITY WHEN YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT GOING STRAIGHT THROUGH AND FLOATING THROUGH TRAFFIC. I FAIRLY DISAGREE WITH THAT BECAUSE IT'S NOT TRUE. SO WHEN YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT THESE THINGS TO MOVE AROUND, WE AT ST.
MARK, YOU MIGHT HAVE MET THIS CHURCH, HAD A PIANIST THAT WAS IN A WHEELCHAIR THAT MOVED AROUND FOR FIVE YEARS IN ST.
MARK'S WITH NO PROBLEM WHATSOEVER.
AND WE'RE JUST TALKING ABOUT BEING IN WHEELCHAIR.
MARK'S IN THE SANCTUARY OR WHATEVER.
FIRST BAPTIST IS GOING TO HAVE TO DISINTEGRATE THEIR SANCTUARY TO MAKE IT BIGGER. SAINT MARTIN DO NOT HAVE TO DO THAT. YOU CAN GO BACK AND ST. MARK'S GOT RESTROOM ACCESSIBILITY, PULL UPS AND ALL THE THINGS THAT YOU NEED TO DO. THE THINGS THAT ST.
MARK'S WAS NEED THE EA BEFORE SEND A LETTER IN DUE TIME AHEAD OF TIME TO SAINT MARK TO ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL WARNING THEM SAID HEY, IF YOU DO NOT BECOME ADA ACCESSIBLE OR DO YOU NOT IT DOES NOT FIT HOURS BEFORE THIS TIME WE'LL TAKE IT AWAY. THAT WAS NOT GIVEN AT ANY TIME TO ST. MARK'S ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL OR ANYBODY AT ST.
MARK'S AGAIN, IF YOU'RE TALKING FLOW THROUGH TRAFFIC WHICH NEED TO FLOW THROUGH STRAIGHT.
WELL, YOU GO STRAIGHT FROM, FROM EAST LIVE OAK ALL THE WAY AROUND. YOU GOT TO REALLY UNDERSTAND THE TERRITORY. SO YOU DON'T WANT TO BE IN FIRST BAPTIST BACKING OUT HOLES IN THE CEMENT EVERYTHING THAT'S ACCOUNTABILITY. SO LET'S TALK ABOUT THE FLOW THROUGH TRAFFIC AND IT'S VERY CONVENIENT TO GET TO ST. MARK'S TO VOTE TO LEAVE AND ACCESSIBILITY TO MOVE AROUND EVERYTHING THAT YOU SAID ST. MARK'S IS THOROUGHLY EQUAL TO DO THOSE THINGS. SO AT 70 DAYS LEFT INTO THIS PRECINCT, INTO THIS VOTING, THERE SHOULD NOT BE A CHANGE FROM FIRST BAPTIST TO LEAVE IT AT (INAUDIBLE) TO LEAVE IT AT ST. MORITZ. AGAIN, COMMISSIONERS UNDERSTAND THAT THERE'S NOT ENOUGH RAILING AND WE CAN BE LIABLE FOR ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT THAT HAPPENS AT FIRST BAPTIST BECAUSE IT'S UNPREVENTABLE. HOW MANY POLL HOW MANY RAILINGS IS THAT FIRST BAPTIST? ONLY ONE. HOW MANY RAILINGS AGAIN, I REPEAT, TO PROTECT. SO SOMEONE GOING UP THE STAIRS, THERE'S TWO FOR SAFETY. WE DON'T EVEN HAVE TO TALK ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY.
LET'S TALK SAFETY AND THE CONDUIT THAT PROTECT THE COUNTY FROM ANY KIND OF SUIT FROM GRANDMA OR GRANDPA OR LITTLE CHILDREN FALLING DOWN, GETTING HURT, TRYING TO GO UP SOME DEEP STAIRS THAT IT'S NOT EVEN NECESSARY. ACCESSIBILITY AND SAFETY IS WHAT WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT TO DATE.
OKAY, THANK YOU. SO I MOVE BUT WE GOTTA. I GOTTA LET COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND AMEND HIS MOTION IF HE'D LIKE TO.
