[A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER]
[00:00:03]
OKAY, GOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY.
UH, THANK YOU FOR COMING TO CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT. WE'RE GONNA CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2026 AT 9:00 AM, AND I BELIEVE PASTOR HARDWAY'S HERE TO DO OUR INVOCATION THIS MORNING.
PLEASE BOW YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR SPIRIT IN PRAYER WITH ME.
DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WE DO SO THANK YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE AS OUR GREAT INTERCESSOR, WHOEVER LIVETH TO INTERCEDE FOR US. LORD FATHER, WE THANK YOU FOR BEING A VERY PRESENT HELP IN ANY TIME OF TROUBLE. LORD FATHER, WE THANK YOU FOR WATCHING OVER YOUR WORD TO PERFORM IT, THAT YOU SAID THAT I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN YOU, THOUGH WE MAY DIE, WE SHALL LIVE, AND WHOSOEVER LIVETH AND BELIEVETH IN YOU SHALL NEVER DIE. YOU'RE ASKING, DO WE BELIEVE, LORD? AND WE PRAY, LORD FATHER, IN EVERYTHING THAT WE DO, LORD FATHER, YOU SAID MAKE OUR REQUESTS KNOWN WITH THANKSGIVING AND SUPPLICATION, LORD GOD, AND THE GOD OF PEACE WILL GUARD OUR HEARTS AND OUR MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS.
WE'RE PRAYING EVERY DECISION MADE BE MADE WITH WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT.
WE ASK THAT YOU WATCH OVER EVERY HEART, EVERY HEART THAT IS IN NEED, LORD FATHER, OF YOUR COMFORT.
ANYONE WHO MOURNS, YOU SAID, BLESSED ARE ALL THOSE WHO MOURN, FOR THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED.
WE THANK YOU FOR FIGHTING ALL OF OUR BATTLES AND HOLDING OUR PEACE, LORD FATHER. WE THANK YOU THAT WE HAVE OBTAINED PEACE THROUGH THE BLOOD OF THE CROSS, LORD FATHER.
FOR YOU'RE THE GOD OF OUR SALVATION, IN WHOM WE WILL TRUST AND NOT BE AFRAID.
YOU DID NOT GIVE US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR, BUT OF POWER, OF LOVE, AND A SOUND MIND THAT'S DISCIPLINED WITH SELF-CONTROL. SO WE THANK YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE AND YOU ALONE, AS WE PRAY ALL OF THESE THINGS IN YOUR BLE- BLESSED SON, OUR SAVIOR'S JESUS'S NAME. AMEN.
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 PEACE AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. I HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD, AND ONE AND INDIVISIBLE.
[D. ANNOUNCEMENTS]
OKAY, COMMISSIONERS, DO YOU HAVE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS MORNING? UH, JUST ONE. JUDGE NICOLE HANDED ME THIS, UH, UH, FLYER. THEY'RE GOING TO BE A, UH, FREE COMMUNITY DUMP DAY ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10TH, FROM 8 A.M. TO 1 P.M., UH, OR UNTIL THEY'RE FULL, AND THAT WILL BE LOCATED AT THE UNIT ROAD OFFICE AT 1700 FM 2720, LOCKHART, TEXAS. IT IS FREE FOR ALL COUNTY RESIDENTS, BUT THEY'RE GOING TO REQUEST A GOVERNMENT ID AND PROOF OF RESIDENCY IS REQUIRED.AND, UH, SOMETHING NEW, THEY'RE GOING TO RES- UH, ACCEPT REFRIGERATORS, FREEZERS, AC UNITS, ANYTHING WITH CFCS AT THIS EVENT.
UM, THERE'LL BE A, UH, TIRE DROP-OFF EVENT ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24TH, UH, FROM 8 A.M. TO NOON, OR UNTIL THE, UM, THE IT'S FULL.
UH, IT'LL BE HELD IN TWO LOCATIONS, ONE AT THE MAXWELL, UH, CONSTABLE PRECINCT 3 OFFICE, UH, AND THE OTHER IS AT THE PRECINCT 4 OFFICE ON 1185.
UM, BUT, UM, I THINK THERE'S A 10 TIRE LIMIT WITH OR WITHOUT RIMS. OKAY, THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER THOMAS? NONE AT THIS TIME.
OKAY, I HAVE NONE. I KNOW WE HAVE AT LEAST ONE STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT. DEBBIE? GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND UM, COMMISSIONERS. I WOULD LIKE TO UH, TAKE THIS TIME TO INTRODUCE JACQUELINE BARTSCH. SHE IS MY NEW CHIEF DEPUTY THAT IS COMING FROM, FROM, UH, BASTROP COUNTY, AND SHE BRINGS A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO OUR OFFICE, AND I JUST WANTED TO WELCOME HER.
ALL RIGHT, ANY OTHER STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS?
[E. CITIZENS' COMMENTS]
OKAY, IF NOT, WE WILL GO TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS. WANT TO REMIND YOU, YOU HAVE 4 MINUTES, UH, AND JUST, YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE US YOUR ADDRESS, BUT JUST STATE YOUR NAME AND, AND, UH, WHAT, WHAT CITY YOU'RE FROM, UH, AND THAT'S GOOD ENOUGH, AND WE'LL GO AHEAD AND GET STARTED.GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS. UH, JAMES GREEN, OBVIOUSLY. UH, THOUGH I DO NOT, I DON'T LIVE IN CALDWELL COUNTY, I HAVE BEEN UH RESPONDING TO CALDWELL COUNTY RESIDENTS FOR THE LAST 16 YEARS
[00:05:01]
IN THEIR MEDICAL CAPACITY. I LIVE UP IN BASTROP. I'M HERE TODAY, UH, SPEAKING TO YOU A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ITEM H22, I BELIEVE, UH, THE PARTNERSHIP, UM, UH, OPTION THAT'S ON THE TABLE FOR YOU GUYS, UH, WITH AIR METHODS. UM, FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO APOLOGIZE, UH, WHEN I PRESENTED THE RENEWAL PACKET FOR THE PHI CARES. THIS IS NOW MY FIFTH TIME PRESENTING BEFORE THE COURT. UM, I WAS INITIALLY TOLD THAT THE WORKSHOP MEETING WAS ON SEPTEMBER 10TH, AND I MISSED AN EMAIL CORRECTING THAT DATE. I JUST FLAT MISSED IT, AND I WANT TO APOLOGIZE, UH, FOR... BURN MYSELF OFF. UH, APOLOGIZE FOR NOT BEING HERE DURING THAT MEETING TO, TO PROVIDE YOU BETTER INFORMATION.THAT'S THE BIGGEST THING THAT I'M REALLY SORRY ABOUT. I FEEL LIKE THAT Y'ALL ARE MISSING US SOME KEY INFORMATION THAT HELPS YOU MAKE THE BEST DECISION FOR THE CITIZENS OF, OF CALDWELL COUNTY. UM, I AM THE LOCAL BASE BASE MANAGER THAT, UH, PROVIDES HERE, AND I WANTED TO GIVE SOME OPERATIONAL ASPECTS FOR YOU GUYS TO CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING THIS DECISION.
UM, I LOOKED AT ALL THE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION AND COMPARED SOME OPERATIONAL METRICS, UH, TO OURS, AND HAVE DETERMINED THAT WE'VE ACTUALLY RESPONDED TO MORE TRANSPORTS HERE IN CALDWELL COUNTY SINCE THEIR METHODS BEGAN OPERATION UP IN MUSTANG RIDGE IN LATE JUNE OF 2025. UM, ABOUT 2 DAYS AGO, I WAS CONTACTED BY THE EMS DIRECTOR TO PROVIDE SOME DATA AND METRICS, UM, OVER THE PAST, UH, 6 MONTHS.
UM, AND AGAIN, THAT INFORMATION PROVED TRUE THAT WE'RE STILL PROVIDING MORE TRANSPORTS IN CALDWELL COUNTY, UM, AND THAT THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL, UM, OVER THE PAST 4 YEARS. UM, I DID PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION DIRECTLY TO THE JUDGE. UH, I FELT THAT THERE WAS A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THE EMS DIRECTORS. I UNDERSTAND THAT HE NOW WORKS FOR, UH, AIR METHODS CORPORATION. UH, SO I PROVIDED THAT INFORMATION TO YOU, JUDGE, UH, 2 DAYS AGO.
UM, LET'S SEE, I REALLY LIKE, UM, HOPE THAT THESE POINTS REALLY COME INTO EFFECT. UH, ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS I WANTED TO BRING UP WAS, UH, THE CLOSEST IS NOT ALWAYS FASTER. I LOOKED AT ALL THE RESPONSE INFORMATION, AND, UH, WE HAVE PROVEN THAT EVEN THOUGH THAT WE'RE NOT NECESSARILY THE CLOSEST, WE ARE DELIVERING THOSE PATIENTS ON AVERAGE TO THE DEFINITIVE FACILITY FASTER, UH, COMPARED TO THE THEIR METHODS OPERATIONS. SO CONSIDERING ALL THOSE THINGS, I REALLY URGE YOU GUYS TO CONSIDER, UH, BEFORE MAKING THIS DECISION AND SWITCH FROM A VERY PROVEN, RELIABLE, UH, STEADFAST PROGRAM THAT, TO MY KNOWLEDGE, WE'VE ONLY HAD ONE ISSUE COME UP WITH A RESIDENT TRYING TO GET COVERED, AND I WAS ABLE TO FIX THAT WITHIN TWO PHONE CALLS. UM, IT'S MAINTENANCE FREE, UH, DOESN'T REQUIRE ANYTHING OF THE COUNTY, UH, TO TO KEEP THAT PROGRAM SUSTAINED AND KEEP THE RESIDENTS COVERED. UH, AND THEN POTENTIALLY SWITCHING TO A, UH, UNPROVEN, UNTESTED, UH, PROGRAM THAT COULD POTENTIALLY COST EVEN MORE THAN WHAT OUR PROGRAM, UH, COSTS THE COUNTY RIGHT NOW, ESPECIALLY IF YOU CONSIDER THE COST SHARING ARRANGEMENT WITH THE ILA THAT YOU GUYS HAVE WITH THE CITIES THAT WE ESTABLISHED MANY YEARS AGO.
UH, THE COUNTY'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROGRAM IS, IS MUCH SMALLER THAN THE TOTAL PREMIUM OF 95,000. SO I APPRECIATE IT.
I'LL BE HERE, UH, DURING THE ITEM AS IT COMES UP.
IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS, I'LL BE HAPPY TO ENTERTAIN. THANK YOU.
UH, JUDGE HAYDEN, UH, COMMISSIONERS, MY NAME IS VON ADE. I'M THE SENIOR LEAD FIELD SALES MANAGER FOR PHI CARES.
UM, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING, UH, YOU KNOW, SCOOTER AND I TO COME UP TODAY JUST BRIEFLY AND, AND CHAT.
UM, FIRST OFF, YOU KNOW, I, I WANTED TO THANK Y'ALL FOR, FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN OUR ORGANIZATION AND THE COUNTY AND THE CITIES OF, OF LULING LOCKHART AS WELL, UM, FOR THAT INTERLOCAL. UM, SINCE THAT TIME, WE HAVE COMPLETED OVER 300 AND, UH, 300 FLIGHTS, I BELIEVE IT'S 309, UH, COUNTY CITIZEN COVERED FLIGHTS, WHICH HAS LED TO ZERO OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THOSE FLIGHTS THEMSELVES.
THAT IS THE STANDARD AT WHICH WE HOLD OURSELVES.
