Midland County Commissioners Court met Jan. 22.
Here are the minutes provided by the court:
Be it remembered that on Monday the 22nd day of January 2024 at 9:00 a.m. a special meeting of the Midland County Commissioners Court was called to order in the Commissioners Courtroom, located at the Midland County Courthouse, 500 North Loraine Street, Midland, Texas. The following members were present:
Terry Johnson, County Judge;
Scott Ramsey, County Commissioner Precinct No. 1;
Jeff Somers, County Commissioner Precinct No. 2;
Luis D. Sanchez, County Commissioner Precinct No. 3;
Dianne Anderson, County Commissioner Precinct No. 4
Recorded by Alison Haley, County Clerk.
1. Call to Order.
2. Invocation given by Pastor Pat Bryant, Travis Baptist Church.
3. Pledges of Allegiances.
4. Discuss and take action on proclamation for Crime Stoppers.
Presented by Angie Valenzuela, Midland Crime Stoppers. County Judge Terry Johnson read the proclamation aloud.
Motion to acknowledge.
Motion by: Sanchez Second by: Somers Exhibit: 13-14
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
5. Discuss and take action on TIRZ No. 2 agreement and resolution with City of Midland. Presented by Gabe McClelland, City of Midland Transportation Manager.
Motion to authorize the County Judge to execute the agreement with the City of Midland regarding downtown TIRZ No. 2.
Motion by: Somers Second by: Sanchez Exhibit: 15-101
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
9:07a.m. take a break for technical difficulties.
9:14 a.m. back into regular session.
6. Acknowledge December Monthly Collections Report/Status Update for JP 1.
Presented by Judge Edelmira Subia, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1. The report is for December 2023.
Motion to acknowledge the monthly collections report for JP 1.
Motion by: Ramsey Second by: Somers Exhibit: 102-126
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
7. Acknowledge Quarterly Reports for JP 2 and 4.
Presented by Judge John Barton, Justice of the Peace Precinct 4.
Motion to acknowledge the quarterly reports for JP 2 and 4.
Motion by: Somers Second by: Anderson Exhibit: 127-133
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
8. Review planned Certificate of Obligation.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. There will be a public hearing scheduled for February 20, 2024. No action taken. Exhibit: 134-143
9. Discuss and take action Flock Safety Agreement.
Presented by Sheriff Criner and Tim Telck, DA Environmental Investigator. The Sheriff’s Office will be taking over the Flock Safety Agreement.
Motion that we approve the Flock Safety Agreement to move from Environmental to the Sheriff’s Department.
Motion by: Sanchez Second by: Anderson Exhibit: 144-161
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
10. Discuss and take action on additional funds for fuel for Courthouse Security. Presented by Sheriff Criner. We need additional funds.
Motion to move $7,200.00 from fuel contingency into the Courthouse Security line.
Motion by: Ramsey Second by: Somers Exhibit: 162-163
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
11. Acknowledge Sheriff’s Office Report for December 2023.
Presented by Sheriff Criner.
Motion to acknowledge the Midland County Sheriff’s Office December 2023 report.
Motion by: Ramsey Second by: Somers Exhibit: 164-171
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
12. Acknowledge Detention Fees for December 2023.
Presented by Sheriff Criner.
Motion to acknowledge Detention fees for December 2023.
Motion by: Somers Second by: Ramsey Exhibit: 172-173
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
13. Acknowledge C&W Fee Collection Report for December 2023. Presented by Sheriff Criner.
Motion to acknowledge C&W fee collection report for December 2023.
Motion by: Sanchez Second by: Anderson Exhibit: 174-175
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
14. Discuss and take action on court minutes from January 3, 2024. Presented by Alison Haley, County Clerk.
Motion to acknowledge court minutes from January 3, 2024.
Motion by: Somers Second by: Ramsey Exhibit: 176
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
15. Discuss and take action on court fees for County and District Clerks’ Offices. Presented by Alison Haley, County Clerk. These are the fees for December 2023.
Motion to acknowledge the court fees for County and District Clerks’ December 2023 report.
Motion by: Ramsey Second by: Somers Exhibit: 177-190
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
16. Discuss and take action on personnel memoranda.
Presented by Sara Gray, Treasurer. One of the employees listed on the separation will be transferring to a part-time position with the Library.
Motion to acknowledge personnel memoranda.
Motion by: Somers Second by: Ramsey Exhibit: 191-193
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
Recalled by Judge Johnson
County Judge Johnson asked who the employee was making a transfer. The Treasurer stated that it was Mr. Segura, the H.R. Director.
17. Acknowledge Quarterly Sick Leave Pool Report.
Presented by Sara Gray, Treasurer.
Move we acknowledge the quarterly sick leave report.
Motion by: Anderson Second by: Sanchez Exhibit: 194-195
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
18. Discuss and take action on line item transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. There were a few exceptions. Move we accept the line-item transfers.
Motion by: Anderson Second by: Sanchez Exhibit: 196-204
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
19. Discuss and take action on bills and wire transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. There were some exceptions discussed. Motion to pay all bills.