I'M SORRY, COMMISSIONER, I JUST HAD ONE QUESTION.
DEVONTE. WERE YOU PLANNING BECAUSE THIS HADN'T COME UP.
WHEN YOU MENTIONED THE SPACE SIZE, IT POPPED MY HEAD. WERE YOU PLANNING ON PUTTING MORE VOTING MACHINES AT FIRST BAPTIST AS OPPOSED TO WHAT YOU CURRENTLY HAVE AT ST. MARTIN PARKS? YES, THAT'S THE INTENT TO MAKE SURE WE CAN CONTINUE TO SERVE VOTERS AS WE'RE STILL PRECINCT BASED BECAUSE ON THAT VERY LAST DAY TO VOTE, VOTERS HAVE TO RUSH TO THEIR PRECINCT IN ORDER TO VOTE INSTEAD OF A COUNTYWIDE SYSTEM WHERE THEY CAN VOTE AT ANY POLLING LOCATION. SO IT'S VERY CRITICAL THAT ANY POLLING LOCATIONS THAT I HAVE AS A PRECINCT BASED VOTING COUNTY HAS ADEQUATE ENOUGH MACHINES FOR THAT FINAL MOMENT THAT ENOUGH PEOPLE CAN, CAN GET IN. BECAUSE ONCE SEVEN O' CLOCK HITS, WE CAN'T ACCEPT ANY MORE VOTERS. NOW WHAT I WILL ALSO ADD ON TO THAT IS I WOULD INVITE ANY OF THE COMMISSIONERS TO COME WITH ME TO TAKE A WALK THROUGH YOUR POLLING LOCATIONS IN YOUR PRECINCT SO WE CAN SHOW YOU THE THINGS THAT WE GO THROUGH WHEN IT COMES TO THAT. I HAVE, I HAVE YET TO HAD ANY VISITS OVER THAT TO WALK THROUGH THESE BESIDES THE ONE CONVERSATION WE DID HAVE ON THE PHONE. AND I WELCOME ANY CONVERSATION THAT TALK ABOUT POLLING LOCATIONS.
IT'S BEEN THE SAME SINCE I'VE BEEN HERE. FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS. I'VE BEEN VERY CONSISTENT WITH 16 AND THERE'S A REASON BEHIND THAT. IT HASN'T BEEN QUESTIONED UNTIL THIS YEAR.
WITH NEW STUFF POPPING UP, I CAN'T ADDRESS EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE'S CONCERNS. ONLY THING I CAN DO IS MAKE SURE THE COLDWELL COUNTY VOTERS DO HAVE ADEQUATE ACCESS TO POLLING AND VOTING ON THE VERY LAST DAY TO VOTE.
AND AGAIN, IF YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT ADDING VOTING MACHINES INTO ANY KIND, OF ANY KIND, AGAIN, ST. MARK'S IS GOING TO, I MEAN FIRST BAPTIST IS GOING TO HAVE TO OPEN THEIR SANCTUARY, MOVE THE CHAIRS,
[01:30:01]
THE BLINDNESS AND ANYTHING TO BE ACCEPTABLE FOR ANY KIND OF VOTING MACHINE, WHICH IS POSSIBLE. AND ST.MARK'S COULD DO THE SAME THING.
SO IT'S NO, IT'S NO DIFFERENT IN WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO DO.
IT'S JUST MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT AND THAT'S THEY'RE GOING TO BE THEIR ADJUSTMENT AND THAT WOULD BE THE SAME THING AS SAINT MORT. SO IT'S NO DIFFERENT.
AND AGAIN, AVAILABILITY FOR ELECTRICITY AND OUTLETS AND POLES ARE VERY ACCESSIBLE AT ST. MARTS AS COMPARED TO FIRST BAPTIST. WE HAVE DID SEVERAL THINGS AT FIRST BAPTIST. THE TVS GO OUT, EVERYTHING GOES OUT BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT ACCESSIBLE. WITH THE OUTLETS AND THE PORTABLE.