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS WHEN IT COMES TO AIR AMBULANCE FLIGHTS, UM, AND WE, WE VERY MUCH WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE THAT PARTNERSHIP IF, IF THAT, THAT, UM, SITUATION WAS TO, TO ALLOW ITSELF. UM, YOU KNOW, I, I'M REPRESENTING NOT ONLY OUR ORGANIZATION, BUT MY DIRECT BOSS, UH, JEFF MILLER, THE VICE PRESIDENT OF PHI CARES. I KNOW HE'S BEEN IN COMMUNICATION WITH Y'ALL VIA EMAIL, HAS PROVIDED A LOT OF, A LOT OF FLIGHT DATA, A LOT OF, UM, ANSWERS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS AND THINGS LIKE THAT. UM, TO SCOOTER'S POINT, UH, I WILL BE HERE AS WELL DURING THE, THE LATER, UM, AGENDA ITEM IN CASE THERE ARE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS FROM, FROM ANY OF THE COMMISSIONERS OR
[00:10:01]
FROM YOU, JUDGE HAYDEN. I'M MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY OF THOSE TYPES OF THINGS. UM, YOU KNOW, ONE, ONE FINAL POINT THAT I WOULD MAKE IS THAT HERE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, YOU KNOW, WE ARE A, WE ARE A COAST TO COAST OPERATION, BUT HERE SPECIFICALLY IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, WE HAVE 19 OPERATIONAL BASES THAT WE FLY OUT OF, INCLUDING THE CEDAR CREEK LOCATION, COLUMBUS, WHICH IS A SECONDARY FLIGHT CALL. UM, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. UM, WE'RE HERE FOR YOUR RESIDENTS AS THEY TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE, THE SEVEN COUNTY AREA THAT'S PART OF THE CURRENT MSP THAT WE HAVE IN PLACE, AND, YOU KNOW, HAVE THE ABILITY TO UPGRADE VIA A 40 DOLLAR, UH, CHARGE TO A FULL MEMBERSHIP WITH US TO COVER THROUGHOUT OUR 11 STATES OF COVERAGE THAT WE HAVE. SO AGAIN, UH, THANK YOU FOR THE TIME, UM, AND I'LL BE HERE IN CASE THERE'S ANY OTHER FURTHER QUESTIONS.HI. UM, MY NAME IS ANDREA VIOSCAS. I JUST WANTED TO INTRODUCE MYSELF WITH A, UM, A LITTLE BACKGROUND. I'M FROM MAXWELL, TEXAS. UM, I, I'M LEASING A BUILDING THERE ON RAILROAD STREET, 441 RAILROAD STREET, AND MY LEASE BEGAN BACK IN, UM, MARCH OF THIS YEAR. UM, I'M HERE TODAY BECAUSE I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE MY TABC PACKET SIGNED OFF. UM, I'M BEING TOLD THAT THERE'S SOME LOST RECORDS, UM, WITH THE PRECINCTS, AND BASICALLY THAT WE DON'T HAVE THE COUNTY DOWN AS WET, AND IT'S STILL SHOWING AS DRY.
UM, THIS IS 91 DAYS OUT. UM, I AM TALKING TO TABC. THEY'RE TELLING ME WHAT CODE TO FOLLOW TO GET THIS, UM, CORRECTED, AND I'VE FOLLOWED THAT, BUT I'VE COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. UM, I, I KNOW THE COUNTY IS WET. IT'S BEEN THAT WAY FOR DECADES, AND TODAY I BROUGHT SOME INFORMATION OF, UM, I'VE, THEY'VE GIVEN ME TEMPORARY PERMITS. I WANT TO, I WOULD LIKE TO SHOW THAT TABC HAS NO PROBLEM WITH US SELLING ALCOHOL.
ALSO, ALL THE OTHER PLACES IN THE COUNTY, PRECINCT 3, THAT SELL ALCOHOL ON PREMISE. I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHERE THE PROBLEM LANDS, AND I JUST WANT TO GET SOME HELP WITH THAT.
UM, THE COUNTY CA- THE COUNTY CLERK, IT'S BEEN 91 DAYS SINCE SHE TOLD ME ABSOLUTELY NO, SHE'S NOT SIGNING IT. UM, I I HAVE GONE TO JUDGE HAYDEN'S OFFICE, BUT I BELIEVE IT WAS SENT OVER TO FRED WEBER, WHO'S BEEN VERY HELPFUL, BUT FOR SOME REASON IT'S NOT DONE YET. UH, I'M JUST HERE FOR ANY KIND OF HELP I CAN GET TODAY, BECAUSE I CANNOT CONTINUE. I'VE PAID RENT THERE 6 MONTHS, AND I'VE PUT EVERYTHING INTO THIS THAT I'VE HAD, AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE, BECAUSE I REALLY DO 100% BELIEVE THAT IT'S WET, AND I'M TRYING TO GET A BEER AND WINE LICENSE AT 441 RAILROAD STREET.
OKAY, WE WE CAN'T ENGAGE DURING CITIZENS' COMMENTS, BUT IF YOU'LL COME SEE ME AFTER COURT, I'LL AFTER COURT? I'LL TALK TO YOU, OKAY? OKAY.
THERE ARE NO OTHER CITIZEN COMMENTS.
[F. CONSENT AGENDA]
WITH THAT, THEN WE WILL GO TO CONSENT. UM, COMMISSIONERS, THERE IS ONE CORRECTION ON CONSENT ON F11, THE BACKUP, UH, SHOWED, UH, PROPOSED CCESD NUMBER 6, UH, ON THE BALLOT, AND THAT THAT IS GOING TO BE REMOVED BECAUSE, UH, ALL THE PROPER PAPERWORK HAS NOT BEEN FILED, AND AND WE'RE WAY TOO CLOSE TO THE, UH, ELECTION TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THAT CORRECTION. SO WITH WITH THAT, UH, ONE CORRECTION, I I'M NOT AWARE OF ANYTHING ELSE ON CONSENT.UH, THAT NEEDS CORRECTING, SO. AND YOUR BACKUP HAS BEEN AMENDED TO REFLECT THAT THAT'S BEEN REMOVED.
I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE WITH THE ADDED, UH, UH, COMMENTS FROM JUDGE.
OKAY, THANK YOU. MOVE APPROVAL, UH, BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[H.10 To discuss and take possible action regarding a professional services contract between the County and Kleinfelder F.K.A. Doucet & Associates, for the provision of subdivision engineering services. Speaker: Judge Haden/Dominique Esquivel; Backup: 8; Cost: TBD]
MOTION CARRIES. WE'RE GOING TO GET, UM, A LITTLE BIT OUT OF ORDER. I HAVE 2 ITEMS THAT I'M GOING TO, UH, MOVE TO THE FRONT, UH, SO THAT MR. BRATTON CAN, UH, BE HERE TO ADDRESS IT. HE HAS SOMEWHERE ELSE TO BE THIS MORNING. UH, SO WE'RE GOING TO GO STRAIGHT TO ITEM, UH, H10, AND THEN I'LL GO BACK UP TO PRESENTATIONS, UH, AFTER H10 AND THE NEXT ITEM THAT I'M GOING TO BRING FORWARD. H10, TO DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND KLEINFELDER FKA DOUCETTE AND ASSOCIATES FOR PROVISION OF SUBDIVISION ENGINEERING SERVICES. COMMISSIONERS, UH,[00:15:02]
YOUR, THE CONTRACTS IN YOUR BACKUP, UH, IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, UH, LET'S, LET'S HAVE A CONVERSATION. WE GOT TO GET A, A MOTION AND A SECOND, THEN WE GO AHEAD AND HAVE DISCUSSION IF WE NEED TO.MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
OKAY, WE CAN GO AHEAD AND HAVE DISCUSSION NOW. UH, IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION? I KNOW, I KNOW ONE QUESTION WAS ASKED ABOUT, UH, CONFLICT OF INTEREST, AND THERE IS AT THE VERY END OF YOUR, OF THAT CONTRACT, A, A CLAUSE THAT, THAT MR. KENNEDY PUT IN ADDRESSING THAT, AND IT ADDRESSES THE STATUTES AND, AND HOW, UH, KLEINFELDER WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PROCEED, IF THERE ARE ANY CONFLICTS. SO THAT, THAT ONE QUESTION DID COME UP THIS MORNING, SO I JUST WANTED TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF THAT. UH, AND, AND UH, MR. KENNEDY SAID IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT IT, PLEASE CONTACT HIM. ANY, ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? I CAN ADD ON TO THERE. UH, THIS IS JUST A 2-YEAR RENEWAL, AND UM, OTHER THAN LIKE THE...
WHAT A JUDGE JUST ELABORATED ON THERE WAS NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE CONTRACT, SO.
I HAVE DONE. I HAVE A QUESTION.
DID YOU SAY 2 YEAR? IT'S A 2 YEAR RENEWAL? YES, COMMISSIONER.
OKAY, ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, COMMISSIONERS? NOPE. IF NOT, I'LL GO AHEAD AND CALL THE VOTE. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. AND WHAT'S THE OTHER ITEM? UH, ITEM H26,
[H.26 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Request for Proposals for Fire Marshal Services for Caldwell County, in connection with the County's recent adoption of the fire code. Speaker: Judge Haden/Danie Teltow/Dominique Esquivel; Backup: 18; Cost: $0.00]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR FIRE MARSHAL SERVICES, UH, FOR CALDWELL COUNTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE COUNTY'S RECENT ADOPTION OF THE FIRE CODE. AND, UH, DANNY, IF YOU WANT TO ELABORATE A LITTLE BIT ON THAT BEFORE WE...UM, YEAH, I CAN. WE ARE JUST ASKING RIGHT NOW THE COURT TO GIVE APPROVAL FOR THE SOLICITATION OF THE RFP. THIS IS TO GO OUT FOR FIRE MARSHAL AND, UH, FIRE CODE ADMINISTRATION SERVICES.
THIS IS NOT TO CREATE A FIRE MARSHAL POSITION. THIS IS JUST TO REACH OUT FOR PROPOSALS FOR ANY TYPE OF FIRE MARSHAL SERVICE AS A COMPANY OR A FIRM OR HOWEVER THAT THAT MIGHT GET, UM, SUBMITTED TO US. SO IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON THE ACTUAL RFP ITSELF, I BROUGHT A COPY, UM, BUT OTHER THAN THAT, THAT'S PRETTY MUCH WHAT IT IS.
YEAH, WE'RE, WE'RE KIND OF SEEKING TO DO IT THAT WAY, COMMISSIONERS. MO- A LOT OF THE CITIES HERE DO IT THAT WAY.
UM, AND SO LULING, FOR INSTANCE, USES A, A SERVICE TO DO THEIR INSPECTIONS, AND, SO THAT'S WHAT THIS IS FOR.
AND SO WE GO, I'D LOOK FOR A MOTION ON ITEM H26.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ALL RIGHT,
[G.1 Goodwill Retail Location & Workforce Partnership - Jaime Castleberry, Director of Community Impact, Goodwill Industries of Central Texas]
NOW WE WILL GO BACK TO THE BEGINNING. AND WE HAVE A PRESENTATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. UH, GOODWILL RETAIL LOCATION AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIP, JAMIE CASTLEBERRY, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY IMPACT, GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF CENTRAL TEXAS.HELLO EVERYONE. HI, COMMISSIONERS, JUDGE HAYDEN.
I'M SARAH RUDDY, OUR SENIOR DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR GOODWILL CENTRAL TEXAS, AND THIS IS JAMIE CASTLEBERRY. WE ARE THRILLED TO BE HERE WITH YOU ALL TODAY AND, UH, TO HAVE JUST A LITTLE BIT OF TIME TO TALK ABOUT GOODWILL. WE, UH, COVER A 15-COUNTY AREA HERE IN CENTRAL TEXAS, AND WE ARE THRILLED TO SAY THAT WE ARE FINALLY COMING OUT TO LOCKHART. SO WE ARE GOING TO BE OPENING OUR FIRST RETAIL AND DONATION COLLECTION FACILITY HERE IN LOCKHART, AND WE'RE HOPEFUL FOR THE FALL. AND SO AS WE'RE COMING IN, WE WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW WHO WE ARE AND HOW WE CAN HELP SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY. SO OUR MISSION IS TO TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF EDUCATION AND WORK, AND THAT ACTUALLY STARTS FIRST AND FOREMOST IN THE RETAIL CENTER ITSELF.