Motion by: Ramsey Second by: Somers Exhibit: 205-218
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
20. Acknowledge receipt of unused funds from MISD Fiber Optic Network Project.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. In 2019 we gave MISD $2,069,148 for a fiber optic network project. They are returning $672,174.12.
Motion that we acknowledge the receipt of unused funds from MISD fiber optic network project.
Motion by: Sanchez Second by: Anderson Exhibit: 219-224
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
21. Acknowledge Financial Statements for October and November 2023. Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor.
Motion to acknowledge the financial statements for October and November 2023.
Motion by: Somers Second by: Ramsey Exhibit: 225-243
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
Recalled item 16.
22. Discuss and take action on use of Horseshoe for Drug Court Graduation Ceremony on May 20, 2024 & November 4, 2024.
Presented by Ken Olson, Horseshoe Director.
Move that we allow the Drug Court graduation ceremony to take place on May 20, 2024, at the Horseshoe and on November 4, 2024.
Motion by: Anderson Second by: Ramsey Exhibit: 244
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
23. Discuss and take action on Granicus contract and invoice for Tax Office.
Presented by Karen Hood, Tax Accessor Collector. There have been some issues with this product. We have been trying to go live for the past year and a half. Russell Malm, County Attorney joined the conversation. Commissioner Sanchez suggested reaching out to the Texas Association of Counties for some information. No action taken.
24. Discuss and take action on donation of $100.00 for Genealogy department from anonymous donor.
Presented by Debbie Garza, Library Director.
Motion that we approve the donation of $100.00 for Genealogy department from anonymous donor.
Motion by: Sanchez Second by: Anderson Exhibit: 245
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
25. Discuss and take action raising salaries of District Attorney employees pursuant to SB 22.
Laura Nodolf, District Attorney described how the funds from SB 22 could be distributed. The DA will use these funds as a supplement and not attach to the base salary. The intent of SB 22 was never to create a burden for the County.
Motion to approve raising salaries for the District Attorney employees pursuant to SB 22 and District Attorney, Laura Nodolf’s plan.
Motion by: Ramsey Second by: Sanchez Exhibit: 246-248
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
26. Discuss and take action on application for OOG Grant #360506 for Restitution Specialist.
Presented by Laura Nodolf, District Attorney. This is an annual grant.
Motion to submit the application for renewal of the OOG grant application 3640506 for restitution specialist.
Motion by: Ramsey Second by: Somers Exhibit: 249-251
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
27. Discuss and take action on CEO/Law Enforcement Certification and Assurance Form for Grant #3640506 – Victim’s Assistance Grant.
Presented by Laura Nodolf, District Attorney.
Motion for the County Judge to sign CEO/Law Enforcement Certification and Assurance Form for Grant 3640506 – Victim’s Assistance Grant.
Motion by: Ramsey Second by: Somers Exhibit: 252-253
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
28. Discuss and take action on resolution for Grant #3640506 – Victim’s Assistance Grant.
Presented by Laura Nodolf, District Attorney.
Motion to approve the resolution for grant #3640506 – Victim’s Assistance Grant.
Motion by: Sanchez Second by: Anderson Exhibit: 254-255
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
29. Acknowledge Environmental Unit Quarterly Update.
Presented by Investigator, Tim Telck, D.A. Environmental Unit.
Motion that we acknowledge the Environmental Unit quarterly update.
Motion by: Sanchez Second by: Anderson Exhibit: 256-257
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
30. Acknowledge Monthly and Quarterly Update for Warrant Services.
Presented by Chief Scott Casbeer, Warrant Services. This is the report for December 2023.
Motion to acknowledge the monthly quarterly update for Warrant Services.
Motion by: Somers Second by: Sanchez Exhibit: 258-263
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
31. Acknowledge Monthly Report for Constable Precinct 4.
Presented by Constable Jamie Hall, Precinct 4.
Move that we acknowledge the monthly report for Constable Precinct 4.
Motion by: Anderson Second by: Somers Exhibit: 264-265
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
32. Discuss and take action declaring bus passes for probationers a public purpose and approve purchase.
Presented by Allen Bell, CSCD Director. CSCD has previously purchased these with State funds. Needs to be declared as a public purpose.
Motion declaring the bus passes purchased for probationers as a public benefit.
Motion by: Ramsey Second by: Somers Exhibit: 266-267
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
33. Discuss and take action on out-of-state travel for Ken Colston to attend the International Association of Arson Investigators Conference in Las Vegas, NV, April 7-12, 2024.
Presented by Justin Bunch, Emergency Management Coordinator.
Motion to approve the out-of-state travel for Ken Colston to attend the International Association of Arson investigators Conference in Las Vegas, NV, April 7-12, 2024.
Motion by: Somers Second by: Ramsey Exhibit: 268-269
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
34. Discuss and take action on doors at Centennial Library and Library at the Plaza.
Presented by Eddie Melendez, Facilities Director. Budgeted amount $71,200 actual amount $95,726 need an additional $24,527. Debbie Garza, Library Director joined the conversation. Both locations are needed.