WE DIDN'T HAVE SEVERAL REPRESENTATIONS OR NEIGHBORHOOD REPRESENTATION. WHATEVER FIRST BAPTISTS DO, SAINT MARS CAN DO A LITTLE BIT BETTER BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THEY WILL HAVE TO ADJUST IN THEIR SANCTUARY TO ADD POLLING MACHINE. SAINT MARS CAN ADJUST AT POLLING MACHINES THE SAME WAY. SO IF IT'S NOT BROKE, AS SHE SAID, WHY TRY TO FIX IT? OKAY, THANK YOU FOLKS.
WE'RE TRYING TO WORK THROUGH IT.
OKAY, WELL IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE COURT TO FULLY, FULLY VET COMMISSIONER THOMAS'S COMMENTS.
I'LL. I'LL RESCIND MY MOTION FOR APPROVAL AND ALLOW A DIFFERENT MOTION TO BE MADE.
I'D LIKE TO MAKE THE MOTION THAT 401 REMAIN AT SAME MOTION. 90 METHODIST CHURCH LOCATED AT 600 EAST LA VOTE FOR THIS FOR THIS YEAR AND YEARS TO COME TO BE OUR BOAT POLLING LOCATION.
WE CAN ONLY DO IT FOR THIS YEAR, BUT THANK YOU, I APPRECIATE THE MOTION. CAN WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND MOTION? A SECOND TO KEEP ST. MARK'S ANY OTHER COMMENTS ON ANY OF THE OTHER LOCATIONS? OKAY, I HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
YES. THE MOTION THAT COMMISSIONER THOMAS MADE, WAS IT SPECIFIC TO 401 OR DID WE. DID WE ADOPT THE WHOLE LIST? WE ADOPT THE WHOLE LIST.
TO KEEP IT AT SAME MARKS THE REST OF THE LIST. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE. OKAY, LET'S SEE ON ITEM AND FIGURE OUT WHERE WE'RE AT HERE.
[I.12 To discuss and take possible action on Order 10-2026 regarding the appointment of Elections Day Judges for a one or two-year term, Early Voting Ballot Board Judges, and Central Counting Station Workers. Speaker: Judge Haden/Devante Coe; Backup: 5; Cost: $0.00]
OKAY. ITEM I12 DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON ORDER 102026 REGARDING A POPE APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION DAY JUDGES FOR ONE OR TWO YEAR TERM EARLY VOTING BALLOT BOARD JUDGES AND CENTRAL COUNTING STATION WORKERS.DEVONTE SIR, I'M ASKING IF WE CAN TABLE THIS TO THE NEXT COMMISSIONER'S COURT AVAILABLE.
COMMISSIONER'S COURT AS THE LIST WAS SUBMITTED TO THE COURTS AND THE ELECTIONS OFFICE HAVE YET TO BE ABLE TO VERIFY THE ELIGIBILITY OF ALL PEOPLE SUBMITTED ON THESE LISTS WHICH WE MUST VERIFY BEFORE APPOINTING THESE PEOPLE TO THIS POSITIONS.
MOVE TO TABLE BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
[I.13 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Caldwell County Burn Ban. Speaker: Judge Haden/Hector Rangel; Backup: 2; Cost: $0.00]
IN FAVOR SAY AYE.MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I 13 DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A CALDWELL COUNTY BURN BAND.
GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, STAFF, AND GALLERY COMMISSIONERS.
WE'VE HAD A FEW FIRES IN THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS.
SOME WERE CAUSED BY COMBINES AND PEOPLE MOWING, GETTING, TRYING TO GET THEIR HAY BALED BEFORE WINTER. OTHERS WERE CAUSED BY OIL FIELD WORKERS THAT WERE PULLING. PULLING A LOT OF THEIR EQUIPMENT OFF THE FRONT FIELDS AND RUNNING INTO POWER LINE. THE WEATHER'S BEEN VERY, VERY DRY. CURRENTLY THERE'S A LITTLE RAIN FORECASTED FOR TODAY WITH A 30 TO 40% CHANCE OF RAIN.