SO OUR EMPLOYEES ARE ACTUALLY OUR MISSION FIRST AND FOREMOST.
SO WE WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE'RE VERY INTENTIONALLY BUILDING A HIRING PIPELINE ALONGSIDE LOCKHART ISD SO THAT WE CAN ENSURE THAT OPPORTUNITY YOUTH ARE GETTING AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET THOSE JOBS FIRST. AND INSIDE OF OUR STORES, WE ALSO OFFER AN UPWARD PROGRAM, WHICH ALLOWS US TO SUPPORT FOLKS WITH WRAPAROUND SERVICES WHILE THEY WORK FOR US, HELPING THEM TO IMAGINE WHAT THEIR NEXT JOB MIGHT BE OR WHAT THEIR NEXT CERTIFICATE NEEDS TO BE SO THAT THEY CAN GET
[00:20:01]
TO THAT NEXT LEVEL JOB. UH, WITH US OR OUTSIDE OF GOODWILL. SO WE'RE VERY, VERY EXCITED TO BE OPENING THAT UP AND TO BE, UH, DOING SOME AMAZING THRIFT, THRIFT WORK HERE IN LOCKHART. I JUST WANTED TO NOTE THAT FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, OUR MISSION HAS BEEN TO EMPLOY FOLKS WHO DON'T HAVE OPPORTUNITIES OR MAY NOT HAVE THE SKILLS THAT THEY NEED TO BE ABLE TO GROW, UH, IN THE UNITED STATES. SO 1902, REVEREND HELMS WENT AROUND AND GATHERED USED GOODS FROM FRIENDS AND SAID, HEY, CAN I HAVE THEM SO THAT WE CAN TEACH FOLKS TO REHAB THEM AND RESELL THEM AND THEN PAY THEM? UM, AND THESE WERE MAINLY IMMIGRANTS COMING FROM EUROPE AT THE TIME. SO THAT'S BEEN IN OUR MISSION FROM THE BEGINNING, AND WE CONTINUE TO DO THAT TODAY. HERE'S OUR LITTLE RETAIL FOOTPRINT HERE, AND YOU CAN SEE A TINY STAR AT THE BOTTOM. THAT, THAT STAR IS YOU GUYS. SO WE'RE, WE'RE VERY EXCITED TO BE JOINING YOU OUT HERE.AND I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND HAND OVER THE CLICKER TO JAMIE, WHO'S GOING TO TELL US A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT SOME OF OUR SERVICES OUTSIDE OF THE RETAIL STORE THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OFFER TO OTHER COMMUNITIES AND ALSO OPERATE HERE IN LOCKHART.
YES, SO AS SARAH MENTIONED, OUR MISSION IS TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY. SO, AND THAT DOES LOOK THROUGH WAYS OF UPSKILLING FOR BOTH EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T HAD THE CHANCE YET TO MAYBE TO DO FORMAL EDUCATION, OR THAT'S NOT THEIR PATHWAY.
UM, SO SOME OF THE WAYS THAT WE DO THAT OR THAT WE HAVE FOUND HAVE BEEN A NEED IS THROUGH, UM, SOME OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES THAT I'LL TALK ABOUT HERE, BUT THE FIRST ONE IS OUR ADULT HIGH SCHOOL. SO WE DO SERVE, UH, AGES 18 TO 50 FOR THOSE WHO WERE UNABLE TO GET A DIPLOMA. UM, MAYBE THEY GOT THEIR GED, BUT THEY HAVE FOUND THAT THEIR DIPLOMA IS GOING TO GET THEM A HIGHER FAMILY SUSTAINING WAGE. UM, SO WE DO PROVIDE THAT AS A SERVICE, AND WE HAVE BEEN OFFERING THAT SCHOOLING AND, AND EDUCATION TO THE FACILITY OUT HERE IN THE COLEMAN FACILITY. AND THAT'S JUST ONE OF THE WAYS THAT WE'RE TRYING TO STRETCH AND REACH HERE IN, IN LOCKHART. UM, WE DO ALSO HAVE WORKFORCE READINESS TRAINING. SO WE HAVE PERSONALIZED ONE-ON-ONE CAREER EXPLORATION WITH BOTH YOUNG ADULTS, BUT ALSO ADULTS UP TO, I THINK I'VE MET WITH SOMEBODY WHO'S 65 WHO IS LOOKING TO CHANGE CAREERS. SO IT'S ALL ABOUT HOW DO WE HELP AND SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS AND WHAT THEY NEED. DO THEY NEED TO LEARN HOW TO USE A COMPUTER? DO THEY NEED TO LEARN HOW TO, UH, HAVE TEAM WORKING SKILLS? DO WE NEED TO- DO THEY NEED TO LEARN HOW TO JUST RE-ENTER BACK INTO THE WORKFORCE BECAUSE IT'S BEEN A WHILE BECAUSE OF WHATEVER IT COULD BE, HEALTH ISSUES, FAMILY ISSUES, WHATEVER IT'S BEEN THAT'S KEPT THEM OUT OF THE WORKFORCE. HOW WE CAN- HOW CAN WE SUPPORT THEM GET BACK INTO THAT WORKFORCE? AND PART OF THE WAY THAT WE DO THAT IS THROUGH, ONE, OUR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES, WORKFORCE READINESS TRAINING, BUT ALSO WE DO HAVE A NONPROFIT STAFFING SOLUTION SO THAT WE CAN ALSO PROVIDE S- MAKE SURE THE EMPLOYERS ARE GETTING WHAT THEY NEED. UM, WHAT GAPS ARE THEY SEEING? WHAT SKILLS DO THEY NEED TO HAVE IN THEIR WORKFORCE SO THAT WE CAN SUPPORT THE RESIDENTS OF CALDWELL COUNTY TO FILL THOSE GAPS AND MEET THAT NEED. UM, AND THEN WE ALSO HAVE SOME COMMERCIAL SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE, SOME CUSTODIAL SERVICE OR LANDSCAPING SERVICES. UM, A LOT OF THIS IS FOR THOSE WHO'VE HAD SOME KIND OF DISABILITIES, AND THEY NEED TO GET A, A JOB IN THE COMMUNITY THAT WILL GET, AGAIN, HAVE THAT FAMILY SUSTAINING WAGE. UM, AND THEN ALSO, JUST TO COME BACK TO THAT RETAIL FOOTPRINT, THAT THE EMPLOYEES IN THE STORES ARE PART OF OUR MISSION. SO WE PROVIDE UPSKILLING WITH OUR UPWARD PROGRAM FOR EVERYBODY WHO WORKS IN A STORE, SO THAT, UM, IF THEY DON'T WANT TO LAND IN RETAIL, THEY DON'T HAVE TO. SO HOW CAN WE HELP THEM GET CONNECTED TO THAT WHATEVER SKILLS THEY NEED TO FIND THEIR NEXT PATH AND WHAT THEIR CAREER IS GOING TO BE? YEAH. REALLY QUICKLY, WE ARE REALLY PROUD TO SHARE THAT LAST YEAR, IN 2025, WE WERE ABLE TO DIVERT 103 MILLION POUNDS OF WASTE FROM LANDFILLS BECAUSE WE'RE DOING THRIFT WORK. SO, UM, WHEN YOU GIVE A DONATION TO GOODWILL, YOU ARE HELPING US TO BE ABLE TO SELL GOODS SO THAT WE CAN, OF COURSE, SUPPORT THE GOOD WORK THAT WE'RE DOING IN OUR OWN EMPLOYEES, BUT YOU'RE ALSO DOING SOME SUSTAINABILITY WORK AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORK AS WELL.
SO, UM, THAT IS AN, AN OVERVIEW OF GOODWILL AND SERVICES. MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE, WE JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT OUR MAIN AIM IS TO BE A PRODUCTIVE MEMBER OF YOUR COMMUNITY, TO BE ABLE TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS, AND TO DO THAT WELL, WE NEED TO LEARN FROM YOU ALL. AND, UM,
[00:25:01]
SO IF WE REACH OUT TO YOU AND WE ASK YOU FOR YOUR INSIGHTS, OR IF WE ASK YOU FOR PARTNERSHIP, UM, THAT IS OUR AIM. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HAVING US. WE APPRECIATE THE TIME.YOU MAY HAVE SAID IT, AND I- I MIGHT HAVE MISSED IT, BUT WHEN- WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO BE OPENING? WE- WE DON'T HAVE A DEFINITIVE DATE THAT WE CAN TELL YOU AT THIS MOMENT, BUT WE'RE AIMING FOR THE FALL, AND WE'RE VERY HOPEFUL TO ROLL OUT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR THAT STORE. ALL THE TRAINING WILL BE DONE IN SAN MARCOS UNTIL WE'RE ABLE TO OPEN THE RETAIL STORE HERE.
[H.1 To discuss and take possible action regarding the approval of the Minutes for the September 10, 2026, regular meeting. Speaker: Judge Haden/Teresa Rodriguez; Backup: 15; Cost: $0.00]
THANK YOU SO MUCH.OKAY, UH, WE'LL GO AHEAD AND GO TO DISCUSSION ACTION ITEMS. ITEM H1, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2026 REGULAR MEETING. UH, COMMISSIONERS? MOVE FOR APPROVAL.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
[H.2 To discuss and take possible action regarding public improvements in Cool Waters Subdivision for permanent County maintenance and release the two-year maintenance bond in the amount of $229,947.73 back to D2 Excavating, Inc. Speaker: Judge Haden/Commissioner Horne/Donald Leclerc; Backup: 3; Cost: $0.00]
MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H2, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS IN COOL WATER SUBDIVISION FOR PERMANENT COUNTY MAINTENANCE AND RELEASE OF THE 2-YEAR MAINTENANCE BOND IN THE AMOUNT OF $229,947.73 BACK TO D2 EXCAVATING INC.PUNCH LIST HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND READY TO RELEASE THE BOND AND START MAIL.
COMMISSIONERS? MOVE FOR APPROVAL.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. UH, ITEM H3,
[H.3 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Final Plat for Seawillow Farms, consisting of three lots on approximately 12.66 acres, located on Seawillow Road - reapproval to correct the September 10, 2026, motion, contingent upon receipt of utility easement rather than GIS coordinates. Speaker: Commissioner Horne/Nicole Stephens; Backup: 2; Cost: $0.00]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE FINAL PLAT FOR SEA WILLOW FARMS, CONTIS- CONSISTING OF 3 LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY 12.66 ACRES LOCATED ON SEA WILLOW ROAD.REAPPROVAL TO CORRECT THE SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2026 MOTION CONTINGENT UPON RECEIPT OF UTILITY EASEMENT RATHER THAN GIS COORDINATES.
YES, CORRECT. SO THIS WAS A CHANGE ON THE UTILITY EASEMENTS RATHER THAN THE GIS NOTE, AND SO WE ARE PUTTING THIS BACK IN FRONT OF THE COURT.
I'D LIKE TO, UH, TABLE H3 AND H4, BOTH ITEMS. OKAY, I HAVE TO TAKE THEM ONE AT A TIME.
TABLE H3 FOR THE REVIEW IF IF, UH, YOU WILL GET WITH OKAY, SO WE HAVE A MOTION TO TABLE H3 BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE. MOTION IS TABLED UNTIL NEXT COURT.
