Midland County Commissioners Court met Jan. 7.
Here are the minutes provided by the court:
Be it remembered that on Tuesday the 7th day of January 2025 at 9:00 a.m. a 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
CHARLES HALL, County Commissioner Precinct No. 1
JEFF SOMERS, County Commissioner Precinct No. 2
STEVEN VILLELA, 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 Scott Sheppard with 1 Hope Church of Christ.
3. Pledges of Allegiances.
4. Discuss and take action on proclamation for Crime Stoppers.
Presented by Angie Valenzuela, Executive Director Crime Stoppers of Midland, Inc. County Judge Johnson read the proclamation aloud.
Move that we acknowledge proclamation for Crime Stoppers.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 10-11
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
5. Discuss and take action on grade and step for new Roving Bailiff. Tabled
6. Discuss and take action on Interlocal Agreement and Attachments with TxDOT for Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) Roadside Assistance Program.
Presented by County Judge Johnson. Midland County’s fixed contribution is $1 million with the first payment of $500,000.00 being paid 1/17/2025 and the remaining payment of $500,000.00 being paid on October 1, 2025.
Motion that we approve the Interlocal Agreement and attachments for the TxDOT Highway Emergency Response Operator Roadside Assistance Program.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 12-18
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
7. Conduct a public hearing on possible installation of a stop sign on CR 1250 at the intersection of CR 1250 and Cholla Rd.
County Judge Johnson announced a hearing on possible installation of a stop sign on CR 1250 at the intersection of CR 1250 and Cholla Rd. The Judge asked if there was anyone wishing to speak on the possible installation of a stop sign on CR 1250 and Cholla Rd. Nobody came forward. The public hearing was closed.
8. Discuss and take action on possible installation of a stop sign on CR 1250 at the intersection of CR 1250 and Cholla Rd.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Project Manager.
Move that we approve the installation of a stop sign on CR 1250 at the intersection of CR 1250 and Cholla Rd.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 19-22
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
9. Consent Agenda:
a. Take action on personnel memoranda.
b. 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.
Presented by County Judge Johnson.
Motion to approve consent item agenda a and b.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 23-35
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
c. Acknowledge damage/incident report.
Presented by Carol O’Shaughnessy, Risk Manager. Commissioner Hall asked about the delay in repairing the truck. Commissioner Anderson questioned whether the truck needs to be repaired.
Motion that we approve item c acknowledge damage/incident report.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 36-40
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
10. Discuss and take action on budget amendment of $40,000.00 for Law Enforcement Supplies.
Presented by Sheriff Criner. Veronica Morales, Auditor and Russel Malm, County Attorney joined the conversation discussing that this is not new and unforeseen funds. County Judge Johnson called agenda item 24. Discuss and take action on budget amendment of TechShare funds. Judge Johnson stated that because these funds were discussed in open court prior to receiving them he cannot use the funds until next budget year for the same reason they are telling the Sheriff he cannot use his funds until next budget year.
No action taken. Exhibit: 41-42
11. Discuss and take action on line item transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. Commissioner Hall asked about line-item transfer 14, moving funds to cover veterinary services. Sheriff Criner stated that he would send an explanation to each member of the court. Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent stated all those funds were budgeted under supplies instead of services which explained the need for the line-item transfer. A Horseshoe line-item transfer dealing with contract services and salary employee overtime line was discussed with input from Jenny Hilton, County Judge Executive Assistant.
Motion to approve line-item transfers.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 43-53
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
12. Discuss and take action on bills and wire transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. There was one wire transfer for the District Clerks office. There was one exception mentioned.
Motion to approve all bills and wire transfers.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 54-61
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
13. Discuss and take action on additional funds for fuel for Constable Pct. 4.
Presented by Constable Pct. 4, Jamie Hall. Requesting additional funds for fuel. The increase is due to an additional vehicle.
Motion that we approve the additional funds of $2,000.00 for Constable Pct. 4.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 62
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
14. Discuss and take action on body cameras for Constable Pct. 4.
Presented by Constable Pct. 4, Jamie Hall. Requesting body cameras. Quote for $2,100.00 with the funds coming from contingency. Russell Malm, County Attorney, stated that he has not seen the final contract for approval.
Motion to approve body cameras for Constable Pct. 4
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 63-70
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
Motion to approve a line-item transfer from contingency for body cameras for County Constable Pct. 4.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 63-70
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
15. Discuss and take action donating land to Midland County Utility District (MCUD) for use of infrastructure and facilities.