BUT IT WON'T BE TILL LATER THIS AFTERNOON FOR CALDWELL COUNTY. HAYS BASTROP TROPICAL VIEW THERE'S A TROPICAL DEPRESSION WAY OUT IN THE. IN THE CARIBBEAN.
BUT THEY'RE SAYING IT'S GOING TO DIE WHEN IT HITS PUERTO RICO. SO I DON'T SEE ANY RAIN COMING OUT OF THAT? CURRENT KVDI NUMBERS RIGHT NOW, THE MINIMUM IS 627. MAX IS 698 WITH AN AVERAGE OF 653 WITH A CHANGE OF 6. THESE NUMBERS ARE INCREASING DAILY AND WE SHOULD BE HITTING 700 PROBABLY WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS. IF THE TEMPERATURE STAYS IN THE TRIPLE DIGITS, WHICH WE'VE BEEN IN FOR THE LAST 30 DAYS. I'M GOING TO RECOMMEND TO COMMISSIONERS
[01:35:01]
COURT THAT WE EXTEND THE BURN BAN ANOTHER TWO WEEKS UNTIL WE GET SUFFICIENT RAIN OR SOMETHING HAPPENS IN THE FUTURE.YES, SIR. OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION TO KEEP BURN BAN ON BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
[I.14 To discuss and take possible action regarding the proposed property tax rate for Tax Year 2026, including consideration of the No-New-Revenue Tax Rate, Voter-Approval Tax Rate, and/or maintaining the existing tax rate. Speaker: Danie Teltow; Backup: 55; Cost: $0.00]
THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.THANK YOU, HECTOR. ITEM I14, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR TAX YEAR 2026, INCLUDING CONSIDERATION OF NO NEW REVENUE TAX, VOTER APPROVAL TAX RATE, AND MAINTAINING EXISTING TAX RATE.
GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. AND COMMISSIONERS, RIGHT NOW, I'M PROPOSING.
I'M PROPOSING RIGHT NOW THAT WE JUST CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THE EXISTING TAX RATE. THAT ONLY ALLOWS FOR ABOUT 500,000 FROM PREVIOUS YEAR. SO THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE WOULD, YOU KNOW, PRETTY MUCH BALANCES OUT.
NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS. BUT I THINK IF WE CAN MAINTAIN THE CURRENT TAX RATE, THEN ALLOW FOR THAT CONSIDERATION NEXT YEAR TO HAVE THAT ROOM TO ADJUST WITH THAT 4 PENNIES INCREASE DUE TO THE ROAD BOND.
BUT I THINK THIS YEAR WILL BE FINE IF WE JUST CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THE.
THE CURRENT RATE. OKAY, COMMISSIONERS.
WELL, I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED TAX RATE.
THE EXISTING RATE EXISTING, RIGHT? YES, SIR.
I NEED EVERY COMMISSIONER AND RECORD TO HAVE A RECORD.
SO A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND CALL RECORD VOTE.
COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND, AYE COMMISSIONER HORNE? AYE.
[I.15 To discuss and take possible action regarding Budget Transfer 19-2026, transferring $1,406.00 from Training, $4,000.00 from Rentals, and $3,000.00 from Grounds Upkeep, for a total of $8,406.00, to Repairs and Maintenance to provide additional funding for anticipated building maintenance needs. Speaker: Judge Haden/Danie Teltow; Backup: 1; Cost: $0.00]
AYE.ITEM I 15. DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING BUDGET TRANSFER 19202 6.
TRANSFERRING $1,406 FROM TRAINING, 4,000 FROM RENTALS AND 3,000 FROM GROUNDS UPKEEP, FOR A TOTAL OF $8,406 TO REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR ANTICIPATED BUILDING MAINTENANCE NEEDS.
YES, I SHOULD SAY UNANTICIPATED, BUT WE WILL MAKE THAT.
NO, THERE'S JUST SOME UNANTICIPATED NEEDS OVER AT THE JUSTICE CENTER BUILDING MAINTENANCE IS JUST NEEDING TO DO AN INTERNAL TRANSFER WITHIN HIS OWN BUDGET TO TAKE CARE OF SOME INVOICES.