[H.4 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Final Plat for Seawillow Ranchettes (formerly Estates at Seawillow), consisting of three lots on approximately 14.42 acres, located on Seawillow Road - reapproval to correct the September 10, 2026, motion, which corrects the name from "Estates of Seawillow" since there is similarly named subdivision titled Seawillow Estates. Additionally, it was contingent upon GIS coordinates rather than the utility easement. Speaker: Commissioner Horne/Nicole Stephens; Backup: 2; Cost: $0.00]
UH, ITEM H4, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING FINAL PLAT FOR SEA WILLOW RANCHETTES, FORMERLY ESTATES AT SEA WILLOW, CONSISTING OF 3 LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY 14.42 ACRES, EXCUSE ME, LOCATED ON SEAWILLOW ROAD. REAPPROVAL TO CORRECT SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2026 MOTION, WHICH CORRECTS THE NAME FROM ESTATES OF SEAWILLOW, SINCE THERE IS A SIMILARLY NAMED SUBDIVISION TITLED SEAWILLOW ESTATES. ADDITIONALLY, IT WAS CONTINGENT UPON GIS COORDINATES RATHER THAN THE UTILITY EASEMENT.SAME HERE, JUDGE. I'D LIKE TO TABLE H4.
OKAY, MOTION TO TABLE H4 UNTIL NEXT, UH, COURT, COMMISSIONER? YES, SIR.
UH, OKAY, TABLE H4 UNTIL NEXT COURT.
I'LL SECOND. DO WE HAVE ANY 30-DAY CLOCK PROBLEM ON, ON EITHER 3 OR 4? I THINK AT THIS POINT WE WOULD BE ASKING, YEAH, IT WOULD BE AN, THERE WOULD BE BECAUSE OF THE LAST.
ARE THE APPLICANTS, UH, GIVING PERMISSION TO EXTEND PAST THAT 30 DAY? I HAVEN'T SPOKEN TO THEM, BUT AT THE TIME WHEN I SPOKE TO THEM LAST WEEK, THEY WERE ACTUALLY THE ONES WHO WANTED TO CHANGE THE, THE NAME AS WELL, SO THEY KNEW THAT THEY WERE EXTENDING OUT FOR BOTH OF THEM. SO I WOULD, THAT WOULD BE JUST A CALL I'D MAKE. THEY ARE OUT OF STATE, I THINK, AT THE TIME.
ALL RIGHT. WILL WE, ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND TO TABLE. OH, GO AHEAD.
GET WITH CASEY AND, AND TRACY.
AND TRACY TO GET SET UP AN INTAKE MEETING, WE CAN GET THIS BACK ON NEXT.
OKAY, HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? UH, IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[H.5 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Final Plat for Carpol Subdivision consisting of seven residential lots on 8.456 acres located off Political Road and State Park Road. Speaker: Commissioner Theriot/Kasi Miles; Backup: 3; Cost: $0.00]
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H5, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING FINAL PLAT FOR CARPOOL SUBDIVISION CONSISTING OF 7 RESIDENTIAL LOTS ON 8.456 ACRES LOCATED OFF POLITICAL ROAD AND STATE PARK ROAD.AT THIS TIME, WE'RE READY TO, UH, SUBMIT SO THEY CAN RECORD FINAL PLAT. ALL CORRECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE, UH, ROADS ARE CONSTRUCTED, AND WE'RE JUST READY TO PRESENT IT FOR APPROVAL.
[00:30:01]
OKAY, THANK YOU.COMMISSIONERS? ALSO MOVE APPROVAL.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIAULT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY, WAS IT COMMISSIONER HORNE? YES, MA'AM.
COMMISSIONER HORNE. UH, ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[H.6 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Final Plat for Aubrey Acres, consisting of four lots on approximately 40.03 acres, located on Political Road. Speaker: Commissioner Theriot/Nicole Stephens; Backup: 5; Cost: $0.00]
MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H6, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING FINAL PLAT FOR AUBREY ACRES CONSISTING OF 4 LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY 40.03 ACRES LOCATED ON POLITICAL ROAD.YES, THIS IS, UM, THE ONLY CONDITION FOR THIS IS THAT THE ATTACHED ROAD AGREEMENT BE RECORDED AT THE SAME TIME AS A PLAT AS A CONDITION OF APPROVAL.
THIS WAS A DIVISION THAT WAS MADE PROBABLY 30 YEARS AGO, UM, BY MEATS AND BOUNDS, AND SINCE THAT TIME THERE'S BEEN SOME INTERNAL LINE ADJUSTMENTS, SO WE APPROVED A VARIANCE PRE- PREVIOUSLY ON THIS, BUT SO.
THEY, CAN YOU PULL YOUR THING CLOSER? I'D MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE.
OKAY. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H7,
[H.7 To discuss and take possible action regarding a variance request concerning a single lot split of oneacre out of 51.77 acres located off FM 1854 in the City of Mustang Ridge's ETJ. Speaker: Commissioner Theriot/Kasi Miles/Linda Hinkle; Backup: 9; Cost: $0.00]
DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A VARIANCE REQUEST CONCERNING A SINGLE LOT SPLIT OF 1 ACRE OUT OF 51.77 ACRES LOCATED OFF FM 1854 IN CITY OF MUSTANG RIDGE ETJ.UM, GOOD MORNING. UM, THIS, UM, VARIANCE REQUEST IS IN THE ETJ. UM, MUSTANG RIDGE LOOKED AT IT AND WAS OKAY WITH THE ONE LOT SPLIT. UM, OUR PROVISIONS, OUR, UH, ORDINANCE IS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS, AND WHAT THEY WANT TO DO IS, SINCE IT'S A 51-ACRE TRACT, THEY ACTUALLY WANT TO JUST CUT A ONE ACRE, DO A ONE ACRE, ONE LOT SUBDIVISION SHORT FORM PLAT, AND AT THIS TIME, BUT THEY NEED A VARIANCE IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT, TO NOT HAVE TO GO OUT AND SURVEY THE WHOLE ENTIRE 51 ACRES. SO AT THIS TIME, WE'RE JUST REQUESTING A VARIANCE FOR THE ONE ACRE SPLIT.
BEING THAT THIS IS IN THE, UM, MUSTANG RIDGE ETJ AND THEY'RE, IT MEETS THEIR ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS, UM, I'M COMFORTABLE NOT REQUIRING THE WHOLE 50 ACRES TO BE SURVEYED, SO I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE.
OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
[H.8 To discuss and take possible action to authorize the execution of Contract Amendment No. 1 for the Polonia Road at Plum Creek (Bridge Replacement) project. The amendment adds Raba Kistner, Inc. as a subconsultant to the Professional Services Agreement for engineering services between Caldwell County and Seiler Lankes Group, LLC. Speaker: Judge Haden/Commissioner Westmoreland/Commissioner Theriot/ Maria Castanon; Backup: 13; Cost: TBD]
THANK YOU.THANK YOU. ITEM H8, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT AMENDMENT NUMBER 1 FOR THE POLONIA ROAD AT PLUM CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT. THE AMENDMENT ADDS ROBERT KISNER INC. AND A SUB-CONSULTANT TO THE, AS A SUB-CONSULTANT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY AND SEELER LANGS GROUP, LLC.
GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. SO THIS AMENDMENT IS SPECIFICALLY, UH, DOESN'T CHANGE THE COMPENSATION CAP, SO THE CONTRACT CAP, IT JUST ADDS RATES FOR A SUB-CONSULTANT TO THE PROJECT TEAM.
OKAY. ALL RIGHT, COMMISSIONERS? I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? I'LL SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[H.9 To discuss and take possible action to authorize the execution of Contract Amendment No. 2 to allow for the execution of Work Authorization No. 4 for Creekside Drive at Plum Creek and Work Authorization No. 5 for Seawillow (CR 205) at Sixmile Branch and Wattsville (CR 140) at Copperas Creek between Caldwell County and Pape-Dawson Engineers. The Contract Amendment increases the compensation cap by $625,000.00 from $3,100,000.00 to $3,725,000.00. Speaker: Judge Haden/Commissioner Horne/Maria Castanon; Backup: 50; Cost: $625,000.00]
MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H9, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT AMENDMENT NUMBER 2 TO ALLOW FOR THE EXECUTION OF WORK AUTHORIZATION NUMBER 4 FOR CREEKSIDE DRIVE AT PLUM CREEK AND WORK AUTHORIZATION NUMBER 5 FOR SEA WILLOW CR 205 AT SIX MILE BRANCH AND WATTSVILLE CR 140 AT COPPER'S CREEK BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY AND PAPE DAWSON ENGINEERS.CONTRACT AMENDMENT INCREASES THE COMPENSATION CAP BY 625,000 DOLLARS FROM 3,100,000 TO 3,725,000.
UH, SO THIS CONTRACT CAP IS, UH, OR THIS AMENDMENT IS SPECIFICALLY TO INCREASE THE COMPACT, UH, CONTRACT CAP SO THE, UH, ENGINEER CAN MOVE FORWARD WITH THEIR DETAILED DESIGN WORK AUTHORIZATIONS, SO THEIR, UH, PS&E WORK AUTHORIZATIONS FOR ALL THREE PROJECTS.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. WE'VE ALREADY
[H.11 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Letter Amendment to the EWEAC Personal Service Agreement (Appendix B rates and TRZ analysis scope, $75,000.00 lump sum) and authorize County Judge to execute. Speaker: Judge Haden/Danie Teltow/Will Conley; Backup: 15; Cost: TBD]
ADDRESSED ITEM H10. WE'LL MOVE TO ITEM H11, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A LETTER AMENDMENT TO EWEAC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT, APPENDIX B RATES AND TRZ ANALYSIS SCOPE OF, UH, $75,000 AND AUTHORIZED COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE. DANNY AND WILL[00:35:04]
UH, I JUST WANT TO MAKE A CORRECTION TO H11 AS FAR AS THE VERBIAGE.THE LUMP SUM ISN'T GOING TO BE, UM, PAID OUT IN WHOLE.
IT DOES HAVE SOME MILESTONES YOU'LL SEE IN THE BACK, IN THE, THE BACKUP. SO I JUST WANTED TO MAKE A CORRECTION TO THAT VERBIAGE ON THERE.
UH, MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS. UH, MY NAME IS WILL CONLEY WITH EWAC. YOU HAVE A, UH, CONTRACT AMENDMENT FROM MY STANDING CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY, UH, BEFORE YOU TODAY TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION, UH, FOR THE COUNTY TO EVALUATE THE OPPORTUNITY OF POTENTIAL TOOLS OF TRZS, WHICH WERE, UH, CREATED BY THE LEGISLATURE ALMOST 25, 26 YEARS AGO. IT'S UNDER TRANSPORTATION CODE 222.
MY COLLEAGUE AND I, LON SHELL, ARE HERE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. THE STUDY WILL, WE WILL REEVALUATE YOUR PLANS, UM, MEET WITH, UH, COMMISSIONERS AND STAKEHOLDERS IN REGARDS TO TRANSPORTATION THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, UH, MEET WITH THE AUSTIN DISTRICT, UH, TALK ABOUT PRIORITIES AS CALDWELL COUNTY CONTINUES TO CHANGE, AND THERE YOU HAVE A SYSTEM THAT'S BUILT FOR A DIFFERENT TIME IN A DIFFERENT PLACE. UH, THE POTENTIAL OF POTENTIALLY CREATING THESE ZONES IN CERTAIN AREAS OF THE COUNTY, UH, IN ORDER TO PRESERVE INCREMENT FUNDING TO GO TOWARDS THE IMPROVEMENT OF COUNTY AND STATE HIGHWAYS, UH, MOVING FORWARD. SO WE WILL EVALUATE YOUR TRANSPORTATION PLANS. UH, WE WILL MEET WITH ALL STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED IN REGARDS TO TRANSPORTATION.