Presented by Andrew Avis, Public Works Director. Discussed donation of approximately 30 acres of land adjacent to the new jail construction site, across CR 1140 from the MCUD well drilling site. Commissioner Anderson asked about the value of the land. Mr. Avis stated it would be roughly $40,000.00 an acre. Russell Malm, County Attorney, joined the conversation. Commissioner Villela asked how many acres they need right now. Mr. Avis stated 10 acres should be enough.
Motion that we make available 10 acres at no charge to MCUD for the use of building a water treatment facility. We will deed it to them no charge.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 71-72
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
16. Discuss and take action on TWDB Grant Contract Extension #2. Presented by Andrew Avis, Public Works Director.
Motion to allow the County Judge to sign the contract to extend TWDB grant contract.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 73-74
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
17. Discuss and take action on Petition for Annexation of Sheriff’s Office property. Presented by Andrew Avis, Public Works Director.
Motion to allow the County Judge to sign the petition for annexation of the Sheriff’s Office property.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 75-79
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
18. Discuss and take action on Petition for Annexation of CR 120.
Presented by Andrew Avis, Public Works Director. This is for just the intersection. Motion to approve the County Judge to re-sign the petition for CR 120.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 80-82
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
19. Discuss and take action on purchase of Mack Water Truck.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Project Manager. This is a budgeted item. This is a replacement vehicle.
Motion to approve the purchase of the Mack Truck from Bruckner’s truck and equipment.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 83-98
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
20. Discuss and take action on change order with Jones Bros. for Reconstruction of SCR 1130.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Project Manager. This project came in under budget.
Motion to approve the change order to Jones Bros. for the reconstruction of SCR 1130.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 99-100
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
21. Discuss and take action on work authorization with Magrym for design and construction of CR 1080 and ECR 84.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Project Manager.
Motion to approve the work authorization with Magrym for design and construction of CR 1080 and ECR 84.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 101-109
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
22. Discuss and take action on work authorization with Magrym for intersection design of CR 1080 and FM 307.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Project Manager.
Motion to approve the work authorization to Magrym for design of the intersection of CR 1080 and FM 307.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 110-116
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
23. Discuss and take action on change order #3 for Motorola Radio project. Presented by Javier Chacon, IT Director. The department has the funds. Motion to approve the change order #3 for Motorola Radio project.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 117-121
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
24. Discuss and take action on budget amendment of TechShare funds.
Presented by County Judge Johnson. Discussed with agenda item 10.
No action taken.
25. Discuss and take action renaming Library at the Plaza.
Presented by County Judge Johnson. Commissioner Anderson was in favor of the change. Commissioner Villela stated that he understood that there wouldn’t be any cost involved in this change.
Motion that we rename the Library at the Plaza, take it back to Midland County Downtown Library.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 122
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
26. Discuss and take action on Reconsideration of Library Materials Policy. Presented by Commissioner Dianne Anderson.
Motion to adopt the Reconsideration of Library Materials Policy.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 123-129
For: Somers, Johnson, Villela, Anderson Against: None Abstaining: Hall
Commissioner Hall asked if Montgomery County is currently using this policy. County Attorney, Russell Malm clarified that according to all the news reports Montgomery County has suspended use of the policy and has appointed a committee to review it because of problems they were having. He also stated that he has not found anything indication that they have made their changes to it.
Commissioner Anderson stated what happened in Commissioners Court in October 2024 and affirmed that they named committee members, and it has been formed. Commissioner Hall asked if item 9E violated the open meetings act. Mr. Malm stated yes, that would be a violation. There was some debate about that. Commissioner Anderson and County Judge Johnson both asserted that the committee will not take action, they will be submitting a recommendation. Commissioner Hall stated that he was abstaining because he doesn’t agree with 9E.
Recalled.
Commissioner Villela stated that he spoke to the Montgomery County Judges, Chief of staff and they stated that they are currently using the policy and they haven’t had any problems.
27. Discuss and take action on grade and step for new Assistant District Attorneys. Presented by Glenn Harwood, District Attorney.
Motion to put the DA’s position number 170-09-002 up to a 32 step 10, position 170-09-001 up to step 32 step 10, position 170-09-004 up to 32 step 10, position 170-09-022 up to 31 step 6.5, position 170-09-007 up to 30 step 5.5, position 170-09-009 30 step 8.5, position number 170-09-018 up to 30 step 4.5, position number 170-09-019 up to 30 step 8.5, and position number 170-09-021 up to 30 step 12.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 130-132
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
28. Conduct Executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to discuss personnel matters.
9:58 a.m. go into Executive session.
10:50 a.m. back into Regular session
Recall item 26
29. Adjourn.
Motion to adjourn.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
Adjourn at 10:52 a.m.
https://www.co.midland.tx.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01072025-455