OKAY, COMMISSIONERS, MOVE FOR APPROVAL.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL
[I.16 To discuss and take possible action on Budget Transfer 20-2026 for Constable PCT. 4 moving $900.00 Machinery & Equipment and $800.00 Dues & Subscriptions to Uniform-expense in the total amount of $1,700.00. Speaker: Judge Haden/Danie Teltow; Backup: 1; Cost: $0.00]
IN FAVOR SAY AYE.MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I16, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON BUDGET TRANSFER 2020. 202026 FOR CONSTABLE PRECINCT 4. MOVING $900 MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT AND 800 DUES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS TO UNIFORM EXPENSE IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $1,700.
THIS IS JUST AN INTERNAL TRANSFER AS WELL OVER TO THE UNIFORMS. THEY JUST NEED A LITTLE BIT MORE MONEY.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND? SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION?
[I.17 To discuss and take possible action regarding Budget Transfer 21-2026 moving $1,605.00 for County Clerk purchase. Speaker: Judge Haden/Danie Teltow; Backup: 2; Cost: $0.00]
NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I 17, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING BUDGET TRANSFER 21202, MOVING $1,605 FOR COUNTY CLERK PURCHASE.
YEP, SAME THING. JUST AN INTERNAL TRANSFER FOR TO COVER AN INVOICE THAT WE DIDN'T FORESEE.
OKAY, COMMISSIONERS, MOVE TO APPROVE.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL
[I.18 To discuss and take possible action on Budget Transfer 22-2026 for Non-Departmental moving from Contingency to Office Supplies in the amount of $2,130.00. Speaker: Judge Haden/Danie Teltow; Backup: 1; Cost: $0.00]
IN FAVOR SAY AYE.MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I18, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON BUDGET TRANSFER FOR NON DEPARTMENTAL MOVING FROM CONTINGENCY TO OFFICE SUPPLIES IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,130.
THIS ONE IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT WITH ALL THE SHIFTING OF DIFFERENT OFFICES. I KNOW THAT THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT WAS OUT OF JURY ROOM THERE FOR A WHILE. WE HAVE MOVED PURCHASING, BUT INSTEAD OF PUTTING THAT OLD FURNITURE BACK IN THERE THAT WAS GETTING TORN UP AND KIND OF BEAT AROUND, WE WENT AHEAD AND BOUGHT SOME NEW CONFERENCE DESK AND EIGHT CHAIRS. SO THIS IS JUST MOVING SOME MONEY FROM CONTINGENCY OVER TO OFFICE SUPPLIES AND THE NON DEPARTMENTAL TO COVER THAT.
[01:40:02]
MOVE FOR APPROVAL.MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION?
[I.19 To discuss and take possible action on approval of an Interlocal Agreement between Caldwell 3 County and Capital Area Council of Governments for the 9-1-1 Geographic Information System Database Management FY 2027. Speaker: Judge Haden/Amber Quinley; Backup: 43; Cost: $0.00]
ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE? AYE.19, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON APPROVAL OF INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY AND CAVALIER COUNTY OF GOVERNMENT FOR 911 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM DATABASE MANAGEMENT FY2027.
GOOD MORNING. THIS IS JUST OUR ANNUAL CAPCOG AGREEMENT THAT SUPPLEMENTS OUR 911 ADDRESSING OPERATIONS. OKAY, COMMISSIONERS? MOVE APPROVAL.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL
[I.20 To discuss and take possible action on accepting an award from the Texas Historical Commission for the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program for the restoration of the Caldwell County Courthouse, and to authorize the County Judge to execute contract documents associated with this grant award. Speaker: Judge Haden/Amber Quinley; Backup: 1; Cost: $426,977.00]
IN FAVOR SAY AYE.MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I 20 DISCUSSED IT TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON ACCEPTING AN AWARD FROM THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION FOR TEXAS HISTORIC COURTHOUSE PRESERVATION PROGRAM FOR RESTORATION OF THE CALDWELL COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND AUTHORIZED COUNTY JUDGE. EXECUTE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS GRANT AWARD. AND THERE IS A COST OF $426,977.