UH, WE WILL TAKE DIRECTION FROM THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE JUDGE ON WHAT ZONES OR POTENTIAL ZONES THEY WANT US TO EVALUATE AND TO LOOK AT, AND THEN WE WILL COME BACK WITH A, A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, BASED THAT WILL SHOW YOU MODELS AT DIFFERENT RATES, DIFFERENT PLACES, DIFFERENT STEPS YOU COULD TAKE IF YOU WANTED TO FORMALIZE THIS, AND IDEAS ON HOW TO MOVE FORWARD TO, TO SET THAT VALUE AND, UH, TO SET ASIDE THESE FUNDS, PARTICULARLY TO HAVE REALLY GROWTH PAY FOR ITSELF TOWARDS, UH, INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, WHICH IS THE BASIC RESPONSIBILITY AND, UH, OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
OKAY, THANK YOU. COMMISSION- COMMISSIONERS? DO WE NEED A MOTION? YEAH, WE NEED, YEAH, MOTION AND SECOND.
I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
OKAY, WE CAN HAVE SOME DISCUSSION NOW.
JUST IN REAL PLAIN TERMS, UH, THIS STUDY WILL LOOK AT THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTING UP REINVESTMENT ZONES, UH, AROUND THE COUNTY, YES, SIR.
UH, IN HIGH DEVELOPMENT AREAS THAT WOULD ALLOW US TO, UH, PEEL OFF SOME OF THE REVENUE FROM THAT NEW DEVELOPMENT AND USE IT FOR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS.
AND THOSE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS THAT HAVE TO BE LISTED IN, UM, A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN.
THOSE, THOSE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS WOULD HAVE TO BE SPECIFICALLY LISTED.
YES, SIR. YES, SIR. THAT'S RIGHT. SO YOU WOULD BE MAKING A DEDICATED INVESTMENT ON MOVING FORWARD WITH INCREMENTS IN THAT ZONE TO GO TOWARDS AREAS IN WHICH YOU BELIEVE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE NECESSARY, UH, NOT ONLY FOR, FOR, UH, THE POTENTIAL TO INFLUENCE HIGHER QUALITY DEVELOPMENT, BUT ALSO, UH, A DEDICATED SOURCE TO MEET THE, UH, THE FURTHER DEMANDS ON YOUR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM.
OKAY. COMMISSIONERS, OTHER QUESTIONS? YES, SIR.
YES, SIR. SO, UH, THAT'S ALSO WITH TRANSPORTATION, DO THAT ENTAIL SAFETY ALSO WITHIN THE TRANSPORTATION ASPECT OF IT, LIKE TRANSPORTATION? I'M SORRY, COMMISSIONER, MY HEARING HAS GOTTEN HORRIBLE. I COULDN'T HEAR THE LAST- GOTTA SPEAK INTO YOUR MICROPHONE, COMMISSIONER, THEY CAN'T HEAR YOU.
ABOUT TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY, THAT SAFETY ENTAILS IN THAT? OH, YES, SIR. YES, SIR. ALL FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION, UH, CAN BE ADDRESSED WITHIN THE ZONE.
OKAY. AND YOU ALSO WORKING, YOU SAID, YOU SAID WITH THE COUNTY AND THE STATE? YES, SIR. YES, SIR.
OKAY. UH, OTHER QUESTIONS, COMMISSIONERS? IF NOT, WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND, AND I'LL GO AHEAD AND CALL THE VOTE. UH, ALL IN FAVOR TO, FOR AP- UH, APPROVAL OF ITEM H11, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES.
THANK YOU, COURT. WE'LL BE REACHING OUT TO UH, TO ESI AND, AND STARTING GET ON Y'ALL SCHEDULES TO START THE INTERVIEW PROCESSES WITH ALL OF YOU.
[H.12 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Proclamation for National 4-H Week (Oct. 4 - 10, 2026). Speaker: Judge Haden/Elsie Lacy; Backup: 1; Cost: $0.00]
THANK YOU.OKAY, THANK YOU. ITEM H12, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL 4-H WEEK. AND...
HI, I'M ELSIE LACEY. I'M THE COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT FOR TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION IN LOCKHART, AND WE'RE ASKING, I THINK Y'ALL HAVE A COPY OF THE, UH, 4-H WEEK, AND THAT'S GOING TO BE OCTOBER
[00:40:01]
4TH THROUGH THE 10TH. AND IN SUPPORT OF THAT, THE FIRST WEEKEND OF OCTOBER, THEY'RE DOING A ONE-DAY 4-H ANIMAL, UH, SUPPLY DRIVE FOR THE ANIMAL SHELTERS IN LOCKHART AND LULING.OKAY, THANK YOU. I'LL GO AHEAD AND READ THE PROCLAMATION.
UH, BEYOND READY 2026 NATIONAL 4-H WEEK PROCLAMATION. WHEREAS THIS YEAR'S NATIONAL 4-H WEEK THEME, BEYOND READY, REMINDS US THAT 4-H IS BUILDING A READY, A READY GENERATION IN A WORLD OF CHANGE AND EQUIPS YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE WHILE MEETING THEM WHERE THEY ARE TODAY. FOR, WHEREAS 4-H IS AMERICA'S LARGEST YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION, SUPPORTING 6 MILLION YOUTH ACROSS THE COUNTRY, AND WHEREAS 4-H PROGRAMS ARE DELIVERED BY THE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM, A COMMUNITY OF MORE THAN 100 PUBLIC LAND GRANT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE NATION THAT PROVIDE EXPERIENCES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO LEARN BY DOING, AND WHEREAS 4H IS, UH, IN EVERY CITY AND COUNTY IN THE UNITED STATES AND HELPS 6 MILLION YOUTH BECOME ENGAGED, SUCCESSFUL, AND INDEPENDENT, AND WHEREAS 4H CONNECTS YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULTS TO THEIR COMMUNITIES, PREPARING THEM FOR WORK AND LIFE THROUGH EXPERIMENTAL AND IN- AND INQUIRY BASED LEARNING WHILE PROVIDING EMERGENCY RESEARCH, EMERGING RESEARCH FOR POSITIVE YOUTH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND WHEREAS EXPANDING FROM ITS STRONG AGRICULTURAL ROOTS, 4H HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE EXPLORE THE WORLD AROUND THEM AND GROW INTO PRODUCTIVE ADULTS, AND WHEREAS SUPPORTING FUTURE LEADERS IN SCIENCE, AGRICULTURE, AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP IS AN IMPORTANT IMPERATIVE FOR THE US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NATURAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 4H PROGRAM, AND NOW THEREFORE WE, THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM OCTOBER 4TH THROUGH 10TH, 2026 AS NATIONAL 4H 4H WEEK THROUGHOUT CALDWELL COUNTY, AND ENCOURAGE ALL OUR CITIZENS TO RECOGNIZE 4H FOR THE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT IT HAS MADE AND CONTINUES TO MAKE BY EMPOWERING YOUTH WITH THE SKILLS THEY NEED FOR A LIFETIME. OKAY, COMMISSIONERS.
I THANK, I WANT TO THANK THE COURT FOR SUPPORTING 4H IN ALL OUR ENDEAVORS.
YOU, YOU'RE VERY WELCOME. IT'S IMPORTANT. COMMISSIONERS? I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOW ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES, AND ELSIE WOULD LIKE A PICTURE.
[H.13 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Proclamation for Texas Extension Education Association Week (Oct. 4 -10, 2026). Speaker: Judge Haden/Elsie Lacy; Backup: 1; Cost: $0.00]
ITEM H13, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A PROCLAMATION FOR TEXAS EXTENSION EDUCATION ASSOCIATION WEEK.I'M ELSIE LACEY, THE COUNTY AGENT, AND WE HAVE THE CHAIRMAN OF OUR COUNTY FOR TIA HERE, ESTHER BARNEY, AND WE HAVE, UH, AND SO WE, I JUST WANT TO SAY HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE ALL THESE LADIES AND ALL THE WORK THEY DO TO SUPPORT 4H.
OKAY, UH, COMMISSIONERS, I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND READ THE, UH, THIS PROCLAMATION. UH, TEXAS EXTENSION EDUCATION WEEK, WHEREAS TEXAS EXTENSION EDUCATION ASSOCIATION OF CALDWELL COUNTY BELIEVES STRONG FAMILIES ARE BASIC TO TO THE WELL-BEING OF TEXAS, AND WHEREAS THEY HAVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS THAT ADDRESS CRITICAL NEEDS IMPACTING TEXAS FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES, AND WHEREAS THEY SEE EDUCATION AS A LIFELONG LEARNING PROCESS, AND WHEREAS THEY BELIEVE VOLUNTEERS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT ARE IMPORTANT, AND WHEREAS THEY DEVELOP LEADERSHIP THAT OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND WHEREAS CULTURAL AND ETHICAL DIVERSITY IN PROGRAMS AND MEMBERSHIPS IS PRESENT, AND WHEREAS GLOBAL AWARENESS IS RECOGNIZED, AND WHEREAS THE TEXAS EDUCATION EXTENSION ASSOCIATION COOPERATES WITH TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE TO ATTAIN MUTUAL GOALS. UH, WHEREAS OCTOBER 4TH THROUGH 10TH, 2026 IS TEXAS EDUCA- TEXAS EXTENSION EDUCATION ASSOCIATION WEEK IN TEXAS. NOW, THEREFORE,
[00:45:01]
BE IT RESOLVED AND APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT OF CALDWELL COUNTY, TEXAS, TO HEREBY PROCLAIM THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 4TH THROUGH 10TH, 2026, TEXAS EXTENSION EDUCATION ASSOCIATION WEEK IN CALDWELL COUNTY, TEXAS, ADOPTED AND ORDERED AND ENTERED INTO A RECORD IN THE MINUTES OF THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT OF CALDWELL COUNTY, TEXAS, THIS 24TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026.COMMISSIONERS, COULD I GET A, A MOTION FOR THE PROCLAMATION? SO MOVED.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. UH, DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. AND ELSIE WOULD LIKE ANOTHER PICTURE.
YEAH, I WOULD. HEY, AND THEY HAVE, THEY'VE BEEN A CLUB FOR 112 YEARS OH MY GOODNESS.
IN THIS COUNTY, SO THAT'S HOW LONG THEY'VE SUPPORTED. OKAY.
[H.14 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Proclamation recognizing the historic educational legacy of the community of Prairie Lea and Prairie Lea Independent School District. Speaker: Commissioner Horne; Backup: 2; Cost: $0.00]
WHERE WE AT? 14.OKAY, ITEM 14, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LEGACY OF COMMUNITY OF THE COMMUNITY OF PRAIRIE LEE AND PRAIRIE LEE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. AND I BELIEVE COMMISSIONER HORNE IS GOING TO READ THIS PROCLAMATION.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE HISTORICAL LEGACY OF THE COMMUNITY OF PRAIRIE LEE AND PRAIRIE LEE APPENDANT SCHOOL DISTRICT. WHEREAS THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT OF CALDWELL COUNTY, TEXAS FINDS IT APPROPRIATE TO RECOGNIZE COMMUNITIES AND INSTITUTIONS THAT HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRI- CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COUNTY'S HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND WHEREAS PRAIRIE LEE IS WIDELY RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE EARLIEST ESTABLISHED COMMUNITIES IN CALDWELL COUNTY, WITH DOCUMENTED SETTLEMENT DATING BACK TO THE MID 1800S, AND WHEREAS PRAIRIE LEE IS HOME TO ONE OF THE EARLIEST DOCUMENTED SCHOOLS IN CALDWELL COUNTY, ESTABLISHED IN APPROXIMATELY 1848, REFLECTING THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE REGION, AND WHEREAS PRAIRIE LEE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT CONTINUES THE HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL TRADITION BY SERVING GENERATIONS OF STUDENTS AND FAMILIES, AND WHEREAS PRAIRIE LEE REFLECTS THE BROADER HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRAL TEXAS DURING THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS AND EARLY STATEHOOD PERIODS.