Motion to replace both the Centennial and Library at the Plaza doors and to move $25,000.00 from contingency to cover the overage.
Motion by: Ramsey Second by: Somers Exhibit: 270-278
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
35. Discuss and take action on Ricoh Lease Agreements for scanners and copiers.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. The District Clerks’ office will be using their records management funds.
Motion that we approve the Ricoh Lease agreements for scanners and copiers for District Clerk using the 221 funds.
Motion by: Sanchez Second by: Anderson Exhibit: 279-321
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
36. Discuss and take action on award for RFP 23MCO618 Landscape Services.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. Recommended awarding to M3 Landscape Maintenance and Irrigation and to Toby Robertson.
Move we approve the award for RFP 23MCO618 for Landscaping services.
Motion by: Anderson Second by: Sanchez Exhibit: 322-346
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
37. Discuss and take action on award for RFP 23MCO619 Rebid Construction WCR 130.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. Recommend awarding Danny’s Paving in the amount of $2,816,592.13.
Motion that we approve the award for RFP 23MCO619 rebid construction WCR 130 to Dannys paving in the amount of $2,816,592.13.
Motion by: Sanchez Second by: Anderson Exhibit: 347
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
38. Acknowledge Horseshoe report for November & December 2023. Presented by Ken Olson, Horseshoe Director.
Move that we acknowledge the Horseshoe report for November and December 2023.
Motion by: Anderson Second by: Sanchez Exhibit: 348-360
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
39. Discuss and take action on updated event security policy & procedures for Horseshoe.
Presented by Ken Olson, Horseshoe Director.
Move that we approve the updated event security policy and procedures for the Horseshoe.
Motion by: Anderson Second by: Somers Exhibit: 361-377
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
Recalled
John Reese, Bailiff for Drug Court addressed the court about using private security at the Horseshoe. Officer Reese stated that there is a schedule in place where you can get peace officers to work security out there if it is followed the right way. County Judge Johnson stated that the officers are charging $85 per hour. Officer Reese stated that there are officers that will work for the $50 per hour. Ken Olson, Horseshoe Director joined the conversation. Exhibit: 378
40. Discuss and take action on Horseshoe pricing updates.
Presented by Ken Olson, Horseshoe Director.
Motion that we approve the Horseshoe pricing updates.
Motion by: Sanchez Second by: Anderson Exhibit: 379-380
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
41. Discuss and take action on 2025 Horseshoe pricing.
Presented by Ken Olson, Horseshoe Director.
Motion to approve the 2025 Horseshoe pricing.
Motion by: Somers Second by: Sanchez Exhibit: 381-384
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
42. Discuss and take action on use of Open Stalls for Horseshoe Stalls, RV spots & shavings reservations.
Presented by Ken Olson, Horseshoe Director. This is a program to handle stall and shaving reservations. There is no cost to the county. The funds are paid by the purchaser. They are still working on the agreement. Russell Malm, County Attorney joined the conversation.
Motion that we move forward on working with Open Stalls for the Horseshoe stalls, RV spots and shaving reservations.
Motion by: Sanchez Second by: Anderson Exhibit: 385-401
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
43. Discuss and take action on Work Authorization with Dunaway for design of left hand turn lane at ECR 120 and FM 715.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Projects Manager. County Judge Johnson stated he would be abstaining since he has a business in the location.
Motion to approve the work authorization for Dunaway for design of left hand turn lane at ECR 120 and FM 715.
Motion by: Somers Second by: Ramsey Exhibit: 402-411
For: Ramsey, Somers Against: None Abstaining: Johnson Sanchez, Anderson
44. Discuss and take action on Work Authorization with Dunaway for SCR 1232 intersection safety improvements.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Projects Manager.
Motion we approve the work authorization with Dunaway for SCR 1232 intersection safety improvements.
Motion by: Sanchez Second by: Anderson Exhibit: 412-420
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
45. Take action on submitted applications for permits to use county right-of-way for utility and line installations, driveway construction, road dedication, and mailbox construction.
Permit to Construct Driveway Facilities on County Right of way:
1. Cross Blade Construction LLC on SCR 1055.
Request for designation of location for crossing of a Midland County Texas road:
1. Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. on NCR 1150
2. Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. on SCR 1065
3. Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. on SCR 1065
4. Oncor Electric Delivery on NCR 1150/Elkins Rd.
Motion that we approve all.
Motion by: Sanchez Second by: Ramsey Exhibit: 421-433
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
Recall item 39.
46. Discuss National County Government Month.
Presented by Commissioner Anderson. This is a good way to educate the public on what the County does. They discussed reaching out to Tate Owen, the Midland County Public Information Officer. Exhibit: 434-435
47. Conduct Executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to discuss personnel matters.
10:51 a.m. take a break and then go into Executive session.
11:48 a.m. back into regular session
48. Adjourn.
Motion to adjourn.
Motion by: Ramsey Second by: Somers Exhibit:
For: Ramsey, Somers Against: None Abstaining: Johnson, Anderson
Commissioner Sanchez stepped away from the bench.
Adjourn at 11:48 a.m.
https://www.co.midland.tx.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01222024-418