SO THAT IS OUR MATCH. THE AWARD FOR THE FULL, FULL RESTORATION GRANT PROJECT IS $3,784,202.
THAT'S THE TOTAL PROJECT COST.
AS YOU SAID, OUR MATCH IS $426,977. AND WE WILL NEED TO GO OUT FOR BID HERE IN THE NEXT SESSION OR TWO FOR PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES.
MOVE. APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION?
[I.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 22 to provide financial assistance to the District Attorney's Office. Speaker: Judge Haden/Amber Quinley/Fred Weber; Backup: 6; Cost: $0.00]
NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON SUBMITTING A GRANT APPLICATION TO TEXAS COMPTROLLER A PUBLIC ACCOUNTS FOR THE RURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANT PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY SENATE BILL 2022 TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
SO THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF THE SB22 FUNDING, AND THIS IS FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. AND THIS WILL SUPPLEMENT SOME OF HIS SALARIES. SO THE MAX THAT WE CAN GET AND THIS IS 175,000. AND THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE RECEIVED IN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS.
SO THAT'S WHAT WE WILL ANTICIPATE THIS TIME.
OKAY. COMMISSIONERS, MOVE FOR APPROVAL.
APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT.
[I.22 To discuss and approve final draft and solicitation of RFQ26CCP01Q Master Development Services. Speaker: Judge Haden/Stephanie Pleitez; Backup: 37; Cost: $0.00]
ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.MOTION CARRIES. ITEM I22, DISCUSS AND APPROVE FINAL DRAFT AND SOLICITATION FOR RFQ26 CCP01Q. MASTER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, AND COMMISSIONERS. I'M REQUESTING YOUR APPROVAL TO POST AN RFQ FOR MASTER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. THIS WILL HELP US IDENTIFY QUALIFIED VENDORS TO PLAN, EXECUTE AND THE EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF CALDWELL COUNTY'S FACILITIES. I RESPECTFULLY ASK FOR YOUR MOTION TO PROCEED.
OKAY. COMMISSIONERS? MOVE FOR APPROVAL.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
[I.23 To discuss and approve the evaluation committee for RFQ26CCP01Q Master Development Services. Speaker: Judge Haden/Stephanie Pleitez; Backup: 1; Cost: $0.00]
THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE? AYE.DISCUSS AND DISCUSS AND TAKE ACTION TO . IT'S KIND OF WEIRD AND WRITTEN WEIRD.
RFQ 26 CCP 01 Q. MASTER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.
FOR THIS RFQ, WE RESPECTFULLY RECOMMEND COUNTY JUDGE HOBBY HADEN, PRECINCT 3 COMMISSIONER ED THERIOT, COUNTY AUDITOR DANNY TELTO, FIRST ASSISTANT AUDITOR GABBY SALDANA, AND PERCHING ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT DOMINIQUE ESQUIVEL AS PART OF THE SELECTION AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE.
I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE THE COMMITTEE AS READ.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.
[J. EXECUTIVE SESSION]
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.MOTION CARRIES. WE'RE GOING TO MOVE TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 10:44. AND BY THE WAY, COMMISSIONERS WILL BE USING THE JURY ROOM AGAIN. J1 PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551087, DISCUSSION OF DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT APEX.
GRAPHITE AND J2 PURSUANT TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE 551087, DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION
[01:45:01]
REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT HERCULES. POSSIBLE ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT.I AM AND PURSUANT TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551087. DISCUSSION DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS WITH PROJECT APEX. GRAPHITE. NO ACTION WILL FOLLOW. AN OPEN COURT PURSUANT TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551087. DISCUSSION OF DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC NEGOTIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT HERCULES. NO ACTION WILL FOLLOW. AN OPEN COURT.AND I WOULD LOOK FOR A MOTION TO TABLE ITEMS I20, 24 AND I25.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM K NEED MOTION TO ADJOURN.
MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
MOTION CARRIES. WERE ADJOURNED AT 11:12.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.