WHEREAS PRAIRIE LEE HAS CONTRIBUTED TO TEXAS ATHLETIC HERITAGE THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN SIX-MAN FOOTBALL AND UNIQUELY TEXAS FORM OF RURAL SCHOOL ATHLETICS. AND WHEREAS PRAIRIE LEE HISTORICAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HAS INCLUDED AGRICULTURAL COTTON PRODUCTION SUPPORTED BY LOCAL GINS AND LATER OIL AND GAS ACTIVITY CONTRIBUTED TO THE GROWTH OF CALDWELL COUNTY. NOW, THEREFORE, IT BE PROCLAIMED THAT COMMISSIONER'S COURT OF CALDWELL COUNTY, TEXAS, HEREBY HONORS THE COMMUNITY OF PRAIRIE LEE AND PRAIRIE LEE INDEPENDENT ISD FOR THE ENDURING LEGACY IN EDUCATION, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, EXTENDS THE RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION FOR THE, FOR THEIR HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND CONTINUED SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF CALDWELL COUNTY, PROCLAIMED THIS 24TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026.
OKAY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COMMISSIONER. UH, LADIES, DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO SAY? WE JUST WANT TO THANK, UM, JUDGE HOPPY AND, UH, ESPECIALLY COMMISSIONER HORNE FOR THIS HONOR, AND, UH, THE STUDENTS THAT ARE HERE TODAY, UH, REPRESENTING NOT ONLY, UM, THE STUDENT BODY. WE HAVE, UH, PEE WEE CHEER, CHEERLEADERS, COSMETOLOGY, ATHLETICS, VOLLEYBALL, AND FOOTBALL, AND BASKETBALL, AND TWO FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS ALSO FROM GERMANY AND SPAIN HERE TODAY AS WELL, THAT ARE CURRENTLY ATTENDING PRAIRIE LEAGUE. WE ALSO HAVE,
[00:50:02]
UH, TO MY RIGHT END, MOLLY FARRELL AND SOME OF OUR SPECIAL GUESTS. GLORIA JUAREZ, WHO IS A EDUCATION FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER, UH, ED FARRELL, AND WE HAVE PRINCIPAL UNDERWOOD. DAVID UNDERWOOD, BUDDY FREEMAN, AND WE CAN TAKE AN AWESOME PICTURE.THANK YOU FOR THE HONOR AND SUPPORTING PRAIRIE LEE AND THE FUTURE OF PRAIRIE LEE AS WELL.
OKAY, WE'RE GONNA GO AHEAD AND GET A MOTION IN A SECOND, AND THEN WE CAN GET OUR PICTURE.
MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE, JUDGE.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. THERE'S COMPETITION FOR THAT ONE.
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. SURE. YES. I'LL CONVENE EACH MONTH
[H.15 To discuss and take possible action to reappoint Rusty Horne as Caldwell County's representative to the Capital Area Council of Governments Executive Committee for the 2027 term. Speaker: Judge Haden; Backup: 8; Cost: $0.00]
ON THE NEXT.ALL RIGHT, THAT WAS A FUN ONE.
UH, ITEM H15, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION TO REAPPOINT RUSTY HORNE AS CALDWELL COUNTY'S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CAPCOG, UH, CAPITAL AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR, UH, FOR THE 2027 TERM.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? I SECOND. I'M ALREADY PART OF THE BOARD.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
OPPOSED? UH, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. COMMISSIONER HORNE IS NOT IN THE ROOM AT THE MOMENT, BUT WE, WE HAVE A QUORUM. HMM?
[H.16 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. Two regular meeting dates are proposed to shift due to holiday conflicts in November and December 2026. Speaker: Judge Haden; Backup: 14; Cost: $0.00]
WESTMORELAND.WESTMORELAND. OH, IT'S A HORNE? OKAY. ALL RIGHT. UH, ITEM 8-16, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING DESIGNATING A DAY OF THE WEEK ON WHICH THE COURT SHALL CONVENE IN REGULAR TERM EACH, UH, EACH MONTH DURING THE FISCAL YEAR PURSUANT TO SECTION, UH, 81005 OF THE TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE.
TWO REGULAR MEETING DATES ARE PROPOSED TO SHIFT DUE TO HOLIDAY CONFLICTS IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2026.
COMMISSIONERS, YOU HAVE THAT CALENDAR, UH, BEFORE YOU. AND THEN IF THERE ARE NO QUESTIONS, THERE'S ALSO IN, IN, UH, YOUR PACKET A SUGGESTED, UH, MOTION. AND IF ONE OF Y'ALL WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THE MOTION, I'LL HAND THIS TO YOU IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT.
THERE YOU GO. THAT'S THE SUGGESTED MOTION.
THANK YOU. MOTION TO APPROVE THE, UH, FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 COMMISSIONER'S COURT MEETING SCHEDULED AS PRESENTED, INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSED SHIFT OF THE NOVEM- NOVEMBER 26, 26, 2026 MEETING TO NOVEMBER 24TH, 2026, AND DECEMBER 24TH, 2026 MEETING TO DECEMBER 22ND, 2026 DUE TO HOLIDAY CONFLICT.
OKAY, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. WE HAVE A MOTION.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
[H.17 To discuss and take possible action regarding the Caldwell County Employee Holiday Schedule for Calendar Year 2027. Speaker: Judge Haden/Kristianna Ortiz; Backup: 1; Cost: $0.00]
SKED- MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 817, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING CALDWELL COUNTY EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2027. UH, CHRISTIANA'S NOT[00:55:03]
HERE, BUT IT IS IN YOUR BACKUP. I THINK THERE'S 13 HOLIDAYS AND A COUPLE OF, AND A FLOATING HOLIDAY, SOMETHING LIKE THAT. UH, SAY PRETTY MUCH SAME AS IT WAS LAST YEAR.MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
[H.18 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: 10; Cost: $0.00]
MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H18, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON ORDER 10-2026 REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION DAY JUDGES FOR A ONE OR TWO YEAR TERM.WE'LL HAVE TO DECIDE THAT COMMISSIONER'S EARLY VOTING, EARLY VOTING BALLOT BOARD JUDGES AND CENTRAL COUNT, UH, STATION WORKERS. DEVANTE.
UH, IN FRONT OF YOU, YOU'LL HAVE THE, UM, COMPLETED VERIFIED LIST OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION DAY PRECINCT JUDGES.
THE LIST IS COMPILED OF THE TWO LISTS THAT WAS PROVIDED TO US BY BOTH THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTY ON WHO THEY WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT TO THESE POSITIONS. THE FINAL APPOINTMENT SHEET IS THE VERIFICATION, UM, MATRIX OVER EACH ONE OF THEIR APPOINTMENTS AND THEIR ELIGIBILITY AND VERIFICATION THAT THEY MET. UM, THIS IS THE FINAL LIST OF APPOINTMENTS.
OKAY. DO YOU OR THE PARTIES HAVE A SUGGESTION ON A ONE OR A TWO-YEAR TERM? UH, THAT'S WHERE WE KIND OF DIFFER A LITTLE BIT. UM, I BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD PUT THEM ON A ONE-YEAR TERM, UM, JUST BECAUSE OF THE TURNOVER WHERE WE CURRENTLY HAVE WITH JUDGES. UM, PUTTING THEM ON A TWO-YEAR TERM WILL PREVENT US FROM COMING AND HAVE THIS, DO THIS EVERY YEAR, EXCEPT FOR WHEN THOSE PEOPLE THAT WE DID APPOINT DON'T FULFILL THAT SECOND YEAR, WE'LL JUST HAVE TO COME BACK AND THEN REAPPOINT.
COMMISSIONERS, UH, WE NEED A MOTION TO, UH, ACCEPT THE ELECTION DAY JUDGES LIST IN EITHER A 1 OR 2-YEAR TERM. I THINK DEVANTE'S SUGGESTING ONE.
I'LL MOVE TO APPROVE, UH, THE LIST WITH A ONE YEAR TERM.
OKAY, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. UH, DO WE HAVE A SECOND? I'LL SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[H.19 To discuss and take possible action regarding a License Agreement between the Caldwell County Tax Assessor-Collector and HEB Grocery Company, LP as a Limited-Service Deputy, to include the Luling location addition to the previously approved Lockhart location. Speaker: Judge Haden/Debbie Sanders; Backup: 10; Cost: $0.00]
AYE.OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.
ITEM H19, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR AND HEB GROCERY COMPANY LP AS A LIMITED SERVICE DUTY TO INCLUDE LULING LOCATION ADDITION TO THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED LOCKHART LOCATION.
GOOD MORNING. ON MARCH THE 12TH, I BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURT THE PROPOSED CONTRACT BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY AND HEB PROVIDED TO PROVIDE VEHICLE REGISTRATION SERVICES.
SINCE THEN, I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH HEB CORPORATE TO FINALIZE THE AGREEMENT. I DID NOT REALIZE AT THE TIME THAT THEIR APPROVAL AND CONTRACTING PROCESS WOULD TAKE AS LONG AS IT HAS. I AM REQUESTING THE COURT'S APPROVAL TO INCLUDE THE LULING HEB LOCATED LOCATION IN THE CONTRACT NOW, RATHER THAN HAVING TO AMEND THE AGREEMENT AT A LATER DATE. I AM PLEASED THAT WE HAVE MADE IT THIS FAR IN BRINGING THE SERVICE TO CITY CITIZENS OF POWELL COUNTY. THIS WILL PROVIDE OUR RESIDENTS WITH ANOTHER CONVENIENT OPTION TO RENEWING THEIR VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO WORK OUT OF TOWN OR CANNOT MAKE IT TO OUR OFFICE DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS.
COMMISSIONERS? MOVE FOR APPROVAL.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
[H.20 To discuss and take possible action regarding a Caldwell County Burn Ban. Speaker: Judge Haden/Hector Rangel; Backup: 2; Cost: $0.00]
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. ITEM H20, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE CALDWELL COUNTY BURN BAN.GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONER, STAFF, AND GALLERY. WELL, IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS, WE'VE HAD A FEW FIRES AROUND THE COUNTY. UH, WAS A BIG ONE JUST 1 MILE NORTH OF CALDWELL COUNTY, UH, THIS WEEK WITH BURNING 70 ACRES. UH, THEN WE HAD ONE YESTERDAY, ALSO CALDWELL COUNTY BASTROP LINE, WHERE WE PROVIDED MUTUAL AID TO A BIG WILDFIRE OVER THERE.
CURRENTLY, THE COUNTY REMAINS DRY. UH, WE'VE HAD A FEW SHOWERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, BUT NOTHING MEASURABLE. NOW, THERE ARE CHANCES OF RAIN, AND ONE OF THE CHANCES OF RAIN THAT I'M, THAT I'M LOOKING AT RIGHT NOW IS BECAUSE OF TROPICAL STORM PA- PA- POLO, WHO IS ON THE PACIFIC SIDE, IS GOING TO, IS TRACKING NORTH RIGHT NOW, BUT I'M HOPING IT MOVES TO THE NORTHEAST, CUTTING ACROSS BAJA INTO ARIZONA. IF IT DOES THAT, THEN WE'LL PICK UP SOME SHOWERS SOMETIME NEXT WEEK. CURRENTLY, THE PREDICTION FOR SHOWERS FOR NEXT WEEK START AT 10% ON SUNDAY AND GO UP TO 60% UP ON THURSDAY. SO, UH, AND UH, CURRENTLY OUR KBDI NUMBERS, OUR MINIMUM IS 629, MAX IS 741, AVERAGE IS 697,
[01:00:01]
WITH A CHANGE OF PLUS 4. I'M RECOMMENDING TO YOU THE CALDWELL COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT THAT WE EXTEND THE BURN BAN ANOTHER 2 WEEKS UNTIL WE GET SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL.COMMISSIONERS? MOVE TO, UH, KEEP THE BURN BAN ON.
OKAY, THANK YOU. WE HAVE A MOTION TO KEEP THE BURN BAN ON BY COMMISSIONER WES MORELAND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
[H.21 To discuss and take possible action on modifying Spectrum services to include television service and fiber installation at of 2947 N Magnolia, Luling TX (Community and Evacuation Center) and enterprise internet at 2990 FM 1185, Lockhart, TX (JP Office, PCT. 4), as well as increase bandwidth for county internet. Speaker: Judge Haden/Chris Cunningham; Backup: 7; Cost: TBD]
MOTION CARRIES. THANKS, JUDGE.UH, ITEM H21, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON MODIFYING SPECTRUM SERVICES TO INCLUDE TELEVISION SERVICES AND FIBER INSTALLATION AT 2947 NORTH MAGNOLIA, LULING, TEXAS, THE COMMUNITY AND EVACUATION CENTER, AND ENTERPRISE INTERNET AT 2990 FM 1185, TEXAS JP OFFICE PRECINCT 04, AS WELL AS INCREASED BANDWIDTH FOR THE COUNTY INTERNET. CHRIS.
YES, SIR. THE GOAL BEHIND THIS IS TO INCREASE SERVICES ACROSS THE COUNTY. UH, WITH IT, WE WILL BE INCLUDING A DIRECT FIBER INTERNET CONNECTION TO THE EVAC CENTER TO ADD THAT REDUNDANCY IN ADDITION TO THE AT&T SERVICE. UH, SPECTRUM HAS AGREED TO WAIVE THE 25,000 DOLLAR, UH, INSTALLATION FEE. UH, IN ADDITION TO THAT, WE'RE INCREASING THE BANDWIDTH FOR THE 2 PRIMARY CIRCUITS FOR THE COUNTY FROM 100 MEGABITS PER SECOND TO 500 MEGABITS PER SECOND, UH, AND INCREASING THE OVERALL BANDWIDTH FOR THE COUNTY TO, UH, 1 GIGABYTE PER SECOND FOR ALL THE SATELLITE SITES.
UH, WITH THIS INCREASE IN SERVICE, I WAS ABLE TO WORK WITH SPECTRUM, AND WE WERE ABLE TO REDUCE THE MONTHLY BILL BY ROUGHLY 4,000 DOLLARS. I'M STILL WAITING ON THE FINAL OVERALL, UH, CONTRACT, BUT THIS WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE, UH, SAVING ROUGHLY ABOUT 48,000 ANNUALLY FOR OUR SPECTRUM SERVICES.
FANTASTIC. COMMISSIONERS? MOVE FOR APPROVAL.
YEAH, THAT'S EASY. MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SE- SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[H.22 To discuss and take possible action regarding Order 12-2026, exempting from competitive bidding requirements and approving an agreement between Caldwell County and Air Methods, LLC. Speaker: Judge Haden/Ann Rolfe/Spencer Gunn; Backup: 13; Cost: TBD]
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. GREAT JOB, CHRIS. UH, ITEM H22, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ORDER 12-2026, EXEMPTING FROM COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS AND APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY AND AIR METHODS LLC. UH, GO AHEAD SIR.GOOD MORNING. UH, NO ADDITIONAL PRESENTATION THIS MORNING, BUT WE DID RECEIVE THE RED LINES BACK FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY.
THOSE WERE ALL ACCEPTED ON OUR SIDE, AND WE RETURNED A CLEAN COPY BACK TO THE COUNTY YESTERDAY.
OKAY. COMMISSIONERS, UH, WE NEED A MOTION AND A SECOND, AND THEN WE CAN HAVE DISCUSSION.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. UM, YOU GUYS HEARD THE COMMENTS, UM, FROM PHI AND, AND FROM, FROM, FROM THESE FOLKS THAT WE'RE, UH, HAVE THIS ORDER FOR. UH, JUST IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS, NOW'S THE TIME TO ASK. HEARING NO QUESTIONS, WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
OR JUDGE, CAN YOU JUST, KIND OF GIVE US AN OVERVIEW OF, OF WHAT WE HAVE NOW AND SO.
YEAH, SO IT'S JUST AS WE DISCUSSED LAST TIME, WE HAVE NOW, WE HAVE A AGREEMENT IN PLACE WITH PHI AIR THAT COVERS, UH, FREE RIDE FOR ANY CITIZEN OF CALDWELL COUNTY, IN CALDWELL COUNTY, ANY COUNTY THAT TOUCHES US, WHICH COMPRISES THAT, I THINK IT'S 7 COUNTY AREA.
UH, BUT IT, IT HAS A, A, A NUMBER. IT'S JUST A, I CAN'T REMEMBER, IT'S 90 SOME ODD THOUSAND DOLLARS, I THINK.
95, 95,000. UH, AND THEN THERE'S SOME METRICS. UH, I GOT THESE METRICS FROM... THESE METRICS COME FROM OUR DISPATCH THAT I HAVE HERE. HANG ON, LET ME, LET ME GO THROUGH THIS.
IT'S TINY. I CAN BARELY READ IT ON THE SCREEN. UH, SO THERE, THERE ARE SOME METRICS AS FAR AS, UH, EN ROUTE, UH, PICKUP.
WHAT DOES THAT SAY? EN ROUTE TO PICKUP AVERAGE, UH, AIR LIFE'S 11.57 SECONDS, PHI'S 12.57, AND THEN THERE'S AIR PICKUP, UH, ON SCENE AVERAGE, AND, UH, AIR LIFE, IT LOOKS LIKE, IS A ACCORDING TO OUR DISPATCH, IT'S 23.38 MINUTES, AND PHI IS
[01:05:03]
16.46 MINUTES, WITH A MEDIAN OF 22 FOR AIR LIFE AND 16 MINUTES FOR, UH, PHI. AND SO THAT'S, I MEAN, IT'S SOMETHING TO CONSIDER. UH, THE AIR LIFE IS STILL A FREE RIDE AS, UH, TO OUR CITIZENS, UH, AND IT'S ANYWHERE THEY FLY, UM, AND WE PAY BY THE RIDE. IT'S 800 DOLLARS A RIDE WITH A NOT TO EXCEED, AND I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT THE NOT TO EXCEED IS.UH, DO YOU HAVE THAT NUMBER OFF THE TOP OF YOUR HEAD? IT'S A HUNDRED AND SOME THE NOT TO EXCEED, I BELIEVE, WAS 113,000.
AND THE 800 DOLLARS IS, UM, A CAP PER RIDE. THE AVERAGE OUT OF POCKET SHOULD BE SOMEWHERE AROUND 125 PER RIDE.
IT WAS, IT STILL COVERS THE ABUTTING COUNTIES.
I THINK THE, AND THE TWO, A BIG DIFFERENCE IS WITH, FROM MY UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, PHI, THE COUNTY HAS A PORTION, BUT SO DO MULTIPLE ENTITIES WITHIN THE COUNTY ALSO HAVE TO PAY TO BE A PART OF THAT AGREEMENT.
I THINK WITH AIR METHOD, THIS IS JUST SOLELY WITH THE COUNTY.
ASKING CALDWELL COUNTY TO, AND THEY'RE ALL COVERED.
AND IF ANOTHER ENTITY DIDN'T WANT TO PAY THEIR PORTION, WHICH I BELIEVE MARTIN DID, WE HAVE TO COVER, WHO IS IT? IS IT MARTINDALE? MARTINDALE. LOCKHART AND AND UH, LULING HAVE THEY PAY THEIR PORTION.
THEY PAY THEIR PORTION, BUT WE WE COVER MARTINDALE'S PORTION. YOU'RE MORE THAN WELCOME TO COME UP.
CLARIFY, JUST SURE TO UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER PHI THERE'S, THERE'S NO OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES THAT COVERS CO-PAYS AND DEDUCTIBLES.
I'M NOT 100% SURE THAT THEIR METHODS, OKAY.
YEAH, WE I WASN'T READING THROUGH THE CONTRACT, IT WASN'T APPARENT TO ME THAT THAT'S, BECAUSE A LOT OF TIMES THE INSURERS REQUIRE THEM TO PAY THAT.
AND IT, AND WE WERE VERY, VERY SPECIFIC AND CLEAR ABOUT ASKING THAT QUESTION, SO.
SO RIGHT NOW, JUST TO CLARIFY THAT ON THE, THE PHI CONTRACT, BECAUSE IT'S BEEN A BEEN A MINUTE SINCE WE PASSED THAT, WE PAY THE 95,000, AND THEN THE CITIES PAY AN ADDITIONAL, UH, THEY PAY AN ADDITIONAL PORTION ON TOP OF THAT FOR THE ALL-ENCOMPASSING COVERAGE, CORRECT? CORRECT.
SO THE WHOLE COST IS, IS 9, SO THE ENTIRE COST IS 95, AND THEN THEY PAY THEIR PORTION OUT OF THAT.
I WANT TO SAY IT'S MORE THAN 95,000, AND I CAN GO PULL IT.
IT'S ONE, IT'S A, IT, THAT'S RIGHT. IT, IT IS 120.
THAT THE 95 WAS FROM THE PREVIOUS CONTRACT.
YEAH, IT DID GO, I REMEMBER IT WENT UP.
JUDGE, THE, THE CONTRACT RENEWAL THAT WE PRESENTED IS FOR 95,000 DOWN FROM 109,000, UM, WHICH WE ORIGINALLY QUOTED OUT, UM, AFTER WE SO WE'RE, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT OUR PREVIOUS CONTRACT RIGHT NOW.
SO WHAT WOULD THE, UH... WOULD THIS TAKE ANYTHING AWAY FROM THE CITIES? NO.
NO, IT TAKES NOTHING AWAY FROM ANYBODY.
WELL, THEY'RE NOT. YEAH, AND WE ARE, AND IT'S IN, UH, HOPEFULLY WITH THE AMOUNT OF RIDES THAT THAT WE SHOW HERE, IT WILL COST THE TAXPAYERS LESS MONEY. SO, AND I, AND THAT'S TAKEN IN THE AMOUNT OF RIDES THAT THAT BOTH COMPANIES HAVE SUPPLIED PER YEAR.
AND THE THE THING, THE ONE THING TO REMEMBER, THOUGH, IS THAT, AND I THINK IT'S, YOU KNOW, SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT, IS IT'S, THERE'S A, A SLIGHT DIFFERENCE IN RESPONSE TIME. IT'S A LITTLE, LITTLE BIT SLOWER.
AIR METHODS, AIR METHODS IS SLOWER? A LITTLE BIT, YEP. SO, BUT THAT'S COME, THAT'S BECAUSE THEY'RE COMING FROM FURTHER AWAY.
NO, THEY'RE HERE IN THE COUNTY. UH, I DON'T KNOW WHY THAT IS, AND IT'S, I, I GOT THESE NUMBERS FROM DISPATCH, SO I, I COULDN'T TELL YOU WHY THAT IS.
I THINK IT'S WHO EMS LIKES TO DEAL WITH, FROM WHAT I'VE HEARD, BUT I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S ANY S- I, NO IDEA. SO IN, IN, IN EMS GETS TO CHOOSE WHO THEY CALL. WHEN THEY'RE ON THE GROUND, THEY MAKE THE DETERMINATION, THEY MAKE THE, THE CALL, AND THEN THAT GOES OUT, AND IF, IF ONE COMPANY'S TIED UP, THE OTHER COMPANY WILL RESPOND.
PREVIOUSLY, I THINK THERE WAS INFORMATION THAT WAS COMMUNICATED THAT THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE REQUIRED THEM TO CALL THE CLOSEST HELICOPTER, AND THAT'S, THAT'S NOT IN NO, AND THAT'S, THAT'S NOT WHAT THEY'VE PROVIDED NOW. THEY JUST SAID THEY MAKE THE CALL, AND THEN DISPATCH DOES IT.
[01:10:01]
THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE, AND YOU LOOK AT THE METRICS THAT WE SUPPLIED, IS OUR, WE'RE A VERY HIGH PERFORMING BASE.WE, WE, WE ARE THE, WE, OUT OF ALL OUR CON- UH, 75 PLUS BASES WE HAVE AROUND THE COUNTRY, OUR PARTICULAR BASE HAS THE FASTEST LAUNCH TIMES. UM, UH, GO AGAIN, BASED ON PUBLIC INFORMATION, UH, IT LOOKS LIKE OUR AVERAGE, UH, RESPONSE OR LAUNCH TIME IS ABOUT 8 MINUTES, WHEREAS OUR METHODS HAS BEEN ABOUT 14, LOOKING BACK OVER THE PAST, UH, THAT'S DIFFERENT THAN WHAT I GOT FROM DISPATCH, AND DISPATCH DOESN'T HAVE A DOG IN THE FIGHT.
IT'S A ONE-YEAR COMMITMENT, SO.
YEAH, IT, YEAH, IF WE GET IN, IF WE, IF WE DO THIS AND, AND IT'S NOT WHAT WE THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE, WE CAN ALWAYS GO BACK. AND WE ALSO HAVE A 30 DAY OUT AT ANY TIME CLAUSE IN THERE.
SO WE CAN, WE CAN GIVE NO 30-DAY NOTIFICATION AND GET OUT OF THE CONTRACT IF WE WANT TO.
SO IF, IF AIR METHODS IS NOT AVAILABLE, THEY CALL PHI, WHO PAYS FOR THAT? YEP. UH, P- JUST LIKE SAME AS IF PHI IS NOT AVAILABLE AND AND TRAVIS COUNTY SHOWS UP, THE THE PERSON PAYS. AND YOU HAVE TO CARRY INSURANCE. THIS SURE.
IF IF THEY'RE BOTH BUSY AND TRAVIS COUNTY COMES, CUSTOMER PAYS. THIS IS JUST FOR IF THIS PARTICULAR GROUP YES.
DOES THE TRANSPORT, AND THAT HAS BEEN THAT WAY FOR FOREVER. YEAH, YOU GOTTA, IF YOU WANT TO REALLY BE COVERED, LIKE I TALKED TO ONE CONSTITUENT, UH, WHO SAID IT, IT CALLED AND SAID IF WE DO THIS, AND THEY'RE GONNA, THEY'RE GONNA GO AHEAD AND, AND PAY FOR THE, THE FLIGHT INSURANCE WITH PHI SO THAT THEY'RE COVERED BY BOTH, AND THAT'S AN OPTION THAT CITIZENS HAVE.
AND ESD 5 UNDERSTANDS, UM, I GUESS WHO WE HAVE THE CONTRACT WITH, AND AND THAT IF THEY DON'T CALL THAT GROUP.
THAT DOESN'T NEC- THAT'S NOT WHAT THEY'RE DOING RIGHT NOW.
THEY'RE STILL CALLING AIR METHODS FIRST.
WELL, THEY CALL, SO DISPATCH CALLS, BUT THE THE PREFERENCE IS BEING GIVEN TO AIR METHOD, AS FAR AS I CAN TELL BY THE DATA, BUT I DON'T KNOW.
I GET DIFFERENT, YOU CAN, I'VE GOTTEN DIFFERENT SETS OF MATRIX FROM DIFFERENT PEOPLE, AND THAT'S WHY I CALLED DISPATCH, TO GET THESE NUMBERS. SO WE DO HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND TO, UH, ACCEPT THE ORDER 12 2026.
IS THERE ANY MORE DISCUSSION? AND OR A... WE HAVE MOTION BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.
I'LL CALL THE VOTE. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED? NO, NO OP- NONE OPPOSED, SO MOTION CARRIES.
[H.23 To discuss and take possible action regarding Resolution 36-2026 authorizing appointment of deputy and reserve constables. Speaker: Judge Haden/Commissioner Westmoreland; Backup: 1; Cost: $0.00]
UH, THANK YOU. ITEM H23, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RESOLUTION 36 2026, AUTHORIZING APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY AND RESERVE CONSTABLES.YEAH, H23. UH, THIS- WELL, IT'S OKAY. IT- IT'S- IT'S NOT LIKE I DON'T SKIP ITEMS SOMETIMES, SO.
YEAH, SORRY. UM, SO FOR THIS ORDER HERE, UM, WE NORMALLY HAVE A BLANKET BOND FOR ALL THE DEPUTY CONSTABLES AND RESERVE CONSTABLES.
PREVIOUSLY, IT USED TO BE A BLANKET OF 50. WE NOW HAVE INCREASED IT WITH THE ACCEPTANCE OF COURT APPROVAL TO 63. UH, IT'S INCREASED OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE OF THE SCHOOL PROGRAM, UM, AND AS THE COUNTY HAS GROWN, YOU KNOW, THE GROWTH THAT IT'S RECEIVED, AS WELL AS THE ENVIRONMENTAL.
SO WE JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL CONSTABLES AND THEIR DEPUTIES ARE COVERED UNDER THIS.
OKAY, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT? ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
[H.24 To discuss and take possible action regarding an Interlocal Cooperation Contract between Caldwell County and Texas State University for Tobacco Enforcement Program FY 2026-2027. Speaker: Judge Haden/Steve Kenney; Backup: 7; Cost: $0.00]
OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. EXCUSE ME.ITEM H24, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AN INTERLOCAL COOPERATION CONTRACT BETWEEN CALDWELL COUNTY AND TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY FOR TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM, FY 2026-2027. UH, GO AHEAD, STEVE.
GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. UH, IF YOU APPROVE THIS CONTRACT, IT'LL BE THE SEVENTH YEAR THAT WE'VE
[01:15:03]
DONE THIS. UH, WE'RE DOING REALLY WELL IN CALDWELL COUNTY. WE'RE A 5% FAILURE WHAT RATE IN THE COUNT, AND THE STATEWIDE AVERAGE IS OVER 8%. SO I THINK WE'RE DOING REALLY WELL. SO FAR TO DATE, I'VE DONE 744, UM, MINOR DECOY STINGS IN THE COUNTY, AND THEY'VE BEEN SUCCESS- PRETTY SUCCESSFUL, AND WE'D LIKE TO KEEP GOING.OKAY, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
OPPOSED? HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. GOT ME SECOND GUESSING MYSELF NOW.
[H.25 To discuss and take possible action regarding Resolution 37-2026 approving a general policy for the disposition of County surplus items by the Purchasing Department. Speaker: Judge Haden/Dominique Esquivel; Backup: 3; Cost: $0.00]
I KNOW, I'M SO SORRY. ME TOO, I'M LIKE, WHICH ONE IS IT? ITEM H25, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING RESOLUTION 37-2026, APPROVING A GENERAL POLICY FOR THE DISPOSITION OF COUNTY SUPPLIES SU- SURPLUS ITEMS BY PURCHASING DEPARTMENT.GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZES THE CALDWELL COUNTY PURCHASING AGENT OR ITS DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE TO ROUTINELY DISPOSE OF COUNTY SURPLUS AND SALVAGE PROPERTY THROUGH PUBLIC OR ONLINE AUCTIONS WITHOUT REQUIRING SEPARATE ITEM BY ITEM APPROVAL FROM THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT FOR EVERY ROUTINE ASSET.
BRINGING EVERY OBSOLETE, UNSERVICEABLE, OR ROUTINE SURPLUS ITEM BEFORE THE COURT FOR INDIVIDUAL DISPOSAL APPROVAL CREATES ADMINISTRATIVE DELAYS AND CONSUMES VALUABLE COURT TIME. I RESPEC- RESPECTFULLY ASK THAT YOU APPROVE THIS RESOLUTION, WHICH WILL STREAMLINE COUNTY OPERATIONS. IT ALLOWS THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT TO MOVE SWIFTLY ON ASSET DISPOSAL AND FREES UP STORAGE SPACE AND MAXIMIZES THE FINANCIAL RETURN ON DEPRECIATING ASSETS.
COMMISSIONERS? CAN I GET A MOTION, PLEASE? MOVE APPROVAL.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? A SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
[H.27 To discuss and take possible action on accepting an award from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission for the FY26 Indigent Defense Formula Grant in the amount of $37,624.00. Speaker: Judge Haden/Amber Quinley; Backup: 2; Cost: $0.00]
MOTION CARRIES.WE'VE ADDRESSED ITEM H26. WE WILL GO TO ITEM H27, DISCUSS AND TAKE POSSIBLE ACTION ON ACCEPTING AN AWARD FROM THE TEXAS IN- INDIGENT DEFENSE, UH, COMMISSION FOR FY 2020- 2026 INDIGENT DEFENSE FUNDS GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF 37,624.
FOR THIS ONE, AMBER SAID, UH, SHE ASKED IF I COULD SPEAK ON IT. SHE IS ACTUALLY AT A CONFERENCE RIGHT NOW.
THIS IS JUST OUR ANNUAL INDIGENT, UH, DEFENSE COMMISSION GRANT. WE ARE BEING AWARDED THE 37,624. THIS IS TO PROMOTE INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT IN THE INDIGENT DEFENSE SYSTEM.
THANK YOU. UH, COMMISSIONERS? MOVE FOR APPROVAL.
MOVE APPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? SECOND.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND. ANY DISCUSSION? NOT ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
[I. EXECUTIVE SESSION]
AYE.OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. WE WILL SKIP H28, 29, 30 UNTIL AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION, AND WE ARE GOING INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 10:18. PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551087, DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT HERCULES. POSSIBLE ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT. PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE 551087, DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT PROJECT LUMINARY. UH, POSSIBLE ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT. AND PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551087, DISCUSSION OF DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT COWGIRL. POSSIBLE ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT. AND WE ARE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 11:05 PERCENT TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE 551087. UH, DISCUSSION DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT HERCULES. NO ACTION WILL FOLLOW. UH, PERCENT TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551087, DISCUSSION OF DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT LUMINARY. UH, NO ACTION WILL FOLLOW. PERCENT TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551087, DISCUSSION OF DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT COWGIRL. NO ACTION WILL FOLLOW. AND WE ARE BACK
[H.28 To discuss and take possible action regarding updates on Project Hercules economic development negotiations. Commissioners Court may provide further instruction or take necessary action as appropriate. Speaker: Judge Haden; Backup: 0; Cost: TBD]
IN OUR REGULAR SESSION, UH,[01:20:02]
AND I NEED A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM H28.MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HORNE, SECOND.
BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT, UH, ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL
[H.29 To discuss and take possible action regarding updates on Project Lumiere economic development negotiations. Commissioners Court may provide further instruction or take necessary action as appropriate. Speaker: Judge Haden; Backup: 0; Cost: TBD]
IN FAVOR SAY AYE.MOVE TO TABLE BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND, SECOND? SECOND.
BY COMMISSIONER HORNE. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL
[H.30 To discuss and take possible action regarding updates on Project Cowgirl economic development negotiations. Commissioners Court may provide further instruction or take necessary action as appropriate. Speaker: Judge Haden; Backup: 0; Cost: TBD]
IN FAVOR SAY AYE.OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, MOTION CARRIES. UH, MOTION TO TABLE ITEM H30. MOVE TO TABLE. MOVE TO TABLE BY COMMISSIONER WESTMORELAND.
SECOND? SECOND. BY COMMISSIONER THOMAS. ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. AYE.
OPPOSED, NONE. MOTION CARRIES, AND MOVE TO ADJOURNMENT. NEED A MOTION TO ADJOURN. I'LL MOVE.
MOVE A MOVE TO ADJOURN BY COMMISSIONER THERIOT. SECOND.
SECOND. BY COMMISSIONER HORNE.
AYE. OPPOSED, HEARING NONE, WE ARE ADJOURNED AT 11:06.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.